logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2018
54m 40s

Eastern Way II - Gods and Kings

Lee Accomando
About this episode

In this episode we explore the mythical history of the Svear, as it is related to us by the ever-entertaining Snorri Sturluson. Along the way we discuss Divine Kings, Deadly Vats of Meads and even a Half-Giant-Magical-Oxen-Son plough-team. Believe it or not, these fantastical, fictional tales lead us to some rather more concrete evidence about life and politics in the land of the Svear in the years leading up to the Viking Age.

For more information, maps and a full list of sources used for this episode, visit our website: https://vikingagepodcast.com/gods-and-kings/

 

Up next
Sep 2018
Eastern Way III - Catastrophe and Opportunity
The 6th Century was a period of unrest and reorganization throughout Scandinavia. In this episode we are going to explore the evidence we have for these dynamic years and what may have caused this unrest. Ultimately, we want to discover how this era may have led to the establishm ... Show More
1h 3m
Nov 2018
Eastern Way IV - Gamla Uppsala
In this episode we are going to explore the rise of a major center of political, economic and religious life in the land of the Svear - the magnate's residence at Gamla Uppsala. Along the way, we'll discuss monumental burial mounds, systems of iron age land-rights and the deaths ... Show More
1h 1m
Jan 2019
Mother of Kings I - The Threshold
In this episode, we set off on a new mini-series exploring the life and legend of Gunnhild konungamóðir - Mother of Kings - and other powerful women in Old Norse Literature. This first installment doesn't touch too much on Gunnhild herself, but instead sets up some background inf ... Show More
1h 19m
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
264. Viking Greenland: Mysteries of the Lost Norse Settlers (Ep 2)
How did the Vikings and the Inuit interact in Greenland? When was the last record of Norse settlers in the region? How did climate change affect the decline of Viking settlers in Greenland, and why is their disappearance shrouded in mystery? William and Anita are joined once agai ... Show More
40m 15s
Oct 2015
177 – The Road to 830
Last episode I gave you a forest view of where we are going and, roughly, who these Viking raiders were as well as the scale of the impact that they will have upon Europe. And it really is something to behold. The Viking Age isn’t very long, but Europe hadn’t seen this level of r ... Show More
29m 9s
Oct 2024
Ordinary Vikings: hidden histories of the Nordic world
We know the Vikings best as brutal, seafaring, pagan raiders – and that’s an important part of their lives and histories. But it’s only one aspect: what about their love lives, experiences of travels, and attitudes to religion? Speaking with James Osborne, Eleanor Barraclough unp ... Show More
37m 40s
Nov 2025
Proto-Vikings: The Nordic Bronze Age
Who were the Vikings' ancient ancestors? In this episode Tristan Hughes explores the fascinating maritime culture, sophisticated trade networks and social hierarchies of the Nordic Bronze Age c. 1800–700 BC. Joined by Professor Johan Ling, they shed light on how proto-Viking soci ... Show More
53m 18s
Mar 2013
The Vikings Arrive
<p>This shows looks at the arrival of one of the most fearsome and notorious warriors in Irish history – the Vikings. These Scandinavians have been caricatured throughout the centuries as marauding maniacs a somewhat undeserved reputation. However in this episode they don’t exact ... Show More
18m 50s
Apr 2022
Vikings: Ragnar Lothbrok
Ruthless warriors. Ancient sagas. This season, we’re exploring the lives of the Vikings — starting with the legend of a leader named Ragnar and his equally famous sons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices 
45m 10s
Sep 2024
Viking Travels
<p>Vikings have long been depicted as that stereotype of the hairy, nameless warrior, leaping ashore from his longboat, ready to terrorise a hapless local population in a northern European country. But there were also seers, artisans, travellers, and writers, too whose stories ca ... Show More
47m 12s
Oct 2025
CLASSIC: When Vikings Loot The Wrong Town
Ben here: we're out on the high seas this week -- true story! While we're away, we're sharing some of our favorite Classic episode. Here's one we absolutely loved, and travel-related: "Like many Viking leaders, Halfdan and Bjorn wanted to be known for their fearlessness in battle ... Show More
39m 1s