Ep 323 - Ibn Fadlan's Adventures with Prof. James Montgomery

Daniel Farrand sits down with Brett Thorn, Keeper of Archaeology at Discover Bucks Museum, to explore their landmark exhibition, The Saxons.The discussion centers on two extraordinary early medieval burials: the 6th-century "Marlow Warlord"—a solitary, 6ft 4in warrior buried overlooking the Thames with an intact pattern-welded sword, broken spears, and continental bronze feasting cauldrons—and the 7th-century Taplow Princely Burial, Britain’s richest pagan grave before the discovery of Sutton Hoo. ​Thorn explains how sentinel burials marked volatile river borders, how micro-foil waffle stamps gave garnet jewelry its luminous sparkle, and why delicate blown-glass cone beakers dismantle the myth of the crude "Dark Ages." ​Unlock our complete back-catalogue of 300+ episodes and the exclusive bonus Q&A covering the 144-grave Wendover cemetery on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nordicmythologypodcast | Handcrafted historical goods: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Faroese artist and composer Eivør joins Daniel Farrand (Horns of Odin) and archaeologist Mags Havgar to explore her forthcoming album, Tungl. Eivør unpacks the elemental forces of the Faroe Islands, the creative philosophy behind recording in a round coastal house in Velbastaður, and the emotional resonance behind lead tracks like "Healer," "Walls," and "Trapped".From childhood memories of mountain trolls to the necessity of organic band collaboration in an era dominated by AI and sterile production, this conversation explores how ancient folklore and lived vulnerability converge in modern Nordic composition.Unlock our full back-catalogue of 300+ episodes, exclusive bonus Q&As, and unedited live streams on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nordicmythologypodcast Handcrafted horns and historical goods: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who were the Frisians, and why has their powerful early medieval realm been overlooked in North Sea history?In this episode, Daniel Farrand and Margrethe Havgar are joined by researcher and YouTuber Hilbert Vinkenoog (History with Hilbert) to uncover the forgotten kingdom of Medieval Frisia. Wedged between Anglo-Saxon England, Frankish Gaul, and Viking Age Scandinavia, Frisia commanded vital waterways and maintained a distinct, fiercely independent coastal culture.Discover the legendary pagan ruler King Redbad, explore how Frisian warriors allied with Viking fleets on pirate raids across Europe, and learn about the extraordinary archaeology of the terpen—artificial settlement mounds holding treasures rivaling Sutton Hoo. Support the show and unlock exclusive bonus Q&A episodes on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nordicmythologypodcastExplore handcrafted Nordic items at Horns of Odin: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan interviews Jameson Foster as they discuss the complexities of defining Nordic folk music.------------------------------------------------Follow Jameson on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jamesonfoster.wavFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan catches up with longtime friend of the podcast, Jonas Lorentzen, to talk about his musical projects and the importance of respect and authenticity in art.------------------------------------------------Follow Jonas on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/jonaslorentzenmusicFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan talks mead halls with Stephen Pollington, the man who literally wrote the book all about their cultural impact in the Viking world.------------------------------------------------Follow Stephen on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/stephenpollingtonAlso, check out his books:https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/author/B001HCVE1YFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan sits down with one of the legends of modern ritual and folk-inspired music, Maria Franz.------------------------------------------------Follow Maria on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/mariafranzartistAlso, follow her dog Luna on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lunathetourdogFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags are joined by good friend of the podcast, Adam Bierstedt, to discuss how much of an impact Viking Mania has had around the world.------------------------------------------------Follow Adam on the Museum of Danish America's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/danishmuseumFollow Margrethe on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arkeomagsFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan welcomes Natalie Hopwood to the podcast to discuss mythological creatures and monsters, exploring their representations in sagas and their cultural significance.------------------------------------------------Follow Natalie on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/queen_bunnyforestFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's episode, Dan and Mags are joined by Prof. James Montgomery as he tells us more about Ibn Fadlan's Adventures, drawing on the Islamic texts he personally translated.------------------------------------------------Check out James on the Classical Arabic Literature Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@ArabLitPodhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0QdNolW13UErUVbr3s7AmXFollow Margrethe on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arkeomagsFollow the Podcast on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nordicmythologypodcastIf you like what we do and would like to be in the audience for live streams of new episodes to ask questions, please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NordicMythologypodcastCheck out Dan's company, Horns of Odin, and the wide range of handmade items inspired by Nordic Mythology and the Viking Age. Visit: https://www.hornsofodin.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.