Saga Thing

Episode 20h - Njal's Saga (Part 8)

In this episode, we leave the conversion behind and get back to Njal's Saga. Tensions are running high yet again thanks to the careful plotting of your favorite villain, Morð Valgardsson.  Despite their troubled history with Morð, the Njalssons accept his friendship and quickly find themselves on the wrong side of the law.  With a major lawsuit pending and most of Iceland turning against them, the Njalssons seek help from some of Iceland’s most powerful men, including such notable figures as Guðmund the Powerful, Thorkel the Bully, and the inestimable Snorri Goði.  Will Skarpheðin lead his brothers to glory? Or will fate finally catch up with Njal and his sons?  Find out as Saga Thing takes on Njal’s Saga (again).

Music Credits:

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Previous Episode Review -  “Don’t Be That Way” by Chick Webb Orchestra

Episode Summary -  “Hitman” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Selections from music by Kevin MacLeod licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Saga Brief 7 - The Conversion of Iceland (Part 2)

In the second part of our Saga Brief on the conversion of Iceland, we discuss the conversion tactics of King Olaf Tryggvason, the Icelanders' controversial decision at the Althing of 1000, and the effects of Christianity on Icelandic culture.  You might notice that Andy is a bit more subdued than usual in this one. He was sick during recording. 

Music: 

Intro to Saga Brief - from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur

Poem Song - Moorland by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Outro - Ólafur Liljurós

Saga Brief 6 - The Conversion of Iceland (Part 1)

In the first part of this Saga Brief, we look at the story behind the conversion of Iceland.  

Music: 

Opening -  “Rúnatal” by An Danzza with selections from History Channel's Vikings

Intro to Saga Brief - from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur

Outro - Ólafur Liljurós

Episode 20g - Njal's Saga (Part 7)

In this episode of Saga Thing, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Iceland’s history as the fierce Thangbrand arrives on a mission from King Olaf Tryggvason to convert Iceland once and for all.  It turns out John and Andy aren't the only ones who love a good digression.  This section of the saga is book-ended by action and violence brought on by the slaying of Thrain Sigfusson, but it's mostly about Thangbrand's visit to Iceland and the resulting divide between the growing number of Christians and those who remain loyal to Odin.  This episode features its usual share of bloodshed and wit, but we've also got some blasphemous poetry for you, a bit of history, a miracle, and an important test for a berserk.  There's something for everyone!

Music Credits:

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Previous Episode Review - "Moten Swing" by Harry James and his Orchestra

Episode Summary - "Crusade" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) and Deum Verum performed by Psallentes
Poems - "Hell edar asar" by Leiungr

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Selections from music by Kevin MacLeod licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Episode 20F - Njal's Saga (Part 6)

In this episode, we travel to foreign lands with Thrain Sigfusson and two of the Njalssons.  Thrain will find things easy going, but the prophecy of hard times for the Njalssons proves true. We'll also introduce you to two new players in the saga, the heroic Kari Salmundarson and the villainous Killer-Hrapp.  This episode of Saga Thing is full of adventure, intrigue, and digressions. Join John and Andy as they discuss the politics of medieval Orkney, minor deities of the Norse pantheon, and the wonders of the Icelandic landscape.  There's something here for everyone!

Music Credits:

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Previous Episode Review - "Begin the Beguine" by Artie Shaw

Episode Summary - "Clash Defiant" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Selections from music by Kevin MacLeod licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/