Tag: viking
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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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Yuletide with Egil and Arinbjorn
Gather ’round the hearth, Hall Companions! I have been gone for quite some time wandering about gathering some much-needed fresh air, but now it is time for me to return and share a story—and given the time of year, I’d say a tale about Yule is in order! Last year, we talked about how the Yule…
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Saga Thing: A Podcast Putting the Sagas of the Icelanders on Trial
Saga Thing is a phenomenal podcast [iTunes, Podbean] that is putting the Sagas of Icelanders on trial. It is hosted by two bearded professors of medieval literature, Dr. John P. Sexton and Dr. Andrew Pfrenger—but they are best known to their listeners as prominent chieftains who explain, explore, and judge the content of medieval Iceland’s impressive…
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Concerning Overworking
As busy as the Master Builder burdening Svadilfari with stone,[1] the book-grove dweller,[2] the brain-gilder,[3] will one day reduce to weary bone. Hurry to Heimdall’s[4] peaceful mead-hall, to Himinbjorg,[5] when giant’s wind[6] howls in the brow-fortress;[7] to Baldur’s[8] hall, fair Breidablik,[9] when mind-trouble prowls. Notes: 1 | These first two lines refer to a story…
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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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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…
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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.…
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The Old Norse-Icelandic Calendar
This blog post will teach you how to tell time like a Viking! Well….not exactly. First of all, not all Scandinavians were Vikings, but that’s a conversation for another post (like this one). Secondly, the information that we actually do have about the Norse calendar comes from medieval Icelandic sources, hence why I constantly add…
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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!
