Viking Age Podcast
70 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 4 years ago - ★★★★★ - 860 ratingsSharing 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.
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Episodes
MOKVII - I Honor with Words of Truth that Lady
August 23, 2019 09:30 - 58 minutes - 79.8 MBIn this episode we conclude the Mother of Kings series by exploring several stories of royal mothers in Old Norse literature. We then bring things to close, tracing Gunnhild's fall from power and her mysterious fate. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out the website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/i-honor-with-words
Mother of Kings Supplement - Maiden Kings
June 11, 2019 09:00 - 46 minutes - 64.1 MBIn this supplemental episode, we explore a complex and fascinating set of characters found in several Sagas - the Maiden Kings. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/maiden-kings
Mother of Kings VI - The Mother of Kings
June 10, 2019 09:00 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBIn this episode, we follow Gunnhild konungamóðir as her sons ascend to the Norwegian throne and she finally acquires her famous title. We will then examine the significant authority which Gunnhild enjoyed at this time, as well as how Icelandic authors chose to depict her use of power. Along the way we'll discuss ambitious young Icelanders, hygienic giantesses and the complex portrayal of women, sex and power in the Sagas. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episo...
Mother of Kings V - I Lay This Curse on You
April 10, 2019 09:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBIn this episode, we return to the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir, exploring her time in exile in Denmark and her son's eventual return to power in Norway. We then turn our attention to the broader topic of women, power and magic in the Sagas. Along the way we discuss goat-illusions, magical yarn and cat-skin gloves as we explore several fantastic tales of magically-inclined Saga women. For more information and a full list of sources, check out our website: https://vikingagepodc...
Mother of Kings IV - A Woman of Great Dignity
February 28, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBIn this episode, we continue to discuss the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir, tracing her path from Norway to Northern England and finally Denmark as her status was rapidly transformed from Royal to Refugee and back again. Along the way we encounter and discuss shapeshifters, scorn poles, unruly noblemen and treacherous kings. To wrap things up, we explore the presence and influence of households headed by independent woman in the Norse world, studying the life of Auð the Deepminde...
Mother of Kings III - Cold are the Counsels of Women
February 12, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 82.5 MBIn this episode, we continue our exploration Gunnhild konungamóðir's life and legend, discussing the power of her words and the speech of powerful women throughout Old Norse Literature. Whether goading their male relatives to violence, advocating peace and accommodation, or predicting what fate held in store, women in the Sagas are frequently pictured exercising power though their words. Today, we are going to take a deep dive into these portrayals. Along the way we will meet all mann...
Mother of Kings II - A Woman Small of Stature yet Great of Counsel
January 29, 2019 10:00 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MBIn this episode, we dive into the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir - Mother of Kings - exploring the various stories regarding her origins and early years. Along the way there will be magic, drinking and strange happenings in the North as we meet Danish kings, Saami sorcerers, and stingy stewards. Gunnhild's tale is a lively one and I think you'll enjoy it. More information and a full list of sources can be found on our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/a-woman-great...
Mother of Kings I - The Threshold
January 15, 2019 10:00 - 1 hour - 110 MBIn 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 ...
Eastern Way IV - Gamla Uppsala
November 09, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBIn this episode we are going to explore the rise of a major center of political, economic and religious life in the land of the Svear - the magnate's residence at Gamla Uppsala. Along the way, we'll discuss monumental burial mounds, systems of iron age land-rights and the deaths of many, many kings. I hope you enjoy. More information and a full list of sources used in this episode can be found on our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/gamla-uppsala/
Eastern Way III - Catastrophe and Opportunity
September 25, 2018 09:00 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThe 6th Century was a period of unrest and reorganization throughout Scandinavia. In this episode we are going to explore the evidence we have for these dynamic years and what may have caused this unrest. Ultimately, we want to discover how this era may have led to the establishment of powerful ruling dynasties like those who constructed Gamla Uppsala. Along the way we'll talk about the sun going dark, explore the benefits of burying your wealth and the discuss the possible origins of a tr...
Eastern Way II - Gods and Kings
September 11, 2018 09:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBIn this episode we explore the mythical history of the Svear, as it is related to us by the ever-entertaining Snorri Sturluson. Along the way we discuss Divine Kings, Deadly Vats of Meads and even a Half-Giant-Magical-Oxen-Son plough-team. Believe it or not, these fantastical, fictional tales lead us to some rather more concrete evidence about life and politics in the land of the Svear in the years leading up to the Viking Age. For more information, maps and a full list of sources used for...
The Eastern Way I
August 28, 2018 09:00 - 55 minutes - 76.2 MBIn 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...
COA16 - Snorri Sturluson, Big Farmers & the End of the Icelandic Free State
June 05, 2018 09:00 - 46 minutes - 63.8 MBIn this episode we conclude our series on Iceland by discussing the rapid changes which shook the Icelandic political system in the 1200s. We discuss the likely causes of these changes, explore the life and times of our good friend Snorri Sturluson and examine the impact that this time period may have had for our own understanding of Icelandic history. For more information and a full list of sources, checkout our website at: http://vikingagepodcast.com/snorri-sturluson
COA15 - Poetry and Remembrance
May 15, 2018 09:30 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBIn this episode, we explore poets and poetry in the Norse world, focusing particularly on the role they played in preserving history, myth and legend. Along the way we see what happens when you eat a fish's head, unlock the meaning of confounding Skaldic verses and hear what Snorri Sturluson had to say about poets and their role in preserving history. For more information and a full list of sources, see our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/poetry-and-remembrance/
COA14b - Creating the Icelanders
May 01, 2018 09:00 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBIn this episode - the second of two parts - we explore the continued Christianization of Iceland in the 1100s with a particular focus on the development of literate culture and the implications of this new culture on Icelandic Society. Today, we explore how the written laws, language and history of this period worked to create the idea of the Icelanders as a distinct and unique people. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode check out our website: http:/...
COA14a - Tithes they are a Changin'
April 24, 2018 09:00 - 36 minutes - 33.3 MBIn this episode - the first of two parts - we explore the continued Christianization of Iceland in the 1100s with a particular focus on the development of literate culture and the implications of this new culture on Icelandic Society. If you are jonesing for more Vikings goodness, you should check out the interview I gave on the History of the Vikings Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-lee-accomando/id1363609926?i=1000408186770&mt=2 For more info...
COA13 - The Christianization of Iceland
April 03, 2018 09:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBIn this episode we are going to discuss the first hundred years or so of the Christianization process in Iceland. We will discuss Chieftains, Priests, Churches and the aspirations of one particularly ambitious Icelandic family. More information and a full list of sources can be found on our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/christianization-of-iceland
COA12 - The Conversion of the Icelanders
March 20, 2018 09:00 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBIn this episode we dive headfirst into an event still which profoundly colors and shapes our understanding of the Norse world today. That's right - it's time to discuss the Conversion of the Icelanders which took place at the Althing of 999 or 1000CE. More information and a full list of sources for this episode can be found at: https://vikingagepodcast.com/conversion-of-icelanders
COA11 - Christ Comes to Iceland
March 06, 2018 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.5 MBIn 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 fascinat...
COA10 - Law and Belief in Pagan Iceland
February 13, 2018 10:30 - 54 minutes - 50.2 MBIn 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 Scandin...
Looking Forward - We need your input!
February 05, 2018 23:15 - 8 minutes - 11.2 MBI've been working away at future episodes for our Iceland series and I'm realizing that I need to start thinking about what we cover next on the podcast. To help with that choice, I want to get your input. In this not-episode episode I talk through some of the different options and it's up to you to vote for your favorite here: https://strawpoll.com/gba22rcs
COA09 - Ritual and Sacrifice in Pagan Iceland
January 30, 2018 10:00 - 50 minutes - 70 MBIn 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 p...
COA08 - Bringing Thor to Iceland
January 16, 2018 10:00 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MBIn 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 I...
COA07 - Chieftains and Temples
January 02, 2018 10:00 - 39 minutes - 54.8 MBIn 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 r...
COA06 - Icelandic Law and Culture II: The People of Eyri
November 29, 2017 10:00 - 1 hour - 91.2 MBIn this episode we continue to explore the dynamics of power, violence and law in Viking Age Iceland. We will do so by discussing many of the conflicts found in Saga of the People of Eyri. Along the way we will cover: A curious young farmer who is mauled by a mysterious spirit. Some legally questionable handshake deals. The legal and social relationships which tied together goðar and free farmers. The limits of a goði's power and the consequences of exceeding them. A murder on a hay...
COA05 - Icelandic Law and Culture I: Mord the Fiddle
November 03, 2017 18:15 - 55 minutes - 75.7 MBIn this episode we dive into the gritty details of Icelandic law, culture and politics by looking at the tale of Mord the Fiddle from Njal's Saga. Along the way we talk about marriage in the Viking Age, the definition of a hundred and the importance of moderation and compromise in Icelandic Politics. The "Recommended Reading" for this week is actually Recommended Listening. I cannot recommend enough the Epic 12-part breakdown of Njal's Saga done by the excellent Saga Thing Podcast. Check...
VS04 - The Ghost of Thorolf Twist-Foot
October 25, 2017 09:00 - 20 minutes - 28.7 MBIn this Halloween special we tell one of the spookiest ghost stories we find in the Icelandic Sagas - the story of Thorolf Twist-Foot as told in the Saga of the People of Eyri. The Saga of the People of Eyri is fantastic. My favorite English translation can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RI9XZQ/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o03_?ie=UTF8&psc=1
COA04 - The Icelandic Free State
October 18, 2017 09:00 - 53 minutes - 74 MBIn this episode we explore the offices and institutions which made up the Icelandic Free State. Through comprehensive legal codes, accepted traditions and customs and regular, predictable assembly the Icelanders were able to govern themselves for over three centuries without a king, head chieftain or any other executive authority to speak of. How did they do it? Well, that’s what we are going to talk about today. This week’s recommended reading is near and dear to my heart. Viking Age I...
COA03 - Conflict and Things in Early Iceland
October 04, 2017 09:00 - 52 minutes - 72 MBIn this week's episode we explore the growing number of challenges faced by the Icelanders as the landnám period drew to a close in the 930s. We will then take a long look at the key components of the institution the Icelanders turned to in order to solve that problem - the thing. Along the way we will talk about beheadings over fish, witness a chieftain get given a bloody nose by a silver-wielding farmer and we will even examine the ever dodgy - if very helpful - writings of Cornelius Tac...
COA02 - Taking Land in Iceland
September 20, 2017 09:30 - 54 minutes - 75.1 MBIn 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/
COA01 - The Discovery of Iceland
September 06, 2017 09:30 - 45 minutes - 61.8 MBIn 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...
The Children of Ash
September 06, 2017 09:00 - 8 minutes - 11 MBWe are back! This is simply a quick update episode to catch everyone back up to speed and set the stage for our next series of episodes. Those episodes are going to cover the Discovery, Settlement and Development of Iceland. This will all serve as part of our quest to understand why the Sagas, Myths and Legends of Pagan Scandinavia were recorded there in the 1200s.
VS03 - The Story of Harald Finehair III
July 06, 2017 09:00 - 46 minutes - 64.3 MBIn this episode we conclude the story of Harald Finehair and we take a look at what life looked in Harald's Norway was like. Along the way we encounter more berserkar, polygamy and lots and lots of chieftain's fleeing Norway for the greener pastures of Iceland.
VS02 - The Story of Harald Finehair II
June 21, 2017 09:00 - 50 minutes - 69 MBIn 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:...
Viking Stories 01 - The Story of Harald Finehair I
June 07, 2017 09:00 - 49 minutes - 68.6 MBWelcome 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
A Quick Update
June 06, 2017 13:38 - 5 minutes - 7.37 MBIt has been far too long since our last episode! In this short update we'll talk about why it has been so long and what is planned for the future.
33 - A Journey Through Society: The Lay of Rig
May 03, 2017 09:30 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MBIn this episode we begin to explore the gritty details of Norse society in the Viking Age by reading the Eddic Poem Rigsthula. Along the way we will talk about cross-dressing, lumpy bread and generally introduce our discussion about Viking Age Society and how factors like gender, class and status could impact one's place within it.
32 - Anniversary Q&A
April 12, 2017 09:00 - 55 minutes - 76.8 MBIn this episode we answer listener questions to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast! Curious why Lee cares about the Viking Age? Want to know about Viking Age Textiles? Is there any truth to those damned horned helmets? All this and more will be revealed. For links to a bunch of useful stuff checkout the show notes here:
31 - The Viking Soul
April 04, 2017 09:30 - 50 minutes - 70 MBIn 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!
30 - Fate in the Viking Age - Viking Worlds III
March 16, 2017 09:00 - 44 minutes - 41.5 MBIn this episode we talk about the role of fate in the minds of Viking Age Scandinavians. We will talk about Ragnarok, Individual Destiny and the dictators of fate themselves, the Norns. Then we'll conclude the episode by talking about the relationship between Fate, honor and reputation.
29 - Denmark at the Dawn of the Viking Age - Viking Worlds II
March 02, 2017 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40.3 MBIn this episode we take a birds-eye view of the natural and human landscape of Denmark at the Dawn of the Viking Age. We'll talk about geography, settlement and set the stage for our future discussions about all the gritty details of life in the Viking Age.
28 - Viking Worlds I - Myth and Midgard
February 23, 2017 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40.2 MBIn 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.
27 - Charlemagne and the Saxon Wars Pt 2 - Carolingian Viking Age V
February 02, 2017 10:00 - 50 minutes - 46.5 MBIn this episode we conclude our discussion about the reign of Charlemagne and his 30 year-long war against the Saxons. This time, we dive into the meat of the Saxon wars, talking about the various campaigns, rebellions and mass executions which marked this brutal conflict. Then, we turn our attention to how Charlemagne and the Franks ruled Saxony once it was conquered, with particular attention paid to how central religion was to the Carolingian ideology of rule. In many ways the Kingd...
26 - Charlemagne and the Saxon Wars Pt 1 - Carolingian Viking Age IV
January 19, 2017 10:00 - 47 minutes - 44.2 MBIn this episode we talk about the reign of Charlemagne and his three decade long war against the Saxons. We'll talk about the early years of Charlemagne's rule - and explore just why he decided to go to war against the Saxons. Along the way we talk about the pre-Christian life in Saxony and why conversion was such an important goal for the King of the Franks.
25 - The Carolingians get a Crown - Carolingian Viking Age III
January 12, 2017 10:30 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBIn this episode we will witness a Carolingian ruler, Pippin the Short, finally take his seat on the throne of the Frankish Kingdom. Before we get there, first we will take a look at the early career of Pippin and his brother Carloman, as they secure their grip on the Kingdom their father had left them. We'll see how, thanks perhaps to guilt and piety, Pippin was catapulted onto the top of the political ladder and why he decided to take the crown. Then we'll talk about the problems of b...
24 - The Rise of Charlie the Hammer - Carolingian Viking Age II
January 05, 2017 10:00 - 1 hour - 55.6 MBIn this episode we will explore the decline of Merovingian power and the rise of the Carolingian dynasty. Specifically, we will see how a lack of strong Merovingian rulers in the 600s led to the unchecked rise of Aristocratic wealth and power - much of which was concentrated in the hands of the Mayor of the Palace. We will then see happened when the Carolingian dynasty got their hands on this high office - and specifically the remarkable career of the first Carolingian ruler - Charles ...
23 - Carolingian Viking Age I - The Rise of the Franks
December 15, 2016 10:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBIn 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
22 - The Heathens still at Duhblinn: Of Viking Longphorts
December 01, 2016 10:00 - 36 minutes - 68.3 MBIn this episode we explore the construction, function and purpose of the Viking Longphorts which were established in Eastern Ireland in 841 CE. These sites, Linn Duachaill in County Louth and Duhblinn, give us a fascinating view into the lives of early Vikingar in Ireland and allow us to see how their role changed after the establishment of permanent bases. Along the way we will see Irish Kings go to war with swords and bishops staffs and witness the importance of Horses to Viking warf...
21 - The Life and Legend of Turgeis
November 17, 2016 10:30 - 31 minutes - 59 MBIn this episode we talk about the Life and Legend of the infamous Viking Chieftain - Turgeis. From 838 to 845 CE we are told that Turgeis, a Chieftain from Norway ruled the Vikingar in Ireland. He led a royal fleet to ravage the North of Ireland. He and his forces usurped the Abbacy of Armagh and his Wife Ota is said to have performed Pagan rituals on the altar of Clonmacnoise. Turgeis has been the boogie-man of the Irish Viking Age ever since. But how much of this tale is actually the ...
20 - Swords and Ships
November 03, 2016 18:30 - 37 minutes - 70.3 MBIn this episode we are going to explore the years following the great raid on Armagh in 832. Along the way we will talk about Irish kings burning monasteries, St. Brigid and her Abbey at Kildare and of course the great fleet of 120 ships which arrived in Eastern Ireland in 837 CE.