Thrilled to announce the first episode of the Viking Age Podcast! In this episode we do an extremely high-level survey of the themes of the Viking Age, including Raids, Settlement, Trading and Life in Scandinavia. We then trace where the podcast is going, and what the aim is. I hope you enjoy.

Thrilled to announce the first episode of the Viking Age Podcast! In this episode we do an extremely high-level survey of the themes of the Viking Age, including Raids, Settlement, Trading and Life in Scandinavia. We then trace where the podcast is going, and what the aim is. I hope you enjoy.

1 - Welcome To The Viking Age

This is the first episode in a series about the history of Scandinavia before the Viking Age. We are startingtoday with the arrival of the first Reindeer Hunters in Southern Scandinavia around 13,000 BCE and culminating in a few weeks with the Germanic Iron Age ending around 700CE.This week we will explore the story of the first Scandinavians, and take a look at what their lives were like in the post-glacial landscape of the north. We'll follow them as they colonize the entire Western Coast of Scandinavia and successfully exploit the lands and seas they inhabited as sources of plentiful, varied food stuffs. Life as a Hunter Gatherer in Stone Age Scandinavia was pretty good, and this week will explore why.In the process we will look at their settlement patterns, burial practices and heavy reliance upon the sea for both transport and sustinance. These themes will remain of the utmost importance to us well through the Viking Age, and we get to explore them at even this early date.

This is the first episode in a series about the history of Scandinavia before the Viking Age. We are starting today with the arrival of the first Reindeer Hunters in Southern Scandinavia around 13,000 BCE and culminating in a few weeks with the Germanic Iron Age ending around 700CE. This week we will explore the story of the first Scandinavians, and take a look at what their lives were like in the post-glacial landscape of the north. We'll follow them as they colonize the entire Western Coast of Scandinavia and successfully exploit the lands and seas they inhabited as sources of plentiful, varied food stuffs. Life as a Hunter Gatherer in Stone Age Scandinavia was pretty good, and this week will explore why. In the process we will look at their settlement patterns, burial practices and heavy reliance upon the sea for both transport and sustinance. These themes will remain of the utmost importance to us well through the Viking Age, and we get to explore them at even this early date.

2 - Of Reindeer And (Fisher) Men

In this episode we explore the transition from Hunting andGathering to Agriculture in Scandinavia. Along the way we encounterconflicting hypotheses, meager evidence and a story about Statusand Reputation. The Agricultural revolution has been called the most importantinvention in Human history, so it feels only fair that we spend anepisode exploring the potential causes in Scandinavia.

In this episode we explore the transition from Hunting and Gathering to Agriculture in Scandinavia. Along the way we encounter conflicting hypotheses, meager evidence and a story about Status and Reputation. The Agricultural revolution has been called the most important invention in Human history, so it feels only fair that we spend an episode exploring the potential causes in Scandinavia.

3 - From Foragers to Farmers

In this episode we will becovering the period from about 3500 - 2800 BCE, when Agriculturereally took hold in Scandinavia. We will explore what settlementpatterns emerged, how agriculture was practiced and how thenewly-minted Scandinavian farmers formed a relationship with theland they cultivated.In the process we will learn about the impact of Polished FlintAxes and the Ard, take a tour of a Stone Age Farmhouse and becomeacquainted with the construction of Megalithic tombs which arestill visible today, almost 6000 years later.The farming life was hard duringthis period, and the goal of this episode is to both bring thatstark reality to life. While doing so we will also explore some ofthe ways in which early Farmers adapted to this life, and the waysin which created relationships with their own past as well as theland they worked.

In this episode we will becovering the period from about 3500 - 2800 BCE, when Agriculturereally took hold in Scandinavia. We will explore what settlementpatterns emerged, how agriculture was practiced and how thenewly-minted Scandinavian farmers formed a relationship with theland they cultivated.In the process we will learn about the impact of Polished FlintAxes and the Ard, take a tour of a Stone Age Farmhouse and becomeacquainted with the construction of Megalithic tombs which arestill visible today, almost 6000 years later.The farming life was hard duringthis period, and the goal of this episode is to both bring thatstark reality to life. While doing so we will also explore some ofthe ways in which early Farmers adapted to this life, and the waysin which created relationships with their own past as well as theland they worked.

4 - Ard Times (Come Again No More) 

In this episode we are going to explore the Game of Chiefdoms in the Nordic Bronze Age. Specifically look at the growing social and economic stratification which is defining of this age. We will look at how such inequality in wealth and power can develop, how such power can be maintained once achieved and the consequences of this growing inequality on society at large. 

In this episode we are going to explore the Game of Chiefdoms in the Nordic Bronze Age. Specifically look at the growing social and economic stratification which is defining of this age. We will look at how such inequality in wealth and power can develop, how such power can be maintained once achieved and the consequences of this growing inequality on society at large.

5 - A Song of Bronze and Politics

In this episode we are going to do a lightning-tour through the Scandinavian Iron Age - beginning around 500 BCE and ending around 800 CE with the first Viking Raids. This period, spanning over 1000 years, is chocked full of political, technological, economic and cultural change in the North. The goal of this episode is to provide a baseline understanding of the period which directly preceded the Viking Age, not for the test, but rather to give you a framework to work from when I start blabbering on about the Iron Age in later episodes.

In this episode we are going to do a lightning-tour through the Scandinavian Iron Age - beginning around 500 BCE and ending around 800 CE with the first Viking Raids. This period, spanning over 1000 years, is chocked full of political, technological, economic and cultural change in the North. The goal of this episode is to provide a baseline understanding of the period which directly preceded the Viking Age, not for the test, but rather to give you a framework to work from when I start blabbering on about the Iron Age in later episodes.

6 - The Iron Age

New timeline, new release schedules and new logos - Oh My! Three short minutes - then back to the Viking Age!

New timeline, new release schedules and new logos - Oh My! Three short minutes - then back to the Viking Age!

The Viking Age Dawns - A Few Announcements

That’s right! We have made it to the Dawn of the Viking Age! In this episode we will explore the first Viking Raids on Western Europe - the killing of the King’s Reeve in Portland in Dorset, and the Notorious Sacking of the Monastery of Lindisfarne.  We will talk about the bloody events themselves, the reactions of Western Europeans to the attacks, and set the stage for a discussion of the causes of these Viking Raids. I hope you are as excited as I am. Let’s do it!

That’s right! We have made it to the Dawn of the Viking Age! In this episode we will explore the first Viking Raids on Western Europe - the killing of the King’s Reeve in Portland in Dorset, and the Notorious Sacking of the Monastery of Lindisfarne. We will talk about the bloody events themselves, the reactions of Western Europeans to the attacks, and set the stage for a discussion of the causes of these Viking Raids. I hope you are as excited as I am. Let’s do it!

7 - The Viking Age Begins

In this episode we explore the history of landscape and peoples of Western Norway at the Dawn of the Viking Age. We will follow the coast of Norway on a  journey with a Norwegian Chieftain, and discuss slaves, tenant farmers and petty Kings. Along the way we will determine whether or not overpopulation and lack of arable land were the determining factors behind the initial Viking Raids in the early 800s CE.

In this episode we explore the history of landscape and peoples of Western Norway at the Dawn of the Viking Age. We will follow the coast of Norway on a  journey with a Norwegian Chieftain, and discuss slaves, tenant farmers and petty Kings. Along the way we will determine whether or not overpopulation and lack of arable land were the determining factors behind the initial Viking Raids in the early 800s CE.

8 - The North Way at the Dawn of the Viking Age (Part One) 

In this episode we explore the politics of Western Norway at the Dawn of The Viking Age.   Our aim is to discover the nature conflict, cooperation and competition between the chiefdoms and petty kingdoms of the area which would later become Norway. To do this we look at the nature of power as expressed by Western Norwegians themselves, in the form of Skaldic poetry.   Along the way we look at battles, ravens and lavish gifts. We will explore a Viking Age battle field as well as a chieftain's longhouse.  By the end of it, we will have a good idea why aristocratic Norwegians decided to go a Viking around 800 CE.

In this episode we explore the politics of Western Norway at the Dawn of The Viking Age. Our aim is to discover the nature conflict, cooperation and competition between the chiefdoms and petty kingdoms of the area which would later become Norway. To do this we look at the nature of power as expressed by Western Norwegians themselves, in the form of Skaldic poetry. Along the way we look at battles, ravens and lavish gifts. We will explore a Viking Age battle field as well as a chieftain's longhouse. By the end of it, we will have a good idea why aristocratic Norwegians decided to go a Viking around 800 CE.

9 - Politics and Power

Sharing the History of The Viking Age, one podcast at a time.We are covering the History of Scandinavia during the Viking Age. We're exploring Raiding, Trading and Settlement of Scandinavians abroad as well as the culture and society of the Norse homelands.Join us to learn more than you ever thought you wanted to know about the people, for better or worse, history knows as the Vikings.

This podcast made me want to beat my children less!

No more domestic abuse!

A thorough review of the Viking Age, thanks Lee

Sharing the History of The Viking Age, one podcast at a time. We are covering the History of Scandinavia during the Viking Age. We're exploring Raiding, Trading and Settlement of Scandinavians abroad as well as the culture and society of the Norse homelands. Join us to learn more than you ever thought you wanted to know about the people, for better or worse, history knows as the Vikings.

Viking Age Podcast

In this episode, we set off on a new mini-series exploring the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir - Mother of Kings - and other powerful women in Old Norse Literature. This first installment doesn't touch too much on Gunnhild herself, but instead sets up some background information. Specifically, today we focus on the way gender is described and depicted in Sagas and Law codes, exploring some fascinating prose and poetry along the way. I hope you enjoy.  For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/the-threshold

In this episode, we set off on a new mini-series exploring the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir - Mother of Kings - and other powerful women in Old Norse Literature. This first installment doesn't touch too much on Gunnhild herself, but instead sets up some background information. Specifically, today we focus on the way gender is described and depicted in Sagas and Law codes, exploring some fascinating prose and poetry along the way. I hope you enjoy.  For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out our website: <a href="https://vikingagepodcast.com/the-threshold" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://vikingagepodcast.com/the-threshold</a>

Mother of Kings I - The Threshold

Harald Finehair

Welcome to the first episode of our Viking Stories series. Today we will be explore the early life of Harald Finehair the first King of Norway.  You can download a free PDF with additional information about the events discussed in this episodes here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz9Rd-bR8nwOSkZxeUpycG9fMlU For more information about this episode and others, visit us at: http://vikingagepodcast.com

Welcome to the first episode of our Viking Stories series. Today we will be explore the early life of Harald Finehair the first King of Norway.  You can download a free PDF with additional information about the events discussed in this episodes here: <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz9Rd-bR8nwOSkZxeUpycG9fMlU" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz9Rd-bR8nwOSkZxeUpycG9fMlU</a> For more information about this episode and others, visit us at: <a href="http://vikingagepodcast.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://vikingagepodcast.com</a>

Viking Stories 01 - The Story of Harald Finehair I 

In this episode we introduce the Carolingian Viking Age and then plot the rise of the Frankish Kingdoms to set the stage for rise of the Carolingian Empire. Along the way we will witness the Rise of Clovis, discuss the process of Ethnogenesis and take a look at the career of the infamous Merovingian Queen, Brunhild of Austrasia.  For more information on the Fall of the Western Roman Empire: https://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Rome-Illuminating-400-1000-Penguin/dp/0143117424/ref=sr_1_1

In this episode we introduce the Carolingian Viking Age and then plot the rise of the Frankish Kingdoms to set the stage for rise of the Carolingian Empire. Along the way we will witness the Rise of Clovis, discuss the process of Ethnogenesis and take a look at the career of the infamous Merovingian Queen, Brunhild of Austrasia.  For more information on the Fall of the Western Roman Empire: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Rome-Illuminating-400-1000-Penguin/dp/0143117424/ref=sr_1_1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Rome-Illuminating-400-1000-Penguin/dp/0143117424/ref=sr_1_1</a>

23 - Carolingian Viking Age I - The Rise of the Franks

In this episode we will be exploring the initial discovery of Iceland by Norse Sailors in the mid-800s.      First - we set the stage by discussing the literary and historical legacy of Iceland and discussing why it is so important to understand the culture of the island before using the amazing works which were written there in the 1200s.      We then follow the stories told in the Landnámabók and the Íslendingabók about the discovery and initial settlement of Iceland - including storms, sworn brothers and path-finding ravens.       Finally - we conclude with a discussion of high-seat pillars and the close ties which the initial Icelandic settlers maintained with the societies and cultures from which they had emigrated.

COA01 - The Discovery of Iceland

In this episode we begin our exploration of the Baltic Sea region by examining two very different sources of evidence which point to early Viking activities in the Eastern Baltic. First we discuss a dramatic tale which has come down to us from the pen of everyone's favorite Icelandic author, Snorri Sturluson. This story centers around a certain Yngvarr, King of the Svear, and traces his dramatic demise at the hands of the Eistr. We then step out of the world of literature and into the dirt to explore a remarkable archeological find which was recently uncovered on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. We talk monumental graves, ancient ships, informative skeletons and even discuss how we really are what we eat. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll probably enjoy these other  wonderful Viking Podcasts:  Saga Thing  The History of Vikings  Northern Myths  Fjorn's Hall For more information on this episode and a full list of sources check out our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/the-eastern-way

In this episode we begin our exploration of the Baltic Sea region by examining two very different sources of evidence which point to early Viking activities in the Eastern Baltic. First we discuss a dramatic tale which has come down to us from the pen of everyone's favorite Icelandic author, Snorri Sturluson. This story centers around a certain Yngvarr, King of the Svear, and traces his dramatic demise at the hands of the Eistr. We then step out of the world of literature and into the dirt to explore a remarkable archeological find which was recently uncovered on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. We talk monumental graves, ancient ships, informative skeletons and even discuss how we really are what we eat. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll probably enjoy these other  wonderful Viking Podcasts:  <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/saga-thing/id721349054?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Saga Thing</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-history-of-vikings/id1363609926?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The History of Vikings</a> <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/northern-myths-podcast/id1344584110?mt=2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Northern Myths</a> <a href="https://fjorns-hall.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Fjorn's Hall</a> For more information on this episode and a full list of sources check out our website: <a href="http://vikingagepodcast.com/the-eastern-way" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://vikingagepodcast.com/the-eastern-way</a>

The Eastern Way I 

In this episode we conclude our discussion on Pagan practice in Iceland by exploring the close connections between the law and pagan beliefs. Along the way we talk about oath rings, the assemblies of the gods and a rather nasty conflict revolving around excrement. Our recommended reading for this week is  Viking Law and Order by Alexandra Sanmark. In this readable and beautifully illustrated book, Professor Sanmark reviews the latest archeological evidence for þing-sites throughout Scandinavia. This book highlights the similarities and differences of these sites and provides an excellent guide to these important locations. You should pick it up. For more information and a full list of sources see our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/law-and-belief-in-pagan-iceland

In this episode we conclude our discussion on Pagan practice in Iceland by exploring the close connections between the law and pagan beliefs. Along the way we talk about oath rings, the assemblies of the gods and a rather nasty conflict revolving around excrement. Our recommended reading for this week is <a href="https://edinburghuniversitypress.com/book-viking-law-and-order.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Viking Law and Order</a> by Alexandra Sanmark. In this readable and beautifully illustrated book, Professor Sanmark reviews the latest archeological evidence for þing-sites throughout Scandinavia. This book highlights the similarities and differences of these sites and provides an excellent guide to these important locations. You should pick it up. For more information and a full list of sources see our website: <a href="http://vikingagepodcast.com/law-and-belief-in-pagan-iceland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://vikingagepodcast.com/law-and-belief-in-pagan-iceland</a>

COA10 - Law and Belief in Pagan Iceland

In this episode we explore what our sources have to tell us about sacrifice and ritual in Pagan Iceland. Along the way we discuss the method and purpose of sacrifice and the how this may have impacted Icelandic society.  Our recommended reading for this week is  A Piece of Horse Liver by Jón Hnefill Aðalsteinsson. A collection of essays concerning Myth, Ritual and Folklore this book includes some excellent and very readable breakdowns of the most important information we have about Pagan practice in Iceland. Highly recommended.  For more information and a full list of sources, check out our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/ritual-and-sacrifice-pagan-iceland

In this episode we explore what our sources have to tell us about sacrifice and ritual in Pagan Iceland. Along the way we discuss the method and purpose of sacrifice and the how this may have impacted Icelandic society.  Our recommended reading for this week is <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Piece-Horse-Liver-Folklore-Icelandic/dp/9979542640/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1514427667&amp;sr=1-1-fkmr1&amp;keywords=a+piece+of+horse+lover" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> A Piece of Horse Liver</a> by Jón Hnefill Aðalsteinsson. A collection of essays concerning Myth, Ritual and Folklore this book includes some excellent and very readable breakdowns of the most important information we have about Pagan practice in Iceland. Highly recommended.  For more information and a full list of sources, check out our website: <a href="http://vikingagepodcast.com/ritual-and-sacrifice-pagan-iceland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://vikingagepodcast.com/ritual-and-sacrifice-pagan-iceland</a>

COA09 - Ritual and Sacrifice in Pagan Iceland

In this episode we get deep into the weeds and examine some intriguing clues as to what Pagan Scandinavians may have though about the soul.  We talk about decorated helmets, battles with bears and women who are taller than the mountains. Along the way we will hopefully get a little closer to understanding the nature of the Viking worldview. This episode is a little different, but I hope you enjoy! 

In this episode we get deep into the weeds and examine some intriguing clues as to what Pagan Scandinavians may have though about the soul.  We talk about decorated helmets, battles with bears and women who are taller than the mountains. Along the way we will hopefully get a little closer to understanding the nature of the Viking worldview. This episode is a little different, but I hope you enjoy!

31 - The Viking Soul

In this episode we begin to explore Pagan practice in Iceland, focusing on the religious roles of the goðar. In this first episode we will be discussing: - The role played by the goðar in the conversion of Iceland. - A rune stone attesting to an early Danish goðar. - A remarkable cult building at Uppkåra in South Western Sweden. - The close ties between political and religious power in Viking Age Scandinavia. Recommended reading for this episode is Pre-Christian cult at aristocratic residences and settlement complexes in Southern Scandinavia in the 3rd – 10th centuries AD by Lars Jørgensen. It provides an excellent overview of major Scandinavian Central Places and possible cult activities which took place at them. There are also some fantastic illustrations.  For more information and a full accounting of sources check out the website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/chieftains-and-temples

In this episode we begin to explore Pagan practice in Iceland, focusing on the religious roles of the goðar. In this first episode we will be discussing: - The role played by the goðar in the conversion of Iceland. - A rune stone attesting to an early Danish goðar. - A remarkable cult building at Uppkåra in South Western Sweden. - The close ties between political and religious power in Viking Age Scandinavia. Recommended reading for this episode is <a href="https://www.academia.edu/4127216/Pre-Christian_cult_at_aristocratic_residences_and_settlement_complexes_in_southern_Scandinavia_in_the_3rd-10th_centuries_AD._2009" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pre-Christian cult at aristocratic residences and settlement complexes in Southern Scandinavia in the 3rd – 10th centuries AD</a> by Lars Jørgensen. It provides an excellent overview of major Scandinavian Central Places and possible cult activities which took place at them. There are also some fantastic illustrations.  For more information and a full accounting of sources check out the website: <a href="http://vikingagepodcast.com/chieftains-and-temples" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://vikingagepodcast.com/chieftains-and-temples</a>

COA07 - Chieftains and Temples

In this episode we continue our exploration of Pagan Practice in Iceland by taking a look at religious roles and responsibilities held by some of the first Icelandic settlers and how these roles translated to their new home. Our recommended reading for this episode is the excellent  The Viking Diaspora by Judith Jesch. This has been one of my major sources for the entire Children of Ash series and now seems like a good time to introduce it. An essential resource for information about the Icelandic Free State and the ongoing connections between the Norse colonies throughout the North Atlantic. For more information and a full list of sources check out our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/bringing-thor-to-iceland

In this episode we continue our exploration of Pagan Practice in Iceland by taking a look at religious roles and responsibilities held by some of the first Icelandic settlers and how these roles translated to their new home. Our recommended reading for this episode is the excellent <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Viking-Diaspora-Medieval-World/dp/1138020796/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1505314295&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=The+Viking+Diaspora" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> The Viking Diaspora</a> by Judith Jesch. This has been one of my major sources for the entire Children of Ash series and now seems like a good time to introduce it. An essential resource for information about the Icelandic Free State and the ongoing connections between the Norse colonies throughout the North Atlantic. For more information and a full list of sources check out our website: <a href="http://vikingagepodcast.com/bringing-thor-to-iceland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://vikingagepodcast.com/bringing-thor-to-iceland</a>

COA08 - Bringing Thor to Iceland

In this episode we explore the importance of Myth within Viking Age Scandinavia. Specifically we talk about Pagan world views and how the stories we classify as Norse Mythology give us an insight into those views. We'll discuss our sources for these myths and then dive headfirst into the Norse creation myth. 

In this episode we explore the importance of Myth within Viking Age Scandinavia. Specifically we talk about Pagan world views and how the stories we classify as Norse Mythology give us an insight into those views. We'll discuss our sources for these myths and then dive headfirst into the Norse creation myth.

28 - Viking Worlds I - Myth and Midgard

In this week’s episode we explore the initial settlement of Iceland. We’ll talk about who settled the island, when they settled down and begin our discussion of the society they created. To kick us off we are going to explore this topic by example by exploring the settlement led by Unn the Deepminded - one of the most remarkable figures from the Viking Age. More details, works cited and recommended reading can be found on our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/taking-land-in-iceland/

In this week’s episode we explore the initial settlement of Iceland. We’ll talk about who settled the island, when they settled down and begin our discussion of the society they created. To kick us off we are going to explore this topic by example by exploring the settlement led by Unn the Deepminded - one of the most remarkable figures from the Viking Age. More details, works cited and recommended reading can be found on our website: <a href="http://vikingagepodcast.com/taking-land-in-iceland/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://vikingagepodcast.com/taking-land-in-iceland/</a>

COA02 - Taking Land in Iceland

In this episode we are once again going to return to Western Norway, and explore what may have motivated young Norwegians to go a Viking. In the past we have established the material motivations behind going a Viking. Acquiring Gold and Silver allowed the leaders of expeditions to attract followers and cement political power. For the followers, such easily portable, durable wealth was extremely useful when conducting marriage negotiations.  Today, we look at the less tangible impacts of going a Viking. Namely - the fame, prestige and increased status which came from returning home from a successful journey abroad.  Along the way we will learn about Odin and Mead of Poetry, Explore poems from the Icelandic Sagas and even dip our toes into the depths of the Archeological Record. I hope you enjoy. 

In this episode we are once again going to return to Western Norway, and explore what may have motivated young Norwegians to go a Viking. In the past we have established the material motivations behind going a Viking. Acquiring Gold and Silver allowed the leaders of expeditions to attract followers and cement political power. For the followers, such easily portable, durable wealth was extremely useful when conducting marriage negotiations.  Today, we look at the less tangible impacts of going a Viking. Namely - the fame, prestige and increased status which came from returning home from a successful journey abroad.  Along the way we will learn about Odin and Mead of Poetry, Explore poems from the Icelandic Sagas and even dip our toes into the depths of the Archeological Record. I hope you enjoy.

18 - Into the Unknown: Silver and Status in the Viking Age

In this episode we trace King Harald Finehair's rise to power as he conquers his way up the Eastern Edge of Norway and then back down the West Coast. Along that way the young, shaggy king will kill, negotiate and bully his way into the history books.  Plus - this being the Viking Age Podcast - we also discuss some myths around the berserkir and Harald's administrative innovations!  For those who want to learn more about the Berserkar - check out this excellent MA Thesis by Roderick Dale: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28819/

In this episode we trace King Harald Finehair's rise to power as he conquers his way up the Eastern Edge of Norway and then back down the West Coast. Along that way the young, shaggy king will kill, negotiate and bully his way into the history books. Plus - this being the Viking Age Podcast - we also discuss some myths around the berserkir and Harald's administrative innovations!  For those who want to learn more about the Berserkar - check out this excellent MA Thesis by Roderick Dale: <a href="http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28819/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28819/</a>

VS02 - The Story of Harald Finehair II

In this episode we explore the early history of Christianity in Iceland. Along the way we talk about kings, prophets, prominent Christian settlers, and missionary methods employed in the Early Middle Ages. Finally we will introduce Thangbrand - the mildly-homicidal missionary sent to Iceland by the Norwegian King Olaf Tryggvason. This week's recommended reading is  Power and Conversion by Alexandra Sanmark. In this excellent book Professor Sanmark provides a detailed, readable and fascinating account of the conversion of Scandinavia. Even more interestingly, she also explores the similarities and differences between the Scandinavian conversions and those of Anglo Saxon England and Saxony. Plus - Professor Sanmark has provided a PDF of this excellent work for free online!  For more information and a full list of sources please visit our website at: https://vikingagepodcast.com/christ-comes-to-iceland

In this episode we explore the early history of Christianity in Iceland. Along the way we talk about kings, prophets, prominent Christian settlers, and missionary methods employed in the Early Middle Ages. Finally we will introduce Thangbrand - the mildly-homicidal missionary sent to Iceland by the Norwegian King Olaf Tryggvason. This week's recommended reading is <a href="http://www.academia.edu/211049/Power_and_Conversion._A_Comparative_Study_of_Christianization_in_Scandinavia" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Power and Conversion</a> by Alexandra Sanmark. In this excellent book Professor Sanmark provides a detailed, readable and fascinating account of the conversion of Scandinavia. Even more interestingly, she also explores the similarities and differences between the Scandinavian conversions and those of Anglo Saxon England and Saxony. Plus - Professor Sanmark has provided a PDF of this excellent work for free online!  For more information and a full list of sources please visit our website at: <a href="https://vikingagepodcast.com/christ-comes-to-iceland" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://vikingagepodcast.com/christ-comes-to-iceland</a>

COA11 - Christ Comes to Iceland

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