Valhalla Conversations

We know them as the winged choosers of the slain and the fierce female warriors of Valhalla—but who are the Valkyries, really? Are they divine escorts, mortal women with supernatural gifts, or something else entirely? Or perhaps all of the above? Today, we’re pulling back the veil on these enigmatic wish-maidens to explore how they evolved from the terrifying omens of Old Norse poetry into the complex heroines of modern fantasy. I’m joined by an incredible panel: authors KS Barton and Johanna Wittenberg, the co-hosts of Shieldmaiden: @WomenoftheNorseWorldPodcast podcast, and academic researcher from the @universityofleeds , Sif Brookes from the @valsif channel. Together, we’re exploring and examining the sagas, the legends and twenty-first century conceptions in 'Valkyries: Beyond the Sagas and Legends'. Join us as we head straight to Valhalla, to find out what it truly means to 'choose the slain'. Episode artwork designed by illustrator Katie Brompton Intro and Ending Soundtrack, 'Into the Wyld' from Svilland TTRPG - Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World is a monthly podcast that takes a deep dive into the lives of women in the Viking Age, exploring their roles, experiences, and contributions to Norse society. Hosted by fiction authors Johanna Wittenberg and K.S. Barton, each episode explores the fascinating stories of Norse women from historical accounts, sagas, and archaeology. From shieldmaidens and queens to farmers and priestesses, we’ll uncover the varied and complex roles that women played in Norse culture. - - The Truth about the Valkyries with Sif Brookes, Episode of @nordicmythologypodcast - https://youtu.be/zZYiMOF7joM?si=AQ5gx0G8fpPSa0GY - Johanna Wittenberg: https://johannawittenberg.com/ - K.S Barton: https://ksbarton.com/ - Sif Brookes: https://sifbrookes.com/ Books discussed in this episode: 'A Deal with Odin' by K.S Barton'Valkrjur: Servant or Master?' by Sif Brookes 'The Valkyries: New & Ancient Norse Tales' from Flame Tree PressValkyrie: The Women of the Viking World by Dr Johanna Katrin Fridriksdottir The Real Valkyrie: The hidden history of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavaia by Neil Price The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (Penguin Edition)

Enter Valhalla to join our conversation with ⁨@MayaGLeonard⁩ on time-travelling doors, the magic of music, the balance of history and danger in children's fiction, why she modelled a 'bad guy' on a Manchester fooball player, and how Maya discovered a genuine mystery involving two Viking age golden horns discovered in Denmark... and so much more! If you like Vikings, you are welcome in my Valhalla, and I hope you stay for the conversation.

Joining me on this episode is comic artist and writer, Kevin Wells, whom I discovered at Thought Bubble Comic Con in 2025. We will be taking a deep dive into his norse-inspired graphic novel, The Last Einherjar, exploring his inspiration, his creative process and sharing ideas on what makes Vikings and their mythology so popular and answering "What if Ragnarok didn't happen as intended?""Ragnarok has destroyed the Nine Realmsall that is left is Endirheim.As a new darkness rises from thenorth only one man can prevent theterrors that await the survivors of Ragnarok.That man is Ulf, THE LAST EINHERJAR."https://www.kwizillustrator.com/

Joining me in Valhalla is returning guest, Joshua Gillingham from Little Hammer Games, as we discuss and officially launch his latest @kickstarter card game, Halls of Asgard! Join the Kickstarter by the link below: "HALLS OF ASGARD is a semi-cooperative social strategy game for 3-6 players (25-45 min) with absolutely stunning hand-painted art by celebrated Norse mythology artist Helena Rosova. Clocking in on the lighter side, it’s a great starter for those new to board games with easy set up, a simple mechanic that can generate surprisingly intricate cooperative strategies, and guaranteed memorable times. The semi-cooperative aspect lends itself to a delightful tension between defeating Hela, goddess of the Norse underworld, and out-doing your fellow Asgardian gods. Each player takes on the role of a god (Odin, Thor, Freya, Heimdal, Idun, or Loki) with two unique powers and one unique curse. Gazing down at the mortals passing through the life stages (Child/Warrior/Elder) on the Midgard board, they use their powers to claim heroes that join them in their hall in preparation for Ragnarok. Along the way, Hela claims mortals off the Midgard board and gains all those who die without honour or glory of old age. A unique clan mechanic and differing mortal values (0/1/2) adds an extra element of strategy as gods collect their heroes. If one of the gods can defeat Hela through the strength of their gathered warriors, the gods win; however, if Hela ends up with the highest strength score, all players lose as Ragnarok sets the nine realms aflame."

Joining me in this episode is Dr Roderick Dale, we will discuss his role in the former World Tree Project looking at observations of Viking representation in the modern world, and then dive deep into our misconceptions about Viking Berserkers. You can buy his book 'The Myths and Raelities of the Viking Berserkr' from Routledge - https://www.routledge.com/The-Myths-a...

Joining me as our first guests into Valhalla for 2026, is historical fiction author and historian, ⁨@cjadrien⁩ - he also co-hosts the ⁨@vikingologypodcast⁩ too! Alongside his talented artist wife, Crystal Whithaus as we discuss and explore how they teamed up to create a very charming, entertaining and also engaging childrens book about Vikings as a people from a time long ago. It is available to buy on demand from Amazon. Book Blurb: “I’m a Viking!” is a history book about the Viking Age for kids. Join Leif, a chieftain’s son who wants nothing more than to grow up to be a Viking just like his dad. Follow Leif as he gives you a tour of his life—the things he must learn, the things he likes to do for fun, and much more. Conceived and written by author and historian C.J. Adrien and illustrated by the talented Crystal Whithaus, “I’m a Viking!” is an excellent primer for young minds interested in the past. Don’t be fooled—grown-ups may learn a thing or two, too."

For our final podcast episode for 2025 I'm beyond thrilled to have invited not one but three of my favourite Viking Age historical fiction authors into Valhalla. Justin Hill, Giles Kristian and Theo Brun. So we can take a deep dive into their own connection and interest with viking history, what inspired them to write and so much more.

Joining me in the great mead hall of the gods is Terry, otherwise known as Bjarni the Cabbage Killer. Why? Because part of his day job is slaying cabbages with sword, axe and spear. Why? Because for many decades he was a science teacher BEFORE becoming a viking-age re-enactor. And then when he retired from formal education he discovered a way of combining his love of science and alchemy with the historical side of his life. And thus Bjarni the Science Viking was created to visit schools, participte in historical festivals, science shows and more!Take a seat and listen and learn from the many stories and anecdotes and history lessons Terry has to share from his remarkable and unique career. From medieval medicine, alchemy of making ink for writing on parchment and making paints to illuminate manuscripts, through to the evidence of physics in weapon use. We discuss the only Viking Age longhouse in Cumbria, the Moorforge Settlement, and the very recent discovery of a longhouse 5x it's size from the 10th century in Cumbria itself! The largest ever to be identified in the UK!https://www.scienceviking.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheScienceViking

Returning to the great mead hall of the gods with "glorious purpose" is ⁨@SamFlegalart⁩ of Fateful Signs, as his latest artistic translation of Old Norse poetics is now LIVE on Kickstarter and in this third edition, the focus is all on Loki and this most popular to many, but unknown to many more, manuscript, the Lokasenna. "Fateful Signs presents "The Illustrated Lokasenna,” a collection of art by Sam Flegal. This 138-page book explores ancient Norse poetry by engaging the sub-conscious’s recognition of shape and form, in an effort to tap into a greater visual and spiritual understanding of the ancient Norse text. With your support we created "The Illustrated Hávamál," and "The Illustrated Völuspá." The third book in this series - "The Illustrated Lokasenna" - will be another beautiful, high-quality art book worthy of a place of honor in your book horde! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/samflegal/fateful-signs-the-illustrated-lokasenna?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=lokasenna&total_hits=1 You can find the Fateful Signs project at www.fatefulsigns.com or follow on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.Join PATREON to see behind the scenes and get early access to art.

In this episode, special guest Chris Tuckley (who is leading a million-pound project at Selby Abbey) joins me in Valhalla to share his experience and encounters of a piece of vikings in popular culture that is both overlooked and otherwise forgotten - Erik the Viking. And viewers/listeners may be surprised to learn that the late Terry Jones (of Monty Python fame) actually wrote a children's book BEFORE leading on the spoof comedy that was the film. We discuss what makes the children's book so good for all ages, universally regardless of it now being a 30+ year old, how Mosaic Games then developed an interactive narrative game based upon it, and finish off with an honest review of the film and how and why it unfortunately didn't do well when it releaed in 1989, and why it is an artefact of it's time now.

This episode of Valhalla Conversations is dedicated to comic artist, Tim Odland who sadly passed away this summer of 2025. Tim's life long dream was to illustrate comics for ⁨@imagecomics⁩ and 'Beware The Eye Of Odin' is that comic, that dream. I will treasure my copy as an example of Tim's extraordinary talent. Thank you for your dream, Tim. Rest in Peace.After a hiatus over September and October due to my academic pursuit in valkyries taking priority for a while, I'm delighted to declare Valhalla is once again open and our next new guest is comic writer Doug Wagner. I have invited him to the great mead hall to discuss one of his under-appreciated comics, Beware the Eye of Odin, featuring lots of trolls, curses, huldrafolk and valkyries and so much more. We discuss and explore how he and Tim came up with this wonderfully human story set in a very mythological world of norse myth and folklore. Doug Wagner is an American comic book writer whose Image Comics include PLASTIC (co-created with Daniel Hillyard), THE HARD PLACE (with Nic Rummel), GUN CANDY (with Brian Stelfreeze), and THE RIDE (with too many to list). He’s also written titles such as I.C.E., World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn, Legends of the Dark Knight, and Witchblade/Red Sonja. Doug can be found hiding out in Park City, Utah where he spends his days creating madness, frolicking down the slopes with his lovely wife, and reveling cuddle time with the sweetest kitty in the world. You can follow his exploits at @Doug_Wagner on that social media thingy.

gcjshxi5Regular followers/listeners may be wondering where Episode 19 is of our usual monthly Valhalla Conversations podcast series? Well - the answer is that due to a very important debut article which is consuming all my available time and energy I am pausing content creation, including podcast recording with several exciting new guests until November. Consider Valhalla closed for cleaning if you like. We will return, we will reopen, and I am biting on my metaphorical shield with eagerness to hit the ground running in November with 5 new episodes planned, 4 of which will be released between November and Christmas to see us into 2026. I have a very active and thrilling guest list to send invites too and host recordings with. Hopefully you will be patient, understanding and wish me luck as I tackle this very challenging piece of academic work.gcjshxi5

Behind every great man, is a great woman - and in the 11th century, there were many men claiming, taking or inheriting the throne of England, and thus there were also many great women. Following the debut of BBC's King & Conqueror historical drama - I invite historian Sharon Bennett Connolly onto the podcast to discuss the very real lives of these remarkable female figures, who all had their own role and influence to play in the most turbulent century which resulted in the fateful events of 1066. Join us and learn the truth about Queen Emma, Gytha, Edith Swan-neck, Edith of Merica, Matilda and many more. You can learn more about these women in the following books: Silk and the sword: the women of the Norman conquest by Sharon Bennett Connolly. Queen Emma and the Vikings by Harriet O'Brien. Queen of the Conqueror: The Life of Matilda, Wife of William I by Tracy Borman. Queen Emma & Queen Edith: Queenship and women's power in eleventh century England by Pauline Stafford.#historicalfigures #historicalevents #1066 #BritishHistory #EnglishHistory #HaroldGodwinson #WilliamOfNormandy #EmmaOfNormandy #QueenEmma #Matilda #Flanders #Normandy #HaraldHardrada #EdwardTheConfessor #AethelreadTheUnready #EnglishThrone #EnglishKings #EnglishQueens #RoyalHistory #EleventhCentury #England #Norway #Witan #Earls #Mercia #Wessex #Northumbria #BBC #HistoricalDrama #HistoricalTVSeries #TVSeries

Joining me in this month's episode is comic writer ⁨@Zackkaps⁩ , we will be discussing Kill All Immortals ( ⁨@darkhorsecomics⁩ ) with spoilers and exploring his creative and cleverly inspired choice to use a family of Vikings, and a particular famous family for those in the US, to grant them immortality and billionaire level wealth. We discuss greed, freedom, independence at what cost, the perception of Vikings as brutal warriors and reveal exciting news for the future of this comic story arc. Zack Kaplan is a break out science fiction comic writer and creator of such comics and graphic novels as KILL ALL IMMORTALS, BEYOND REAL, MINDSET, BREAK OUT, METAL SOCIETY, FOREVER FORWARD, JOIN THE FUTURE, THE LOST CITY EXPLORERS, PORT OF EARTH and ECLIPSE. After just a few short years, he has worked with publishers such as Image/Top Cow, Dark Horse, Aftershock, Vault, Scout Comics and DC Comics. His first three series were all optioned for TV adaptation, with PORT OF EARTH currently being developed by Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Ent. Zack has taught screenwriting and storytelling at the International Academy of Film and TV, located in the Philippines. He currently lives in Los Angeles. https://zackkaplan.com/ - Kill All Immortals - Succession meets John Wick…with immortal Vikings. A thousand years ago, Viking explorer Erik the Red and his four adult children discovered a mysterious source of immortality. Now, in our modern world, they are an enigmatic billionaire family with a powerful banking empire. But when Erik’s only daughter, Frey Asvald, seeks to finally be free from her family’s influence, she must be prepared to reveal their supernatural secrets and confront her well-trained siblings in a deadly and epic struggle for power. Get ready for a bloodthirsty immortal fight like no other! https://youtu.be/nAgOg-zFIrM?si=Dvnt0EUgIv2KubuH Writer: Zack Kaplan Artists: Fico Ossio, Thiago Rocha and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou ⁨@ThoughtBubbleComics⁩ Comic Festival & Comic Con, Harrogate, November 2025. https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/

Joining me this month as my special guest, is author Kaitlin Felix as we discuss and explore her stereotype smashing historical fiction novel, Ran's Daughters, who feature a remarkable cast of Norse women and one heck of a historical adventure! If you like authors Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian, Justin Hill, then you will LOVE Kaitlin's book. I was an ARC reader for it before release and I read it in 3 evenings with great enjoyment and her writing is sensational. I love it so much that I indulge myself by reading aloud the Prologue to grant you a taste of how good it is. Kaitlin Felix writes Norse historical fiction and fantasy. Her work has featured in anthologies and international publications. You can find her full list of works here. Her upcoming novel, Rán’s Daughters, is published with Outland Entertainment as part of their Althingi Universe. https://katifelix.com/

Join me in discovering a stunning set of special photographs and their talented photographer. We meet a very unique and talented photographer, Jenn Robinson, who is also a near decade long member of Regia Anglorum, and her amazing photographs that have captured moments from the legends of the Norse pantheon. See them in full glory at her website: https://jenniferpetersphoto.com/reenactment And find out more about Regia Anglorum, UK's biggest historical re-enactment society: https://regia.org/home.php

Joining me for this month's episode is a good friend of mine, Genevieve Gornichec, due to our shared passion for all things Norse and I'm delighted to finally after years of talking online about her wonderful Norse Fantasy and Norse History books, 'The Witch's Heart' and 'The Weaver and the Witch Queen'. Learn what inspired both stories about remarkable female figures of mythology and history, her experience writing and publishing, her second life in viking age living history and so much more. Please discover more about Genevieve and her books at her website: https://genevievegornichec.com/

Clear the mead benches, lay out fresh straw, roll out the mead barrels and prepare to welcome the most "hapless" group of Norse heroes and heroines to the Hall of the Worthy as we welcome: Game Master, ‪@ianstuartsharpe‬ aka Mr Vikingverse, who has recently completed an actual play podcast, Vikings & Valkyries, of his uniquely norse Thought & Memory Saga adventure set in the When The Wolf Comes universe. You can listen on YouTube and Spotify. https://vikingverse.com/podcast-episodes Along with Characters/Players: Bill Hopkins, a GM-for-hire on StartPlaying (using the stage name MagicLudi). He also has channels on Facebook, Twitch, and Youtube so you can get a taste of his GM style before signing up. https://startplaying.games/gm/magicludi Steve Madill, a prolific author of science fiction and fantasy, with over a dozen books across three series. http://www.sjmadill.com/ ‪C J Adrien‬ an award-winning author of Viking historical fiction novels and co-host of the ‪@vikingologypodcast‬ podcast. https//www.cjadrien.com/ Annina Kaski, actress, writer, producer and star of ‪@BardicQuest‬ and Find more of her work at the ‪@theawkwardactress‬. Taylor Moe, filmmaker, blacksmith and Dungeon Master at Silver Fire Films.

My next special guest in this mini series meeting the many talented and skilled and knowledgable folk who are part of this years ⁨@JORVIK-Viking-Centre⁩ Jorvik Viking Festival - is a truly talented storyteller by the name of Jason Buck. I chat to him about how he first encountered the Norse myths, how he creates the stories he enchants audiences with, we discuss the nature of stories and their enduring power, the blessing and curse of not knowing all the norse stories ever told, how various folklore share similiarities and many other topics I hope you find interesting. If you are at all interested in attending one of his live or online story events please visit his website here: https://www.jasonbuckstoryteller.co.uk/ You can begin to experience and listen to his wonderful and skilled story of The Shield Maiden thanks to this video recording he made of it, in two parts, 4 years ago on YouTube - https://youtu.be/LkQv0ZmJbLE?si=WV8hZFwyVSi8hOx0 And if you are interested in the Viking Folklore and Fairytales collection I am currently reading - you can find out more about it here - https://www.flametreepublishing.com/viking-folk-&-fairy-tales-isbn-9781804172308.html

Return and join us in Valhalla as we conclude Episode 15, Norse Games & Vikings in Games, with special guest academics, Luca Panaro (University of Iceland) and Emma Thompson (University of Leicester) - Part 2! - If you haven't watched/listened to Part 1 please do so, otherwise you will miss out on the many games and topics of representation discussed - Games mentioned in Part 2 are as follows: Roki @PolygonTreehouse Final Voyage of Draengr Thar (table top role play game for 5e Dungeons & Dragons) by @1ShotJC Tribes of Midgard @TribesofMidgard @norsfell Odin's Ravens (table top card-based game for 2 players) Althingi (table top card-based game for 4 players) @JoshuaMGillingham @outlandentertainment1295 Viking Raders (table top card-based game for up to 4 players) @vikingraiders When The Wolf Comes (table top role play game, powered by Shadow of the Demon Lord rules) @ianstuartsharpe Svilland (table top role play game for 5e Dungeons & Dragons) @DRSPublishing Journey to Ragnarok (table top role play game for 5e Dungeons & Dragons) by Mana Project Studio Choice of the Viking by Declan Taggart @ChoiceOfGames Niffelheim @NiffelheimGame Expedition Viking @LogicArtists Northgard @Shiro_Games Bad North @Rawfury

Joining me in this month's episode of Valhalla Conversations are two academics, Luca Panaro, a PhD candidate at the University of Iceland, in the Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies; and Emma Thompson, a Midlands4Cities (M4C)-funded PhD Researcher at the University of Leicester, in archaeology broadly but specifically looking at Viking Age and Late Anglo-Saxon mortuary identities. We unite together to dive into the topic of games played by the vikings and the journey to games where we can play as vikings! Games discussed in Part 1 are as follows: Hnafltafl aka Tafl - A traditional Norse strategy table top board game. Assassin's Creed Valhalla & Orlog @assassinscreedUK @Ubisoft God Of War (2018 onwards) @PlayStation Valheim @irongateofficial Norse @ArcticHazard @tripwireinteractive Atone: Heart of the Elder Tree @WildboyStudios The Frostrune @grimnirmedia9341 The Banner Saga @StoicStudio Dead in Vinland @ishtar_games Jotun @thunderlotus Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hell @gamesfarm3558 Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice @officialninjatheory You can also read Luca's "deep dive" article into Norse Mythology retold in God of War 2018 here: https://doi.org/10.22478/ufpb.2595-9107.2021v1n4.60355Do follow up with Part 2 of our this insightful and interesting conversation!

I am delighted to welcome a guest with a unique and special connection to myself, in that we are both Alumni of @hudduni - myself graduating in 2009, whereas Katie Smith, a graphic designer at @yorkarchaeology graduated in 2020. And thanks to her talent and current position, she was given the almighty task of helping design the very first and most exclusive @TopTrumpsOfficial card set for the @JORVIK-Viking-Centre which were release a month or two before this years Jorvik Viking Festival. I had a really enjoyable chat with Katie, sharing our connection, learning of her journey from graduate to graphic designer for YAT and her own personal learning curve on Norse Mythology and how it helped her interpretation and depiction of the various gods, goddesses, giants and monsters in the pack. You can buy the pack from the Jorvik Online Shop here: https://www.jorvikshop.com/products/jorvik-top-trumps

In my 2nd bonus episode, in my Mini Series, Legends of Jorvik, I am pleased to welcome Simon Kirk and Kathy Hipperson, from Time Will Tell Theatre, to share with us the secrets, tricks and tales that were behind their Finale show, "Tyrfing: The Cursed Sword" at this year's ‪@JORVIK-Viking-Centre‬ Viking Festival. The show was written by Simon Kirk http://time-will-tell.co.uk The music and soundscape by Jonny Dyer http://swan-dyer.co.uk The narrators were Kathy Hipperson and Simon Kirk The play was performed by Time Will Tell Theatre http://time-will-tell.co.uk You can watch the show in full video and audio via this link: • Tyrfing: The Cursed Sword performed a... You can also listen to the audio only for their 2024 Finale show: The Realms of Yggdrasil via this link: • The Realms of Yggdrasill - Jorvik Vik...

Joining me for this months episode is artist, @SamFlegalart , who set up his artist brand, Fateful Signs, whom has creatively interpreted the Havamal (Sayings of the High One), the Voluspa (Prophecy of the Seeress) and is currently working on the Lokesenna. His artworks is in both painting and ink and sketches and fine line art. He has painted various members of the pantheon from Odin, Freya, Loki and others. Learn how he first connected with Norse Mythology, what inspired Fateful Signs and his process of interpreting Norse mythical sources into art. Fateful Signs website https://www.fatefulsigns.com/ Vikings & Valkyries actual play table top role play game podcast with ⁨@ianstuartsharpe⁩ - listen on YouTube or via other podcast platforms here https://rss.com/podcasts/vikingsandvalkyries/

Joining me in Valhalla this month is a fast friend of mine, Ian Stuart Sharpe, whom I affectionately call Mr Vikingverse for he has quite a vast and established collection of creative works with strong Norse historical and mythological influences.2 sci fi/fantasy novels: All-Father Paradox and Loki's WagerThe Jotunn War comics collection.Old Norse for Modern Times phrase book.When the Wolf Comes table top role play campaign source book.And is also running an actual play podcast of the former, Vikings and Valkyries!We discuss his works, why the question "What if?" began it all, the closeness between Old Norse and Angl0-Saxon/Modern English, the tricks involved in running a role play game where the characters as the oddest bunch of heroes and where a character dies in nearly every episode. We also share an enlightening discussion about the gaps in the mythology and how us as creatives adapt and try to fill in the gaps, the bane and boons of interpretation.Please visit his website to find links to all his publications, freebies and more! https://vikingverse.com/Please be bold and follow along with his actual play podcast, Vikings and Valkyries, it's a wild unforgettable ride! https://rss.com/podcasts/vikingsandvalkyries/*** In Episode 14, due out in April, we will be welcoming artist Sam Flegal, who was also a guest on Ian's Vikings and Valkyries podcast, but we will be diving more into his deep connection to Norse Mythology and interpretating Old Norse poetry stanza by stanza through ink art.This episode will also be available to watch on my YouTube podcast if you wish to see the covers of each of his published books and work-in-progress.

Join me in meeting some of the talented and creative people who have featured in Jorvik Viking Festival 2025. In this debut Bonus Episode, we meet Charlie Blanshard and Oliver Strong, two thirds of the a new theatre company in the North, 'Old York Theatre'. I talk to them about their equally new play, 'Jorvik' which has no stage, no fourth wall and audience engagement is encouraged! "At it's heart, Jorvik is a play about what Legacy really means to the individual. It's about loss, faith, glory, family, love and having a great time while we are still around to enjoy it. Jorvik is an exploration of this idea, a celebration of life, of family and the love we leave behind. Expect big characters, song, fights and plenty of table banging. This is a play that leans heavily into the myth, it rejoices in the fantastical and is delivered in the spirit of larger than life storytelling! Join us on this adventure and help us find Valhalla!" We discuss their own connections and interest in York, Viking history and mythology, and of course learn if they have actually been to the Jorvik Viking Centre and/or Jorvik Viking Festival before or not. You can learn more about their incredible play via their Crowdfunder page where they still welcome donations to continue promoting and performing Jorvik. https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/the-jorvik-play#start You can follow Old York Theatre on Instagram @OldYorkTheatre. You can learn more about the cast and the play from this article at Charles Hutch Press website: https://charleshutchpress.co.uk/new-company-old-york-theatre-to-stage-charlie-blanshards-debut-play-at-jorvik-viking-festival-and-on-northern-mini-tour/ #JorvikVikingFestival #OldYorkTheatre #Jorvik #Play #Theatre #ImmersiveTheatre #NorthernTheatre #Vikings #York #History #NorseMythology #Odin #Ubba #RagnarLothbrok #Podcast

Episode 12 February 2025: Spoiler WarningJoining me to discuss and review the Netflix animated TV series, Twilight of the Gods is:Retired Professor Carolyne Larrington - she is the author of The Norse Myths: A Guide to the Gods and Heroes, and The Norse Myths That Shape The Way We Think.Sacha, from Slightly Reckless Games, who are launching their norse inspired table top role play game, Beserkr. https://www.slightlyrecklessgames.com/Kim Barton, a historical and fantasy author who publishes fiction under the name K.S. Barton, author of the Norse Family trilogy, and recently has a short story in an anthology titled "Odin: Old & New Tales", she is also the co-host of Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse world with Johanna Wittenburg. https://ksbarton.com/Here is a link to IMDB's page on the animated series we are discussing: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10625492/ Coming up in Episode 13, is Ian Stuart Sharpe, aka Mr Viking Verse - keep an eye out for his episode dropping in March.Please follow and like the podcast page on Facebook or follow me on Instagram & BlueSky @soulchaserbecky

Joining me in my humble hall of all things norse is canadian author and games designer Joshua Gillingham. We discuss his fantasy series Torin Ten-Trees, how he developed the strategy card game Althingi based on the Icelandic legal and cultural practices during the Viking Age, his scandinavian heritage and how he became interested in viking culture and history. Guest profile: https://www.joshuagillingham.ca/ Joshua Gillingham is an author, game designer, and editor from Vancouver Island, Canada. His fantasy trilogy The Saga of Torin Ten-Trees (Crowsnest Books) is a rollicking, riddling, troll-hunting adventure inspired by the Norse myths and the Icelandic Sagas; it now available in paperback, ebook, and as an audiobook narrated by Alex C. Stewart. Joshua is also the co-author of Old Norse for Modern Times alongside Ian Stuart Sharpe (Vikingverse Books & Comics) and Dr. Arngrimur Vidalin (University of Iceland). In partnership with Outland Entertainment, Joshua is the founding Worldsmith of the trans-media Outland 'Althingi' World set in Viking Age Iceland, featuring his original card game Althingi: One Will Rise and the groundbreaking anthology Althingi: The Crescent & the Northern Star, co-edited with Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad (A Mosque Among the Stars) which explores the under-examined historical connections between Vikings and Muslims.

Join me, as we take a look back through Memory at the origin story of my podcasting journey with Valhalla Conversations and all the guests we've welcomed into the great mead hall, and then look forward by sharing my Thoughts and plans for future episodes in 2025, including exciting expansion plans! 1. Valhalla Conversations is now available on: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ll6E3w... Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/fda... 2. Valhalla Conversations Facebook Page is now OPEN / 1er67cnbbt 3. Please do also follow me on Instagram, Threads and Bluesky @soulchaserbecky 4. New Book focused reviews content coming soon. 5. Plan to release 12 episodes in 2025. 6. At least 2 New Guests for January and February episodes, with others to be confirmed.

*First recorded and premiered on YouTube early December 2024.Join me for our first double digit episode of Valhalla Conversations as I talk with the newest author to join my Favourites shelf, Thilde Kold Holdt. We discuss her Norse Fantasy series beginning with Northern Wrath, learn about what fascinated her about Norse Mythology and the era of viking history featuring Harald Bluetooth, and about her experiences rowing and sailing a Viking Warship, The Sea Stallion.Website: https://www.thildekoldholdt.com/Insta: @KoldHoldt or / koldholdtTwitter: @KoldHoldt or https://x.com/KoldHoldtThanks to James RPG Art for the Viking Hall virtual background. Find and Support his digital artwork on Patreon.Thanks to Podcast Theme Music, 'In the Warmth of the Fire' created by Will Savino from Shattered Storm DnD music bundle.

*First recorded and premiered on YouTube in November 2024.Join me for Episode 9 of Valhalla Conversations, which is a special collaborative podcast episode as I am joined by the two hosts of ‘Shield Maiden: ‪@WomenoftheNorseWorldPodcast‬ Kim Barton and Johanna Wittenberg.In this episode we each share our particular favourite female figure from Norse sagas and history, and equally Norse legends and mythology.I chose Audr/Unnr the Deep Minded, a woman who single handidly led her family from danger to peaceful settlement in Iceland. Followed up by Freya, Goddess of War, Love and Seidr Magic.Kim chose Lagertha, and we learn more about what the sagas say, not the Netflix drama. Followed up with Skarthi, the Jotun/Giant, who demanded a husband in recompense for the Gods killing her father.Johanna chose Queen Asa of an ununified Norway, who features as her female protagonist in her now 6 going on 7 book series, followed up with the half-corpse goddess, Hel, who ruled Helheim.Kim and Johanna are both authors of historical fiction (and some fantasy) set in the Viking Age, and each has a strong female protagonist to explore and navigate the culture and society of the time. Kim and Johanna, combined forces over their shared fascination and interest women’s lives, experiences, challenges and successes and roles during the Viking Age and so began their own podcast. To date they have recorded 24 episodes covering an amazing range and depth of women in Viking history and mythology. From goddesses to spirits to legends and sagas, historical artefacts, archaeology, religious roles, domestic roles, Queens to Abbesses, Warriors to Valkyries. These two have covered a LOT and I have always learned something from every single episode I’ve listened to so far.Johanna Wittenberg’s website - https://johannawittenberg.com/K.S.Barton’s website - https://www.ksbarton.com/

*First recorded and premiered on YouTube in November 2024.I reunite with returning guest panelists, ‪@JustinHilltheAuthor‬, Patricia Bracewell and Sharon Bennett Connolly, to discuss and explore and in many ways untangle a interpretation of history and comparing it to genuine events, of ‪@Netflix‬ Vikings: Valhalla, Season 3, what turned out to be the FINAL season.There are SPOILERS from the start - you have been warned!Patricia Bracewell - historical fiction author of a trilogy about Emma of Normandy and her years married to Aethelread the Unready whilst Swein Forkbeard and Canute invaded England. Her trilogy begins with "Shadow on the Crown". - http://www.patriciabracewell.com/Justin Hill - historical novelist having written Sunday Times Bestseller "Viking Fire" novel about Harald Hardrada's lifelong adventures. As well as "Shieldwall" a historical novel following Godwin's life as he survived the political and military turmoil of England during the invasion of Swein Forkbeard and Canute's eventual rise to claim the Throne. - https://www.justinhillauthor.com/Sharon Bennett Connolly - popular historian who has spent years researching and writing books about many forgotten women of history including Queen Emma among others. Her book "The Silk and the Sword - Forgotten Women of 1066" is a recommended read. - https://historytheinterestingbits.com.

*First recorded and premiered on YouTube in June 2024.On the release of his fourth comic anthology on Kickstarter, I'm delighted to get some time with comic writer, Asa Wheatley, who has creatively blended the tale of a lone shield maiden, a female warrior, with his love of the Western genre.We discuss how Shield Maiden began, how he used both Viking Age history and Norse Mythology, his unique connection with an ancient Queen of Norway, the juggling act of a single character but multiple timelines, share our equal fascination with the myths and the history and discuss stories and characters from Books 1, 2 and 3 and reveal exciting details about Book 4 and future plans for this comic anthology series which is sure to be a hit with fans of the Vikings TV series and also fans of Neil Gaiman.Shield Maiden Blurb:Sagas of the Shield Maiden is a Viking western comics anthology series that recounts the legends, or sagas, of the titular Shield Maiden as she traverses Scandinavia and beyond the North Sea.Each tale takes place at a different point in the Shield Maiden's life. From her first raid in England to her life as a mercenary for hire and her eventual death. As well as obviously being heavily influenced by Viking history and Norse mythology the stories all draw upon traits and themes commonly found in the western genre.Website - https://asawheatley.bigcartel.com/

*First recorded and premiered on YouTube in May 2024.In Episode Six of Valhalla Conversations I am joined by my special guest (and another favourite author), ‪@tessagratton‬ to discuss her trilogy The United States of Asgard (The Lost Sun, The Strange Maid and The Apple Throne).The blurb of one book says the following "Norse-influenced alternate world of the United States of Asgard, where cell phones, rock bands, and evangelical preachers coexist with dragon slaying, rune casting, and sword training in schools. Where the president runs the country alongside a council of Valkyries, gods walk the red carpet with Hollywood starlets, and the U.S. military has a special battalion dedicated to eradicating Rocky Mountain trolls."This just gives a flavour of the rich and deep alternative world that Tessa has created from rewriting history and bringing the Gods down to earth, literally. I ask her questions about how her ideas came about, how she researched norse mythology, share my theories and understanding (and appreciation) for her interpretation of the role of Valkyries and even ask her which path of life she would follow if she could exist in her own fictional world. She also reveals some exciting news regarding future development of this series and openly shares the tough time she had publishing them originally.Please visit her website www.tessagratton.com to follow future developments and news of her other amazing books.You can find my reviews of all three books and the anthology of short stories set in the same universe, following other characters, on my book blog: www.beckybookwyrm.blogspot.com

*First recorded and premiered on YouTube in March 2024.In Episode 5 of Valhalla Conversations I'm delighted to talk to one of my latest favourite authors, Kate Heartfield, author of The Valkyrie, an epic retelling of the Volsung Saga/Nibelunglied from the point of view of Brynhild, the fallen Valkyrie and Gudrun, sister to the ill-fated Gunnar. Her exploration of Valkyrie's role, duty, abilities, why Bryn and Odin had a disagreement, and refreshingly modern adaption of the original sources makes this a truly exceptional narrative and one I encourage anyone with an interest in norse mythology or valkyries to read. ‪Kate Heartfield’s latest novel is The Valkyrie, a retelling of old Norse and Germanic legends. Her 2022 novel The Embroidered Book won Canada’s Aurora award, as did her debut novel, which was republished in a revised edition as The Chatelaine in 2023. She also writes interactive fiction through Choice of Games, and Assassin’s Creed tie-in novels. Her fiction has been shortlisted for the World Fantasy, Nebula, Locus, Aurora, Sunburst and Crawford awards, as well as the Ottawa Book Award, and her journalism for a National Newspaper Award. Kate grew up in Manitoba and now lives in Ottawa.Website: https://kateheartfield.com/books/My Book Review on my "Becky the Bookwrym" blog: https://beckybookwyrm.blogspot.com/20...Kate's recommended read "Thunder Road" by Chadwick Ginther: https://chadwickginther.com/bibliogra...

*First recorded and premiered in February 2024.In our fourth episode of norse themed conversation I'm joined by five extraordinary women, each with their own passion and interest in Norse Mythology, as we discuss and review the Netflix series 'Ragnarok'.All three seasons are discussed in this one episode so THERE ARE SPOILERS you have been warned. *Special guest panelists are: Professor Carolyne Larrington, a retired tutorial fellow in medieval English Literature at St John’s College, Oxford. She is author of ‘The Norse Myths: A Guide to the Gods and Heroes’ and 'How the Norse Myths changed the way we think.'https://www.sjc.ox.ac.uk/discover/peo...Joanne Harris, author of four Norse fantasy titles - Runemarks, Runelight, The Testament of Loki and The Gospel of Loki - all set within the same fictional universe. She has been personally studying the Norse Myths and Translations since a young age.https://www.joanne-harris.co.uk/Kaitlin Felix, she writes Norse historical fiction and fantasy, her debut novel 'Ran's Daughers' is set to be published by Outland Entertainment. She hoards tea like Smaug the dragon hoards dwarf-gold. When Kaitlin's not gaming, she's working on her next crochet project. She resides near Zurich, Switzerland with her frost-giant husband and very tall son.www.katifelix.comGenevieve Gornichec earned her degree in history from The Ohio State University, where her study of the Norse myths and Icelandic sagas became her writing inspiration. Her debut novel, The Witch's Heart, was released in 2021 and has been translated into over a dozen languages. Her sophomore novel, The Weaver and the Witch Queen, was released in 2023. She lives in Cleveland, Ohio.Instagram: @gengornichecLouie Stowell worked in children’s publishing for 15 years before becoming a full-time writer. Her debut novel for children, THE DRAGON IN THE LIBRARY, came out in 2019, followed by two more in the series, THE MONSTER IN THE LAKE and THE WIZARD IN THE WOOD. In 2021 she published OTHERLAND, a middle grade novel (very) loosely based on Spenser’s Faerie Queene, with a touch of Queenie from Blackadder. Translated into 30 languages and counting, Louie’s bestselling and multi-award-winning LOKI: A BAD GOD’S GUIDE series began in 2022 and, if she has anything to do with it, will go on for many years. She also writes short stories and writes and draws comics. Louie lives in Hackney with her wife, Karen, her dog, Buffy, and a nameless creepy puppet that is probably cursed.www.louiestowell.com

*First recorded and premiered on YouTube in April 2023.In this episode we will be discussing the Real Lives of three often over-looked historical figures, which have recently been revived on the small screen in Netflix's Vikings: Valhalla series, which Season 2 debuted in January. We will be talking about historical events and other historical figures/characters and comparing developments between Season 1 and Season 2 so there WILL BE SPOILERS - BUT - the True History is 100% more dramatic and exciting than what Netflix has written. We will be initially focusing on Emma of Normandy - who was crowned Queen of England twice and was also Mother to 2 different future Kings of England. Godwin, Earl of Wessex - the often forgotten about father of the future Harold Godwinson and Harald Sigurdsson, otherwise known as Hardrada, but led quite a remarkable life BEFORE he became King of Norway and the fateful year of 1066. And this is the main goal of this discussion, to inform and enlighten history fans and fans of the series what truth there is in the complex and tangled tale of the script.Joining me to explore and discover the 11th century where a lot of the drama is set - are three truly exceptionally knowledgeable people who really should have been consulted when writing the script:Patricia Bracewell - historical fiction author of a trilogy about Emma of Normandy and her years married to Aethelread the Unready whilst Swein Forkbeard and Canute invaded England. Her trilogy begins with "Shadow on the Crown". - http://www.patriciabracewell.com/Justin Hill - historical novelist having written Sunday Times Bestseller "Viking Fire" novel about Harald Hardrada's lifelong adventures. As well as "Shieldwall" a historical novel following Godwin's life as he survived the political and military turmoil of England during the invasion of Swein Forkbeard and Canute's eventual rise to claim the Throne. - https://www.justinhillauthor.com/Sharon Bennett Connolly - popular historian who has spent years researching and writing books about many forgotten women of history including Queen Emma among others. Her book "The Silk and the Sword - Forgotten Women of 1066" is a recommended read. - https://historytheinterestingbits.com...

*First recorded and premiered on YouTube November 2022.A discussion about the very real Game of Thrones drama and intrigue which occurred in British History during the 11th Century. With special guest speakers, Historian & author, Sharon Bennett Connolly, historical fiction authors Patricia Bracewell and Helen Hollick. Featuring an equally fascinating cast of historical figures. Emma of Normandy, Aethelread the Unready (King of England), Swein Forkbeard (King of Denmark) and his Son Cnut, Aelfgifu of Northampton, Eadric Streona, Thorkell the Tall and more! If you have watched or plan on watching Vikings: Valhalla - then join us to learn the true history and not the Netflix "Dramatized History" Version.Sharon Bennett Connolly is an author of a growing set of titles focusing on amazing female historical figures. Such as "Heroines of the Medieval World", "Ladies of Magna Carta: Women of influence in Thirteenth Century England", "Silk and the Sword: Women of the Norman Conqust" and recently launched "Women of the Anarchy". You can learn more about her passion for history at her own blog - https://historytheinterestingbits.com....Helen Hollick is a historical fiction author with an Arthurian trilogy, her first real historical novel focused on King Harold II (of 1066) before she then turned to the prequel generation concerning Edward the Confessor's mother, Queen Emma (of Normandy). Her book "A Hallow Crown" (UK) and "The Forever Queen" (US) is focused on the events of the 11th century which forged the foundation for 1066. Her website is - https://www.helenhollick.net/index.htmlPatricia Bracewell grew up in Los Angeles where her love of stories led to college degrees in Literature, a career as a high school English teacher, and a yearning to write. Her first novel, Shadow on the Crown, about the 11th century queen of England, Emma of Normandy, was published in 2013. Its sequel, The Price of Blood, appeared in 2015. The final book of her Emma of Normandy Trilogy, The Steel Beneath the Silk will be published March 2, 2021. Patricia lives with her husband in Oakland, California. Look for her on Facebook at / patriciabrac. . and on Instagram as Patabrace.

*First recorded in November 2022 as part of Norse-Vember. Before the Podcast had an official name.As avid fan of Norse Mythology I've been delighted to encounter the gods and monsters re-incarnated, re-invented and revived in over 100 different fiction titles, dominantly in the Fantasy genre. I decided to invite two of my favourite authors, Amalia Dillin and Cat Rector to discuss what it is about this pantheon that audiences across centuries can't get enough of, the challenge of re-telling a Norse legend for a modern readership, diversity and challenges of this particular pantheon, and indeed, why they themselves chose to write about this pantheon.**You can watch this Episode on my YouTube Channel where the Podcast was first founded.

Welcome to the Valhalla Conversations podcast, I’m your host Becky Hill otherwise known as Soul Chaser Becky and I am a proud Viking Geek. I fell in love with the history, culture and mythology of the Viking Age through Historical Fiction and Norse Fantasy books and I’ve been on an endless quest for more ever since.I have read and reviewed over 100 books in the Norse Fantasy Genre and over 50 in Viking Age Historical Fiction and Viking Age Non-Fiction. I am a keen consumer of adaptations and re-telling’s of Viking Age History and Norse mythology in a variety of 21st century mediums from comics to computer games, TV and Films.My passionate hunger for more has led me to become an annual pilgrim to the Jorvik Viking Festival in York, UK which is run by the world famous Jorvik Viking Museum. I’ve attended conferences to do with the Viking Age studies such as the Richard Hall Symposium, Norse in the North Symposium and the Midlands Viking Symposium.I first presented on the topic of Norse Fantasy Fiction at the Nine Worlds Geek Con, London in 2018, I then co-hosted a panel discussing Norse Fantasy Fiction with authors Joanne Harris, Francesca Simon and academic Professor Carolyne Larrington, which was streamed during London MCM Comic Con 2021. Recently I made my academic debut appearance at the MARRI Symposium in Stavanger, August 2024, where I presented on depictions of Brynhild the Valkyrie in Fantasy Fiction.Join me as I discuss all things Norse with those who have been inspired by Viking History and Norse Mythology in their creative works or those who have studied the sagas and archaeology, and review how such subjects are being presented to modern audiences today.If you like Viking stuff, you are welcome in my Valhalla, I hope you stay for the Conversations.