In this episode we explore the mythical history of the Svear, as it is related to us by the ever-entertaining Snorri Sturluson. Along the way we discuss Divine Kings, Deadly Vats of Meads and even a Half-Giant-Magical-Oxen-Son plough-team. Believe it or not, these fantastical, fictional tales lead us to some rather more concrete evidence about life and politics in the land of the Svear in the years leading up to the Viking Age.

For more information, maps and a full list of sources used for this episode, visit our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/gods-and-kings/

 

In this episode we begin our exploration of the Baltic Sea region by examining two very different sources of evidence which point to early Viking activities in the Eastern Baltic. First we discuss a dramatic tale which has come down to us from the pen of everyone's favorite Icelandic author, Snorri Sturluson. This story centers around a certain Yngvarr, King of the Svear, and traces his dramatic demise at the hands of the Eistr.

We then step out of the world of literature and into the dirt to explore a remarkable archeological find which was recently uncovered on the Estonian island of Saaremaa. We talk monumental graves, ancient ships, informative skeletons and even discuss how we really are what we eat.

If you enjoyed this episode, you'll probably enjoy these other  wonderful Viking Podcasts: 

Saga Thing

The History of Vikings

Northern Myths 

Fjorn's Hall

For more information on this episode and a full list of sources check out our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/the-eastern-way

In this episode we conclude our series on Iceland by discussing the rapid changes which shook the Icelandic political system in the 1200s. 

We discuss the likely causes of these changes, explore the life and times of our good friend Snorri Sturluson and examine the impact that this time period may have had for our own understanding of Icelandic history. 

For more information and a full list of sources, checkout our website at: http://vikingagepodcast.com/snorri-sturluson

In this episode, we explore poets and poetry in the Norse world, focusing particularly on the role they played in preserving history, myth and legend. 

Along the way we see what happens when you eat a fish's head, unlock the meaning of confounding Skaldic verses and hear what Snorri Sturluson had to say about poets and their role in preserving history. 

For more information and a full list of sources, see our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/poetry-and-remembrance/

In this episode - the second of two parts - we explore the continued Christianization of Iceland in the 1100s with a particular focus on the development of literate culture and the implications of this new culture on Icelandic Society. Today, we explore how the written laws, language and history of this period worked to create the idea of the Icelanders as a distinct and unique people.    For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode check out our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/creating-the-icelanders

In this episode - the first of two parts - we explore the continued Christianization of Iceland in the 1100s with a particular focus on the development of literate culture and the implications of this new culture on Icelandic Society.    If you are jonesing for more Vikings goodness, you should check out the interview I gave on the History of the Vikings Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-lee-accomando/id1363609926?i=1000408186770&mt=2  For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode check out our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/tithes-are-a-changin

In this episode we are going to discuss the first hundred years or so of the Christianization process in Iceland. We will discuss Chieftains, Priests, Churches and the aspirations of one particularly ambitious Icelandic family. 

More information and a full list of sources can be found on our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/christianization-of-iceland

In this episode we dive headfirst into an event still which profoundly colors and shapes our understanding of the Norse world today. That's right - it's time to discuss the Conversion of the Icelanders which took place at the Althing of 999 or 1000CE.

More information and a full list of sources for this episode can be found at: https://vikingagepodcast.com/conversion-of-icelanders

In this episode we explore the early history of Christianity in Iceland. Along the way we talk about kings, prophets, prominent Christian settlers, and missionary methods employed in the Early Middle Ages. Finally we will introduce Thangbrand - the mildly-homicidal missionary sent to Iceland by the Norwegian King Olaf Tryggvason.

This week's recommended reading is Power and Conversion by Alexandra Sanmark. In this excellent book Professor Sanmark provides a detailed, readable and fascinating account of the conversion of Scandinavia. Even more interestingly, she also explores the similarities and differences between the Scandinavian conversions and those of Anglo Saxon England and Saxony. Plus - Professor Sanmark has provided a PDF of this excellent work for free online! 

For more information and a full list of sources please visit our website at: https://vikingagepodcast.com/christ-comes-to-iceland

 

In this episode we conclude our discussion on Pagan practice in Iceland by exploring the close connections between the law and pagan beliefs. Along the way we talk about oath rings, the assemblies of the gods and a rather nasty conflict revolving around excrement.

Our recommended reading for this week is Viking Law and Order by Alexandra Sanmark. In this readable and beautifully illustrated book, Professor Sanmark reviews the latest archeological evidence for þing-sites throughout Scandinavia. This book highlights the similarities and differences of these sites and provides an excellent guide to these important locations. You should pick it up.

For more information and a full list of sources see our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/law-and-belief-in-pagan-iceland