Saga Thing

Episode 11a - Kormak's Saga

If you’re a fan of erotic poetry and dueling, then this is the saga for you.  Join us as we follow Kormak as he follows the lovely soled object of his affection, Steingerd.  Yes, I said soled and I meant it.  She’s got nice feet and Kormak is just into that sort of thing it seems.  Who are we to judge?  Along the way you’ll meet the scoundrel Narfi, a witch in a questionable relationship with a walrus, and a surprising visit from a Scottish giant.  Yes, this saga has a bit of everything.  So what are you waiting for.  It’s time for Kormak’s Saga!

Episode 10b - The Saga of Hallfred Troublesome-Poet (Judgments)

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.

Episode 10a - 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.

Saga Brief 2: Holmgang, or The Icelandic Art of Dueling

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

Episode 9b - The Saga of Gunnlaug Serpent-Tongue (Judgments)

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

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.