Saga Thing

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/

Episode 20e - Njal's Saga (Part 5)

This episode of Saga Thing is all about revenge. We conclude the Gunnar section of Njal’s Saga with a look into the aftermath of our hero’s death, the vengeance he demands, and the fate of his brother, Kolskeggi.  If Njal wants to avenge his friend and secure his position in the region, he'll have to act fast.  Fortunately, he's got his son, Skarphedin, and Gunnar's son, Hogni, as willing swords.  Gunnar's ghost helps get things moving.  While we don’t cover a lot of ground in the saga this time around, we do explore some important issues that inform our reading of the first half of the saga and give us something to look for as we embark on the saga’s dark second half.  We discuss Gunnar’s pride, the ethics of Njal’s behavior, and we finally tackle the “halberd” controversy.  Hallgerð gets her fair share of our attention as well. 

Music Credits:

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

Previous Episode Review - "The Mooche" by Duke Ellington

Episode Summary - "Enchanted Journey" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Gunnar's Poem - Ritual 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/

Episode 20d - Njal's Saga (Part 4)

Gunnar has been told that he will live to be anold man if he can avoid killing two men from the same bloodline and if he neverbreaks a settlement.  Achieving this is easier said than done,especially since Gunnar’s personal body count increases every time a challengerappears.  In this episode, Gunnar’spatience will be tested as Morð Valgardsson, Thorgeir Starkaðarson, andThorgeir Otkelsson plot to finish off their rival once and for all.  But will they have what it takes to bringdown Iceland’s champion?  Will Njal beable to rescue his friend once again? And will Hallgerð forgive Gunnar for the slap, or will she once againseek vengeance?  Find out in part 4 ofNjal’s Saga!

If you’re interested incontributing to ourbibliography, please contact us at sagathingpodcast@gmail.com.

If you are interested inwriting about women in Njal’s Saga or any other saga for the Medieval Congress atWestern Michigan University, submit an abstract and paper proposal form forour panel "The Second Sex: Women and Power in Old Norse-IcelandicLiterature."  Again, please use ouremail: sagathingpodcast@gmail.com

 

Music Credits

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

Licensed under CreativeCommons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Previous Episode Review - Bert Firman Hangin’ Around

Episode Summary - Adrian von Ziegler Ótroðinn 

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

Licensed under CreativeCommons: By Attribution 3.0 License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/