In the most action-packed chapter of Northern Lights so far, we join Lyra and the bears as ring-side spectators to a rare fight to the death between contenders to the throne of Svalbard. Through a jaw-dropping fight between Iofur Raknison (the usurper King of the Panserbjorn) and Iorek Byrnison (our hero and the rightful King), the fate of Lyra and the bears is decided. With the clear advantages of health, rest and power, Iufor looks sure to win but perhaps Iorek has a trick up his greaves... 

Join us this week, as we discuss real world bear fights, recreate the sound of all the world’s shingle in an ocean-battering storm and debate panserbjorn political philosophy.

------

You can see a full version of Amy’s artwork for our episodes and our quotes for the week here.

For a full paper on the anatomy of walrus skulls look no further than here.

For some Attenborough-narrated bear battles look here.

Moustachioed helmet at the Royal Armouries at their Twitter page here.

Background on the name Belacqua here.

A great overview of the legend of Sigurd here and Norse Myths from the Myths & Legends podcast here.

The real-world uses of Spaghnum moss in WW1 here and 100%-vetted and sourced reference to bears using moss for their wounds here.

------

Music by: Jaymen Persaud

www.thedarkmaterialpodcast.com

Patreon: www.patreon.com/darkmaterialpodcast

Twitter: @darkmaterialpod

Instagram: @thedarkmaterialpodcast

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thedarkmaterialpodcast