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.]By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

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 …

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

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) Bobby Fischer and Bob Hope Bobby Fischer and Johnny Carson…

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

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).…

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

It is said that tales of dragons and dragon slayers are universal. That is not quite true. This is a story that has been retold in numerous ways. This isn’t the “original” but it is one of the oldest we know.By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

The Monster Hunt (by Benedikt Gröndal?)The monster with the long tailBy Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

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.By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

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.By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

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 …

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

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 CultureBy Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

Icelandic Food and Cookery by Nanna Rögnvaldardóttir (mentioned in the episode) is a great source of information and Icelandic cuisine.By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

Includes audio from this clip by Charlotte Evans.By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

In Vopnafjörður there is a farm called Bustarfell which has long history and is connected to many stories.By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

As the Icelandic men’s football team starts its first game ever at the World Cup it is fitting to look back in time at the sports of Iceland, from the sagas to the viking clap. Also, did you know that Arsenal saved Icelandic football? The song of the Icelandic B-Team from 1989 sings a song about doing their best. The “Viking” Clap.…

A special free video episode at patreon.com/storiesoficeland.By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson

Ragnar Loðbrók (furry pants) is one of the most famous heroes of Icelandic literature. Today he is more famous as the lead character of the television series Vikings but here is the original story. King Ella’s Messenger gives the sons of Ragnar the news of their father’s death – August Malmström (1829–1901)…

This is a special episode, and a bit shorter than usual, where I read and examine the folktale The Deacon of Dark-River. Garún, Garún by the Icelandic band Mannakorn retells this classic tale. Animated film based on the story. Some junior college students made this shadow play from the tale. A student film in French, with subtitles, based on the st…

Confused about our naming conventions? Listen to this. The patronymic naming system used in Iceland is rather perplexing and we have unusual laws dealing with both first names and last names. Also, big thanks to André Bernier who interviewed me for his podcast Weatherjazz – episode 79.By Óli Gneisti Sóleyjarson