Saga Thing

In this special Saga Brief recorded live at the University of Central Oklahoma, we explore an often-overlooked pillar of Viking Age society: the horse. (John wanted to call this presentation "A Horse for the Norse, with Sources (of course)," but Andy shot that down.) While our discussion is grounded in saga narratives and archaeology, we offer a wide-ranging discussion of how horses helped shape the literature, culture, and history of medieval Iceland. Along the way, we cover the following categories: Everyday Use Status Masculinity Horse-Fighting Ritual Action and Religious Belief Of course, any one of these could be a book-length study on its own. We’ve done our best here to provide a broad overview of the horse’s place in medieval Iceland and beyond. Naturally, that “beyond” allows us some wiggle room to talk a little about Anglo-Saxon England (and to maybe squeeze in a Beowulf reference or two). As you’ll hear, horses are far more than livestock and convenient tools. They emerge across the literary, h

Hwæt a Movie! returns with yet another adaptation of the epic Old English poem Beowulf. This time, we've got Outlander, a surprisingly fun tale of an alien crash-landing in 8th century Norway as he hunts down the monstrous Moorwen that killed his family. Of course, the Moorwen had some cause to be angry after a genocidal attack on the Moorwen planet. But let's not dwell on how it all started. Outlander is also a Beowulf story wrapped up in a neat little sci-fi package! This time around, Jim Caviezel stars as Kainan (our space Beowulf). You might know Caviezel from 2002's The Count of Monte Cristo or from 2004's The Passion of the Christ. He's joined by the beloved John Hurt as Rolhgar (I legitimately thought he was called Hrothgar through the whole movie and I'm only learning as I write this that he was Rolhgar...), the talented Sophia Miles as Freya, the dreamy Jack Huston as Wulfric, and the inimitable Ron Perlman as Gunnar. As always, we provide an extensive summary (prepared with exhaustive detail by John

In this very special Saga Brief, we sit down with Ármann Jakobsson (one of our favorite saga scholars) to discuss his latest book, Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas (Palgrave Macmillan). Following the theme of the book, we dive into the many overlooked and often nameless characters who so often breathe life and meaning into the sagas. Since we have mentioned Ármann so many times on the podcast, we also take advantage of the opportunity to revisit his extensive bibliography, including The Troll Inside You, A Sense of Belonging: Morkinskinna and Icelandic Identity c. 1220, and his reimagining of the life of Þórólfr bægifótr in Glæsir.  Of course, it wouldn't be a Saga Brief interview without a little discussion of the sagas and their place in Icelandic culture. And all of this leads to a brief philosophical exploration on the power (and potential peril) of doubt as a driving force in human society.  All of this and more awaits you (like which great saga character Ármann finds most boring)! Once you've listene

It's finally time--time to bring the saga of Viga-Glúm before the Saga Thing for judgment. Join us as we hand out the awards for Best Bloodshed, Notable Witticism, Best Nickname, and more. Can Andy forgive this story for its wanton cruelty to animals? Will John reward or punish the saga for the weaselly trickery of Thorvard Pot-Stirrer? Who will the two judges choose to join their mead halls? And just who the heck was that masked Thundarbenda, anyway? Listen and let us know what you think on our various socials: Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Saga Thing’s unofficial official Discord Music Credits Intro Music – “Prelude and Action” by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Outro Music – “Stormfront” by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  

We want to share this little treat of a þáttr with you all before we release the Judgments episode for The Saga of Víga-Glúm. The Tale of Thorvald Chatterbox (Þorvalds þáttr tasalda) is a gem from the Flateyjarbók biography of King Ólaf (Óláfs saga Tryggvasonar en mesta). If Thorvald's fantastic revivification and battle prowess with a ship's oar left you wanting more, then this fast-paced Saga Short might just satisfy your craving. Thorvald journey's to Norway starts out like many other tales of Icelanders visiting Norwegian royalty. And, of course, with King Ólaf Tryggvason involved, this one includes plenty of pressure to abandon the Norse gods in favor of the much stronger and kinder (sometimes) Christian god. The story follows Thorvald as he sets off on a mission to prove himself to the king by tracking down Bárð the Stout, a fiercely independent figure who has already made two of the king's troops of emissaries disappear.  Will Thorvald live up to the reputation of the capable Icelandic retainer so thor

When last we left Glúm, he was enjoying the fruits of his violent labors against the men of Espihóll and sharing an enigmatic verse about his personal body count. When Þorvarð the Troublemaker hears about this, he's quick to set Þórarin on the case, forcing Glúm to swear an oath that he played no part in the killing of Þorvald Hook. Will this oath clear Glúm of any guilt in the matter or will his clever phrasing prove to be his undoing? Listen and find out for yourself (though if you've been listening to the past 5 episodes, you should have a pretty good idea of where this is heading for our story's hero). We may have missed our March deadline for finishing Víga-Glúm's Saga but we got there in the end. Enjoy this grand finale! Listen and let us know what you think on our various socials: Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Saga Thing’s unofficial official Discord Music Credits Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons

At long last, we return . . . to the prophecy about the cousins Steinólf and Arngrím. Oddbjörg. What could possibly break the bond of these BFFs? Hopefully Arngrím’s wife can make some sense of their little feud and help heal the fracture in their relationship. Speaking of fractures, this is the episode where things really pop off between Glúm and the men of Espihóll and we begin rushing headlong toward the climax and conclusion of this saga. Here’s a little map of the region to help you make sense of the major locations featured in this episode. Along the way, we talk about the sudden appearance of a skytningr (an inn or tavern) in the saga and fall into a discussion of how exactly that word works in the contexts of Víga-Glúm’s saga, with special reference once again to Jesus Fernando Guerrero Rodriguez’s dissertation Old Norse Drinking Culture. Rodriguez, Jesús Fernando Guerrero. Old Norse Drinking Culture. PhD Dissertation. University of York, 2007. Check out the oldest surviving manuscript copy of Víga-G

In this episode, we catch up with an old friend called Killer-Skuta. You might remember him from The Saga of the People of Reykjadal and of Killer-Skuta. We'll revisit a familiar story from that saga where Killer-Skuta makes an attempt on the life of Killer-Glum and try to make sense of how it ended up in this saga (and that one). That leads to an inevitable conversation about saga writing, manuscript collecting, and art. Once we put Killer-Skuta to bed, we're right back into the main narrative of Viga-Glum's Saga. The main focus of this episode is the mysterious case of the missing livestock. The prime suspect is a wily freedman named Hallvard who sets up a farm between the properties of Halli the Old and his son Bard. And while everyone else in the district would like to see Hallvard put in his place, there's one man standing in the way of justice and he's got a powerful father. How will Glum escape the clutches of the violent Killer-Skuta? And will Hallvard get fat on the livestock of his neighbors or will

In this episode, Glúm continues to establish himself as a leading figure in southern Eyjafjörður. We start with a brief overview of the many marriages that take place at this stage of the saga, including: Glúm - Halldóra Thórir of Espihóll - Thórdís Thórarinn of Espihóll - Thorgerd Thorvald Hook of Espihóll - Thorkötla Of course, the real trouble starts when Thórir's son Thorgrím sets his heart on the lovely Thórdís. Things get interesting from there. Check out the Víga-Glúms saga genealogy Andy's been building here. All these marriages naturally result in the arrival of many new characters to the saga. Among them are Már, the son of Glúm and Halldóra, and two special little cousins, Arngrím and Steinólf. These two boys get along better than anyone in Iceland. Surely they have a bright future ahead of them. Right? We also dive into a fun little story about Ingólf, a very large man who finds a home at Þverá with Már and Glúm. Through no fault of his own, Ingólf gets caught up in a somewhat precarious feud be

Saga Thing returns after a much-needed holiday to pick up the story of young Glúm Eyjólfsson, better known to history as Víga-Glúm. When last we left you, Glúm's father (Eyjólf, who some called Lump) had passed away. Seeking any advantage they could get in the district, Thorkel the Tall and his son Sigmund claimed the best land at Thverá for themselves, pushing Ástrid and Glúm to the margins of the property. With no help coming from her eldest son Thorstein, Ástrid is forced to rely on her youngest, Glúm. Unfortunately for her, Glúm is a known coalbiter who prefers laying by the fire to working or pursuing justice for his family. As the situation worsens, Glúm heads to Norway hoping to gain some experience and recognition from his maternal grandfather Vigfús. Of course, things don't go exactly to plan when he arrives. How does this family reunion go for Glúm? Does grandpa Vigfús the hersir embrace his Icelandic grandson and raise his status? And who will help Ástrid deal with increasing pressure from Thorkel

We’re thrilled to kick off our first episode of Víga-Glúms saga, the last of the sagas of Eyjafjörð. Víga-Glúms saga is one of the great character-driven Íslendingasögur, often drawing comparisons to Egils saga. Now, whether that’s because it also happens to be a biographical saga or because it’s of a similar quality will have to be sorted out on the podcast across the overview and judgments. But we’re excited to start this new saga either way, and this first episode sets the stage beautifully for the arrival of the man who comes to be known as Killer-Glum. Like so many sagas, Víga-Glúms saga opens not with the hero himself but with the adventures of the generations that came before him. These early chapters give us a sense of the family dynamics, the local tensions, and threads of fate that Glum will inherit and inevitably wrestle with as his saga develops. Cast of Characters: I’m going to try and include a cast of major characters in the show notes for each episode to help listeners keep track of things. I

A little Halloween treat for all you Saga Thing fans. You'll want to listen with headphones to get the full effect on these two spooky tales. Listen and then share your thoughts on our social media: Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Saga Thing’s unofficial official Discord Music Credits Intro Music - from “Death Awaits” by Billy Malmstrom Outro Music - "Mythic Force" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Hwæt a Movie is back! This time we dive deep into the uncanny valley epic Beowulf from 2007. Released at the height of Robert Zemeckis's motion-capture mania, this version of our favorite Old English classic promised to bring the poem to life like never before. It was slated to be an event like no other, at least for John and Andy. In this star-studded and CG-saturated film, Ray Winstone voices a Beowulf who looks suspiciously like an action figure and swaggers like he just killed nine nicors. He's accompanied by the ageless Wiglaf, played by Brendan Gleeson. The great Anthony Hopkins plays a jovial but somewhat mad King Hrothgar, Robin Wright plays the deeply troubled Queen Wealhtheow, and John Malkovich does his best John Malkovich as Unferth. But if we're honest, this is the Grendel family's movie from start to finish. Crispin Glover turns in a unforgettable performance as a Grendel who swells with anger and shrinks with vulnerability. Grendel's mother is a gold-dipped, shape-shifting femme fatale with st

In this episode, we finally sit down with Dr. Yoav Tirosh, one of the leading voices in Old Norse–Icelandic studies and an all-around fascinating person to talk to. Yoav has written extensively on topics ranging from Ljósvetninga Saga and saga authorship to storytelling, cultural memory, and disability studies. He’s also the creative force behind the webcomic Viking Comics, a seasoned Icelandic tour guide, and a delightful companion for wandering around Kraków. Or was it Prague??? Yoav recently completed a Marie Curie Postdoctoral Fellowship at Aarhus University and now works as a researcher at the Center for Disability Studies at the University of Iceland. You can pick up a copy of his latest book, How Genre Governs Creation in the Medieval Icelandic Sagas. It’s very affordable. We talk with him about his current work, his interdisciplinary approach to medieval texts, and what motivates him as a scholar. But our main focus, naturally, is Ljósvetninga Saga—a text that Yoav knows better than just about anyon

After nearly a year of working our way through Ljósvetninga Saga, it is finally time to bring it to the Saga Thing and pass judgments. As always, we'll pass out awards for Best Bloodshed, Nicknames, and Notable Witticisms. We'll send one (or more?) scoundrel in Outlawry. And we'll also discuss the Body Count, pick Thingmen, and offer our Final Ratings. Does Ljósvetninga Saga have what it takes to stand up there with the giants like Njáls saga and Egils saga? Or will it stumble down to the middle of the pack?  And who will we pick for thingmen from this saga where the line between good guys and bad isn't always so clear? There's only one way to find out! Listen and let us know what you think: Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Saga Thing’s unofficial official Discord Music Credits Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Outro Music - "Stormfron

In this episode, we finally come to the end of Ljósvetninga saga! And there are a lot of loose ends to wrap up. Eyjolf Guðmundarson still burns for vengeance against his brother’s killers, but the courts have spared the Möðruvellings, exiling them instead. The outlawed Möðruvellings plan to spread out across Northern Europe, but they have to get out of Iceland first—and the clock is ticking. Our story this time takes us from the court of Harald Hardrada to the streets of Rome, from the bustle of Byzantium to the famous Battle of Hastings, as everyone tries to move on with their lives. And try as they might, not everyone’s making it out alive. Pack your bags for a globe-trotting conclusion to Ljósvetninga saga! Listen and let us know what you think: Sagathingpodcast on Facebook Sagathingpodcast on Instagram Sagathingpodcast on Bluesky Saga Thing’s unofficial official Discord Music Credits Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://cre

In this episode, the Ljósvetnings and Möðruvellings maneuver to position themselves to maximize potential outcomes in the aftermath of the battle of Battle Hill. While Þorvarður Höskuldsson does his best to calm tensions and shield his allies, Eyjólfur Guðmundarson wants more than financial compensation for the killing of his "beloved" brother Koðrán. And just like last time, both sides rally supporters from far and wide, each determined to force the results that benefit them most. As the thing draws near, the risk of open violence continues to loom large. And when everyone arrives, there's a very real chance that Eyjólfur will get the bloody revenge he's been thirsting after, even if it means dooming many of his own men in the process. Quick note: In the episode, I think we say this meeting takes place at the Althing. I'm convinced (this is Andy here) that the conflict takes place at the local thing in the north and not at the Althing. These few chapters capture the tensions and drama that we love most in t

In this special Saga Brief, we wrap up our four-part series from Iceland with an interview recorded in the shadow of Snæfellsjökull, one of the most iconic landscapes in the country. This time, we are joined by Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir, park manager of Snæfellsjökull National Park, for a wide-ranging conversation about the sagas, Icelandic heritage, and the powerful connection between people and place. Snæfellsjökull National Park is a natural treasure of Iceland and a must-see destination for fans of Saga Thing and lovers of history, literature, and nature alike. Located at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it was established to protect the dramatic landscapes surrounding the iconic peak of the glacier-capped volcano Snæfellsjökull. The park encompasses a remarkable variety of geological features, from windswept lava fields and jagged cliffs to hidden caves and mossy craters. It’s a place where history, legend, and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. After a full day of work in the park, Rag

Though Guðmund the Powerful has been laid to rest, tensions between the Möðruvellings and the Ljósvetnings continue into the next generation. In a bold move toward peace, Eyjólf Guðmundarson (the new leader of the Möðruvellings) attempts to create peace by forming an alliance with Þorvarð Hóskuldsson (grandson of Þorgeir Lawspeaker and leader of the Ljósvetnings). But there's a dark cloud on the horizon.  A surprise pregnancy, questions of paternity, and a contested ordeal plunge the region into renewed chaos. As a result, Eyjólf soon finds himself defending his honor in an epic battle against Þorvarð and some pretty overwhelming numbers. Will he do his father proud and claim victory? Or will he lose more than just reputation in the fight? And do we even want Eyjólf to come out on top here? Join us for the most exciting and action-packed episode of this series. Along the way, we explore the finer points of trial by ordeal and medieval Icelandic paternity tests as well. There's so much content here, your head

This special Saga Brief interview with Anna Melsteð (of the Eyrbyggja Saga Society) was recorded at the foot of Helgafell on a drizzly afternoon following a full day of exploring key sites from Eyrbyggja Saga with Anna, Eyberg, and Guðlaug as our guides. Our day began with a quick viewing of the original site of the Þórsnessþing, mainly to get a view of where drítsker might be. We followed that up with a rugged hike to Vigrafjörður, where the Thorbrandssons and Thorlakssons famously clashed on the ice in chapter 45 of the saga. From there, we trekked to Bólstað on Álftafjörður to pay our respects to Andy's thingman Arnkell. We were even greeted with a rainbow, a generous gift from the best man in the saga. But the biggest highlight was walking the paths carved (allegedly) by the Swedish berserks Halli and Leiknir, followed by a brief rest at the overgrown ruins of Killer-Stýr’s sauna, where their tale ended in steam and the tip of Stýr's spear. It was, of course, one of the most rewarding days we’ve ever s