Saga Thing

Lusting for bloodshed?  Wondering about witticisms?  Will Hallfred be outlawed for seducing another man's wife or will he be chosen as thingman?  And will Andy stay awake through John's ramblings?Find out as we judge the Saga of Hallfred Troublesome-poet.

In this episode, we continue our journey through the Sagas of Warrior-Poets in The Saga of Hallfred Troublesome-Poet.  Though you've never heard of him, this court poet for 3 of Scandinavia's greatest rulers is actually quite famous.  As his nickname suggests Hallfred's poetry often lands him in hot water.  He's a suave lover, a witty poet, and a capable warrior.  We'll sample some of the poetry that made him famous, examine his difficult conversion to Christianity, and cheer as he gouges out the eyes of his enemies.  There's plenty of action and adventure here, with a fair amount of hot lovin' too.  But it's Hallfred's relationship with King Olaf Tryggvason that really makes this one special.  We hope you enjoy.

In this episode, John and Andy square off in a fight for the ages as Saga Thing examines the Icelandic art of dueling. The Duel at Skiringshal by Johannes Flintoe

As always, we count up the bodies and offer praise to the wittiest saga lines before getting down to the more difficult choices.  With no clear villain in the story, who will be outlawed?  Would either Gunnlaug or Hrafn make a good thingman?  There's one clear gem of a thingman in this saga, but John's choosing first.  What happens when Andy doesn't get his way? Find out in the Judgment section for The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue.          The Parting of Gunnlaug and Helga by Charles Fairfax Murray

Saga Thing is a podcast for people who love history, literature, Vikings and all things medieval. In each episode, the hosts review a saga from medieval Iceland and then dig in to categories for discussion, including: Best Bloodshed, Body Count, Notable Witticisms, Nicknames, Outlawry, Thingmen, and Ratings.

Saga Thing is a podcast for people who love history, literature, Vikings and all things medieval. In each episode, the hosts review a saga from medieval Iceland and then dig in to categories for discussion, including: Best Bloodshed, Body Count, Notable Witticisms, Nicknames, Outlawry, Thingmen, and Ratings.

This time out, we've got the bitterly funny Bandamanna Saga, a much-beloved saga set in the mid-11th century and centered around the corruption of Icelandic law by the rich and powerful chieftains of that later age. The saga pits old money against the nouveau riche against a backdrop of legal wrangling and murder.  Can Ofeig Skiðason and his estranged son Odd Ofeigsson put aside their differences in time to thwart the combined forces of eight of the most powerful men in Iceland? What's Ospak Glumsson (grandson and namesake of the notorious outlaw king of Eyrbyggja saga) doing in this saga? Why do Thorarin of Laugardal's servant laugh at him behind his back? And was there a second bowman hidden in a grassy knoll as Hermund Illugason's band of men rode by? Learn the answers to these questions and prepare your own judgments as you enjoy Bandamanna saga--the saga of the Confederates!

This time out, we've got the bitterly funny Bandamanna Saga, a much-beloved saga set in the mid-11th century and centered around the corruption of Icelandic law by the rich and powerful chieftains of that later age. The saga pits old money against the nouveau riche against a backdrop of legal wrangling and murder. Can Ofeig Skiðason and his estranged son Odd Ofeigsson put aside their differences in time to thwart the combined forces of eight of the most powerful men in Iceland? What's Ospak Glumsson (grandson and namesake of the notorious outlaw king of Eyrbyggja saga) doing in this saga? Why do Thorarin of Laugardal's servant laugh at him behind his back? And was there a second bowman hidden in a grassy knoll as Hermund Illugason's band of men rode by? Learn the answers to these questions and prepare your own judgments as you enjoy Bandamanna saga--the saga of the Confederates!

In our first ever Saga Brief, we explore the legendary Viking torture ritual known as the blood-eagle.  It's a brilliantly violent practice with a complicated, but fascinating textual history.  In short, it's perfect for the boys of Saga Thing.  Whether the blood-eagle is a historical method of ritual torture and execution or merely a literary motif designed to thrill and frighten, this is some pretty horrific stuff. 

In our first ever Saga Brief, we explore the legendary Viking torture ritual known as the blood-eagle.  It's a brilliantly violent practice with a complicated, but fascinating textual history.  In short, it's perfect for the boys of Saga Thing.  Whether the blood-eagle is a historical method of ritual torture and execution or merely a literary motif designed to thrill and frighten, this is some pretty horrific stuff. 

In this special episode, we take a break from the family sagas of medieval Iceland and look forward to the second season of History Channel’s Vikings by delving into the medieval sagas and legends behind the show.  Discussion centers on The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his Sons, but Saxo Grammaticus’ Gesta Danorum, the Krákumál, and The Saga of Ragnar’s Sons are referenced here as well.  There’s a bit of history, a bit of myth, and a few laughs to be had along the way.  If you’re unfamiliar with the show, maybe this episode will entice you to give Vikings a try.  You can check out the first season at http://www.history.com/shows/vikings.  If you’re not a fan of the show (for shame), then listen anyway. This is a podcast about Ragnar Lothbrok, his family, and the legends surrounding their exploits in medieval Europe.  We hope you enjoy.

In this special episode, we take a break from the family sagas of medieval Iceland and look forward to the second season of History Channel’s Vikings by delving into the medieval sagas and legends behind the show.  Discussion centers on The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his Sons, but Saxo Grammaticus’ Gesta Danorum, the Krákumál, and The Saga of Ragnar’s Sons are referenced here as well.  There’s a bit of history, a bit of myth, and a few laughs to be had along the way.  If you’re unfamiliar with the show, maybe this episode will entice you to give Vikings a try.  You can check out the first season at http://www.history.com/shows/vikings.  If you’re not a fan of the show (for shame), then listen anyway. This is a podcast about Ragnar Lothbrok, his family, and the legends surrounding their exploits in medieval Europe.  We hope you enjoy.

In this episode, meet the despicable and conniving Hen-Thorir, an unpopular businessman whose shameless lust for status and respect leads to a high stakes feud that consumes the Borgafjord district of West Iceland.  Loosely based on historical events, this is an instant classic noted for its brilliant acts of deception and social maneuvering. Through it's cleverly drawn characters and wonderfully plotted narrative, Hen-Thorir's Saga contrasts the noble with the ignoble, offering us a fascinating and entertaining glimpse into the heart of medieval Iceland's exploration of good vs. bad leadership.  Things get pretty complicated as nearly every big name in Borgafjord is drawn into the conflict.  Though few of them actually have a personal stake in the origin of the conflict, there is much to be gained for those who choose the right side.  For those who choose poorly, things rarely turn out well.  Game of Thrones fans should enjoy this one.  

In this episode, meet the despicable and conniving Hen-Thorir, an unpopular businessman whose shameless lust for status and respect leads to a high stakes feud that consumes the Borgafjord district of West Iceland.  Loosely based on historical events, this is an instant classic noted for its brilliant acts of deception and social maneuvering. Through it's cleverly drawn characters and wonderfully plotted narrative, Hen-Thorir's Saga contrasts the noble with the ignoble, offering us a fascinating and entertaining glimpse into the heart of medieval Iceland's exploration of good vs. bad leadership.  Things get pretty complicated as nearly every big name in Borgafjord is drawn into the conflict.  Though few of them actually have a personal stake in the origin of the conflict, there is much to be gained for those who choose the right side.  For those who choose poorly, things rarely turn out well.  Game of Thrones fans should enjoy this one.  

It's time to judge Gisli's Saga. Join John and Andy on a tour through the saga's best bloodshed, body count, nicknames, and notable witticisms.  The titular character of Eirik's the Red's Saga was outlawed last time, will it happen again to Gisli?  Or will Andy defend him against the charges of murder and claim him as thingman? Find out in this episode of Saga Thing. Plus, it's your last chance to hear John's impression of Gisli Wayne.  How can you pass that up?