Viking Story

It's a new season and that means a brand new Viking Story interview! Today I welcome Joshua Gillingham to the podcast to share his knowledge of Norse mythology and what elements inspired his new board game, "Halls of Asgard."If you want to support Halls of Asgard then please back the project any time between April 7th - 30th by donating here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joshuagillingham/halls-of-asgardIf you want to watch some videos about the game then you can learn more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctdC1VY_7o0 and here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLz6sCgRoMoTo find out more about Helena Rosova's artwork please click here: https://www.deviantart.com/hellanimDon’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsIf you're looking for an editing tool for your own podcast then try Alitu and use this link to get 25% off: https://alitu.cello.so/unnwu53IL8nMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

Happy 2026 to all of my Viking Story Raiders!Looking for something to listen to today while you try to sleep off the mead in your half-awake state? Then this is the episode for you!Today I give a quick update on a few topics including: my most recent visit to Iceland, global warming, the country bar in downtown Reykjavík, the differences between Icelandic and German children, my third novel "Bloodsword Saga - Ragnarök" and much more!Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening and have a happy new year!

In today's bonus episode I interview historian and author Valur Gunnarsson about his first English book entitled "What If Vikings Had Conquered The World," which covers a great deal of Nordic history all the way from the Viking Age right through to modern Icelandic history. I have read his book with great pleasure and so speaking from experience, when you read it yourself you may be forgiven if you are convinced by the alternative histories presented by Valur to the point that you believe they actually happened! This is because Valur writes with such precise detail and uses a methodology that he describes as "responsible alternative history writing," which uses precedents set in similar cases and real history to predict the outcome of alternative timelines. The scenarios he presents are very realistic but at the same time you find yourself engaged with his topics through his use of humour and his detailed analysis of the actual events that did take place, giving an overall enriched context and understanding of the history he details and how certain trajectories of various events may have been altered by even the slightest sliding-door moments. We also speak about his latest book that focuses on the mystery surrounding the lost Norse colony in Greenland, first founded by Eirík the Red in 985 and then never heard of again after 1408. This book is available now and you can find it and his other works through his bio here: https://bokmenntir.is/bokmenntavefur/hofundar/valur-gunnarssonSpecifically, his book "What If Vikings Had Conquered The World" can be purchased through Salka here: https://www.salka.is/products/what-if-vikings-had-concuered-the-world?srsltid=AfmBOopjuOqTcs5_UD79hConI6gDVJWaamdGXIyc2GtzMFbbW2XaY51EValur is also a frequent podcast contributor and one of the original founders of The Reykjavik Grapevine Magazine, which you can find out more of here: https://grapevine.isI also recommend listing to the Reykjavík Grapevine podcast, which you can download from anywhere you get podcasts or which you can watch on YouTube. In particular, I recommend watching Valur's episodes on the subject of his latest book, the lost Norse colony in Greenland, of which you can watch the first of four episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vonpXMUPBJ4&t=25sDon’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

This is the "official" end to Season 7 but find out what's in store for this podcast, even after this season comes to a close! Also, how difficult is it to interpret a culture through the eyes of another culture that you yourself are also trying to interpret? Is Viking Story really the longest-running Viking-themed podcast of all time? (Spoiler: no). Plus much more in today's "official" final episode of the season!Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgA heart-felt thank you to all of my Raiders for listening. Stay tuned for more!

What can material culture tell us about a past society? Can pottery speak towards one's culture and, if so, in what ways? Today we discuss childhood archaeology with Dr. Steven Dorland from the Anthropology Department at Grand Valley State University. We also discuss Dr. Dorland's community-based project hosted by the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Mississaugas First Nation, where relationships are vital and co-groups of directors ensure that every decision made reflects the community's goals and interests, first and foremost. Finally, we talk about pre-contact trade networks, past environmental conditions, and even some Viking talk sneaks its way into the mix at times! I really think you're going to enjoy this conversation... so let's get right to it!For more information on the Mississaugas of the First Credit Nation please click here: https://mncfn.ca/about-mncfn/community-profileHere is a link with some more background information about the community-based project that first started during COVID. One of the directors is Jordan Jamieson, who is also a musical artist who you can find on Spotify under his stage name "Mr. Sauga": https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&app=desktop&v=n_iFg__h8R4A short promotional video talking about the field school we discuss in our interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=02Kf5d6f3qo Dr. Steven Dorland speaking about his community-based learning and associated projects: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=9ByuGdXSheM&t=7732sDon’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

There are a lot of controversial topics in today's episode, including: Did Guðríð flirt with Thorstein the Black in front of her dying husband? Did Karlsefni find other men attractive? Was the ghost who spoke to Guðríð actually a living, breathing, child? The answers to these questions and more in today's podcast episode!Old Norse words discussed in today's episode include:ILMAT (from ILMA)SÆTTVÆNNBERJUMVÍNBERMÁLTRÉHÚSASNOTRADon’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

After a rather rude interruption last episode, we are back again with further discussion and explanation surrounding my translation of "The Saga of the Greenlanders."Among the Old Norse words discussed in today's episode are:DAGMÁLASTAÐEYKTARSTAÐSKORTI (from SKORTA)HÚDKEIPA (and in particular the prefix HÚD)Also, did Tyrkir, in a moment of inspiration, decide to challenge Leif for the role of "Expedition Leader" in the New World? Did Eirík the Red actually want to covert to Christianity before he died? The answers to these questions and more in today's episode! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] don't forget that your chance to win a copy of one of my novels ends on August 31, 2025, so get those submissions into [email protected] asap!You can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

Have you ever wanted to get inside the mind of a translator? Well, lucky for you I have translated "The Saga of the Greenlanders" and added it as an addendum to my own novel, which draws on said saga for inspiration, and today I'm going to talk all about it! In this episode I read my translation of the first two chapters of "The Saga of the Greenlanders" and explain my rationale for translating the Old Norse text into English the way that I have. Some of the ON words discussed in today's episode are:HVARFLEITARHEIÐISAlso, was there an earlier version of Eirík The Red's Saga that shed more light on Eirík The Red's life? And how difficult is it to translate from Old Norse into English, really? The answers to these questions and many more in today's first episode of "The Translation Series."Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

Who is SaturDave, you ask? Well, he's a radio disc jockey from Canada and he's also... my brother! His real name is David Laycock and in today's episode we learn about where the name SaturDave originated from, the inspiration behind his Icelandic tattoo, how the Icelandic mantra of "þetta reddast" plays into his radio interviewing style and what his many experiences in Iceland have been like.We also cover a range of other topics in this fun episode, which was my first-ever in-person interview! If you're interested in hearing more from SaturDave you can tune into his radio station, Hunter's Bay Radio, every Saturday from noon to 3pm EST here: https://www.muskokaradio.com/playerOf course, if you happen to be in the Huntsville, Ontario, Canada area then you can also tune in on your fm dial at 88.7Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book and you can find it by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" is also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

Welcome to the first official episode of Season 7!Find out about the latest news regarding my second novel, "Bloodsword Saga - Greetings from Valhöll," as well as updates on the interviews and insights coming up this season!The first-ever Viking Story Contest is announced, whereby three lucky Raiders will win a free copy of one of my novels (of their choosing).Also, were the Vikings present in Wawa, Ontario, Canada? A recently discovered runic inscription has renewed interest in Viking exploration and expansion into the New World!All of this and more in today's "Canada Day" (unofficial title*) episode!Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] can find my novels on Amazon as paperbacks or e-books by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My novels are also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

Season 7 is right around the corner, but first..... we welcome back Martyn Whittock to the podcast to discuss his latest book "Vikings in the East - From Vladimir the Great to Vladimir Putin - The Origins of a Contested Legacy in Russia and Ukraine."This book examines both the Viking history that both nations share, as well as how that history affects the modern day political and military objectives of both countries in what Martyn Whittock refers to as their 'deep stories.'During our discussion we talk about the lesser-known exploits of those Norse who travelled east and south instead of westward. How far did they actually travel? Were there Vikings riding on camels in Bagdad? Were Vikings sailing their ships in the Persian Gulf? Did they manage to travel as far China? As well, was Asgarðr (Asgard) based on a real place? How pivotal was Vladimir the Great's baptism in 988? And why is Vladimir Putin suddenly interested in promoting the 'Rus' origin story for the Russian Federation? Some of Martyn's answers might surprise you!If you're interested in purchasing Martyn Whittock's latest book, which is out right now, then you can find it wherever books are sold or directly from the publisher's website here: https://www.bitebackpublishing.com/books/vikings-in-the-eastRegarding the Viking Story podcast, please don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book and you can find it by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" is also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

Season 6 is a wrap! It's been fun conducting interviews and sharing them with my..... Viking Raiders?What's in store for the Viking Story podcast? When will my second novel, "Bloodsword Saga - Welcome to Valhöll," be published? These answers and a few more to boot in this short wrap-up to Season 6.Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book and you can find it by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" is also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgThank you for listening!

The final episode of the Interview Series focuses on myself and a Canadian book club who ask me various questions about my book and the associated Viking history that it contains. So join me as I take on 1000s of questions thrown at me, with no preparation from my side whatsoever, during the middle of my night, and listen as I try to answer each and every question off-the-cuff as insightfully and thoughtfully as possible! Actually, I'm quite proud of how this interview went and it was a lot of fun being the guest rather than the host for once! So, if you want to know more about everyday Viking life for men, women and children, the religion of the Vikings, if Borgavirki is a real place or not, and so much more, then this is the episode for you!Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book and you can find it by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" is also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

It's time for an Icelandic perspective!This week the Viking Story podcast brings you unique insight into what it's like growing up in Iceland and living there today. Find out from Örn Arnarson what it means to be Icelandic, what some of the differences are between Icelanders and other Scandinavians, and what's behind the Icelandic mantra of "Þetta Reddast."Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book and you can find it by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" is also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

In this week's interview I get to sit down and speak to Riccardo Polacci, another historical fiction author who sets his narratives in the Viking Age. We talk about the spiritual episode that lead to Riccardo's writing of "Born a Viking: Blót," why he chose such a young character as his protagonist and about some of the decisions he had to make when writing his novel.There is also a healthy discussion on Old Norse and in particular some of the Old Norse vocabulary that Riccardo uses in his series. If you'd like to purchase "Born a Viking: Blót" then the following link may be helpful: https://mybook.to/rp-bornavikingblotAlternatively, all of the information regarding Riccardo's newsletter, sample chapters, and even the second book in his series "Born a Viking: Berserkr," which is also now available for purchase, can be found through his website: riccardopolacci.comDon’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book and you can find it by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" is also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

It is a delight to welcome Andrea Westfall to the Viking Story podcast this week. She shares her experiences and insight as it relates to Medieval and Nordic studies, and by throwing out off-the-cuff lines like "I love languages - the deader the better" you really can't help but be entertained by Andrea's personality as well!In this interview we discuss everything from natural phenomena during the Viking Age to modern Icelandic and Nordic culture, plus a whole lot more! So sit back, relax, and join us as we discuss all things Iceland/Viking/Scandinavian!Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book and you can find it by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" is also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsFollow St. Clair Publications on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/stclairpublicationsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

Welcome to Season 6! The interviews will start in August but first we take a quick look at what makes this podcast unique. And is it actually the longest running Viking podcast on the interwebs??This episode sets up the rest of the season nicely and also introduces a new tag-line!Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a paperback or e-book and you can find it by searching for my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" is also available from the St. Clair Publications website: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsFollow St. Clair Publications on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/stclairpublicationsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

VIKING STORY SUMMER SCHEDULE:New interview episodes every Monday in August!

Grab yourself an eggnog because it's time for an early Christmas present - the 40th episode of Viking Story! Did I realize that during recording? No I did not! Nevertheless...When can you expect the sequel to Bloodsword Saga? How can one find the Hamlet/Amleð comparison book from St. Clair Publications that I helped co-write? What is the story behind Stein "The Strong" and his debilitating headaches? The answers to these questions and more in this bonus Christmas episode!Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: [email protected] Bloodsword Saga novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it and the (H)amlet(H) comparative piece by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My academic historical fiction novel is also available on Amazon as an e-book or for purchase on the St. Clair Publications website as a paperback: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchsMusic rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.orgAnd finally, a special thank you to whoever gave my Bloodsword Saga novel a 5-star review on Amazon. You are a very kind person because every positive review helps people find the book better, and on a personal note it makes me feel like you must have enjoyed my work. May you all have a wonderful 2024!