Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. were guests on Valhalla Conversations, the YouTube channel and podcast of Becky Hill (@soulchaserbecky). She was also joined by Sif Brookes, a historian who studies Valkyries. We had a great conversation all about Valkyries! Links: Becky Hill - @soulchaserbeckySif Brookes - sifbrookes.comJohanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.comK.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk to Juliette Friedlander about using linguistics to analyze the Norse sagas, particularly when it comes to women in the sagas and how much influence the Christians had over the stories. Links:Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.comK.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk with Gunhild Haugnes, the historical fiction author of the Daughters of Freyja series. Links:Gunhild Haugnes - gunhildhaugnes.no/Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.comK.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk with historian and YouTuber, Irina Manea about undead women from the Norse sagas. And much more!Links: Irina Manea - YouTube channel SubstackJohanna Wittenberg - johannwittenberg.comK.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and I talk about their year of 2025 and look forward to 2026. It's an informal chat with discussions of the guests they had on during the year, their books, books of others, their writing, and lots more!

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.comK.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 podcastJohanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.comK.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.comK.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: 22:07-44:08Back to history: 44:08-1:00:26*Spoilers: 1:00:26 until the endLinks:Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.comK.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.comJohanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.comK.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 - meganformanekauthorJohanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.comK.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 - karsakmelanieFacebook - AuthorMelanieKarsakJohanna Wittenberg - Johanna Wittenberg – Powerful women of the Viking AgeK.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.comK.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 archaeologyJohanna Wittenberg: www.johannawittenberg.comK.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: @fairychamberartJohanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.comK.S. Barton: ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk with Nancy Marie Brown, author of The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman, The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women, and many more! Links: Nancy Marie Brown: www.nasw.org/users/nmb Johanna Wittenberg: www.johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton: www.ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. chat with each other about their year. They talk about discovery writing, their year in writing, their travels where they visited historical sites (separately), what they've learned in their research lately, and so much more! Links: 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. have a chat with Octavia Randolph, author of the popular Circle of Ceridwen saga. Octavia Randolph: octavia.net Johanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton: ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. joined with Soul Chaser Becky on her YouTube channel, Valhalla Conversations! Our conversation was about Worthy Women of Sagas and Myth. We had a lively discussion with Johanna, Becky, and K.S. sharing our favorite women from Norse history and mythology. Johanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton: ksbarton.com Rebecca Hill: linktr.ee/soulchaserbecky

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. talk with archaeologist Marianne Moen, the Head of Department of Archaeology at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo.

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss Viking women who traveled to distant lands, like modern-day Istanbul, and even to North America! Links: 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 women's work, of which there was plenty! Brewing beer, spinning wool and flax, weaving, sewing, and any textile work, was the domain of women. Even the sails for the famous Viking longships were made by women, and it could take years to weave just one sail. Join us to learn more! Johanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton: ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. continue their discussion of goddesses in the Norse world. Links: 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. discusses goddesses in the Norse world. In part one, they talk about some of the more famous goddesses, like Freya and Frigg, while also discussing some lesser known ones. Did you know Loki had a wife? You'll learn about her in this episode! Links: Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss the four aspects or parts of the Viking's soul: the hamr, hugr, hamingja, and the fylgja. In this belief system, certain people could shape shift into animals and do astral projections; Viking "luck" was something that had agency; and Vikings were all born with a guardian animal. All this and more! Johanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton: ksbarton.com

It's our one year anniversary! To celebrate the occasion, Johanna and K.S. have a chat about their writing lives - how they came to writing, why they write about Vikings, their research, and much more! Join them for a little peek into how and why they do what they do. Links: Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton - ksbarton.com

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. continue their discussion of women in Anglo-Saxon England, this time going into more detail about particular women of importance, like Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians and Queen Cynethryth. Links: Johanna Wittenberg - johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton - K.S. Barton Author - Viking stories of love and adventure

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss women living in Anglo-Saxon England and the rights and power they possessed. Plus, they'll talk about the similarities (and one big difference) between Anglo-Saxon women and Norse women. Links: Johanna Wittenberg: Johanna Wittenberg – Powerful women of the Viking Age K.S. Barton: Home - K.S. Barton Author - Viking stories of love and adventure

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. have a special treat! An interview with Patricia Bracewell, author of the Emma of Normandy novels. Both Johanna and K.S. have tremendous respect for Patricia's writing and for her meticulous research into the turbulent world of the early 11th century. Join us as we have a wonderful chat with Patricia. Links: Patricia Bracewell: Patricia Bracewell | Author of Shadow on the Crown Johanna Wittenberg: johannawittenberg.com K.S. Barton: K.S. Barton Author - Viking stories of love and adventure

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss the winter celebration of Jol/Yul in Viking age. Links: 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 the Norse women who were healers and midwives. As you'll discover, these women were clever, strong, and brave. Links: Johanna Wittenberg: Johanna Wittenberg – Powerful women of the Viking Age K.S. Barton: Home - K.S. Barton Author - Viking stories of love and adventure

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss the Norse beliefs in the undead. We talk about the draugr, barrow-dwellers, and a woman who wouldn't stay put after she was dead. Links: Johanna - Johanna Wittenberg – Powerful women of the Viking Age K.S. - Home - K.S. Barton Author - Viking stories of love and adventure

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss the human sorceresses discovered in archaeology. In episode five, we discussed magical women in the written sources, and when we combine the stories and the archaeology, we get a rich picture of these remarkable women. Links: Johanna Wittenberg: https://johannawittenberg.com/ K.S. Barton: https://ksbarton.com/

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss the Volur and other human Norse women who performed magic. Links: 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 supernatural women like the Nornir and the Disir. Links: 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 shieldmaidens in Norse mythology, like the Valkyries! Links: 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, Viking fiction authors Johanna Wittenberg and K.S. Barton discuss the archaeological discoveries of some very important Norse women! Links: Johanna Wittenberg – Powerful women of the Viking Age Home - K.S. Barton Author - Viking stories of love and adventure

In this episode, Johanna and K.S. discuss the references to shield maidens in the written sources - women like Hervor, Lagertha, and Brynhildr. Links: 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, authors Johanna Wittenberg and K.S. Barton discuss the new podcast! Links: Johanna Wittenberg - Johanna Wittenberg – Powerful women of the Viking Age K.S. Barton - Home - K.S. Barton Author - Viking stories of love and adventure