The Distaff Podcast

We say goodbye to Gudrid. Her life after Vinland, her journey to meet the Pope, and a return to Iceland to live out a devoted life. We honor her, praise her and hope every woman can see a little of themselves in her story. Her artifacts were not gold, they were so much more. Enjoy. We sure did!

We Have Arrived! Gudrid and her fellow Greenlanders finally make it to Vinland (North America). They will spend three years building settlements, trading with local tribes, exploring, making babies and making war. Join us as we tell the story, always,  from a woman's perspective. Enjoy!

This is an episode we added in, a little out of order, full of more buzz around Viking travel, getting ready for a big journey and Gudrid's new life with a new husband. Enjoy!

Today we talk Runes, rituals and sigils! Gudrid, Karlsefni and the rest of the Greenlander Vikings have loaded their boats and are setting sail for Vinland. Their material preparations made, we take a minute to discuss the spiritual, perhaps even magical, efforts that go along on their adventure. Enjoy!

In this episode we talk about Viking Travel. Gudrid and the Greenlanders are preparing to sail west. What boats will they use, how much food, clothing, and supplies should they bring? And yes, what type of magic can come along? This is a fun one!

A newly widowed Gudrid returns to Brattahlid to be with her in-laws. There she meets Thorfinn Karlsefni "The Making of a Man" and marries him. Kim and Sarah discuss life on Greenland, Karlsefni and his history, and so much more. Join us as we continue to weave the tale of Gudrid the Well Traveled. 

In this Episode, Gudrid finds love, marries the most handsome man in Greenland and prepares to settle down in wedded bliss. But, it is not to be. Illness and chaos find Gudrid again, this time she will need to negotiate with the living as well as the dead. As always, she does it with grace. 

In this episode we take a peak over the horizon at our Eastern Norse, The Rus. River Kings and warriors, this group of Viking Age Scandinavians fought, raided and settled on rivers throughout Eastern Europe and even into modern-day Russia. One of the fiercest of these Rus was a woman named Olga. She was a queen, a saint and a prolific grudge-holder. Enjoy!

In this episode Kim and Sarah tell the story of Gudrid's first winter in Greenland. After a shipwreck that killed many of her loved ones, Gudrid winds up on a remote farm on the coast of Greenland. This escape from her old life in Iceland ends up delivering Gudrid face to face with a Pagan Sorceress in need of help.  Join us as we unravel a few threads while we continue to weave the story of Gudrid the Well Traveled. Enjoy!

So, where did all these Vikings come from? In this episode we talk about the Norse "origin story." A tale of a man named Ask and a woman named Embla. Then we travel down the road a few centuries and discuss Erik the Red, another OG worthy of an origin story all his own. Enjoy!