Viking Age Podcast
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.
info_outline Mother of Kings Supplement - Maiden KingsViking Age Podcast
In this supplemental episode, we explore a complex and fascinating set of characters found in several Sagas - the Maiden Kings.
info_outline Mother of Kings VI - The Mother of KingsViking Age Podcast
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.
info_outline Mother of Kings V - I Lay This Curse on YouViking Age Podcast
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.
info_outline Mother of Kings IV - A Woman of Great DignityViking Age Podcast
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.
info_outline Mother of Kings III - Cold are the Counsels of WomenViking Age Podcast
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.
info_outline Mother of Kings II - A Woman Small of Stature yet Great of CounselViking Age Podcast
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.
info_outline Mother of Kings I - The ThresholdViking Age Podcast
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.
info_outline Eastern Way IV - Gamla UppsalaViking Age Podcast
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.
info_outline Eastern Way III - Catastrophe and OpportunityViking Age Podcast
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.
info_outlineIn this episode we begin to explore Pagan practice in Iceland, focusing on the religious roles of the goðar. In this first episode we will be discussing:
- The role played by the goðar in the conversion of Iceland.
- A rune stone attesting to an early Danish goðar.
- A remarkable cult building at Uppkåra in South Western Sweden.
- The close ties between political and religious power in Viking Age Scandinavia.
Recommended reading for this episode is Pre-Christian cult at aristocratic residences and settlement complexes in Southern Scandinavia in the 3rd – 10th centuries AD by Lars Jørgensen. It provides an excellent overview of major Scandinavian Central Places and possible cult activities which took place at them. There are also some fantastic illustrations.
For more information and a full accounting of sources check out the website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/chieftains-and-temples