Two tales about the perils of being left home alone during Yule.
[Today, December 22. 2023, there is currently no volcanic eruption, that might change soon.]
Home Alone
My Cursed Ancestors
In the 17th century, Iceland was thrown into a panic about witchcraft. My ancestor Einar Nikulásson lived through almost the exact period of the “age of burning” and has gone down in folklore as “Galdrameistari” or “master of sorcery”. These stories also implicated his descendants, especially Þórarinn Einarson, Jón Einarsson and Einar Jónsson (the last two are also my ancestors).
This episode explores these stories and the reputations of these real men, earned and unearned.
It Takes Too Long To Fill The Souls Of Priests
Bobby Fischer in Iceland
Bobby Fischer was a chess phenomenon, likely to most famous player to ever play the game. He wound up a fugitive who ended his life as an Icelandic citizen. This episode tells the story of Bobby Fischer in Iceland.
AP videos (Bobby Fischer in Iceland)
Bobby Fischer on 60 Minutes (pre-match)
The Matter of Atli
Where everyone …. lives happily ever after?
This is the third episode based on The Saga of the Völsungs, the last part of the story. We follow Guðrún and her relationship with Atli (aka Attila the Hun). There is a bit of tragedy. A lot of violence and a horrific scene which is not meant for children (even though children are involved).
A Winter in Iceland 1834-1835
The Beast of Katanes
Songs of Exploding Sands
[NSFW] Loki Plays the Dirty Dozens
Lokasenna is one of the most controversial of the Eddic poems. It is also funny and naughty. There are two versions in the feed, one with the naughtiest bits removed and this one that has everything.
[Safe] Loki Plays the Dirty Dozens
Lokasenna is one of the most controversial of the Eddic poems. It is also funny and naughty. There are two versions in the feed, this one has the naughtiest bits removed, the other includes them all.
Thor and the Norse View of Gods and Religion
A Runaway Slave in Iceland
The Dog Days King
The English Dane by Sarah Bakewell was my main source for Jörgensen’s later life in Tasmania.
A Spotify link to the album Eitt sumar á landinu bláa, from the musical about Jörgensen, performed by the band Þrjú á palli.
An online version of the book Journal of a tour in Iceland in the summer of 1809 by William Jackson Hooker.
Scottish Plans for the Annexation of Iceland by Anna Agnarsdóttir (pdf).
An article in Icelandic by Bragi Þorgrímur Ólafsson on the changing perception of Jörgensen in Iceland through time.
An Icelandic book that includes much of the original source material: Sjálfstæði Íslands 1809.
A thesis project, in Icelandic, outlining a pitch for a television series about Guðrún Einarsdóttir Johnsen.
The Hauntings at Yuletide
Coal Bottom Poker Riding
Blue is the Old Black
You can find articles by dr. Arngrímur in these books:
Paranormal Encounters in Iceland 1150–1400
Margins, Monsters, Deviants Alterities in Old Norse Literature and Culture
The Ghost of the Scorned Woman
Was Murdered
Eurovision, Will Ferrell and Iceland
2020 Presidential Election
The Boy Who Didn\'t Know What Fear Was
Sagas and Eddas
The Brothers of Bakki
Iceland in 1918
The Naked Seal Clubber
Avalanche
A Trollish Yuletide Tale
Where in the World is Iceland?
The Tale Heard Around The World
The Berserker of Butter-Hill
Sledgehammer Judgements from an English Poet
Icelandic Food and Cookery by Nanna Rögnvaldardóttir (mentioned in the episode) is a great source of information and Icelandic cuisine.
Let\'s Talk About Elves, Baby
Goldie Locks and Beardie
The Tourism Boom in Post-Crash Iceland
Iceland's Only Serial Killer
The Smartest People In The World
A Mazing Tale
Queen of Elves
The Hornless Cow and The Carl\'s Son
Whose People Are You?
Gable Mountain Farm
In Vopnafjörður there is a farm called Bustarfell which has long history and is connected to many stories.
Where is Haukur?
The Icelandic Sport Saga
Continue reading “The Icelandic Sport Saga”
Ragnar Furry Pants and the Sagas
The Deacon of Dark-River (Folktale Special)
What\'s in an Icelandic Name
Also, big thanks to André Bernier who interviewed me for his podcast Weatherjazz – episode 79. Continue reading “What\’s in an Icelandic Name”
Hear, Smith of Heavens
Yule - Not Christmas
Continue reading “Yule – Not Christmas”
The Thing About Þings
Smoke by the Water
Troublemaker Valley
