In this episode, we finally put Egil Skallagrimsson to rest. But before he goes, Egil still has a few tricks up his gold-embroidered sleeve. He’s got plans for those two chests of silver given to him by King Athelstan of England. Then, after shuffling off this mortal coil, Egil’s bones leave a lasting legacy that has people of the 12th century and modern archaeologists, physicians, and medievalists talking. We discuss those bones and the now popular theory that Egil may have suffered from Paget’s Disease of the Bone. John the possibility of Egil’s impairment from a disability studies perspective and even makes a noteworthy addition to the theory. Andy remains skeptical of a diagnosis based on a 13th century literary character and the reported assumptions of 12th century Icelanders after finding some bones they thought a bit odd looking. Finally, in true saga fashion, we take a brief look at Egil’s descendants. They’re a worthy bunch who leave their mark on medieval Iceland’s history.
If you’re interested in reading more about Egil and Paget’s Disease, we recommend the following open access articles:
“Egill Skallagrímsson: The first case of Van Buchem disease?” by P Stride
Music Credits:
Intro Music – “Prelude and Action” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Review Music – “Pepper Pot One Step” by National Promenade Band
Poetry Music – “Valravn” by Danheim
Outro Music – “Stormfront” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Selections from music by Kevin MacLeod licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Saga Thing 
I just finished your last episode of Egils Saga, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done, gentlemen! I liked your Njáls Saga episodes too, but I had read Njáls Saga 3 or 4 times. I honestly consider it the best story every written. I had tried to read Egils Saga, but it seemed very confused and difficult to follow in the start. I made two attempts, quit and never took it up again, so I truly appreciate your episodes, and I’m going to pick up Egils Saga again now that it has been pre-defined for me. Do you gentlemen have any comment on why Egils Saga may seem more confusing to get into compared to Njáls Saga? Note that I read both in Faroese translation, usually very qualified translations with language that isn’t very alien to the saga language. Oh, and one question. Isn’t Kveldulf better translated to eveningwolf, and not nightwolf? Norse kveld is evening, and norse for night is nátt.
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