Saga Thing

Discover what Vikings did when they were at home in this fun medieval history and literature podcast about the Icelandic sagas. Hosted by two medieval literature professors with beards.

Last refreshed: March 10th, 2026 at 7:33 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Episode 3a - Eyrbyggja Saga

In Episode 3a, John and Andy discuss the difficulties of trying to cover Eyrbyggja Saga in one episode…which they then totally fail to do successfully. So we present the first of a two-part episode! Never fear, there’s plenty here to enjoy. You’ll meet Snorri the goði and his rival Arnkel Thorolfsson. Listen as they battle for control of Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This is a tale of fortunes and misfortunes, sweeping conflicts between huge kin-groups, the rise and fall of chieftains, and the little p...

Sep 24, 2013•56 min

Episode 2: Hrafnkel's Saga

Our grand quest to place the sagas of the Icelanders on trial begins with an acknowledged classic–the relatively brief (but totally epic) Hrafnkels saga Freysgoði . The story of a harsh chieftain who falls from power and rises again, the men who band together against him, and the horse at the center of it all, Hrafnkels saga offers a listener-friendly introduction to the complex and blood-drenched world of the Icelandic sagas. And it comes with torture! Hrafnkel’s Saga and Other Icelandic Storie...

Sep 13, 2013•1 hr 16 min

Episode 1c: What is a saga?

Now that you're an expert in medieval Icelandic history, you're probably wondering about Icelandic literary expression. And why wouldn't you? In this episode, John and Andy answer the question they probably ought to have covered right away . . . what is a saga, exactly? Strap yourself in for a whirlwind introduction to the genre of saga literature. Expect to hear an overview of the different kinds of sagas medieval Icelanders produced. Along the way, you'll find out the difference between a fami...

Sep 13, 2013•28 min

Episode 1b: Medieval Iceland - Conflict, Conversion, and Collapse

In this second part of our first episode, we explore the socio-political structure of Commonwealth Iceland, its conversion to Christianity, and the end of the Commonwealth era. How does a man kill his enemy politely? Why was Iceland's religious future decided under a blanket fort? Who killed Snorri Sturluson in the basement with the knife? And what happens when John lets his sheep loose on Andy's lawn? Find out here!

Sep 13, 2013•49 min

Episode 1a: The Settlement Age

Welcome to the first episode of Saga Thing! After John and I recorded the Hrafnkel's saga episode, we decided it would be beneficial for both us and our listeners to cover some basic "backgroundy stuff" before going any further. It was meant to be a quick 45 minute episode. The result is three "mini-episodes" of varying lengths. In this, our first installment of episode 1, we introduce the podcast and address the discovery of Iceland, the Settlement Age, and some interesting tidbits about life i...

Sep 13, 2013•35 min

← Prev

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android