Shows
Cinema JunkieAsians On Screen From Yellow Peril To SuperheroEarlier this month Marvel delivered its first Asian superhero in its cinematic universe with "Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings." But it’s been a long hard road getting to this point in Hollywood. For the latest episode of Cinema Junkie, I speak with Brian Hu, artistic director of the San Diego Asian Film Festival, about the evolution of Asian images on screen from the stereotypes of yellow peril to Shang Chi.
Hu will take us on a tour through early negative stereotypes of Fu Manchu to characters like Charlie Chan and Mr. Moto to the breakthrough st...
2021-09-2245 min
The Projection Booth PodcastEpisode 529: The Big Gundown (1968)Spaghetti Western Month continues with a look at Sergio Sollima’s 1966 film The Big Gundown. It’s the story of Jonathan Corbett (Lee Van Cleef), a bounty hunter who is being wooed to run for the US Senate. To cement his law & order image, he’s asked to pursue the criminal Cuchillo (Tomas Milian). Mike Malloy and Beth Accomando join Mike to discuss Sollima’s Western trilogy.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-projection-booth-podcast--5513239/support.
2021-07-211h 46
Cinema JunkieBonus Podcast: Revisiting The Black PanthersDavid F. Walker, author of the upcoming "The Black Panther Party: A Graphic Novel," talks more about the research he's done for his book and I have my full interview with a member of the San Diego Original Black Panther Party, Henry Lee Wallace V. So I stray off the film path for this bonus or perhaps it's better titled a companion podcast to Black Films That Matter. Walker talks about the Black Panthers and their legacy while Wallace recounts how he joined the party as a teenager and now serves as chairman of the reactivated San Diego Black Panther...
2020-07-0757 min
Wonders of the WorldThe Fjords of Norway and the Norse VikingsCarved by glaciers during the Ice Age, Norway's more than 1100 fjords are spectacular. The sea enters narrow valleys with high cliffs laced with waterfalls. This rugged seacoast nurtured ancient Norway and its ruthless seafaring raiders: the Vikings. The Vikings came out of the north like a thunderbolt to ravage the coastlines of Europe, but the people of medieval Scandinavia were so much more than just Vikings. In this episode, Lee Accomando of the Viking Age Podcast talks about Harald Fairhair, legendary first king of united Norway, and his sons Håkon the Good and the ex...
2019-09-191h 09
Viking Age PodcastI Honor with Words of Truth that LadyIn 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
2019-08-2358 minViking Age PodcastMother of Kings Supplement - Maiden KingsIn 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
2019-06-1146 minViking Age PodcastMother of Kings VI - The Mother of KingsIn 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/
2019-06-1055 minViking Age PodcastMother of Kings V - I Lay This Curse on YouIn 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 Pod...
2019-04-101h 19Viking Age PodcastMother of Kings IV - A Woman of Great DignityIn 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. F...
2019-02-281h 02Viking Age PodcastMother of Kings III - Cold are the Counsels of Women 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 th...
2019-02-121h 00Viking Age PodcastMother of Kings II - A Woman Small of Stature yet Great of Counsel 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
2019-01-2947 minViking Age PodcastMother of Kings I - The ThresholdIn 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...
2019-01-151h 19Viking Age PodcastEastern Way IV - Gamla UppsalaIn 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/
2018-11-091h 01Viking Age PodcastEWIII - Catastrophe and OpportunityThe 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...
2018-09-251h 03Viking Age PodcastEastern Way II - Gods and KingsIn this episode we explore the mythical history of the Svear, as it is related to us by the ever-entertaining Snorri Sturluson. Along the way we discuss Divine Kings, Deadly Vats of Meads and even a Half-Giant-Magical-Oxen-Son plough-team. Believe it or not, these fantastical, fictional tales lead us to some rather more concrete evidence about life and politics in the land of the Svear in the years leading up to the Viking Age. For more information, maps and a full list of sources used for this episode, visit our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/gods-and-kings/
2018-09-1154 minViking Age PodcastThe Eastern Way IIn this episode we begin our exploration of the Baltic Sea region by examining two very different sources of evidence which point to early Viking activities in the Eastern Baltic. First we discuss a dramatic tale which has come down to us from the pen of everyone's favorite Icelandic author, Snorri Sturluson. This story centers around a certain Yngvarr, King of the Svear, and traces his dramatic demise at the hands of the Eistr. We then step out of the world of literature and into the dirt to explore a remarkable archeological find which was recently uncovered...
2018-08-2855 min
The History of VikingsThe Viking Age w/ Lee AccomandoA conversation with Lee Accomando, fellow Viking podcaster, and host of The Viking Age Podcast.
The Viking Age Podcast https://apple.co/2PjMYec
The History of Vikings on YouTube https://bit.ly/2TW2DEh
Follow The History of Vikings on Twitter https://bit.ly/2Qsg28b
Feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, suggestions or inquiries that you might have noah@thehistoryofvikings.com
Music: Danheim - Framganga https://danheimmusic.com/
2018-07-0922 minViking Age PodcastSnorri Sturluson, Big Farmers & the End of the Icelandic Free StateIn this episode we conclude our series on Iceland by discussing the rapid changes which shook the Icelandic political system in the 1200s. We discuss the likely causes of these changes, explore the life and times of our good friend Snorri Sturluson and examine the impact that this time period may have had for our own understanding of Icelandic history. For more information and a full list of sources, checkout our website at: http://vikingagepodcast.com/snorri-sturluson
2018-06-0546 minViking Age PodcastPoetry and RemembranceIn this episode, we explore poets and poetry in the Norse world, focusing particularly on the role they played in preserving history, myth and legend. Along the way we see what happens when you eat a fish's head, unlock the meaning of confounding Skaldic verses and hear what Snorri Sturluson had to say about poets and their role in preserving history. For more information and a full list of sources, see our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/poetry-and-remembrance/
2018-05-1552 minViking Age PodcastCreating the Icelanders In this episode - the second of two parts - we explore the continued Christianization of Iceland in the 1100s with a particular focus on the development of literate culture and the implications of this new culture on Icelandic Society. Today, we explore how the written laws, language and history of this period worked to create the idea of the Icelanders as a distinct and unique people. For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode check out our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/creating-the-icelanders
2018-05-0137 minViking Age PodcastTithes they are a Changin' In this episode - the first of two parts - we explore the continued Christianization of Iceland in the 1100s with a particular focus on the development of literate culture and the implications of this new culture on Icelandic Society. If you are jonesing for more Vikings goodness, you should check out the interview I gave on the History of the Vikings Podcast here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-conversation-with-lee-accomando/id1363609926?i=1000408186770&mt=2 For more information and a full list of sources used in this episode check out our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/tithes-are-a-changin
2018-04-2436 minViking Age PodcastThe Christianization of IcelandIn this episode we are going to discuss the first hundred years or so of the Christianization process in Iceland. We will discuss Chieftains, Priests, Churches and the aspirations of one particularly ambitious Icelandic family. More information and a full list of sources can be found on our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/christianization-of-iceland
2018-04-0352 minViking Age PodcastThe Conversion of the IcelandersIn this episode we dive headfirst into an event still which profoundly colors and shapes our understanding of the Norse world today. That's right - it's time to discuss the Conversion of the Icelanders which took place at the Althing of 999 or 1000CE. More information and a full list of sources for this episode can be found at: https://vikingagepodcast.com/conversion-of-icelanders
2018-03-2053 minViking Age PodcastChrist Comes to IcelandIn this episode we explore the early history of Christianity in Iceland. Along the way we talk about kings, prophets, prominent Christian settlers, and missionary methods employed in the Early Middle Ages. Finally we will introduce Thangbrand - the mildly-homicidal missionary sent to Iceland by the Norwegian King Olaf Tryggvason. This week's recommended reading is Power and Conversion by Alexandra Sanmark. In this excellent book Professor Sanmark provides a detailed, readable and fascinating account of the conversion of Scandinavia. Even more interestingly, she also explores the similarities and differences between the Scandinavian conversions and those of Anglo S...
2018-03-061h 02Viking Age PodcastCOA10 - Law and Belief in Pagan IcelandIn this episode we conclude our discussion on Pagan practice in Iceland by exploring the close connections between the law and pagan beliefs. Along the way we talk about oath rings, the assemblies of the gods and a rather nasty conflict revolving around excrement. Our recommended reading for this week is Viking Law and Order by Alexandra Sanmark. In this readable and beautifully illustrated book, Professor Sanmark reviews the latest archeological evidence for þing-sites throughout Scandinavia. This book highlights the similarities and differences of these sites and provides an excellent guide to these important locations. You should p...
2018-02-1354 minViking Age PodcastLooking Forward - We need your input! I've been working away at future episodes for our Iceland series and I'm realizing that I need to start thinking about what we cover next on the podcast. To help with that choice, I want to get your input. In this not-episode episode I talk through some of the different options and it's up to you to vote for your favorite here: https://strawpoll.com/gba22rcs
2018-02-0608 minViking Age PodcastRitual and Sacrifice in Pagan IcelandIn this episode we explore what our sources have to tell us about sacrifice and ritual in Pagan Iceland. Along the way we discuss the method and purpose of sacrifice and the how this may have impacted Icelandic society. Our recommended reading for this week is A Piece of Horse Liver by Jón Hnefill Aðalsteinsson. A collection of essays concerning Myth, Ritual and Folklore this book includes some excellent and very readable breakdowns of the most important information we have about Pagan practice in Iceland. Highly recommended. For more information and a full list...
2018-01-3050 minViking Age PodcastBringing Thor to IcelandIn this episode we continue our exploration of Pagan Practice in Iceland by taking a look at religious roles and responsibilities held by some of the first Icelandic settlers and how these roles translated to their new home. Our recommended reading for this episode is the excellent The Viking Diaspora by Judith Jesch. This has been one of my major sources for the entire Children of Ash series and now seems like a good time to introduce it. An essential resource for information about the Icelandic Free State and the ongoing connections between the Norse colonies throughout...
2018-01-1642 minViking Age PodcastChieftains and TemplesIn 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 South...
2018-01-0239 min
The Projection Booth PodcastEpisode 350: A Better Tomorrow (1986)After a brief hiatus, The Projection Booth returns with a discussion of John Woo's A Better Tomorrow (1986). The film is seen as a hallmark of the “heroic bloodshed” subgenre of action films, doing for gunplay what a generation of Hong Kong films had done with swords.The film tells the tale of Ho (Ti Lung), a criminal whose younger brother, Kit (Leslie Cheung), is a police officer. He's betrayed by a fellow gangster (Waise Lee) and sent up the river. When he returns to Hong Kong he wants to stay on the right side of the law which is m...
2017-12-263h 56Viking Age PodcastIcelandic Law and Culture II - The People of EyriIn this episode we continue to explore the dynamics of power, violence and law in Viking Age Iceland. We will do so by discussing many of the conflicts found in Saga of the People of Eyri. Along the way we will cover: A curious young farmer who is mauled by a mysterious spirit. Some legally questionable handshake deals. The legal and social relationships which tied together goðar and free farmers. The limits of a goði's power and the consequences of exceeding them. A murder on a hay-stack. For more information, resources and a map please vi...
2017-11-291h 06Viking Age PodcastIcelandic Law and Culture I: Mord the FiddleIn this episode we dive into the gritty details of Icelandic law, culture and politics by looking at the tale of Mord the Fiddle from Njal's Saga. Along the way we talk about marriage in the Viking Age, the definition of a hundred and the importance of moderation and compromise in Icelandic Politics. The "Recommended Reading" for this week is actually Recommended Listening. I cannot recommend enough the Epic 12-part breakdown of Njal's Saga done by the excellent Saga Thing Podcast. Check out their website or search for Saga Thing Podcast on your podcast player...
2017-11-0355 minViking Age PodcastThe Ghost of Thorolf Twist-FootIn this Halloween special we tell one of the spookiest ghost stories we find in the Icelandic Sagas - the story of Thorolf Twist-Foot as told in the Saga of the People of Eyri. The Saga of the People of Eyri is fantastic. My favorite English translation can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RI9XZQ/ref=oh_aui_d_detailpage_o03_?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2017-10-2520 min
The History of Ancient Greece059 Olympian ZeusIn this episode, we discuss the myths, iconography, and cultic worship of Zeus, the mighty patriarch who ruled over Mount Olympos; included are his Indo-European origins as the supreme sky god; his role as the god who maintains order and justice by presiding over normative civic, social, and family relationships; his connection with Themis (Divine Law), Nemesis (Revenge), and the three Moirai (the Fates); his worship as a rain-making, agricultural deity, both on mountain peaks (Attika and Krete) and the Underworld (symbolizing the regenerative life cycle); his worship in Arkadia and its relationship to werewolf transformation and human sacrifice...
2017-10-2354 minViking Age PodcastThe Icelandic Free StateIn this episode we explore the offices and institutions which made up the Icelandic Free State. Through comprehensive legal codes, accepted traditions and customs and regular, predictable assembly the Icelanders were able to govern themselves for over three centuries without a king, head chieftain or any other executive authority to speak of. How did they do it? Well, that’s what we are going to talk about today. This week’s recommended reading is near and dear to my heart. Viking Age Iceland by Jesse Byock is the definitive single volume history of the Icelandic Free...
2017-10-1853 minViking Age PodcastConflict and Things in Early IcelandIn this week's episode we explore the growing number of challenges faced by the Icelanders as the landnám period drew to a close in the 930s. We will then take a long look at the key components of the institution the Icelanders turned to in order to solve that problem - the thing. Along the way we will talk about beheadings over fish, witness a chieftain get given a bloody nose by a silver-wielding farmer and we will even examine the ever dodgy - if very helpful - writings of Cornelius Tacitus. This week's r...
2017-10-0452 minViking Age PodcastTaking Land in IcelandIn this week’s episode we explore the initial settlement of Iceland. We’ll talk about who settled the island, when they settled down and begin our discussion of the society they created. To kick us off we are going to explore this topic by example by exploring the settlement led by Unn the Deepminded - one of the most remarkable figures from the Viking Age. More details, works cited and recommended reading can be found on our website: http://vikingagepodcast.com/taking-land-in-iceland/
2017-09-2054 minViking Age PodcastThe Discovery of Iceland In this episode we will be exploring the initial discovery of Iceland by Norse Sailors in the mid-800s. First - we set the stage by discussing the literary and historical legacy of Iceland and discussing why it is so important to understand the culture of the island before using the amazing works which were written there in the 1200s. We then follow the stories told in the Landnámabók and the Íslendingabók about the discovery and initial settlement of Iceland - including storms, sworn brothers and path-finding ravens. Finally - we conclude with a discussion of high-seat pillars an...
2017-09-0645 minViking Age PodcastThe Children of Ash We are back! This is simply a quick update episode to catch everyone back up to speed and set the stage for our next series of episodes. Those episodes are going to cover the Discovery, Settlement and Development of Iceland. This will all serve as part of our quest to understand why the Sagas, Myths and Legends of Pagan Scandinavia were recorded there in the 1200s.
2017-09-0608 minViking Age PodcastVS03 - The Story of Harald Finehair IIIIn this episode we conclude the story of Harald Finehair and we take a look at what life looked in Harald's Norway was like. Along the way we encounter more berserkar, polygamy and lots and lots of chieftain's fleeing Norway for the greener pastures of Iceland.
2017-07-0646 minViking Age PodcastVS02 - The Story of Harald Finehair IIIn this episode we trace King Harald Finehair's rise to power as he conquers his way up the Eastern Edge of Norway and then back down the West Coast. Along that way the young, shaggy king will kill, negotiate and bully his way into the history books. Plus - this being the Viking Age Podcast - we also discuss some myths around the berserkir and Harald's administrative innovations! For those who want to learn more about the Berserkar - check out this excellent MA Thesis by Roderick Dale: http://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/28819/
2017-06-2150 minViking Age PodcastViking Stories 01 - The Story of Harald Finehair IWelcome to the first episode of our Viking Stories series. Today we will be explore the early life of Harald Finehair the first King of Norway. You can download a free PDF with additional information about the events discussed in this episodes here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bz9Rd-bR8nwOSkZxeUpycG9fMlU For more information about this episode and others, visit us at: http://vikingagepodcast.com
2017-06-0749 minViking Age PodcastA Quick UpdateIt has been far too long since our last episode! In this short update we'll talk about why it has been so long and what is planned for the future.
2017-06-0605 minViking Age Podcast33 - A Journey Through Society: The Lay of RigIn this episode we begin to explore the gritty details of Norse society in the Viking Age by reading the Eddic Poem Rigsthula. Along the way we will talk about cross-dressing, lumpy bread and generally introduce our discussion about Viking Age Society and how factors like gender, class and status could impact one's place within it.
2017-05-0337 minViking Age Podcast32 - Anniversary Q&AIn this episode we answer listener questions to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the podcast! Curious why Lee cares about the Viking Age? Want to know about Viking Age Textiles? Is there any truth to those damned horned helmets? All this and more will be revealed. For links to a bunch of useful stuff checkout the show notes here:
2017-04-1255 minViking Age Podcast31 - The Viking SoulIn this episode we get deep into the weeds and examine some intriguing clues as to what Pagan Scandinavians may have though about the soul. We talk about decorated helmets, battles with bears and women who are taller than the mountains. Along the way we will hopefully get a little closer to understanding the nature of the Viking worldview. This episode is a little different, but I hope you enjoy!
2017-04-0450 minViking Age Podcast30 - Fate in the Viking Age - Viking Worlds IIIIn this episode we talk about the role of fate in the minds of Viking Age Scandinavians. We will talk about Ragnarok, Individual Destiny and the dictators of fate themselves, the Norns. Then we'll conclude the episode by talking about the relationship between Fate, honor and reputation.
2017-03-1644 minViking Age Podcast29 - Denmark at the Dawn of the Viking Age - Viking Worlds IIIn this episode we take a birds-eye view of the natural and human landscape of Denmark at the Dawn of the Viking Age. We'll talk about geography, settlement and set the stage for our future discussions about all the gritty details of life in the Viking Age.
2017-03-0243 minViking Age Podcast28 - Viking Worlds I - Myth and MidgardIn this episode we explore the importance of Myth within Viking Age Scandinavia. Specifically we talk about Pagan world views and how the stories we classify as Norse Mythology give us an insight into those views. We'll discuss our sources for these myths and then dive headfirst into the Norse creation myth.
2017-02-2343 minViking Age Podcast27 - Charlemagne and the Saxon Wars Pt 2 - Carolingian Viking Age VIn this episode we conclude our discussion about the reign of Charlemagne and his 30 year-long war against the Saxons. This time, we dive into the meat of the Saxon wars, talking about the various campaigns, rebellions and mass executions which marked this brutal conflict. Then, we turn our attention to how Charlemagne and the Franks ruled Saxony once it was conquered, with particular attention paid to how central religion was to the Carolingian ideology of rule. In many ways the Kingdom of the Franks resembled a theocracy, and we explore this in depth in this ep...
2017-02-0250 minViking Age Podcast26 - Charlemagne and the Saxon Wars Pt 1 - Carolingian Viking Age IVIn this episode we talk about the reign of Charlemagne and his three decade long war against the Saxons. We'll talk about the early years of Charlemagne's rule - and explore just why he decided to go to war against the Saxons. Along the way we talk about the pre-Christian life in Saxony and why conversion was such an important goal for the King of the Franks.
2017-01-1947 minViking Age Podcast25 - The Carolingians get a Crown - Carolingian Viking Age IIIIn this episode we will witness a Carolingian ruler, Pippin the Short, finally take his seat on the throne of the Frankish Kingdom. Before we get there, first we will take a look at the early career of Pippin and his brother Carloman, as they secure their grip on the Kingdom their father had left them. We'll see how, thanks perhaps to guilt and piety, Pippin was catapulted onto the top of the political ladder and why he decided to take the crown. Then we'll talk about the problems of being a usurper - coups ar...
2017-01-1244 minViking Age Podcast24 - The Rise of Charlie the Hammer - Carolingian Viking Age IIIn this episode we will explore the decline of Merovingian power and the rise of the Carolingian dynasty. Specifically, we will see how a lack of strong Merovingian rulers in the 600s led to the unchecked rise of Aristocratic wealth and power - much of which was concentrated in the hands of the Mayor of the Palace. We will then see happened when the Carolingian dynasty got their hands on this high office - and specifically the remarkable career of the first Carolingian ruler - Charles Martel. For more, you can always see us...
2017-01-0500 minViking Age Podcast23 - Carolingian Viking Age I - The Rise of the FranksIn this episode we introduce the Carolingian Viking Age and then plot the rise of the Frankish Kingdoms to set the stage for rise of the Carolingian Empire. Along the way we will witness the Rise of Clovis, discuss the process of Ethnogenesis and take a look at the career of the infamous Merovingian Queen, Brunhild of Austrasia. For more information on the Fall of the Western Roman Empire: https://www.amazon.com/Inheritance-Rome-Illuminating-400-1000-Penguin/dp/0143117424/ref=sr_1_1
2016-12-151h 10Viking Age Podcast22 - The Heathens still at Duhblinn: Of Viking LongphortsIn this episode we explore the construction, function and purpose of the Viking Longphorts which were established in Eastern Ireland in 841 CE. These sites, Linn Duachaill in County Louth and Duhblinn, give us a fascinating view into the lives of early Vikingar in Ireland and allow us to see how their role changed after the establishment of permanent bases. Along the way we will see Irish Kings go to war with swords and bishops staffs and witness the importance of Horses to Viking warfare.
2016-12-0136 minViking Age Podcast21 - The Life and Legend of TurgeisIn this episode we talk about the Life and Legend of the infamous Viking Chieftain - Turgeis. From 838 to 845 CE we are told that Turgeis, a Chieftain from Norway ruled the Vikingar in Ireland. He led a royal fleet to ravage the North of Ireland. He and his forces usurped the Abbacy of Armagh and his Wife Ota is said to have performed Pagan rituals on the altar of Clonmacnoise. Turgeis has been the boogie-man of the Irish Viking Age ever since. But how much of this tale is actually the stuff of legend? Well, y...
2016-11-1731 minViking Age Podcast20 - Swords and ShipsIn this episode we are going to explore the years following the great raid on Armagh in 832. Along the way we will talk about Irish kings burning monasteries, St. Brigid and her Abbey at Kildare and of course the great fleet of 120 ships which arrived in Eastern Ireland in 837 CE.
2016-11-0337 minViking Age Podcast19 - ArmaghIn this week’s episode we explore the circumstances around the plundering of the great monastery of Armagh by Vikingar in 832 CE. In that year the monastery, which lies 30 miles from the coast, subjected to Viking raids three times in a single month. Things are clearly getting crazy in Ireland. Along the way we will explore the history of Armagh, we will bring ourselves up to speed on the native Irish political situation, and cover some of the more minor Viking raids and battles which took place in Ireland between 826 and 832. I hope you enjoy.
2016-10-2041 minViking Age Podcast18 - Into the Unknown: Silver and Status in the Viking AgeIn this episode we are once again going to return to Western Norway, and explore what may have motivated young Norwegians to go a Viking. In the past we have established the material motivations behind going a Viking. Acquiring Gold and Silver allowed the leaders of expeditions to attract followers and cement political power. For the followers, such easily portable, durable wealth was extremely useful when conducting marriage negotiations. Today, we look at the less tangible impacts of going a Viking. Namely - the fame, prestige and increased status which came from returning home from a...
2016-10-1349 minViking Age Podcast17 - The Martyrdom of BlathmacIn this episode we are going to return to the roots of Vikingar activity by following a series of Viking raids on Irish monasteries which were conducted in the early 820s. This will lead us nicely to the main focus of today’s episode - the Martyrdom of the Irish Aristocrat turned Monk Blathmac. Along the way we will encounter saintly bones gilded in gold, possible monkish hunger strikes and the several trickily pronounced words. I hope you enjoy.
2016-09-2928 minViking Age Podcast16 - Law & Order: Viking UnitIf this episode we are going to look at captive taking and slavery in the Viking Age. Buckle your seat belts, this is going to be a dark one. Along the way we’ll mourn the death of King Aed of Tara, introduce the Abbasid Caliphate and tell the story of a monk named Findan. First though we’ll need to return to Ireland, and catch up on events there during the 8 years between 813 and 821 CE which saw a lull in Vikingar activity. Then we’ll then move forward and look at what happened when Vikingar finall...
2016-09-2236 minViking Age Podcast15 - A Viking Kingdom in Scotland?In today’s episode we try to answer a simple question: While some groups of Vikingar were busy raiding monasteries and fighting pitched battles in Ireland throughout the first half of the ninth century, what was going on to the North in Scotland? In other words, what did the early Viking Age look like in Scotland? The answer to this question is much more complex than it first seems, as we confront a lack of evidence and conflicting information. Along the way to answering this question we’ll meet the Picts, the Gaels of Dal Riata and expl...
2016-09-1535 minViking Age Podcast14 - The Viking Age Heats UpThis episode is packed full of Irish Viking Age goodness as we track the escalation of Viking activity in Ireland from 807 - 813. Along the way we explore what the Irish were up to while the Vikingar were busy raiding in the Scottish Hebrides, the first raids on the West Coast and a series of bloody skirmishes between Vikingar crews and Irish warbands.
2016-09-0830 minViking Age Podcast13 - My Big Fat Viking WeddingIn this episode we seeking an answer to a simple question: Why on Earth would a Norwegian Farmer join his local lord on a Viking Raid? In our explorations we will discuss Gold and Silver, Marriage Negotiations and old Icelandic Law Codes. We'll talk about Marriage today and Marriage in the Viking Age. Hopefully, by the end of this episode, we will come away with a better understanding of what motivated young Scandinavians in the Viking Age to drop everything and go Viking.
2016-08-0736 minViking Age Podcast12 - IonaIn this episode we see the Vikings shift their focus north, from Ireland to to the Inner Hebrides and a target which, from the perspective of the Vikings, must have been almost too good to be true. We are speaking of course about the great monastery of Iona. We'll explore the raids in 795 CE and 802 CE - and then the details and psychological and material impact of the brutal Viking Raid of 806 CE. Along the way we will also meet St. Columba and his journey from bad-boy churchman to missionary saint. It should be fun, why don't...
2016-07-2528 minViking Age Podcast11 - The Devastation of all the Islands of BritainIn this episode we are going to explore what happens when our favorite scruffy farmers-turned-part-time-sea-raiders collide headlong with Irish Society. Along the way we tke a look at the nature of our sources, a funny story about St. Patrick and the intricacies of a Cattle Raid. By the end of the episode you will also know the proper plural form of Vikingr.
2016-07-1829 minViking Age Podcast10 - Viking Age IrelandIn this episode we get the lay of the political, religious and social landscape of Viking Age Ireland. Now, while it might seem excessive to spend an entire episode on Ireland in a Podcast about Vikings, it is essential to understand the nature of Irish politics and culture prior to the arrival of Scandinavians. Spending time on this now will help us put Norse-Irish interaction into perspective, and help to explain the sometimes surprising role that Scandinavians were to play in Ireland over the coming centuries. Plus, this stuff is just plain interesting! So I h...
2016-07-1126 minViking Age Podcast9 - Politics and PowerIn this episode we explore the politics of Western Norway at the Dawn of The Viking Age. Our aim is to discover the nature conflict, cooperation and competition between the chiefdoms and petty kingdoms of the area which would later become Norway. To do this we look at the nature of power as expressed by Western Norwegians themselves, in the form of Skaldic poetry. Along the way we look at battles, ravens and lavish gifts. We will explore a Viking Age battle field as well as a chieftain's longhouse.
2016-06-2731 minViking Age Podcast8 - The North Way at the Dawn of the Viking Age (Part One)In this episode we explore the history of landscape and peoples of Western Norway at the Dawn of the Viking Age. We will follow the coast of Norway on a journey with a Norwegian Chieftain, and discuss slaves, tenant farmers and petty Kings. Along the way we will determine whether or not overpopulation and lack of arable land were the determining factors behind the initial Viking Raids in the early 800s CE.
2016-06-1034 minViking Age Podcast7 - The Viking Age BeginsThat’s right! We have made it to the Dawn of the Viking Age! In this episode we will explore the first Viking Raids on Western Europe - the killing of the King’s Reeve in Portland in Dorset, and the Notorious Sacking of the Monastery of Lindisfarne. We will talk about the bloody events themselves, the reactions of Western Europeans to the attacks, and set the stage for a discussion of the causes of these Viking Raids. I hope you are as excited as I am. Let’s do it!
2016-05-2729 minViking Age PodcastThe Viking Age Dawns - A Few AnnouncementsNew timeline, new release schedules and new logos - Oh My! Three short minutes - then back to the Viking Age!
2016-05-2704 min
Viking Age Podcast6 - The Iron AgeIn this episode we are going to do a lightning-tour through the Scandinavian Iron Age - beginning around 500 BCE and ending around 800 CE with the first Viking Raids. This period, spanning over 1000 years, is chocked full of political, technological, economic and cultural change in the North. The goal of this episode is to provide a baseline understanding of the period which directly preceded the Viking Age, not for the test, but rather to give you a framework to work from when I start blabbering on about the Iron Age in later episodes.
2016-05-1730 min
Viking Age Podcast5 - A Song of Bronze and PoliticsIn this episode we are going to explore the Game of Chiefdoms in the Nordic Bronze Age. Specifically look at the growing social and economic stratification which is defining of this age. We will look at how such inequality in wealth and power can develop, how such power can be maintained once achieved and the consequences of this growing inequality on society at large.
2016-05-1032 min
Viking Age Podcast4 - Ard Times (Come Again No More)In this episode we will becovering the period from about 3500 - 2800 BCE, when Agriculturereally took hold in Scandinavia. We will explore what settlementpatterns emerged, how agriculture was practiced and how thenewly-minted Scandinavian farmers formed a relationship with theland they cultivated.In the process we will learn about the impact of Polished FlintAxes and the Ard, take a tour of a Stone Age Farmhouse and becomeacquainted with the construction of Megalithic tombs which arestill visible today, almost 6000 years later.The farming life was hard duringthis period, and the goal of this episode is to both bring...
2016-05-0324 minViking Age Podcast3 - From Foragers to FarmersIn this episode we explore the transition from Hunting and
Gathering to Agriculture in Scandinavia. Along the way we encounter
conflicting hypotheses, meager evidence and a story about Status
and Reputation.
The Agricultural revolution has been called the most important
invention in Human history, so it feels only fair that we spend an
episode exploring the potential causes in Scandinavia.
2016-04-2621 min
Viking Age Podcast2 - Of Reindeer And (Fisher) MenThis is the first episode in a series about the history of Scandinavia before the Viking Age. We are starting
today with the arrival of the first Reindeer Hunters in Southern Scandinavia around 13,000 BCE and culminating in a few weeks with the Germanic Iron Age ending around 700CE.
This week we will explore the story of the first Scandinavians, and take a look at what their lives were like in the post-glacial landscape of the north. We'll follow them as they colonize the entire Western Coast of Scandinavia and successfully exploit the lands and seas they inhabited as sources of...
2016-04-1922 min
Viking Age Podcast1 - Welcome To The Viking AgeThrilled to announce the first episode of the Viking Age Podcast! In this episode we do an extremely high-level survey of the themes of the Viking Age, including Raids, Settlement, Trading and Life in Scandinavia. We then trace where the podcast is going, and what the aim is. I hope you enjoy.
2016-04-1213 min