Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. welcome back archaeologist Margrethe Havgar! Margrethe talks in detail about her fascinating work on the Oseberg tapestries. It's always a pleasure to chat with Margrethe!

Links:

Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. join the hosts of the Vikingology podcast as guests on their show. We talked about writing, podcasting, research, and lots more!

Vikingology podcast

Johanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton: ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk to archaeologist and fellow podcaster, Margrethe Havgar, about the Oseberg ship and the Oseberg tapestry. Margrethe is doing some fascinating work with the tapestry, so it was a fascinating discussion!

Links:

Johanna Wittenberg - www.johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton - www.ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk about the real shield maiden, Lagertha, and how she was portrayed on the TV show, Vikings. We also delve into the character of Aslaug, her saga story, and her story on the show.

**Spoiler Alert!**

*Spoilers: 22:07-44:08

Back to history: 44:08-1:00:26

*Spoilers: 1:00:26 until the end

Links:

Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk with historian Pamela D. Toler, author of the book Women Warriors: An Unexpected History, among many others. We discuss her research for Women Warriors, including her finds that women have been warriors all around the world and in all time periods. We also talk about the controversy surrounding the "Birka Woman" (BJ581).

Links:

Pamela D. Toler - pameladtoler.com

Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk to Megan Formanek, author of the Viking Trading Lands series. We discussed the Eastern trading routes of the Vikings, the Rus, and how those of us in the U.S. and Australia can identify with the adventurous Viking spirit. And much more!

Links:

Megan Formanek - meganformanek.com

YouTube - @Megan.Formanek

Instagram - meganformanekauthor

Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. interview bestselling author Melanie Karsak! She's recently released the second book in her Vinland to Valhalla series, Sword of a Valkyrie, about Freydis Eriksdottir. Join us as we discuss her books, research, writing process, and much more!

Links:

Melanie Karsak - Melanie Karsak Instagram - karsakmelanie

Facebook - AuthorMelanieKarsak

Johanna Wittenberg - Johanna Wittenberg – Powerful women of the Viking Age

K.S. Barton - K.S. Barton Author - Viking stories of love and adventure

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss how they take what they've learned in their research and weave it into their novels. They also talk about getting inspiration from some unusual places.

Johanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton: ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk with science writer Heather Pringle. In addition to many publications, Heather has written about Vikings in two issues of National Geographic, the most recent in March 2025. We had a fantastic conversation about her recent book The Northwomen and all things Viking women.

*At one point, Heather discusses female slaves. You will be warned before that section occurs. We know that it can be upsetting.

Heather Pringle: Heather Pringle | A science writer who loves archaeology

Johanna Wittenberg: www.johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton: ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk to Niina Niskanen, a Finnish writer, artist, and folklorist. We chat with Niina about Sami culture and mythology.

Niina Niskanen: @fairychamberart

Johanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.com

K.S. Barton: ksbarton.com