The History of Vikings

When one thinks of the Viking Age, the date range of c. 793–1066 comes to mind. Monastery raids across England, Ireland, and the Frankish kingdoms of Charlemagne and his descendants have been depicted in historical dramas and documentaries on major television networks. But what about the ‘’forgotten Vikings’’? I’m talking about a broader, more nuanced perspective on the Viking Age? Pre-793 monastery raids, Viking activity in the Baltic, the Azores (a chain of islands off the coast of Portugal), and the role of non-combatants vs. the traditional view of Vikings solely as raiders.With me to discuss this is Alex Harvey, an archaeologist, collections manager at Pocklington District Heritage Trust, and tutor for Medievalists.net. He is also the author of a number of Early Medieval historical and archaeological books, including the topic of today’s chat: Forgotten Vikings: New Approaches to the Viking Age.Resources Mentioned:Alex's book, Forgotten Vikings: New Approaches to the Viking Age: https://www.amberley-books.com/forgotten-vikings-9781398133266.htmlConnect with The History of Vikings & Support the Show By:Getting a copy of Noah's book, Viking Warrior vs Frankish Warrior: Francia 799–911 (Osprey Publishing): https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/viking-warrior-vs-frankish-warrior-9781472848857Share Noah's articles, written for History.com:''Yule: How the Vikings Celebrated the Winter Holiday'': https://www.history.com/articles/viking-yule-holiday-winter''Valhalla: How Viking Belief in a Glorious Afterlife Empowered Warriors": https://www.history.com/articles/viking-valhalla-valkyrie-afterlifeFollow The History of Vikings On:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofvikingX: https://x.com/HistoryofVikingEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected] in every week for a new episode of The History of Vikings. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

It’s been more than a thousand years since medieval Scandinavians left their homelands in search of plunder and glory, becoming the scourge of Christian monasteries and coastal cities—raiding and trading far and wide, from Anglo-Saxon England to modern-day Russia, Constantinople, and the Islamic Emirate of Cordoba in Spain. The Vikings traversed so much of the world, exploring and settling Iceland, Greenland, and, for the topic of this episode, North America. Medieval Icelandic sagas claim the Vikings reached North America around the year 1000.  But what is the story of the Norse in this ‘’new world’’? What are our sources? Were there interactions with indigenous peoples? Who were the key characters? And what could have led to the demise of the Vikings in North America?Today's guest is British historian Martyn Whittock, a historical consultant to the BBC, whose books have sold over 1 million copies. Martyn is the author of American Vikings: How the Norse Sailed into the Lands and Imaginations of America. Resources Mentioned:Martyn's Books:American Vikings: How the Norse Sailed into the Lands and Imaginations of America: http://pegasusbooks.com/books/american-vikings-9781639365357-hardcoverVikings in the East. From Vladimir the Great to Vladimir Putin - The Origins of a Contested Legacy in Russia and Ukraine: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/vikings-in-the-eastTales of Valhalla: Norse Myths and Legends: http://pegasusbooks.com/books/tales-of-valhalla-9781681778464-hardcoverThe Vikings. From Odin to Christ: https://spckpublishing.co.uk/the-vikings1016 and 1066: Why the Vikings Caused the Norman Conquest: https://www.crowood.com/book/1016-and-1066The Viking Blitzkrieg, AD 789–1098: https://thehistorypress.co.uk/publication/the-viking-blitzkriegConnect with The History of Vikings & Support the Show By:Getting a copy of Noah's book, Viking Warrior vs Frankish Warrior: Francia 799–911 (Osprey Publishing): https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/viking-warrior-vs-frankish-warrior-9781472848857Share Noah's articles, written for History.com:''Yule: How the Vikings Celebrated the Winter Holiday'': https://www.history.com/articles/viking-yule-holiday-winter''Valhalla: How Viking Belief in a Glorious Afterlife Empowered Warriors": https://www.history.com/articles/viking-valhalla-valkyrie-afterlifeFollow The History of Vikings On:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofvikingX: https://x.com/HistoryofVikingEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected] in every week for a new episode of The History of Vikings. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

Join host Noah Tetzner for a special announcement about his appearance on The History Channel's new TV series "History's Greatest Warriors." In this brief episode, Noah shares details about his featured role in the Vikings episode and gives an exclusive sneak peek at the show's trailer, including fascinating insights about berserkers and Viking warfare tactics.WATCH ''History's Greatest Warriors'' on The History Channel: https://www.history.com/shows/historys-greatest-warriorsConnect with The History of Vikings & Support the Show By:Getting a copy of Noah's book, Viking Warrior vs Frankish Warrior: Francia 799–911 (Osprey Publishing): https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/viking-warrior-vs-frankish-warrior-9781472848857Share Noah's articles, written for History.com:''Yule: How the Vikings Celebrated the Winter Holiday'': https://www.history.com/articles/viking-yule-holiday-winter''Valhalla: How Viking Belief in a Glorious Afterlife Empowered Warriors": https://www.history.com/articles/viking-valhalla-valkyrie-afterlifeFollow The History of Vikings On:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofvikingX: https://x.com/HistoryofVikingEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected] in every week for a new episode of The History of Vikings. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

The Icelandic sagas are among the most remarkable literary treasures of the medieval world. Written down in Iceland primarily in the 13th and 14th centuries, they preserve stories of the Viking Age and the generations that followed—stories of feud, honor, law, revenge, family loyalty, and fate. What makes the sagas so powerful is that they do not read like myths in the usual sense. They feel human, grounded, and psychologically sharp.Their heroes are rarely simple heroes, and their villains are rarely just villains. Instead, we meet complicated men and women navigating a hard world where reputation meant everything.These sagas introduce us to unforgettable, major figures such as Egil Skallagrimsson and Aud the Deep-Minded. But what purpose did the minor characters, primarily nameless and unimportant figures, play within medieval Icelandic sagas? In this episode of The History of Vikings, Noah is joined by Dr. Ármann Jakobsson, Professor of Old Icelandic Literature at the University of Iceland and the author of Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas: A Narratological Study.Resources Mentioned: Connect with Dr. Ármann Jakobsson on Academia.edu: https://armannjakobsson.academia.eduÁrmann's book, Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas: A Narratological Study: https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-11187-6Connect with The History of Vikings & Support the Show By:Getting a copy of Noah's book, Viking Warrior vs Frankish Warrior: Francia 799–911 (Osprey Publishing): https://www.ospreypublishing.com/us/viking-warrior-vs-frankish-warrior-9781472848857Share Noah's articles, written for History.com:''Yule: How the Vikings Celebrated the Winter Holiday'': https://www.history.com/articles/viking-yule-holiday-winter''Valhalla: How Viking Belief in a Glorious Afterlife Empowered Warriors": https://www.history.com/articles/viking-valhalla-valkyrie-afterlifeFollow The History of Vikings On:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyofvikingX: https://x.com/HistoryofVikingEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected] in every week for a new episode of The History of Vikings. Subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform and never miss an episode!

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Norse TradesmanP.S. - You can get get 15% off their entire store  by visiting: https://norsetradesman.com/podcastFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Norse TradesmanP.S. - You can get get 15% off their entire store  by visiting: https://norsetradesman.com/podcastFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Norse TradesmanP.S. - You can get get 15% off their entire store  by visiting: https://norsetradesman.com/podcastFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Norse TradesmanP.S. - You can get get 15% off their entire store  by visiting: https://norsetradesman.com/podcastFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Genomelink. P.S. - You can get the exclusive Viking DNA Report, usually $29, for free! Just use the promo code ''HISTORY'' or follow this link: https://genomelink.io/signup/?pc=historyFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Genomelink. P.S. - You can get the exclusive Viking DNA Report, usually $29, for free! Just use the promo code ''HISTORY'' or follow this link: https://genomelink.io/signup/?pc=historyFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Genomelink. P.S. - You can get the exclusive Viking DNA Report, usually $29, for free! Just use the promo code ''HISTORY'' or follow this link: https://genomelink.io/signup/?pc=historyFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Genomelink. P.S. - You can get the exclusive Viking DNA Report, usually $29, for free! Just use the promo code ''HISTORY'' or follow this link: https://genomelink.io/signup/?pc=historyFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Genomelink. P.S. - You can get the exclusive Viking DNA Report, usually $29, for free! Just use the promo code ''HISTORY'' or follow this link: https://genomelink.io/signup/?pc=historyFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Norse TradesmanP.S. - You can get get 15% off their entire store  by visiting: https://norsetradesman.com/podcastFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Genomelink. P.S. - You can get the exclusive Viking DNA Report, usually $29, for free! Just use the promo code ''HISTORY'' or follow this link: https://genomelink.io/signup/?pc=historyFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I speak with Nancy Marie Brown about the hidden history of Viking warrior women.Support this podcast by today's sponsor, Viking, and their Viking Homelands Itinerary. Referenced in Today’s Episode:The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior WomenNancy's Website with Links to all Her BooksFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with classical historian, Nic Fields about Harald Hardrada of Norway. Support this podcast by today's sponsor, Viking, and their Viking Homelands Itinerary. Referenced in Today’s Episode: God's Viking: Harald Hardrada: The Life and Times of the Last Great VikingFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga

Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyofvikingVisit my friend and Swedish blacksmith, Philip Lufolk: https://lufolk.comMedieval Scandinavians and other Germanic peoples celebrated a holiday called Yule during the time of year when days became longer and winter was at its peak. What was this holiday and how was it celebrated? Do we have surviving evidence for what happened at Yule celebrations during the Viking Age? In today’s holiday-themed episode, I’m joined by Dr. Terry Gunnell, Professor Emeritus of Folkloristics at the University of Iceland and returning podcast guest. Dr. Gunnell was kind enough to answer my call for his expertise when it comes to the winter holiday of Yule. Be sure to check out his previous interviews on The History of Vikings, which are the episodes titled ‘’Norse Mythology & a Pantheon of Gods’’ and ‘’Historical Worship of the Norse Gods’’.Email Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & FolkvangrSupport this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyofvikingVisit my friend and Swedish blacksmith, Philip Lufolk: https://lufolk.com

Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyofvikingDuring the Middle Ages, seafaring Scandinavian marauders wrought havoc in lands both near and far—from Iceland to Finland, and Córdoba to Constantinople. These were warriors who belonged to an altogether violent society. They are known to us today as Vikings. One may read about their military exploits in Old Norse sagas and the chronicles of Christian monks; walk across the remains of warships and ring fortresses, or behold their carefully preserved weapons in some of Europe’s finest museums. Yet, it has always been unclear to me how the Vikings fought. Did they use battle tactics? Were young warriors formally trained for battle? How should we understand warfare as it relates to the Viking way of life? Today on the podcast, we’ll be addressing all of this and more in an exciting episode about Viking combat. Joining me to discuss this topic is William R. Short, manager and lead researcher of Hurstwic, a New England-based organization devoted to Viking culture. In addition to co-authoring his latest book, William wrote Viking Weapons and Combat Techniques along with Icelanders in the Viking Age. I’m also joined today by Reynir A. Óskarson, an Icelandic martial arts instructor and combat researcher at Hurstwic. Reynir has been recognized by the Wrestling Association of Iceland for his study of glíma, the Viking-age empty-hand combat that evolved into Iceland's national sport.William and Reynir authored a book entitled Men of Terror: A Comprehensive Analysis of Viking Combat.Email Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & FolkvangrSupport this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyofviking

Today I chat with Dr. Christian Cooijmans, British Academy Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Liverpool and author of Monarchs and Hydrarchs: The Conceptual Development of Viking Activity across the Frankish Realm (c. 750–940)Referenced in Today’s Episode:Monarchs and Hydrarchs''Down by the River: Exploring the Logistics of Viking Encampment across Atlantic Europe''Follow Dr. Christian Cooijmans on Academia.eduEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Leszek Gardeła, a Researcher at the National Museum of Denmark and author of multiple books on the Viking Age. Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor, Atlas VPN: https://get.atlasvpn.com/VikingsReferenced in Today’s Episode:Women and Weapons in the Viking World: Amazons of the NorthFollow Dr. Leszek Gardeła on Academia.eduEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Tom Shippey, a renowned British scholar and leading academic on the works of J.R.R. Tolkein. Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor, Atlas VPN: https://get.atlasvpn.com/VikingsReferenced in Today’s Episode:Beowulf and the North Before the VikingsEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Terry Gunnell, Professor of Folkloristics at the University of Iceland.Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor, Atlas VPN: https://get.atlasvpn.com/VikingsReferenced in Today’s Episode:Follow Dr. Terry Gunnell on Academia.eduThe Prose EddaThe Poetic EddaEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Don Hollway, a historian, illustrator, historical re-enactor, and classical rapier fencer. Don is the author of The Last Viking: The True Story of King Harald Hardrada.Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor, Atlas VPN: https://get.atlasvpn.com/VikingsReferenced in Today’s Episode:The Last Viking: The True Story of King Harald HardradaDon Hollway's WebsiteEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Gísli Sigurðsson, Research Professor, and Head of the Folklore Department at the Árni Magnússon Institute in Iceland.Referenced in Today’s Episode:Follow Dr. Gísli Sigurðsson on Academia.eduThe Prose EddaEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Torfi Tulinius, Professor of Medieval Icelandic Studies at the University of Iceland, about Eyrbyggja Saga.Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor The Dyno Climbing Company.Referenced in Today’s Episode:Follow Dr. Torfi Tulinius on Academia.eduEyrbyggja SagaEmail Noah with ideas for future episodes: [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I speak with Dr. Jackson Crawford about two sagas of mythical heroes.Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Norse Tradesman. P.S. - You can save 20% off your order by using the coupon code ''VIKING'' at checkout.Referenced in Today’s Episode:Two Sagas of Mythical Heroes: Hervor and Heidrek and Hrólf Kraki and His ChampionsDr. Crawford's Website with Links to All of His BooksFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I speak with Dr. Ármann Jakobsson about witchcraft and the Christianization of medieval Scandinavia.Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Norse Tradesman. P.S. - You can save 20% off your order by using the coupon code ''VIKING'' at checkout.Referenced in Today’s Episode:The Troll Inside You: Paranormal Activity in the Medieval NorthFollow Dr. Jakobsson on FacebookFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I speak with Martyn Whittock about Norse myths and legends.Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor Norse Tradesman. P.S. - You can save 20% off your order by using the coupon code ''VIKING'' at checkout.Referenced in Today’s Episode:Tales of Valhalla: Norse Myths and LegendsFeel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

I'm pleased to introduce a new history podcast for children called Bedtime History.Check out the Bedtime History podcast here (http://bedtimehistorystories.com/viking-podcast).Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Raffaele D’Amato about the Varangian Guard.Support this podcast by visiting our sponsor CuriosityStream. P.S. - You can save 25% off of your annual subscription by following the link or using the coupon code ''VIKING'' at checkout.Referenced in Today’s Episode:The Varangian Guard 988-1453Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I speak with Dr. Jesse Byock about the illustrious Saga of the Volsungs. Support this podcast by subscribing to Medieval Warfare Magazine. P.S. - You can save 10% off of your subscription by using the coupon code ''VIKINGS'' at checkout.Referenced in Today’s Episode:Viking Language 1 (Learn Old Norse Textbook)Viking Language 2 (Learn Old Norse Reader)Oldnorse.orgFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga

Today I speak with Peter Konieczny, Editor of Medieval Warfare Magazine.Support this podcast by subscribing to Medieval Warfare Magazine. P.S. - You can save 10% off of your subscription by using the coupon code ''VIKINGS'' at checkout.Referenced in Today’s Episode:Sturlunga Saga - An English TranslationMedieval Iceland: Society, Sagas, and PowerFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga

Today I speak with Dr. Christian Cooijmans about Vikings in the Frankish Empire.TEXT ''FRANKISH'' to ''55-444'' to enter the book giveaway!Referenced in Today’s Episode:Monarchs and Hydrarchs: The Conceptual Development of Viking Activity across the Frankish Realm (c. 750–940)Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I speak with my friend, Dr. Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir, about the women of the Viking World. TEXT ''VIKING WOMEN'' to ''55-444'' to enter the book giveaway! Referenced in Today’s Episode:PodcornValkyrie: The Women of the Viking WorldFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Jón Karl Helgason, professor in the Department of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies at the University of Iceland. We discuss the widely popular and controversial Njáls Saga. Support the show and visit our sponsor https://www.vkngjewelry.com/discount/NOAH20Referenced in Today’s Episode:Echoes of Valhalla: The Afterlife of the Eddas and SagasThe Rewriting of Njals Saga: Translation, Politics and Icelandic SagasFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga

Today I chat with Dr. Simon Nygaard, a scholar of Old Norse religion at Aarhus University in Denmark. We discuss religious rituals pre-Christian Scandinavia and how the Norse could have worshiped their gods through poetry.Support the show and visit our sponsor https://www.vkngjewelry.com/discount/NOAH20Referenced in Today’s Episode:Dr. Nygaard on Academia.eduAn Interview with Dr. Nygaard on The Nordic Mythology ChannelDr. Nygaard on TwitterFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga

Today, I’m delighted to present a very special episode of the podcast curated by my friend Daniel Allison. Daniel is the host of the House of Legends Podcast, where he retells the world’s greatest myths, legends, and selections of folklore. In addition to this, he is the author of a new book titled The Bone Flute - a fantasy adventure that is set in Prehistoric Scotland.  Referenced in Today’s Episode:House of Legends PodcastFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Intérieurs lointains - Nidhogg - Norse Ambient

Today I chat with Dr. Leszek Gardeła, an archeologist and Viking Age specialist from the University of Bergen, Norway. We discuss the controversial topic of Viking warrior women and whether Norse women fought in combat during the Middle Ages. Referenced in Today’s Episode: 1001 Heroes, Legends, Histories and MysteriesAmazons of the North VideoFollow Amazons of the North on FacebookFollow Dr. Gardeła on Academia.eduFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Mathias Nordvig of the University of Colorado Boulder. He teaches Pre-Christian Nordic mythologies, Scandinavian folklore, North Atlantic and Greenlandic literature, reception history of the Viking Age in the Nordic Studies Program there. We discuss the Norse winter holiday of Yule and how it was celebrated during the Viking Age.Referenced in Today’s Episode:The Poetic Edda: A Study Guide.The Artwork of Thomas DenmarkThe Nordic Mythology ChannelFollow Dr. Nordvig on Academia.eduFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I speak with Dr. Jackson Crawford, an Old Norse specialist, and translator teaching at the University of Colorado Boulder. We discuss the Old Norse poem Hávamál and how it contributes to our understanding of Norse myth and literature.Referenced in Today’s Episode:The History of Vikings YouTube channelHistory TimeVoices of the PastThe Wanderer's Havamal Dr. Crawford’s translation of The Poetic Edda Dr. Crawford’s translation of The Saga of the VolsungsRecommended Articles by Ancient History Encyclopedia:EddaOdinNorse MythologyFollow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected]: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Alexandra Sanmark, Reader in Medieval Archaeology at the Centre for Nordic Studies at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We discuss assembly sites across the Old Norse World and the significance they had in how the Vikings governed their people. Be sure to check out my new book  The Poetic Edda: A Study Guide. The Poetic Edda is a collection of medieval Icelandic poems about the Norse gods and their human heroes. It is a crucial source for Norse myth and has inspired the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkein and the operas of Richard Wagner. Referenced in Today’s Episode: Viking Law and Order Dr. Sanmark’s Biography, Work, and Publications Recommended Articles by Ancient History Encyclopedia: The Legendary Settlement of Iceland Ragnar Lothbrok Twelve Great Viking Leaders Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I speak with Dr. John Hines, Professor of Archaeology at the School of History, Archaeology, and Religion at Cardiff University. We discuss the origin of the Old Norse language and the influence it has had across the medieval world. Additionally, we discuss the Old Norse system of writing (runes) and early examples of this type of writing. Be sure to check out my new book  The Poetic Edda: A Study Guide. The Poetic Edda is a collection of medieval Icelandic poems about the Norse gods and their human heroes. It is a crucial source for Norse myth and has inspired the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkein and the operas of Richard Wagner. Referenced in Today’s Episode: Dr. John Hines Biography, Work, and Publications Recommended Articles by Ancient History Encyclopedia: The Vikings in Iceland Vikings TV Series – Truths and Fictions Vikings: Jewelry, Weapons & Social Change at The VIKINGR Exhibition Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with prolific historical YouTuber and good friend Hilbert. In today’s episode, we ask the important question ”Why did the Viking Age begin?” and discuss the causes and effects of the medieval Scandinavians. Referenced in Today’s Episode: History with Hilbert YouTube channel Recommended Articles by Ancient History Encyclopedia: Vikings Vikings TV Series – Truths and Fictions The Vikings in Ireland Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga

Today I chat with Dr. Ármann Jakobsson, Professor of medieval Icelandic literature at the University of Iceland. We discuss the ways in which Old Norse literature inspired the literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Referenced in Today’s Episode: Dr. Jakobsson’s Website & Work Follow Dr. Jakobsson on Academia.edu Recommended Articles by Ancient History Encyclopedia: Norse Ghosts & the Afterlife Norse Ghosts & Funerary Rites Edda Saga Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga

Today I chat with Dr. Terry Gunnell, Professor of Folkloristics at the University of Iceland. We discuss the historical worship of the Norse gods and the evidence available for this in literature, archeology, and runic inscriptions.  Referenced in Today’s Episode: Dr. Gunnell’s Books & More of His Work Eitri – The Norse Artifacts Database Follow Dr. Gunnell on Academia.edu Recommended Articles by Ancient History Encyclopedia: Norse Ghosts & the Afterlife Norse Ghosts & Funerary Rites Norse-Viking Symbols & Meanings Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Elizabeth Ashman Rowe of Cambridge University about the life and legend of Ragnar Lothbrok. In this episode, we discuss historical sources for his life and how studying him can contribute to a greater understanding of the Viking Age. Referenced in Today’s Episode: Vikings in the West: The Legend of Ragnarr Lodbrok and His Sons The Oxford Illustrated History of the Vikings Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga

Today I chat with Dr. Vésteinn Ólason former director of the Arni Magnusson Institute, the foremost repository of old Icelandic manuscripts. He is also a retired professor of literature and an author who has written numerous books on literary history and criticism. We discuss the life and work of medieval Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson. Referenced in Today’s Episode: Árni Magnússon Institute for Icelandic Studies Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga

Today I chat with Dr. Jackson Crawford, an Old Norse specialist, and translator teaching at the University of Colorado Boulder. We discuss everything a beginner will need to know about the Old Norse sagas, including the genres, characters, and more. Referenced in Today’s Episode: 1000 AD: A Tour of the Viking World // Vikings Documentary Dr. Crawford’s translation of The Poetic Edda Dr. Crawford’s translation of The Saga of the Volsungs Dr. Crawford’s YouTube Channel Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga & Folkvangr

Today I chat with Dr. Torfi Tulinius, Professor of Medieval Icelandic Studies at the University of Iceland. We discuss Egil Skallagrímsson, the Viking Age poet and warrior who is best known as being the protagonist in Egill’s Saga. Referenced in Today’s Episode: The Enigma of Egill: The Saga, the Viking Poet, and Snorri Sturluson Follow Dr. Tulinius on Academia.edu Follow The History of Vikings on YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram. Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries [email protected] Music: Danheim – Framganga