Mother of Kings I - The Threshold

In this episode we conclude the Mother of Kings series by exploring several stories of royal mothers in Old Norse literature. We then bring things to close, tracing Gunnhild's fall from power and her mysterious fate.  For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out the website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/i-honor-with-words

In this supplemental episode, we explore a complex and fascinating set of characters found in several Sagas - the Maiden Kings. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/maiden-kings

In this episode, we follow Gunnhild konungamóðir as her sons ascend to the Norwegian throne and she finally acquires her famous title. We will then examine the significant authority which Gunnhild enjoyed at this time, as well as how Icelandic authors chose to depict her use of power. Along the way we'll discuss ambitious young Icelanders, hygienic giantesses and the complex portrayal of women, sex and power in the Sagas. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/mother-of-kings/

In this episode, we return to the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir, exploring her time in exile in Denmark and her son's eventual return to power in Norway. We then turn our attention to the broader topic of women, power and magic in the Sagas. Along the way we discuss goat-illusions, magical yarn and cat-skin gloves as we explore several fantastic tales of magically-inclined Saga women. For more information and a full list of sources, check out our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/i-lay-this-curse Check out our collaboration on the Going Viking Podcast: https://going-viking.com/2019/04/02/who-was-crowned-the-ultimate-viking-in-march-madness/ Noah Tetzner's excellent new The Poetic Edda: A Study Guide: https://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Edda-Study-Guide-ebook/dp/B07N7NMJPB/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_1?keywords=poetic+edda+a+study+guide&qid=1554758088&s=gateway&sr=8-1-fkmrnull

In this episode, we continue to discuss the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir, tracing her path from Norway to Northern England and finally Denmark as her status was rapidly transformed from Royal to Refugee and back again. Along the way we encounter and discuss shapeshifters, scorn poles, unruly noblemen and treacherous kings. To wrap things up, we explore the presence and influence of households headed by independent woman in the Norse world, studying the life of Auð the Deepminded and seeing what runestones have to tell us about powerful woman in the Viking Age. For an excellent exploration of Runes and Runestones, please checkout the Rune Cast: http://www.runforum.nordiska.uu.se/runecast/ For more information and a full list of sources, check out our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/a-woman-of-great-dignity

In this episode, we continue our exploration Gunnhild konungamóðir's life and legend, discussing the power of her words and the speech of powerful women throughout Old Norse Literature.   Whether goading their male relatives to violence, advocating peace and accommodation, or predicting what fate held in store, women in the Sagas are frequently pictured exercising power though their words. Today, we are going to take a deep dive into these portrayals. Along the way we will meet all manner of powerful women and get a chance to marvel at their powerful words.     A full list of sources can be found on the website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/cold-are-the-counsels 

In this episode, we dive into the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir - Mother of Kings - exploring the various stories regarding her origins and early years.   Along the way there will be magic, drinking and strange happenings in the North as we meet Danish kings, Saami sorcerers, and stingy stewards. Gunnhild's tale is a lively one and I think you'll enjoy it.   More information and a full list of sources can be found on our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/a-woman-great-of-counsel

In this episode, we set off on a new mini-series exploring the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir - Mother of Kings - and other powerful women in Old Norse Literature. This first installment doesn't touch too much on Gunnhild herself, but instead sets up some background information. Specifically, today we focus on the way gender is described and depicted in Sagas and Law codes, exploring some fascinating prose and poetry along the way. I hope you enjoy.  For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, check out our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/the-threshold

In this episode we are going to explore the rise of a major center of political, economic and religious life in the land of the Svear - the magnate's residence at Gamla Uppsala. Along the way, we'll discuss monumental burial mounds, systems of iron age land-rights and the deaths of many, many kings. I hope you enjoy. More information and a full list of sources used in this episode can be found on our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/gamla-uppsala/

The 6th Century was a period of unrest and reorganization throughout Scandinavia. In this episode we are going to explore the evidence we have for these dynamic years and what may have caused this unrest. Ultimately, we want to discover how this era may have led to the establishment of powerful ruling dynasties like those who constructed Gamla Uppsala. Along the way we'll talk about the sun going dark, explore the benefits of burying your wealth and the discuss the possible origins of a truly monstrous winter. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode, please visit our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/catastrophe-and-opportunity/