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Artwork for Saga Thing

Saga Thing

Saga Thing
Valla-Ljot's Saga
Beowulf
Svarfdaela Saga
Icelandic Sagas
Halldor Snorrason
Christianity
Yule Lads
Valla-Ljot
Hottli Troublemaker
Grendel
The 13th Warrior
Thorleif
Gudmund
Christmas
Svarfdæla Saga
Magic
Christian Conversion
Chieftainship
Settlements
Vengeance

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.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes209Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistorySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Saga Thing

Latest Episodes

After nearly a year of working our way through Ljósvetninga Saga, it is finally time to bring it to the Saga Thing and pass judgments. As always, we'll pass out awards for Best Bloodshed, Nicknames, and Notable Witticisms. We'll send one (or more?) s... more

In this episode, we finally come to the end of Ljósvetninga saga! And there are a lot of loose ends to wrap up. Eyjolf Guðmundarson still burns for vengeance against his brother’s killers, but the courts have spared the Möðruvellings, exiling them in... more

In this episode, the Ljósvetnings and Möðruvellings maneuver to position themselves to maximize potential outcomes in the aftermath of the battle of Battle Hill. While Þorvarður Höskuldsson does his best to calm tensions and shield his allies, Eyjólf... more

In this special Saga Brief, we wrap up our four-part series from Iceland with an interview recorded in the shadow of Snæfellsjökull, one of the most iconic landscapes in the country. This time, we are joined by Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir, park manager... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir
Park manager for Snæfellsjökull National Park
Snæfellsjökull National Park
Episode: Saga Brief 27d - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir)
Anna Melsteð
Folklorist, ethnographer, and tour guide
Eyrbyggja Saga Society
Episode: Saga Brief 27c - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Anna Melsteð)
Sigrún Guttormsdóttir Þormar
Department manager of Snorrastofa
Snorrastofa
Episode: Saga Brief 27b - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Sigrún Guttormsdóttir Þormar at Snorrastofa)
Bjorn Grimsson
Tour guide in Iceland with a passion for the sagas
Episode: Saga Brief 27a - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Bjorn Grimsson)
Graham Duke
Special guest playing King Athelstan
Episode: Holiday Special (2025): Egil's Yuletide Carol

Hosts

Jon
Host and co-host of the podcast, known for a comedic and insightful exploration of Icelandic sagas.
Andy
Co-host and educator who brings humor and scholarly analysis to discussions of the sagas.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 804 ratings
  • Love Saga Thing, but you might as well have conducted the interview in Old Norse. I'd have probably caught just as many words 🫤

    Podcast Addict
    2
    Gregory
    3 months ago
  • Exceptional insight into the Icelandic Sagas

    I had never heard of, let alone read, the Icelandic Sagas when I stumbled across this podcast. The hosts bring the Sagas to life, giving insight and explanation to make them understandable and entertaining. I’ve just finished the epic of Njal’s Saga, which feels like a story everybody should know, but is quite unknown. John and Andy give it the depth of attention it deserves, bringing their humour and wit, whilst explaining the narrative and underlying meanings (that I’d have definitely missed i... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pete gone Incan
    United Kingdom4 months ago
  • Such a fun podcast

    John and Andy have done a great job with this project. Listening to Saga Thing, while the sagas themselves may be difficult to keep track of, is a great time. The way the two of them go about it is so funny and easy to understand as a novice. I’ve learned so much about Icelandic history from this and I’m only 11 episodes in. The two of them, and their dynamic, really makes the time invested worth it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RadX52
    United States6 months ago
  • Delightful

    This is the podcast I didn't know I needed. Two smart and hilarious hosts walking listeners through the craziness of Icelandic sagas.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    nina w321
    United States7 months ago
  • If you like sagas, medieval literature, or anything viking-related in general, listen to this podcast immediately! Not just academic, but hilarious.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Kivutar
    8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners express a strong emotional connection to the sagas, often noting how the discussions inspire them to deepen their engagement with the texts.
Many reviews highlight the educational aspect of the content, with listeners feeling they learn a lot about Icelandic history and culture while being entertained.
Listeners appreciate the hosts' engaging storytelling and humor, praising their ability to make complex historical narratives accessible.
The informal presentation style is sometimes noted as distracting, though the majority find it charming and relatable, enhancing their listening experience.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#180
Denmark/History
Apple Podcasts
#219
Finland/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Saga Brief 27d - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir)
Q: What is your favorite saga or favorite moment from sagas?
Definitely Gudrid Þorfinnardóttir's story, as I connect with her journey of traveling the world and returning to Iceland.
Saga Brief 27d - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir)
Q: Can you speak a little bit about what you do with the sagas as a park director?
I'm planning on creating exhibitions focused on geology, history, and the influence of the sagas at visitor centers.
Episode 40f - Ljósvetninga Saga (chapters 22-24)
Q: How do you feel about the moral ambiguity of these later sagas?
Everyone is pretty messed up.
Saga Brief 27a - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Bjorn Grimsson)
Q: What would you say the general contemporary Icelanders' attitude towards the sagas might be?
Bjorn believes the sagas are a large part of Icelandic identity and people are increasingly aware of their historical significance.
Saga Brief 27a - Icelandic Impressions of the Sagas (Interview with Bjorn Grimsson)
Q: What is your experience growing up with the sagas as an Icelander?
Bjorn shares that it started out as a mandatory task that felt daunting, but his later experiences made him develop a long-lasting relationship with the sagas.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Saga Thing

What is Saga Thing about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The episodes focus on the rich narratives of the Icelandic sagas, offering insightful commentary on the complexities of medieval Icelandic life, culture, and social dynamics. Listeners can expect humorous and engaging discussions surrounding themes such as kinship, revenge, moral dilemmas, and the intricacies of chieftain politics. The hosts, both scholars in medieval literature, aim to make these historical tales accessible through lively dialogue and personal anecdotes, making the sagas relatable to modern audiences. The show stands out for its blend of academic rigor and entertainment, inviting listeners to explore stories that shaped Iceland's cultural heritage while showcasing the colorful characters and events that populate these anci... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with Saga Thing:

1. Pirates: Totalus Rankium
2. Rex Factor
3. The History of Byzantium
4. Reconquista
5. Anglo-Saxon England

How many episodes of Saga Thing are there?

Saga Thing launched 12 years ago and published 209 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Saga Thing?

Recent guests on Saga Thing include:

1. Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir
2. Anna Melsteð
3. Sigrún Guttormsdóttir Þormar
4. Bjorn Grimsson
5. Graham Duke

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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