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Viking Lives

Viking Lives
Ragnar Lodbrok
Gudrun Gjokadott
Attila the Hun
Beowulf (book)
Amleth
Odin
Norse Creation Myth
Prose Edda
Poetic Edda
Lindisfarne
Venice
Constantinople
Hrothgar
Grendel
Saxo Grammaticus
Hamlet
Viking Lives
Lagertha
Viking Age
Ymir

The great arc of Viking history told through a chain of life stories, presented by broadcaster Richard Fidler and author Kári Gíslason.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes14Founded4 months ago
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Latest Episodes

Melkorka was an Irish woman who was enslaved by Vikings in the ninth century AD. She was brought to Scandinavia, where she was bought by an Icelandic farmer named Hoskuld, who made her his concubine. But Melkorka was mute, and so Hoskuld knew nothing... more

In this episode, Kári tells the story of the foundation of Iceland as a new kind of Viking society on the rim of the Arctic Circle, and of Ingolf, the man who led a party of settlers to the smoky bay he named Reykjavik.

In the first episode of series 2 of Viking Lives, Richard has the story of Harald Finehair, the Norwegian chieftain who swore he would not cut his hair or beard until he became king of all of Norway. But his heavy-handed rule goaded people to board t... more

To conclude our first series of Viking Lives, Richard & Kári are bringing you a special episode: we’re tracking the strange ride of the goddess Sól across the skies of the Norse world. The Vikings of Scandinavia lived through unimaginably harsh and d... more

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Recent Guests

Lisa Bennett
Professor of creative writing; Old Norse scholar
Flinders University
Episode: Lagertha the Shield Maiden
Carolyne Larrington
World-renowned scholar of Old Norse and Icelandic literature; emeritus professor
St. John's College, Oxford
Episode: Odin the One-Eyed

Hosts

Richard Fidler
Richard Fidler, broadcaster and host, contributes scholarly framing and interview-driven discussion.
Kári Gíslason
Kári Gíslason, author and co-host, provides historical sourcing, narrative analysis, and guest-led perspectives.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 8 ratings
  • A little arduous

    A strange podcast that dwells too much in the shadows of the cartoonish TV series. Constantly having to explain away the misconceptions shaped in the popular imagination by that show. The episode of Lagartha in particular spent a lot of time explaining away the shows very obvious fictions, and very little time explaining one of the core things we know about whoever she was, and that is a victim of inter-Norse sexual slavery

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    dk565;4
    Australia2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Guest scholars add valuable perspectives, though occasional episode pacing varies.
Listeners appreciate the rigorous, scholarship-driven approach to Norse history and myth.
The discussions balance source material with accessible storytelling and guest expertise.
Some episodes show a strong focus on myth vs. history that can feel dense but rewarding for deep-dive fans.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#204
Australia/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Odin the One-Eyed
Q: Why does Odin sacrifice an eye to Mimir's well?
To gain profound wisdom and the ability to see beyond ordinary sight, illustrating that knowledge often comes at a steep cost and is central to Odin's character as a seeker of runes and language.
Odin the One-Eyed
Q: What does the word Edda mean?
The term Edda's exact meaning is debated; it may connect to great-grandmother, a notion of oral tradition passed through anonymous female transmitters, or derive from the Icelandic word kredda meaning creed, suggesting a blend of lineage, tradition, and faith.
Odin the One-Eyed
Q: Caroline, how are we to imagine Asgard?
Asgard is a vast territory with multiple halls for the gods, but the most famous is Valhalla, Odin's grand hall built to house the fallen warriors who train for Ragnarök, reflecting a culture centered on honor, martial prowess, and preparation for an apocalyptic future.
Episode 2: Gudrun the Vengeful
Q: What happens when the brothers arrive at Attila's Great Hall?
They are lured with promises of treasure, despite Gudrun's warning, and are ultimately captured; Attila shows his control and cruel intent, sealing their fate and beginning the family tragedy.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Viking Lives

What is Viking Lives about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A history-forward discussion that blends academic analysis with storytelling, exploring Viking-era figures, myths, and their historical contexts. Episodes center on reconciling saga narratives with contemporary sources, examining how legends like Ragnar, Lagertha, and Odin intersect with archaeology, literature, and politics of their times. The conversations often feature expert perspectives, guest scholars, and cross-disciplinary insights, giving listeners a nuanced view of how Viking history and legend shape modern understanding of power, gender, and cultural exchange. Notable is the constant tension between myth and evidence, plus a clear emphasis on how narratives travel across ages and media, from sagas to Shakespeare to contemporary c... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Viking Lives?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Viking Lives:

1. Dan Snow's History Hit
2. HistoryExtra podcast
3. The Ancients
4. Short History Of...
5. SmartLess

How many episodes of Viking Lives are there?

Viking Lives launched 4 months ago and published 14 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 Viking Lives?

Recent guests on Viking Lives include:

1. Lisa Bennett
2. Carolyne Larrington

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