Slavery In The Viking Age: An Interview with Historian Ben Raffield

In this episode, Sean talks with Hrafnhildur, another artist within the Northern Fire collective, known better as Habba Nero tattoo. As tattoo artists often do when they come together, they spend a bit of time talking shop. Their discussion follows their experiences of tattooing (and being tattooed) and their approaches to new projects but they also delve into some of the folk history of Iceland and Wales, including magical staves and the famous Necropants...

We were delighted when Sean Fitzgerald joined the Northern Fire collective. It was great to diversify and have another specialist in Celtic art styles that are so close to our hearts.  In this episode, Sean talks with... surprisingly enough... Seán about Celtic art and their experiences setting out as artists. Separated by the Irish Sea, the art myths and languages of Wales and Ireland are similar but have distinct differences.

In this episode of the Northern Fire History Podcast, Sean sits down with one of the most celebrated pioneers in the field of Nordic tattooing, Colin Dale. There is a reason clients travel globally to visit his studio, Skin & Bone Tattoo in Copenhagen, Denmark.   Colin Dale is a man of legendary reputation; his work with Neo-Nordic and indigenous tattoo communities has inspired artists globally, and his tattoos continue to be honoured as some of the most original and profound pieces in the field.   Rooted in respect for traditional methods, Colin’s technique honours ancient practices from Europe and beyond. With wisdom collected from tattoo masters in Borneo, Tahiti, and Samoa, Colin’s personal history with Inuit and First Nations people of North America has allowed him to utilise techniques that were sometimes hidden or lost for centuries. During the podcast, Sean and Colin discuss how Colin first started as a tattoo artist, some of the tattooing methods he has used during his career as well as drifting onto ancient mummies, conventions and even Colin's brief employment in the porn industry...

This week, we discuss one of the more unsavoury aspects of the Viking age, slavery. Whilst most cultures in the early middle ages had class systems which contained some forms of servitude, the Vikings took it to the next level and to some extent, their entire culture was built on slavery. From slave raids in surrounding kingdoms, slaves manning the oars on their ships and their general thrall system, it is one of the aspects least discussed within the community. We were lucky enough to speak with Ben Raffield, an associate professor and researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden who has been conducting some research on this sensitive topic.

Musician, skald, storyteller, artist and now tattooist, Sigurbodi is a man of many talents... In this episode, he and Sean exchange stories from their home countries of Iceland and Wales and come to conclusions on how you should deal with elves, zombies and even the devil...

In this episode, we move a little away from history and talk with Ed Gamester about his life and views on the world. For those who don't know Ed, he is a man who does things. In his life, he has been a strongman, a wrestler, musician and author and generally great to be around!   The guys discuss Ed's life so far as well as his views on happiness in a world that is very much self obsessed.

Sean talks to Hamish Lamley of Pictavia leather about all things Pictish, while like a true craftsman, Hamish darns his Pictish jumper... They loosely discuss the historical timeline of the people known as the Picts, a people about whom so little can be proven but so many theories exist...

In this episode, Sean delves deeply into the understanding of Nordic Art styles with Luciano, better known as Children Of Ash and Lars, an archaeologist working in Denmark about their research into the subject. This is quite a detailed and niche discussion about the Viking art styles including the Jelling style which they talk about at length.

Sean continues his discussion with Rune Rasmussen, a historian specialising in Nordic religions about Nordic traditions and animism. Describing himself as an anthropologist, Rune is the creator of the Nordic Animism Runic Calendar and book which is available on Northern Fire now. You can follow Rune's work on his YouTube channel here.  

Sean talks to Rune Rasmussen about Nordic Animism and his upcoming Runic Calendar and book which is available on Northern Fire now. In this podcast, They explore some of the traditions of engaging and respecting the spirits of landscape, seasons and nature in the North Western part of Europe. You can follow Rune's work on his YouTube channel here.