Tag: middle ages
-
An Icelandic Pilgrim amid the Crusades: Nikulás Bergsson
During the mid-twelfth century, an Icelander named Nikulás Bergsson went on a pilgrimage that took him over 4,000 miles away from his home in northern Iceland to Jerusalem in the Holy Land. We don’t know much about him, but it is clear that he was a lettered Benedictine monk.[1] Around the year 1153, however, Nikulás…
-
“All Waters Flow to Dyrafjord”
This quote comes at a pivotal movement of Gisli’s Saga, when a man named Vestein decides to face his fate despite warnings from his friends. At this point, those friends (who were sent by Gisli himself) had ridden tirelessly to catch up to Vestein, and they implored him to turn around before riding into the…
-
Resources for Njal’s Saga
Never heard of Njal’s Saga? Don’t worry, you’re not alone—it’s actually a medieval best-seller most people haven’t heard of. But luckily, all you have to do is read this post to get yourself acclimated, and then you’re all set to enjoy one of medieval Iceland’s finest sagas (as so many saga-enthusiasts proudly proclaim)! That introductory…
-
Feuding, I: What is Feud? Solving Problems with an Axe
Many of the great sagas and ancient lore from the medieval North recount endless, bloody feuds between generations of prominent families: a conflict ends, peace…
-
Land-Spirits, III: Dealing with New Neighbors
☞ Before reading: This is part III of the (slightly modified) written form of the Fjörn’s Hall Podcast episode titled “Landvættir: The Land-Spirits of the Medieval North.” You may listen to it here, or you may enjoy it in written form below! Looking for part II? Dealing with New Neighbors: Iceland’s Settlers Encounter the Land-Spirits…
-
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:
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Legendary Swords: Gramr, Sköfnungr, and Grásíða
In this gathering by the hearthside, we’re sharing the stories of three legendary swords from the sagas of the medieval North: Gramr, Sköfnungr, and Grásíða! And while we do, we’re going to find them plunged into trees by a strange old man, stolen from burial mounds by Icelandic Vikings, and manhandled by a headstrong poet.…
-
Farmsteads and Agriculture
In this gathering by the Hearthside, I share the history of the medieval North’s farmsteads and agriculture. While many of us flock to learn about raids, runes, and magic, this blog-post offers a refreshing look into the daily lives of the Norsefolk. Join me by the Hearthside to learn more!
