Stories of Iceland

Two tales about the perils of being left home alone during Yule.

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.

A long awaited tale with an introduction and preamble about volcanic eruptions

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.

Episode fifty is an opportunity to think about the future of the podcast.

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 continuation of Völsunga Saga..

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.

The Hon. Arthur Dillon visited Iceland in 1834. He spent a little over a year in the country and later published a book about his travels. This episode covers both his observations on the Icelandic winter and his lasting legacy in the country.

Folk tales can take centuries to reach a finely tuned flow. This one was published about twenty years after the events that shook up the quiet farms on the northern shore of Hvalfjörður. The recording was not as good as usual but it shouldn't be too noticeable.