Hwæt a Movie is back! This time we dive deep into the uncanny valley epic Beowulf from 2007. Released at the height of Robert Zemeckis's motion-capture mania, this version of our favorite Old English classic promised to bring the poem to life like never before. It was slated to be an event like no other, at least for John and Andy.

In this star-studded and CG-saturated film, Ray Winstone voices a Beowulf who looks suspiciously like an action figure and swaggers like he just killed nine nicors. He's accompanied by the ageless Wiglaf, played by Brendan Gleeson. The great Anthony Hopkins plays a jovial but somewhat mad King Hrothgar, Robin Wright plays the deeply troubled Queen Wealhtheow, and John Malkovich does his best John Malkovich as Unferth.

But if we're honest, this is the Grendel family's movie from start to finish. Crispin Glover turns in a unforgettable performance as a Grendel who swells with anger and shrinks with vulnerability. Grendel's mother is a gold-dipped, shape-shifting femme fatale with stiletto feet. She's also very much Angelina Jolie. And then there's Grendel's little half-brother dragon. That's right, the dragon is part of the family!

Is this adaptation a clever deconstruction of heroism and myth-making? Or just an excuse to get Beowulf naked on an animated dragon? Zemeckis, Gaiman, and Avary take some bold liberties with the source material in this one, and we’re here to guide you through it all from the perspective of two curmudgeonly middle-aged medievalists.

As always, this episode of Hwæt a Movie includes a thorough summary and discussion of the film, a brief Q&A, and our final ratings: how well the film handles Beowulf, Grendel, and Grendel’s mother, plus our ever-important scores for faithfulness to the source and overall entertainment value.

Beowulf (2007) was a wild ride to discuss, and we hope you enjoy it half as much as Beowulf enjoys shouting his own name. Or at least as much as Zemeckis likes cleverly blocking Beowulf's bare bits from view with conveniently placed objects.

Once you’ve listened, let us know your thoughts. Is this the definitive Beowulf for the 21st century? Or just a fever dream in a damp cave?

And do you forgive us for being grumpy when it comes to Beowulf movies?

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All music taken from the film for this episode is written and produced by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri.

In this episode, we finally sit down with Dr. Yoav Tirosh, one of the leading voices in Old Norse–Icelandic studies and an all-around fascinating person to talk to. Yoav has written extensively on topics ranging from Ljósvetninga Saga and saga authorship to storytelling, cultural memory, and disability studies. He’s also the creative force behind the webcomic Viking Comics, a seasoned Icelandic tour guide, and a delightful companion for wandering around Kraków. Or was it Prague???

Yoav recently completed a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at Aarhus University and now works as a researcher at the Center for Disability Studies at the University of Iceland. You can pick up a copy of his latest book, How Genre Governs Creation in the Medieval Icelandic Sagas. It’s very affordable.

We talk with him about his current work, his interdisciplinary approach to medieval texts, and what motivates him as a scholar.

But our main focus, naturally, is Ljósvetninga Saga—a text that Yoav knows better than just about anyone around (one might even get the feeling that he's obsessed with it after listening to this interview). Having written both his MA thesis and PhD dissertation on the saga, Yoav walks us through its manuscript history, important differences between the A and C versions, and the ongoing debates around whether the saga represents a cohesive narrative or a collection of shorter tales. He also scolds us for our many failings in the 

Along the way, we discuss Guðmundr inn ríki (Guðmund the Powerful) and the saga’s broader commentary on leadership, power, and corruption in Icelandic society. Yoav shares his thoughts on generational memory, cultural context, and what the saga reveals about the anxieties of its age.

After suffering the stings and barbs of his wrath, we invite Yoav to offer his own judgments and to give us his final rating for Ljósvetninga Saga. There’s also something in there about David Lynch and saga structure, John loses power and disappears for a bit, and we learn about a fortuitous encounter between Yoav and his nemesis in an Icelandic bathroom.

Join us for a wide-ranging and deeply engaging conversation that feels a lot like the grad school conversations that inspired Saga Thing.

Have fun with this interview and then let us know what you think on our social media:

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Music Credits:

Introduction – from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur

Outro – Ólafur Liljurós

After nearly a year of working our way through Ljósvetninga Saga, it is finally time to bring it to the Saga Thing and pass judgments. As always, we'll pass out awards for Best Bloodshed, Nicknames, and Notable Witticisms. We'll send one (or more?) scoundrel in Outlawry. And we'll also discuss the Body Count, pick Thingmen, and offer our Final Ratings.

Does Ljósvetninga Saga have what it takes to stand up there with the giants like Njáls saga and Egils saga? Or will it stumble down to the middle of the pack? 

And who will we pick for thingmen from this saga where the line between good guys and bad isn't always so clear?

There's only one way to find out!

Listen and let us know what you think:

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Music Credits

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod

In this episode, we finally come to the end of Ljósvetninga saga! And there are a lot of loose ends to wrap up. Eyjolf Guðmundarson still burns for vengeance against his brother’s killers, but the courts have spared the Möðruvellings, exiling them instead. The outlawed Möðruvellings plan to spread out across Northern Europe, but they have to get out of Iceland first—and the clock is ticking.

Our story this time takes us from the court of Harald Hardrada to the streets of Rome, from the bustle of Byzantium to the famous Battle of Hastings, as everyone tries to move on with their lives. And try as they might, not everyone’s making it out alive. Pack your bags for a globe-trotting conclusion to Ljósvetninga saga!

Listen and let us know what you think:

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Music Credits

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod

In this episode, the Ljósvetnings and Möðruvellings maneuver to position themselves to maximize potential outcomes in the aftermath of the battle of Battle Hill. While Þorvarður Höskuldsson does his best to calm tensions and shield his allies, Eyjólfur Guðmundarson wants more than financial compensation for the killing of his "beloved" brother Koðrán.

And just like last time, both sides rally supporters from far and wide, each determined to force the results that benefit them most. As the thing draws near, the risk of open violence continues to loom large. And when everyone arrives, there's a very real chance that Eyjólfur will get the bloody revenge he's been thirsting after, even if it means dooming many of his own men in the process.

Quick note: In the episode, I think we say this meeting takes place at the Althing. I'm convinced (this is Andy here) that the conflict takes place at the local thing in the north and not at the Althing.

These few chapters capture the tensions and drama that we love most in the sagas: carefully laid legal strategies, preparations for battle, and the ever-present threat that everything is about to pop off in spectacular fashion.

Will everything resolve with a fair and equitable legal resolution? Or will Eyjólf water the grounds of the thing site with the blood of his enemies (and his companions)? There's only one way to find out!

Listen and let us know what you think:

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Music Credits

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod

In this special Saga Brief, we wrap up our four-part series from Iceland with an interview recorded in the shadow of Snæfellsjökull, one of the most iconic landscapes in the country. This time, we are joined by Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir, park manager of Snæfellsjökull National Park, for a wide-ranging conversation about the sagas, Icelandic heritage, and the powerful connection between people and place.

Snæfellsjökull National Park is a natural treasure of Iceland and a must-see destination for fans of Saga Thing and lovers of history, literature, and nature alike. Located at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it was established to protect the dramatic landscapes surrounding the iconic peak of the glacier-capped volcano Snæfellsjökull. The park encompasses a remarkable variety of geological features, from windswept lava fields and jagged cliffs to hidden caves and mossy craters. It’s a place where history, legend, and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly.

After a full day of work in the park, Ragnhildur met us in nearby Arnarstapi at the foot of the massive statue of Bárður Snæfellsás. You may remember Bárður as the mythical guardian of the peninsula and central figure in Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss. As a self-described book lover and lifelong reader of the sagas, Ragnhildur brought a deeply personal perspective to our conversation, especially in her reflections on Guðríður víðförla Þorbjarnardóttir (Gudrid the Far-Traveled) from the Vinland sagas.

As we mention in the intro, this interview came at the end of an unforgettable day that included a magical horse ride along the beach with Siggi from Stóri-Kambur and several stops at saga sites. It was the kind of day where the sagas feel alive in the landscape, which was one of the most important goals of this trip.

And, if you're planning a trip to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, we highly recommend a stop at Stóri-Kambur, where you can ride one of their beautiful Icelandic horses and learn about the special place these animals hold in Icelandic culture and daily life.

We’re so grateful to Ragnhildur for sharing her time and insight with us. Her deep care for the land and its stories really shines through in this conversation.

Enjoy the episode and then let us know what you think on our social media:

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Music Credits:

Opening song – “Rúnatal” by An Danzza

Introduction – from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur

Outro – Ólafur Liljurós

Though Guðmund the Powerful has been laid to rest, tensions between the Möðruvellings and the Ljósvetnings continue into the next generation. In a bold move toward peace, Eyjólf Guðmundarson (the new leader of the Möðruvellings) attempts to create peace by forming an alliance with Þorvarð Hóskuldsson (grandson of Þorgeir Lawspeaker and leader of the Ljósvetnings). But there's a dark cloud on the horizon. 

A surprise pregnancy, questions of paternity, and a contested ordeal plunge the region into renewed chaos. As a result, Eyjólf soon finds himself defending his honor in an epic battle against Þorvarð and some pretty overwhelming numbers. Will he do his father proud and claim victory? Or will he lose more than just reputation in the fight? And do we even want Eyjólf to come out on top here?

Join us for the most exciting and action-packed episode of this series. Along the way, we explore the finer points of trial by ordeal and medieval Icelandic paternity tests as well. There's so much content here, your head will be spinning!!!

Listen and share your thoughts on our social media:

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Music Credits

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod

This special Saga Brief interview with Anna Melsteð (of the Eyrbyggja Saga Society) was recorded at the foot of Helgafell on a drizzly afternoon following a full day of exploring key sites from Eyrbyggja Saga with Anna, Eyberg, and Guðlaug as our guides.

Our day began with a quick viewing of the original site of the Þórsnessþing, mainly to get a view of where drítsker might be.

We followed that up with a rugged hike to Vigrafjörður, where the Thorbrandssons and Thorlakssons famously clashed on the ice in chapter 45 of the saga.

From there, we trekked to Bólstað on Álftafjörður to pay our respects to Andy's thingman Arnkell. We were even greeted with a rainbow, a generous gift from the best man in the saga.

But the biggest highlight was walking the paths carved (allegedly) by the Swedish berserks Halli and Leiknir, followed by a brief rest at the overgrown ruins of Killer-Stýr’s sauna, where their tale ended in steam and the tip of Stýr's spear.

It was, of course, one of the most rewarding days we’ve ever spent in Iceland. The stories of Eyrbyggja Saga came alive in a powerful new way as we stood in the places where they unfolded.

The day concluded at Hraunháls, where we enjoyed Icelandic hospitality, a tasty homemade cake, and a glimpse of the proofs for the incredible Eyrbyggja Saga tapestry.

Can you tell who these two lovebirds might be? Also note the way the upper and lower registers contribute to the story.

As evening approached, we finally drove over to the base of Helgafell to sit down with Anna for a chat about her work, the power of landscape in the sagas, and the growing community of saga enthusiasts on Snæfellsnes. We also got some more help with our Icelandic pronunciation.

Be sure to check out what the Eyrbyggja Saga Society is up to on their webpage and follow them on Facebook.

You can also stay at Hraunháls through Airbnb and enjoy the hospitality of Eyberg and Guðlaug.

Music Credits:

Opening song – “Rúnatal” by An Danzza

Introduction – from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur

In this special Saga Brief, we visit historic Reykholt, once home to Snorri Sturluson, for a fascinating conversation with Sigrún Guttormsdóttir Þormar, department manager at Snorrastofa. This interview is the second installment in our four-part series recorded on-site during our recent trip to Iceland.

Sigrún generously met with us on a Saturday to talk about Snorri’s life, legacy, and the important work being done at Snorrastofa to continue the long tradition of learning at Reykholt on the site. Along the way, she shared insights into Snorri's role as a chieftain, writer, and political figure in 13th-century Iceland, offering a more nuanced portrait of the man we often call “infamous.”

If you're planning a trip to Iceland, we can’t recommend a stop in Reykholt highly enough. In addition to its rich history, the Snorrastofa cultural and medieval studies center offers an engaging exhibition on Snorri’s life, an inviting research library, and an exceptional gift shop.

For more about Snorrastofa, including visitor info, exhibitions, and ongoing research, visit: https://snorrastofa.is

Enjoy the episode and let us know what you think about Snorri’s legacy after hearing from someone who engages with it every day.

Music Credits:

Opening song – “Rúnatal” by An Danzza

Introduction – from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur

With Þórir Helgason freshly outlawed, Guðmund inn ríki (the Powerful) turns his attention to Þorkell hák (Bully) to sate his thirst for revenge. Speaking of thirst, Þorkell lands one of the sickest burns we've heard in a long while at Guðmund´s expense.

After butting heads since the first chapters of the saga, these two finally come to blows in a thrilling and hilarious climax. Who comes out on top? You'll just have to listen to find out.

Along the way, you'll meet some interesting characters, like Þorbjörn rindill (Wren?), a no-account assassin from the Eastfjords, and Drauma-Finni (Dream-Finni), who excels at John's favorite profession: dream interpretation.

We also close the book on the first half of the saga, and on Guðmund inn ríki as well. How will Guðmund's life come to a close? Will he go out in a blaze of glory? Or will he pass peacefully with a hot cup of milk in hand?

Listen and share your thoughts on our social media:

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Music Credits

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod