We sat down recently with the great Ármann Jakobsson to discuss his new book, Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas. We explore the place and value of minor characters in the sagas, dig into Ármann’s favorite (and least favorite) saga figures, and revisit some of his previous scholarship.

Saga Brief 29 – Interview with Ármann Jakobsson on Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas

In this very special Saga Brief, we sit down with Ármann Jakobsson (one of our favorite saga scholars) to discuss his latest book, Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas (Palgrave Macmillan). Following the theme of the book, we dive into the many overlooked and often nameless characters who so often breathe life and meaning into the sagas. Since we have mentioned Ármann so many times on the podcast, we also take advantage of the opportunity to revisit his extensive bibliography, including…

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Did you know Saga Thing has an updated archives page that lets you access previous episodes easily? It even offers a glimpse of what the future holds. All for your convenience. sagathingpodcast.wordpress.com/episode-arch...

Episode Archive

Click on the links to access each episode. Coming “Soon” 45. The Saga of the People of Fljotsdal 44. The Saga of Gold-Thorir 43. The Saga of the Heath-Slayings 42. The Saga of Thorstein…

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My view at the Philadelphia airport doesn't quite have the same charm as King's Arms in York.

Spent yesterday and today revisiting some of my favorite spots in York, walking the wall, and enjoying the company of friends. This brief visit makes me want to dig back into the history of York again. Not just Viking Age York. It's while history is filled with fascinating people and events.

Cheers. The sun is finally setting on a hot but beautiful day. Sitting here in York enjoying the weather, the beer, and the incredible footnotes in Minor Characters in the Icelandic Sagas by the brilliant @armannja.bsky.social

As promised, it's time for the Tale of Thorvald Chatterbox! If his revivification in Viga-Glum's saga and his bashing of Gudmund with an oar left you wanting more Chatterbox, this fun tale from the Flateyjarbók is for you. We think you'll enjoy this little gem!

Saga Short 16 – The Tale of Thorvald Chatterbox (Þorvalds þáttr tasalda)

We want to share this little treat of a þáttr with you all before we release the Judgments episode for The Saga of Víga-Glúm. The Tale of Thorvald Chatterbox (Þorvalds þáttr tasalda) is a gem from the Flateyjarbók biography of King Ólaf (Óláfs saga Tryggvasonar en mesta). If Thorvald's fantastic revivification and battle prowess with a ship's oar left you wanting more, then this fast-paced Saga Short might just satisfy your craving.

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Episode 41f – Víga-Glúm’s Saga (chapters 24-28) When last we left Glúm, he was enjoying the fruits of his violent labors against the men of Espihóll and sharing an enigmatic verse about his personal body count. When Þorvarð the Troublemaker hears about this, he's quick to set Þórarin on the case,…

Episode 41f – Víga-Glúm’s Saga (chapters 24-28)

When last we left Glúm, he was enjoying the fruits of his violent labors against the men of Espihóll and sharing an enigmatic verse about his personal body count. When Þorvarð the Troublemaker hears about this, he's quick to set Þórarin on the case, forcing Glúm to swear an oath that he played no part in the killing of Þorvald Hook.

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A little map to help you make sense of the locations in our latest episode of Saga Thing. If you haven't listened yet, this is the one where things pop off between Glúm and the Espihóllar. Let's meet up at the skytningr in Grund and chat about it! #Iceland #medieval #maps #Vikings #showersofblood

Episode 41e – Víga-Glúm’s Saga (chapters 20-23) At long last, we return . . . to the prophecy about the cousins Steinólf and Arngrím. Oddbjörg. What could possibly break the bond of these BFFs? Hopefully Arngrím’s wife can make some sense of their little feud and help heal the fracture in their…

Episode 41e – Víga-Glúm’s Saga (chapters 20-23)

At long last, we return . . . to the prophecy about the cousins Steinólf and Arngrím. Oddbjörg. What could possibly break the bond of these BFFs? Hopefully Arngrím’s wife can make some sense of their little feud and help heal the fracture in their relationship. Speaking of fractures, this is the episode where things really pop off between Glúm and the men of Espihóll and we begin rushing headlong toward the climax and conclusion of this saga.

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Now that the Saga Thing Tour is over and we're all back at work, it's time to finish our series on Víga-Glúm's Saga. Right on schedule.

A lot of pictures were taken on the Saga Thing Tour, but this one of John from the day before it started is still one of my favorites.

The first official Saga Thing Tour came to a fitting end with a visit to Þingvellir. The weather, once again, was gorgeous. The views were spectacular. But the real star was the space itself and it's rich history. #sagathingtours #sagathing #iceland #icelandtrip

We made a special stop to view Þórufoss on the way to Þingvellir.

We also visited Hvalfjörð to see the famous island from Harðar saga ok Hólmverja. Then we stopped at Mosfell to search for Egil's silver. #sagathingtours #sagathing #Iceland #icelandtrip

The final day of the tour (yesterday) started at Borgarnes with some important Egil's Saga stops. We read from Sonatorrek and paid our respects to Boðvar, Skallagrím, and Þorgerð brák.

These pictures hardly capture the wonders of our 4th day of the Saga Things Tour. Stunning scenery. Good company. Lots of fun. #sagathingtours #sagathing #Iceland #icelandadventure

Today was Barðar saga Snæfellsáss day. Barð was kind enough to invite us over to his house at Laugarbrekka. It was the most comfortable stop of the tour. #sagathingtours #sagathing #Iceland #icelandadventure

Day 4 started with a quick saga brief over breakfast on horses in the sagas, which served as an important setup for truly appreciating a horse ride through the landscape.

So many stunning landscapes today as we explored the world of Eyrbyggja saga around Snæfellsnes. Thanks to Anna, Eyberg, and Lauga for hosting us this morning for a view of the progress being made on the Eyrbyggja tapestry. #sagathingtours #sagathing #Iceland #icelandtrip

Feats of strength were performed today at Búlandshöfði. And while the archaeological record may not support the claims, the legend of Björntheguide and Andy's throws will ring through the ages.

Nicknames! One-Shoe Mud-Foot Shit-Hand Our trusty Icelandic Companion wisely chose not to drive into this area. Walking also proved problematic when a shoe was lost in the mud. After a failed group effort, Björn waded in and saved the day. I trust we'll discover some more nicknames tomorrow.

Day 2 of the Saga Thing Tour has been full. We started with stories of Snorri and the Sturlunga Saga. #sagathingtours #sagathing #Iceland #icelandtrip

The weather was perfect for the start of the Saga Thing Tour. We walked around Reykjavík, visited the museums, and made some new friends. All in all, a great day! Tomorrow we leave the city and head out into the lands of the sagas. #sagathingtours #sagathing #icelandadventure #reykjavik

The first day of the Saga Thing Tour included an incredible visit with Eyþór of Old Icelandic Books. He shared many wonderful pieces from his collection, including first edition prints of sagas, texts and letters that are hundreds of years old, manuscript fragments, and maps!

The first ever Saga Thing tour of the saga landscapes of Iceland begins tomorrow! Couldn't be more excited to be on this adventure. #sagathingtours #sagathing #iceland #icelandtrip #icelandadventure

How will Glum escape the clutches of the violent Killer-Skuta? And will Hallvard get fat on the livestock of his neighbors or will he finally face justice? And when will we ever get back to those kindly cousins who are destined to kill each other? Find out in the latest episode of Saga Thing!

Episode 41d – Víga-Glúm’s Saga (chapters 16-19)

In this episode, we catch up with an old friend called Killer-Skuta. You might remember him from The Saga of the People of Reykjadal and of Killer-Skuta. We'll revisit a familiar story from that saga where Killer-Skuta makes an attempt on the life of Killer-Glum and try to make sense of how it ended up in this saga (and that one).

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This note from last summer lays out Turville-Petre's 6 sections of Víga-Glúms saga. It shows the chapter numbers and then my sense of which episode it should be for the podcast. Anyway, look for episode 4 of our Víga-Glúm series tomorrow. We're covering chapters 16-19...just like the plan says. 😉

We have a last-minute 25% discount on our Sagas of Snæfellsnes Tour (April 20-24)! Booking ends March 30. Claim your spot here: sagathingtours.com

Saga Thing Tours

Tour the Iceland with saga scholars and podcasters John and Andy.

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Only one month until our Snæfellsnes tour! 🇮🇸 Walk the landscapes of Egils Saga, Eyrbyggja Saga, and Bárðar Saga Snæfellsáss. And since we're officially one month out, we’re offering a last-minute deal for the spontaneous: 25% OFF your booking now through March 30th!

Back from the University of Central Oklahoma where we delivered a live Saga Brief on the history of horses in medieval Iceland. We also spent some time talking the how and why of podcasting with students. Thanks to Reid Weber and the Medieval Society at UCO for organizing this incredible event.