Tag: History
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Introducing the Elder Futhark
When it comes to runes, the Elder Futhark are certainly the most popular; they are the most romanticized, as well as the most common runic…
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Land-Spirits, II: Don’t Scare Them!
During the late 9th century, Norse famers, mostly from Norway and including a few small-scale chieftains, migrated to a new island… Read more:
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Advice from Odin, II: New Year
Some folk say that a new year means little more than a changing date, but most people see this time is an opportunity for renewal. For those seeking to better themselves this year, I hope that you all succeed in fulfilling your oaths—and we shall drink to your honor this night, as we celebrate! In…
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Advice from Odin, I: Drinking
This advice is always good to follow, but I tend to share it the most around New Year’s (for fairly obvious reasons). That said, whether it is that time of year or not, allow me to share some of Odin‘s warnings and advice about drinking. After all, we should all drink responsibly. Besides, I don’t…
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Land-Spirits, I: What Are They?
In the next few Hearthside History posts, we’re going to talk about the landvættir, or the land-spirits of the medieval North. A lot of folk hear about them whenever October comes around because contemporary followers of the Old Ways consider them important during harvest-related holidays, such as Vetrnætr (Winter Nights), which was between October 19th…
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Selections of Poetry by Jónas Hallgrímsson
Jónas Hallgrímsson (1807-1845) is still frequently regarded as the most loved and admired poet of Modern Iceland.[1] He grew up on a rural farm in North Iceland (Hraun in Öxnadalur), where he learned and lived the oral traditions of Icelandic folklore, poetics, and saga reading; but, when he was sixteen, he spent six years studying…
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Landvættir: The Land-Spirits of the Medieval North
Winter Nights is nearly upon us! And what better time is there to chat about spirits? In this gathering, we explore the roles and importance of the land-spirits in Norse culture and society through 16 different primary sources from the medieval period. Along the way, we discuss the heathen holiday known as Winter Nights, some…
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Exploring Reykjavík’s Museums (Must-see Spots for Saga Fans!)
Today I’m going to continue the tale that I began in my previous post about my wanderings in Iceland! So do read that if you haven’t—but if you have, áfram! After that delicious dinner at Café Loki, I wandered back to my hotel for some much needed rest. I don’t recall how many hours I…
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Rímur: Reciting Part I of Gisli Sursson’s Epic
Behold! a modern Viking’s poem! Hear a skald recite the first part of an epic poem inspired by Gisli Sursson’s Saga, a work of medieval Icelandic literature written during the 13th century. This part of the poem recounts the first chapter of that saga, which takes place in Norway just a few generations before Gisli’s time. Quick…
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Gisli Sursson’s Epic, Part I
Part I of my epic poem based off of Gisli Sursson’s Saga, a work of medieval Icelandic literature composed during the 13th century! It has been composed by me and therefore should not be mistaken for a historical source. Please consider reading the ‘original’ prose story before (or after) enjoying this poetry.
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Fjorn Wanders in Iceland (July-August 2018), Part I
A few weeks ago now (on the evening of August 18th), I returned home from a 3-week long trip in Iceland, where I was studying Icelandic through an intensive language course in a small town called Ísafjörður (which you can learn more about here). But, as you can see, it has taken me a while…
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A ‘Viking’ Gift: A Beautiful Polar Bear for Feuding Kings
A bear is a Viking’s best friend, so why not make it a fancy one? In this tale, we follow the journey of a humble Icelandic farmer, an attractive polar bear with rosy red cheeks, and two salty Norse kings who are at war with one another. Audun’s goal is to deliver this bear as…
