Stories of Iceland

Home Alone

Two tales about the perils of being left home alone during Yule. [Today, December 22. 2023, there is currently no volcanic eruption, that might change soon.]

My Cursed Ancestors

In the 17th century, Iceland was thrown into a panic about witchcraft. My ancestor Einar Nikulásson lived through almost the exact period of the “age of burning” and has gone down in folklore as “Galdrameistari” or “master of sorcery”. These...

It Takes Too Long To Fill The Souls Of Priests

Bobby Fischer in Iceland

Bobby Fischer was a chess phenomenon, likely to most famous player to ever play the game. He wound up a fugitive who ended his life as an Icelandic citizen. This episode tells the story of Bobby Fischer in Iceland. AP videos...

That Reminds Me of a Story

The Matter of Atli

Where everyone …. lives happily ever after? This is the third episode based on The Saga of the Völsungs, the last part of the story. We follow Guðrún and her relationship with Atli (aka Attila the Hun). There is a bit...

The Shield Maiden's Wrath

The Dragon's Bane

It is said that tales of dragons and dragon slayers are universal. That is not quite true. This is a story that has been retold in numerous ways. This isn’t the “original” but it is one of the oldest we...

A Winter in Iceland 1834-1835

The Beast of Katanes

The Monster Hunt (by Benedikt Gröndal?) The monster with the long tail

Songs of Exploding Sands

[NSFW] Loki Plays the Dirty Dozens

Lokasenna is one of the most controversial of the Eddic poems. It is also funny and naughty. There are two versions in the feed, one with the naughtiest bits removed and this one that has everything.

[Safe] Loki Plays the Dirty Dozens

Lokasenna is one of the most controversial of the Eddic poems. It is also funny and naughty. There are two versions in the feed, this one has the naughtiest bits removed, the other includes them all.

Thor and the Norse View of Gods and Religion

A Runaway Slave in Iceland

The Dog Days King

The English Dane by Sarah Bakewell was my main source for Jörgensen’s later life in Tasmania. A Spotify link to the album Eitt sumar á landinu bláa, from the musical about Jörgensen, performed by the band Þrjú á palli. An online version...

The Hauntings at Yuletide

Coal Bottom Poker Riding

Blue is the Old Black

You can find articles by dr. Arngrímur in these books: Paranormal Encounters in Iceland 1150–1400 Margins, Monsters, Deviants Alterities in Old Norse Literature and Culture

The Ghost of the Scorned Woman

Was Murdered

Eurovision, Will Ferrell and Iceland

2020 Presidential Election

The Boy Who Didn\'t Know What Fear Was

Sagas and Eddas

The Brothers of Bakki

Iceland in 1918

The Naked Seal Clubber

Avalanche

A Trollish Yuletide Tale

Where in the World is Iceland?

The Tale Heard Around The World

The Berserker of Butter-Hill

Sledgehammer Judgements from an English Poet

Icelandic Food and Cookery by Nanna Rögnvaldardóttir (mentioned in the episode) is a great source of information and Icelandic cuisine.

Let\'s Talk About Elves, Baby

Goldie Locks and Beardie

The Tourism Boom in Post-Crash Iceland

Includes audio from this clip by Charlotte Evans.

Iceland's Only Serial Killer

The Smartest People In The World

A Mazing Tale

Queen of Elves

The Hornless Cow and The Carl\'s Son

Whose People Are You?

Gable Mountain Farm

In Vopnafjörður there is a farm called Bustarfell which has long history and is connected to many stories.

Where is Haukur?

The Icelandic Sport Saga

As the Icelandic men’s football team starts its first game ever at the World Cup it is fitting to look back in time at the sports of Iceland, from the sagas to the viking clap. Also, did you know that...

Special Video Episode (Free)

A special free video episode at patreon.com/storiesoficeland.

Ragnar Furry Pants and the Sagas

Ragnar Loðbrók (furry pants) is one of the most famous heroes of Icelandic literature. Today he is more famous as the lead character of the television series Vikings but here is the original story. King Ella’s Messenger gives the sons of...

The Deacon of Dark-River (Folktale Special)

This is a special episode, and a bit shorter than usual, where I read and examine the folktale The Deacon of Dark-River. Garún, Garún by the Icelandic band Mannakorn retells this classic tale. Animated film based on the story. Some junior college students...

What\'s in an Icelandic Name

Confused about our naming conventions? Listen to this. The patronymic naming system used in Iceland is rather perplexing and we have unusual laws dealing with both first names and last names. Also, big thanks to André Bernier who interviewed me for...