Episode 13b – The Saga of Viglund the Fair (Judgments)

After a brief discussion of betrothal customs in medieval Iceland, John and Andy put Viglund’s Saga on trial.  Will Viglund’s axe juggling skills win him an award? Or will he be upstaged by his own horse? Who will be outlawed?  Who will earn a spot as thingman?  And how does Viglund’s Saga compare to the other Warrior Poet sagas we’ve covered?  What value does it have as a saga?  So much to think about, so much to learn.  Stop wondering and download the Judgments episode now.

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Episode 13a – The Saga of Viglund the Fair

The story of Viglund the Fair and his lady Ketilrid is a saga for lovers.  This fifteenth century tale, the last of our warrior poet’s sagas, covers several generations.  Each generation features a case of true love coming up against the secular tradition of arranged marriage.  Can Viglund and Ketilrid overcome the obstacles set in their way and join at last in wedded bliss?  It never worked out for the other warrior poets, so why would this one be any different?  Listen to find out, if you dare!  This is a remarkable, if somewhat late, work of saga literature.  While the passage of time has clearly affected the style and structuring of the warrior poet genre, in some ways this is the warrior poet saga you’ve been waiting for.  Join us as we examine the romance of Viglund and Ketilrid on this episode of Saga Thing.

Read along with your own copy of The Sagas of Warrior Poets.

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Episode 11b – Kormak’s Saga Judgments

In this episode, John and Andy discuss the problem of Thorveig’s curse, Kormak’s efforts to woo Steingerd, and the excellence of Bersi the Dueller.  It’s time to judge Kormak’s Saga.  Who will be chosen as thingman?  Who will be outlawed? Will the Scottish giant get the recognition he deserves for his brief cameo?  Download the episode and find out now!

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Episode 10a – The Saga of Hallfred Troublesome-Poet

In this episode, we continue our journey through the Sagas of Warrior-Poets in The Saga of Hallfred Troublesome-Poet. Though you’ve never heard of him, this court poet for 3 of Scandinavia’s greatest rulers is actually quite famous. As his nickname suggests, Hallfred’s poetry often lands him in hot water. He’s a suave lover, a witty poet, and a capable warrior. We’ll sample some of the poetry that made him famous, examine his difficult conversion to Christianity, and cheer as he gouges out the eyes of his enemies. There’s plenty of action and adventure here, with a fair amount of hot lovin’ too. But it’s Hallfred’s relationship with King Olaf Tryggvason that really makes this one special. We hope you enjoy.

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