Vikingology Podcast

Historians and archaeologists who study the vikings are constantly grappling with the question of the amount and level of influence they had on the various parts of the world they ventured into. In this episode we add legal customs to the mix with Dr. Jake Stattel, a legal historian and postdoc research fellow at Cambridge University's Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic, who is looking into this very thing — pun intended :)We talked about how legal institutions in England were changing dramatically from AD 900 to 1200 due in part to internal political developments but also to the incursion of the vikings who not only raided and traded but eventually settled there, creating a new hybrid culture based on traditional Scandinavian legal systems, in an area that came to be known as the Danelaw.Want to know the difference between customary and common law, how a person would know which laws they needed to obey when living in a hybrid world, and what happened to 13-year old thieves? Jake’s got you covered.His article Legal culture in the Danelaw: a study of III Æthelred has won several awards for its novel approach to this subject, so if you’re interested in a deeper dive, do check it out.Thanks Jake for a really interesting chat that got our wheels turning!Vikingology is reader-supported. Thanks for watching and listening! To support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Four podcast hosts geeking out on the Viking Age. What could be better, right?We finally got our chance to sit down with John Sexton and Andy Pfrenger, Medieval Studies scholars who found they shared a love of the Icelandic sagas and started a podcast about it. They’ve been at it for over a decade now, bringing in-depth readings and discussion of the sagas — those tales about people living on a harsh little island in the North Atlantic during the Viking Age — which are chock full of utterly human situations and emotions that are still relatable all these centuries later. And sometimes they even put them on trial.But oddly enough, we started the conversation by talking about Beowulf and what it means to be killed in the Vikingverse. Go figure. John and Andy are leading a saga tour of Iceland in April 2026. If you are interested in tagging along, check out their website Saga Thing Tours. Space is limited so sign up early!And don’t forget to listen to their podcast. You’ll get a deep dive into the saga literature and occasionally hear an interview with top scholars and general viking enthusiasts as well. All great stuff.Thanks John and Andy! We hope we get to do it again. Skál!Vikingology is reader-supported. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber so we can continue bringing you great guests like John and Andy. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

This time we welcome friend of the show Professor Clare Downham of the University of Liverpool back to the show for an unprecedented THIRD time. We always have so much fun chatting with her that we can’t seem to stop! Clare is one of the world’s foremost scholars on vikings, particularly vikings in Ireland and England, and this time she talked to us about the new compilation of primary sources she’s just completed that will be published by Penguin Classics next year. But that wasn’t all.As we historians tend to do, we wandered into philosophical questions about the human condition which transcends time. It seems vikings were so very different from us and not so very different at the same time.We hope you enjoy it as much as we did. It’s your opportunity to eavesdrop on what historians talk about when they talk like no one is listening.Skál!Vikingology is reader-supported. To make sure the fun doesn’t end, please consider becoming paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Imagine a past much like our own, only the myths and sagas of Norse legend are all true. Vikings roam the northern seas in search of plunder while skalds compose poetry about great adventures. Sorcerers manipulate unseen spirits and runes to cast powerful spells. Dragons and undead draugar hoard gold and other great treasures. Dwarves forge magic swords, change shape, and brew incredible mead and ale.And Odin is a massive a*****e.If any of that seems intriguing to you, well, it did to us too! So we decided to talk with author Gregory Amato who wrote that bit describing his books of fantasy fiction set in the Viking Age, most recently through his series Spear of the Gods. We talked about what drew him to this genre and how his two lives as a former FBI intelligence analyst and now author collide in his work.In addition to telling good stories and immersing his readers in another world, Gregory also hopes his work can help people to better understand Norse magic, myth, and people on their own terms, rather than through those more nefarious uses which abound in various corners of our world. This was an interesting and, at times, deep conversation about not only writing but engaging with the past responsibly in general. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.Thanks Gregory! C.J. is looking forward to reading your signed copies ;)For more information, head to Gregory’s website where a free surprise awaits you! You can also find his other musings on his Substack.And you can buy his books here.Vikingology is reader-supported. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber so we can keep on truckin’. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

This time on the podcast the authors outnumbered the historians. We got a fun glimpse into the world of historical fiction writing set in the Viking Age from authors Johanna Wittenberg and K.S. Barton. Johanna writes the Norse Women series. K.S. is author of the Norse Family Saga trilogy. And that’s not all! They also co-host the podcast Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World where they discuss what it meant to be a woman in the Viking Age. With a mix of history, writing, and podcasting, they are our kind of people!We talked to them about why they chose the Viking Age as the backdrop for their stories, the art of writing and what it takes to appeal to readers of historical fiction, and what role AI may play in changing the writing game. And we also waded into the murky waters of women warriors. Did shieldmaidens exist? Watch or listen and find out!Thank you Johanna and K.S.! We had a great time.You can learn more about their work on their websites:johannawittenberg.com and ksbarton.com. Vikingology is reader-supported. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to keep the content coming. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

It’s our 50th episode! A giant thanks to all of you who have listened, watched, and supported us in our little viking endeavor. We have a real treat that we’ve saved up special for the occasion — our long-awaited chat with Erik Knudsen, captain of the replica viking ship “Valkyrie”.In our three years of doing Vikingology Podcast, we have talked surprisingly little about viking ships, which seems kinda weird since they are one of the most iconic images of the Viking Age. But thanks to Erik, his dad David, and their shipwright Jay Smith of Aspøya Boats in Washington State who have recreated a 56-foot long replica inspired by a Skuldelev ship from the Viking Age in Denmark, we finally get to dive into some of the nitty gritty details of how those magnificent works of art and craft were created. We learned about building techniques and materials, what it feels like to sail a viking ship, why they were different than other boats of the time, and what it means to have a special, perhaps emotional, connection to such a vessel. If you’re used to listening to us, you’ll definitely want to watch our interview this time to see the cool images that we discuss.If you want to check out “Valkyrie” in person, you are in luck! Erik and his crew have been approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to take people out in her, so you can experience what it meant to be a viking for yourself (minus the raiding and pillaging, of course). Head to their website, Northwest Viking Ship, for more information and to book a tour. They are also hiring, so if you want a job as a viking, now is your opportunity!Tusend tak Erik! It was a real pleasure. Fair winds and following seas!Vikingology is reader-supported. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to keep the magic coming. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Terri and C.J. are finally back together again!After a summer hiatus so that C.J. could move to France, we reunite for a very special chat with medievalist historian and fellow American Pacific Northwesterner Eleanor Janega. Some of you might recognize her from her incredibly popular History Hit TV series that she’s done on everything from the history of body modification to the plague, King Arthur, the medieval afterlife, and more.But we wanted to talk to her about her latest series about vikings named Norman.Well, actually the ones named “Rollo the Walker” and “William the B*****d” whose viking opportunism and medieval badassery gave us the area in France that we still call Normandy to this day because of them. We find out how and why a viking chieftain could create a dynasty that would change the history of a French region and the entirety of England forever. And why those Normans are the tech bros of the Viking Age.Thanks so much Eleanor! You are great fun and we look forward to chatting again soon.You can find out more about Eleanor’s work, including her books THE ONCE AND FUTURE SEX: Going Medieval on Women’s Roles in Society and The Middle Ages: A Graphic History on her website.You can also check out Eleanor on her two podcasts: Gone Medieval and We’re Not So Different.Vikingology is reader-supported. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to keep the magic coming. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Oh, the tropes and stereotypes we have to endure as historians and enthusiasts of the Viking Age. From horned helmets to shieldmaidens, there’s lots about the period that is either false or shrouded in mystery, yet it endures in our popular imagination.But hang on to your heads, kids! In a new article, archaeologist and associate professor Martin Rundkvist is shedding light on another trope you may have heard about — vikings doing strange things with skulls. Did vikings really drink from the skulls of their dead enemies? Probably not, but did they do other stuff with them? According to Martin’s research the answer is a definite yes. But why? And whose skulls were they?In this episode we talked with him about his study of 34 skulls in Sweden and Denmark. The conclusions may seem shocking, but the Norse were far from alone in human history in what they did with those skulls. Watch the episode and then check out the article yourself here. You can also find some of his other work on his academia page. It’s super interesting stuff.Tack Martin! What a fascinating chat! We look forward to it again so we can hear about your adventures in Gotland.Vikingology is reader-supported. If you like what we do, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Here at Vikingology we spend what we often think is an outsized amount of time focusing on viking activity on the eastern shores of England. From the raid on Lindisfarne monastery in 793 — the so-called start of the Viking Age — and into the creation of the Danelaw, to the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066, it seems all the action in the British Isles was in the east.But in today’s episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with historian John Fletcher who told us about the importance of Cornwall in the viking story, in the southwest of England. He specializes in that part of Britain during the early medieval period and in 2023 published The Western Kingdom: The Birth of Cornwall. He is currently researching the impact of viking and Scandinavian activity there from the 9th to 11th centuries. It appears that while our eyes have been on the east, just like the vikings, Cornwall sort of snuck up on us.From being the “true” heirs of the Roman Empire in the North, to tin mining, King Arthur, lots of Catholic saints, and being a sandbox for vikings to hone their skills, suffice it to say there’s lots more to Cornwall than meets the eye. To check it all out, watch the podcast and then buy John’s book!You can also find John on Facebook and Instagram @authorjohnfletcherThanks so much John! We look forward to chatting again. 'Eghes da!This Substack is reader-supported. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to help us keep the good stuff coming. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

This time on the podcast we laughed a lot with Rowdy Geirsson, the author of several books and articles based in the Viking Age, both its history and mythology. Like us, Rowdy is an American who has a passion for the Norse — he even spoke to us from Sweden where he is soaking up local viking history for the month.So, what do Boston, Snorri Sturluson, warriors, Leif Eriksson, Óðin’s bird poop of wisdom, and getting sucked into black holes in the Vikingverse have in common? Watch the interview and find out!You can follow Rowdy and his work on his website Scandinavian Aggression, and also on Instagram @rowdygeirsson. His writing on Norse culture and history has appeared in many places from Scandinavian Review to McSweeney’s. You’ll basically find him wherever vikings and humor collide. And for Óðin’s sake, buy his books!Thanks Rowdy! We hope we can do it again.Skál!Thanks for reading! To support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Everyone knows that Viking Age Scandinavia was a barbaric and lawless place, right? With all that stealing, killing, property destruction, and selling of people into slavery, who else could get away with all that mayhem if not people with a complete disregard for law and order? Well, if that’s your view of the viking world, we’ve got news for you. In this episode we chat with Professor and Dr. Alexandra Sanmark of the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, an expert in all things legal and judicial in Viking Age society. Turns out, those Scandinavians knew a thing or two about crime and punishment and took it very seriously. The result was an intricate set of laws, courts, and procedures that were part of Germanic custom going all the way back to the Roman era. We talked to her about various legal policies and procedures, what our sources are for them, and where those public assemblies took place. We also discussed the legal parity that the Viking Age is famous for in our modern imaginations. The reality may surprise you.Her book Viking Law and Order: Places and Rituals of Assembly in the Medieval North spells out the complex nature of Norse systems at a time when laws were not written down but performed and remembered visually and orally. It’s a fasinating look into a culture that counters our every impulse thought about what it meant to be a “viking.”Thanks Alex, it was a most interesting and thought-provoking pleasure!To comment on our posts and support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Góðan Daginn, Bonjour, and Hello!This post is a quick update for our subscribers. Learn about our new projects and podcast guest teases for May. There’s lots of good Viking stuff coming up.Thanks for reading, watching, and listening. We appreciate your support!You’ll find C.J.’s Substack here.You´ll find Terri´s Substack here.And lots of good stuff for Viking and medieval nerds on Medievalists.net, including information about Terri’s online Viking history courses.Skál! Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode we have one of our most wide-ranging conversations yet, and if you follow us at all you’ll know that’s saying something because we are very prone to ranging wide!We chat with Alex Harvey, an archaeologist from Yorkshire, England, who has written several books on medieval history. But we wanted to hear all about his Forgotten Vikings which was published in the U.K. in 2024 but is just now reaching audiences in the U.S. in 2025. Alex’s book and research had us asking many questions — What is the meaning of “Viking” and how is that changing? When did the Viking Age actually begin and end? How did he become interested in Vikings in the first place? Then we ventured into how the Romans may have influenced the Viking Age North, the intermix of myth and reality in storytelling then and now, the importance of modern pop culture for getting people interested in Viking history, authenticity in the movie The Northman and TV series Vikings and The Last Kingdom, and how Vikings look to us like a mix of Walter White and Tony Soprano. We warned you that we ranged pretty wide. But just who are the “Forgotten” Vikings? You’ll have to watch/listen to find out.Thanks so much Alex! We look forward to doing it again soon when we can dig into more about archaeology. After you’ve read Forgotten Vikings, don’t forget to check out his other book Riddles of the Isle and then be on the lookout for his forthcoming book Little Kingdoms: An A-Z of Early Medieval Britain.This Substack is reader-supported. To support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

When one of Peter Gibbons’ book reviews reads, “A great read full of blood and gore,” you know you’re in for an interesting ride! And so it was that we had a great ride (and time) talking with Peter about his best-selling book series set in the Viking and Saxon worlds: The Saxon Warrior and Viking Blood & Blade Saga. Peter is not only a prolific writer but a very accomplished one as well, winning the highly coveted Kindle Storyteller Award in 2022 for his book King of War. He lives in Ireland, but was born in the north of England. His love of reading as a kid and growing up in the shadows of Viking settlements helped to spark his interesting career. We talked with Peter about several things like how he got his start as a writer, when he was fortunte enough to quit his day job to write full time, the intrusion of AI into the writing field, and how the world still needs the creativity and passion that only humans can bring to the table. We also asked him who it is that he sees when he looks at Vikings. His passion for them and their Age was immediately apparent and infectious.But as we tend to wander on Vikingology, we ended our talk on King Arthur. Go figure.Thanks so much Peter for such a fun chat!Sláinte!You can shop for all of Peter’s books on his website.This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Do you believe in elves or magic spells? In Iceland those things have been part of the traditional folklore for a very long time. To learn about what that meant, and continues to mean, we spoke with experts in Old Norse religion and folk beliefs Kári Pálsson and Giorgia Sottotetti. They worked together on a new book, The Galdrabók: Forbidden Icelandic folk magic with Hyldyr, a small, independent publisher in Washington State that has also published other books on related themes.This episode was a bit of a spooky one for Terri. As a researcher of Vikings and Iceland herself, coincidentally (or not?) back in 2019 she had seen Jarðskinna, the tiny manuscript that we discuss and that is the focus of Kári and Giorgia’s book (along with the Galdrabók), and always wondered what it meant. As you can see from her photo above, taken in the Árni Magnússon Institute in Reykjavík, it contains strange images and symbols that still defy explanation. Luckily, Kári and Giorgia have transcribed the Icelandic text, but they have yet to crack the code. If you have any experience with Icelandic folkloric magic and potential insight into what the images might mean, they would love to hear from you. You can reach them through their publisher.The episode was a bit spooky for C. J. too. All he could see in the images and symbols was an alien abduction! But perhaps that was because he was a bit under the weather and could really have used a magic healing spell. Or maybe he’s just spent too much time in the Vikingverse ;)This was a really interesting and fun chat, not only about the manuscripts, but the beliefs of Nordic peoples that have withstood the test of time, from before and during the Viking Age straight through to the present. And we ended on a recitation of a Fart Rune, so what’s not to love about that?!Takk fyrir Kári and Giorgia! Vikingology Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

This time we sat down with Ross Downing to talk about the new book he co-wrote and edited with Kaarina Aitamurto, Germanic and Slavic Paganisms: Security Threats and Resiliency, which through a collection of essays looks at the various ways the Viking past is interpreted and misinterpreted in modern Paganism. Ross has an extensive academic and professional background in the study of religions and Old Norse mythology as well as in investigating right wing extremism’s misuse of them. In this interview, we talk about the background of modern Paganism and how it is deeply rooted in the romantic nationalism of the 19th century — a time when modern nation states were just being born in Europe, and many of them — including in Scandinavia — looked to the Vikings as the perfect model for how those nations wanted to be viewed: as strong, independent, and courageous folk with an adventurous spirit. But, as Ross explains, the creation of that history and folklore also resulted in what his books calls “The Folkish Problem.” Originating in the German word völkisch, folkish refers to a more nativist and exclusive view of what it means to have Germanic heritage. And this “you’re either one of us, or you’re not” has become the basis for many right wing extremist movements who also co-opt Paganism and use the Vikings as their ideal. Ross’ book highlights the problems this has caused and continues to cause in the world, and argues for an inclusive Paganism, or Heathenry, as well as provides tools for how it can work toward a set of beliefs and practices that are less prone to misuse and abuse by those who seek to use Viking history and symbols in dangerous ways. It should be read by anyone interested in the “Old Ways.”We also discuss the obligation that academics who research Vikings have in helping us understand that past in a way that is grounded in the evidence. As a researcher who has taken his expertise into the world of security and threat assessment, Ross is the very embodiment of the ways that responsible scholarly knowledge of the past can be used to help address some of the most pressing issues of our time.Thank you Ross for a very thought-provoking conversation!Vikingology Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

We are delighted to welcome back to the show Dr habil. Leszek Gardeła. It’s been two years since our last conversation with him, and so we were excited to get a chance to speak with him again and hear about his new book The Vikings in Poland (hardback now available, paperback to be released soon). Leszek is a Polish archaeologist, so this history is personal for him, and this book has been a long time in the making. But thankfully he undertook the task of researching and writing it, for it finally brings to light an often-neglected but very important aspect of the Viking Age. In addition to his book, we talk about our changing understanding of just what a “Viking” is (or was) and the art and artifacts that help us to see them a bit more clearly. We also talk about the misuse of history and symbols of the past particularly those connected with the Viking Age. And we cover the migrations and mixes of past peoples that show us a dynamic world that can’t easily be reduced to Scandinavian or Slav, Viking or warrior, us or them. As always, the conversation with him is thoughtful and enlightening.Leszek is a prolific writer. He is skilled at taking the complexities and nuances of the Vikings and bringing reason and clarity — in short, he finds the humans behind the legends. We highly recommend his books for anyone interested in the Viking Age. Dziękuję Leszek! We look forward to chatting again.Click the images to buy his books. Vikingology has no affiliate relationship and does not profit from book sales. We provide links simply to support the author.Interested in our previous chat with Leszek? We’ve got you covered…Vikingology Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To receive support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

The search for the Great Viking Army is both literal and figurative. For years, scholars have tried to answer the questions surrounding this supposed “army” — What, exactly, was it? How big was it? Who fought in it? Who commanded it, and what were their goals? In this episode we welcome back friend of the show archaeologist Tom Horne to help us answer these questions and understand the exciting ways our knowledge of the Great Army is changing. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference between a Viking raider and a Viking army warrior was, this episode has you covered!Another crucial question has been, where did the Army go? Turns out it was likely right in Tom’s backyard in central and northern Scotland all along. For evidence, Tom shows us some artifacts at Dunblane Museum and explains what they tell us about the Viking presence in places we’ve not known about until now. To keep up with all the latest updates and finds, check out Tom’s website and Viking blog. We also highly recommend his book A Viking Market Kingdom in Ireland and Britain, which gives context for the trade networks and silver fever that helped to drive the Great Army’s expansion.Also follow Tom on his several social media platforms to read more about his work and see lots of really cool images of Viking stuff.Thanks Tom. We look forward to next time and more epiphanies!Vikingology Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To support our work, consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

What comes to your mind when you think of Vikings? If it’s a bunch of hairy thugs in boats with swords and axes coming to steal your things, you are only partially correct. In this chat with Dr. Christian Cooijmans we found out that Viking activity in Francia — which encompassed a large swath of Continental Europe 1,200 years ago — was a much more sophisticated and calculated affair than anyone has previously thought.Through investigating various sources which document Viking activity across the realm, Chris paints a picture of Vikings as economic actors with a level of business acumen rarely ascribed to them. Rather than random farmers out for an occasional good time, think planning, logistics, risk/reward calculations, and a very adaptable infrastructure, and you’ll be on the right track. These are not your grandmother’s Vikings.After watching or listening to the episode, read more about it in his book Monarchs and Hydrarchs: The Conceptual Development of Viking Activity Across the Frankish Realm (c. 750 - 940) which is available directly from the publisher here. Use code VIKINGOLOGY for 25% off until January 31, 2025. It will make a perfect holiday gift for that Viking nerd in your life.We also talked to Chris about his involvement in The Great Viking Survey, which is part of a research project looking into modern perceptions of Vikings on a global scale. Responses will help inform researchers about how the world sees Vikings at this moment in the 21st century. Anyone can participate in the survey which you’ll find here on our site by clicking the story below. Thanks Chris for a fun and illuminating conversation about the changing nature of how we see Vikings. We look forward to chatting again very soon!Skál!Vikingology Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe

Have you ever thought, like really thought, about what it would be like if you took a time machine to the Viking Age? Where would you get food? How do you make clothes? What do you brush your teeth with, or do you brush them at all? And what on earth do you do without cellphones and the internet? Our guests today know firsthand the answer to all these questions and more.This time we had the privilege of sitting down with Kevin Alexandrowicz and Devon Rawlings, both members of Járnborg Vikings, a chapter in the Northwest Viking Alliance. These are NOT your garden-variety cosplay enthusiasts, but people who are deeply interested in experiencing the past, and learning from it, in an authentic way through living history experimental archaeology — a big fancy phrase meaning they understand the small mundane things that constituted daily life in northern Europe 1,000 years ago.Things like how to make a wooden spoon, how to forge a needle to sew your clothes with, what it’s like to butcher an animal, and even how women dealt with that time of the month.But besides learning some cool specialized knowledge or skills, why on earth would anyone really want to experience the Viking Age in this way?? We asked them about that and found ourselves wandering into the more philosophical issue of embracing the past versus escaping the present. It was an interesting and enlightening chat!Þanciaþ! If you live in the Pacific Northwest and you’re interested in finding out more or even maybe joining a group, check out the Northwest Viking Alliance. If you live outside the PNW, they can probably help you find similar groups in your area.Kevin and Devon are also artists. Please check out their craft on their sites below. There’s some really beautiful stuff, and they’ll appreciate the support.Kevin’s work at Archaic Growth and on Instagram @archaicgrowth.Devon’s work at Baseborn and on Instagram at @baseborn.co Vikingology Podcast is a reader-supported publication. To support our work, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Get full access to Vikingology Podcast at vikingology.substack.com/subscribe