Saga Thing

Episode 9a - The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue

Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue is a talented warrior-poet torn between his love for Helga the Fair and his quest for fame and fortune in the courts of Northern Europe.  Helga's father, Thorstein, gives him 3 years to travel and make a name for himself before his claim on Helga is forfeit.  Things get complicated when a rival for Helga's hand emerges in Hrafn the Skald, a court poet eager to get the best of Gunnlaug.  Will Gunnlaug win the hand of his fair maiden, or will hearts be broken?  Join us as we discuss one of saga literature's most successful romances, The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue.  Along the way, you'll learn about this fascinating sub-genre of the Sagas of the Icelanders, the harsh reality behind exposing newborns to the elements, and why a King of Norway would hide in a pigsty.If you like what you hear, pick up a copy of this great volume and enjoyThe Sagas of the Warrior Poets

Episode 8: 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!

Saga Brief 1: The Blood-Eagle

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. 

Episode 7 - The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and His Sons

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.

Episode 6: The Saga of Hen-Thorir

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.  

Episode 5b - Gisli's Saga (Judgments)

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?

Episode 5a - Gisli's Saga

The tragic story of the outlaw Gisli Sursson, whose profound
sense of honor forces him into violent action. 
Whereas most Icelanders who receive the penalty of outlawry flee the
land and seek their fortune abroad, Gisli refuses to leave his wife, Aud,
behind to fend for herself.  Unfailingly
devoted to his wife, Gisli slips through the fingers of the bounty hunters Bork
the Stout, Eyolf, and Helgi the Spy time and time again.  Join us as we review one of Icelandic
literature's most endearing and heroic characters as we call Gisli's Saga to
the Thing.Gisli Sursson's Saga and The Saga of the People of Eyri (Penguin Classics)

Episode 4 - Eirik the Red's Saga

It’s time to strike out for the west in the latest
installment of Saga Thing. Join us as we sail through stormy and unpredictable
seas in the Saga of Eirik the Red!

The
Vinland Sagas: The Norse Discovery of America: “Graenlendinga Saga” and
“Eirik’s Saga” (Classics)
The first of the two so-called Vínland sagas to be reviewed,
Eiriks saga offers up a story that’s part travelogue, part bloodbath, and part
confusing as heck. In this episode, we’ll learn all about Eirik the Red’s bad
habit of killing almost everyone he meets, his son Leif’s discovery of Vínland
through the magic of pure navigational incompetence, the volatile natives of
this dangerous new land, and another round of hauntings (much to Andy’s
delight).
Will Eirik ever meet a nice neighborhood and settle down
(without killing anyone who lives there)? Why does a Greenland seeress need
such fancy seat-cushions? Is that a Uniped hopping through the
Vínland woods? And just whereare Helluland and Markland, anyway?

Episode 3b - Eyrbyggja Saga (Judgments)

Who will win Best Bloodshed?How many bodies hit the floor?Who will win the award for best nickname?Who will be banished from Iceland forever?Will Andy get to honor his hero Snorri by choosing him as thingman?What do we really think of Eyrbyggja Saga?Find out in the latest installment of Saga Thing!

Episode 3a - Eyrbyggja Saga

In Episode 3a, John and Andy discuss the difficulties of
trying to cover Eyrbyggja Saga in one episode…which they then totally fail to
do successfully.  So we present the first
of a two-part episode! Never fear, there’s plenty here to enjoy.  You’ll meet Snorri the goði and his rival
Arnkel Thorolfsson.   Listen as they
battle for control of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. 
This is a tale of fortunes and misfortunes, sweeping conflicts between
huge kin-groups, the rise and fall of chieftains, and the little people that
get swept up in the mess.  But it also
features a steamy love affair, a dispute over fine linens, and the exploits of
a spectral seal.  Don’t miss a moment!!!Eyrbyggja Saga (Penguin Classics)