Saga Thing

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 enjoy

The Sagas of the Warrior Poets