Valhalla Conversations

Bringing Valhalla to Jorvik: Viking Age Living History for ALL: Assembly

To many the word Valhalla brings up images of Odin's great hall, a vast space full of the worthiest warriors who feast, drink and fight until Ragnarok. However, in reality it also represents a place for members of the Viking Age historical re-enactment, or living history society, to gather and share their research, theories and observations with eager and interested members of the public. This inclusive and accessible Symposium's acronym is indeed Valhall:A and it stands for "Viking Age Living History for All Assembly." And as this podcast is named Valhalla Conversations, it seems fitting and apt that for our sadly final episode, as my mini Viking invades my life and raids my body of sleep and energy, we sit down and chat with the Symposium's founder, Leah O'Chuinneagain. As someone who has benefited for many years from attending such open and publicly accessible spaces of shared learning, I strongly relate and support Leah's mission to ensure that the spectrum of Viking Age Living History isn't just for those who practice it - but for all of us who wish to know more. We're going to be talking about history, re-enactment, community, why the Viking Age captured her interest and her own expertise in historical textiles and natural dyes, but most significantly about why her Symposium is growing fast in popularity and interest as we approach its 4th year, into the new must-attend academic part of the fringe events of the annual Jorvik Viking Festival - a truly worthy successor to the much-missed Richard Hall Symposium.

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Before Marvel Comics and Neil Gaiman: The Forgotten Books That Inspired Modern Norse Myths

When we think of Norse myths in books today, popular 20th century writers like Neil Gaiman and Kevin Crossley-Holland, Joanne Harris and Rick Riordan, Louie Stowell and many more, and even the colourful world of Marvel Comics immediately come to mind. They are the giants of modern retelling—but what if I told you there’s a forgotten foundation of Norse myth storytelling that predates them all? The names of these authors—all of them women—have completely vanished from the record. Discover a group of women writers from the 19th century who were retelling the sagas and reimagining the North. Their books achieved massive popularity in their time—some are even considered classics - so why were they forgotten? Why are they still unrecognised by readers of the 21st century in an era when Norse Mythology is reaching new heights of fame in popular culture? Today, we’re going on a literary journey to uncover these 'lost' storytellers. Joining me to piece together this historical puzzle and put these forgotten voices back on the map is Dr. Kevin Fylan.

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A Treasure Seeker's Guide to the Viking Age with Dr Tom Horne

When we think of Viking 'treasure,' we usually think of stolen gold and silver hoards. But what if the real treasures were the items people touched and used every single day? Today, we’re joined by Dr. Tom Horne to go beyond the myths and explore a true 'Portrait of the Viking World.' We aren't just looking at wealth; we’re looking at the tools, the places, and the everyday objects that defined an entire era. From the North Atlantic to the heart of Scandinavia, this is your 'Treasure Seeker’s Guide' to the Viking Age. Dr Tom Horne read Ancient and Modern History at Balliol College, Oxford, before working as a history researcher for the BBC. His introduction to archaeological excavations began when he volunteered for the Tiber Valley and Sangro Valley Projects in Italy, and he has gone on to dig and survey across Britain and in Ukraine. Tom received an MLitt. in Medieval Archaeology and a Ph.D. in Viking trade networks from the University of Glasgow, and continues to write for academia, having authored a range of material, including his monograph, A Viking Market Kingdom in Ireland and Britain (Routledge). He was also a co-editor of, and contributor to, The Viking Age in Scotland (EUP). Tom's most recent book is Treasures of the Vikings, published by Amber Books. Currently a writer for History Hit and an international tour guide alongside his academic career, Tom also works as a Museum Assistant at the Govan Stones museum in Glasgow, for which he also co-produces and edits the Govan Early Medieval Podcast and volunteers as a guide and Communications Manager.

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Mead: From Viking Myth to Modern Icon with Dr Simon Trafford

We all have that iconic image of the Viking Age: a smoke-filled longhall and a horn overflowing with mead. But was it truly the 'nectar of the gods,' or is our modern obsession with it telling us more about ourselves than the actual Norse? Today, I’m sitting down with Dr. Simon Trafford to look past the drunken stereotypes and into the real politics of the mead bench. We’re exploring how mead evolved from a prestigious historical drink into a powerful modern brand—from ancient rituals to its role in heavy metal, film, TV and computer games. Let’s find out if mead is really 'history in a bottle' or just a very successful piece of Viking PR.

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The Reluctant Re-Enactor: 30 Years of Living History with Nigel Amos

To many people today, historical re-enactment is a hobby of passion and interest. Some progress to become modern living historians, bringing history to life for schools as well as crowds at public events. There are a special few who have transformed this niche blend of practical skills and historical research to even greater heights and have achieved the balance of making their living from history. One such person is todays guest. His journey began way back in 1992, when his future wife persuaded him to join her in historical re-enactment. In 1993, the pair took part in their first battle as part of Jorvik Viking Festival in York and the rest as they would say, is history - pun intended. For the past 30 years, our guest has further developed and built a saga worthy career in a wide variety of roles, both big and small, as part of Regia Anglorum medieval living history society. Such as managing Rochester's Norman Festival complete with building a Norman palisade, founding the plans to construct Wychurst a replica Anglo-Saxon fortified Manor House, getting to script and narrate grand finale performances at Jorvik Viking Festivals, leading the charge of the mounted Conroi of soldiers at the Battle of Hastings re-enactment, not to mention honouring the year of 1066 by leading a mounted March from York to Battle Abbey for English Heritage. All this and so much more! So let us discover and celebrate the many remarkable achievements of Nigel Amos.

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Voicing a Viking Villain in Norse Oath of Blood - George Weightman

What does it take to embody a legendary Norse villain? I’m joined by OneVoice 2026 & 2025 award winning voice actor, ⁨@georgeweightman1331⁩ to discuss how he transformed into one of Norse: Oath of Blood’s most formidable foes - Steinar Far-Spear. We will be talking about the physicality of performance capture, the psychology of playing the 'bad guy,' and how you bring a Viking warrior to life while covered in sensors instead of armour and instead of wielding a sword, axe or spear, you have to wear a mobile camera braced inches from your face! Let us explore how the Vikings are represented in the newest Viking game from ⁨@ArcticHazard⁩ ⁨@tripwireinteractive⁩ . Behind the scenes performance capture photos credit to Max Brown Media. Introduction Showcase Video credit to OneVoice Awards 2026. https://www.norsethegame.com/ 'Norse: Oath of Blood is a Turn-Based Tactics game set in Viking-Age Norway. Build a settlement, forge alliances, and fight strategic battles. Manage a community of craftspeople, farmers, and warriors, as you grow strong on your path to vengeance in this story-rich saga.' https://store.steampowered.com/app/3054690/NORSE_Oath_of_Blood/ Sword Brothers - FREE Prequel Short Story - available as an eBook and Audio Book via the Norse game website. Learn more about Giles Kristian, the epic narrative writer behind the game and dive into the best Viking age fiction around - https://www.gileskristian.com/

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Life lessons with Loki: with Louie Stowell

Ever wondered what would happen if a Norse god had to survive school? Today, we’re joined by the brilliant ⁨@Loustow⁩ , author of the hilarious Loki: A Bad God's Guide series. Get ready for some mischief as we dive into the ironic world of 'Life Lessons with Loki' and find out why the ultimate trickster might just be the perfect guide to growing up. https://louiestowell.com/ https://louiestowell.com/lokifesto ⁨ @WalkerBooksUK⁩ Intro and Ending Soundtrack: Into the Wyld from Svilland TTRPG Music.

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Beowulf in Yorkshire: with musician Howard Jacobs

On a dark November night in 2023, the legendary epic poem, Beowulf, came to life with music and theatre in a unique promenade performance by @ProperJobTheatre set in the West Yorkshire town of Huddersfield. Discover more about this special performance of which musician Howard Jacobs founded his viking band, Shield King/Skjöldr Konungr. Intro track - Healfdane's Lament (Skjöldr Konungr, 2023) Ending Track - Velkominn (Skjöldr Konungr, 2023) https://www.howard-jacobs.co.uk/skjoldr-konungr "Formed to accompany King Healfdene’s funeral procession through the streets of Huddersfield during Proper Job Theatre's 2023 production of Beowulf, Skjoldr Konungr were an instant hit finagling their way into the whole production’s live soundtrack. They’ll be back… don’t doubt it!"

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Valkyries: Beyond the Sagas and Legends

We know them as the winged choosers of the slain and the fierce female warriors of Valhalla—but who are the Valkyries, really? Are they divine escorts, mortal women with supernatural gifts, or something else entirely? Or perhaps all of the above? Today, we’re pulling back the veil on these enigmatic wish-maidens to explore how they evolved from the terrifying omens of Old Norse poetry into the complex heroines of modern fantasy. I’m joined by an incredible panel: authors KS Barton and Johanna Wittenberg, the co-hosts of Shieldmaiden: @WomenoftheNorseWorldPodcast podcast, and academic researcher from the @universityofleeds , Sif Brookes from the @valsif channel. Together, we’re exploring and examining the sagas, the legends and twenty-first century conceptions in 'Valkyries: Beyond the Sagas and Legends'. Join us as we head straight to Valhalla, to find out what it truly means to 'choose the slain'. Episode artwork designed by illustrator Katie Brompton Intro and Ending Soundtrack, 'Into the Wyld' from Svilland TTRPG - Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World is a monthly podcast that takes a deep dive into the lives of women in the Viking Age, exploring their roles, experiences, and contributions to Norse society. Hosted by fiction authors Johanna Wittenberg and K.S. Barton, each episode explores the fascinating stories of Norse women from historical accounts, sagas, and archaeology. From shieldmaidens and queens to farmers and priestesses, we’ll uncover the varied and complex roles that women played in Norse culture. - - The Truth about the Valkyries with Sif Brookes, Episode of @nordicmythologypodcast - https://youtu.be/zZYiMOF7joM?si=AQ5gx0G8fpPSa0GY - Johanna Wittenberg: https://johannawittenberg.com/ - K.S Barton: https://ksbarton.com/ - Sif Brookes: https://sifbrookes.com/ Books discussed in this episode: 'A Deal with Odin' by K.S Barton 'Valkrjur: Servant or Master?' by Sif Brookes 'The Valkyries: New & Ancient Norse Tales' from Flame Tree Press Valkyrie: The Women of the Viking World by Dr Johanna Katrin Fridriksdottir The Real Valkyrie: The hidden history of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavaia by Neil Price The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (Penguin Edition)

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Time Travel to the Viking Age with M.G. Leonard

Enter Valhalla to join our conversation with ⁨@MayaGLeonard⁩ on time-travelling doors, the magic of music, the balance of history and danger in children's fiction, why she modelled a 'bad guy' on a Manchester fooball player, and how Maya discovered a genuine mystery involving two Viking age golden horns discovered in Denmark... and so much more! If you like Vikings, you are welcome in my Valhalla, and I hope you stay for the conversation.

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The Last Einherjar with Kevin Wells

Joining me on this episode is comic artist and writer, Kevin Wells, whom I discovered at Thought Bubble Comic Con in 2025. We will be taking a deep dive into his norse-inspired graphic novel, The Last Einherjar, exploring his inspiration, his creative process and sharing ideas on what makes Vikings and their mythology so popular and answering "What if Ragnarok didn't happen as intended?" "Ragnarok has destroyed the Nine Realms all that is left is Endirheim. As a new darkness rises from the north only one man can prevent the terrors that await the survivors of Ragnarok. That man is Ulf, THE LAST EINHERJAR." https://www.kwizillustrator.com/

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Halls of Asgard: A New Game for Norse Gods

Joining me in Valhalla is returning guest, Joshua Gillingham from Little Hammer Games, as we discuss and officially launch his latest @kickstarter card game, Halls of Asgard! Join the Kickstarter by the link below: "HALLS OF ASGARD is a semi-cooperative social strategy game for 3-6 players (25-45 min) with absolutely stunning hand-painted art by celebrated Norse mythology artist Helena Rosova. Clocking in on the lighter side, it’s a great starter for those new to board games with easy set up, a simple mechanic that can generate surprisingly intricate cooperative strategies, and guaranteed memorable times. The semi-cooperative aspect lends itself to a delightful tension between defeating Hela, goddess of the Norse underworld, and out-doing your fellow Asgardian gods. Each player takes on the role of a god (Odin, Thor, Freya, Heimdal, Idun, or Loki) with two unique powers and one unique curse. Gazing down at the mortals passing through the life stages (Child/Warrior/Elder) on the Midgard board, they use their powers to claim heroes that join them in their hall in preparation for Ragnarok. Along the way, Hela claims mortals off the Midgard board and gains all those who die without honour or glory of old age. A unique clan mechanic and differing mortal values (0/1/2) adds an extra element of strategy as gods collect their heroes. If one of the gods can defeat Hela through the strength of their gathered warriors, the gods win; however, if Hela ends up with the highest strength score, all players lose as Ragnarok sets the nine realms aflame."

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The Viking Berserkr with Dr Roderick Dale

Joining me in this episode is Dr Roderick Dale, we will discuss his role in the former World Tree Project looking at observations of Viking representation in the modern world, and then dive deep into our misconceptions about Viking Berserkers. You can buy his book 'The Myths and Raelities of the Viking Berserkr' from Routledge - https://www.routledge.com/The-Myths-a...

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Vikings for Kids with C.J. Adrien (author) and Crystal Whithaus (illustrator)

Joining me as our first guests into Valhalla for 2026, is historical fiction author and historian, ⁨@cjadrien⁩ - he also co-hosts the ⁨@vikingologypodcast⁩ too! Alongside his talented artist wife, Crystal Whithaus as we discuss and explore how they teamed up to create a very charming, entertaining and also engaging childrens book about Vikings as a people from a time long ago. It is available to buy on demand from Amazon. Book Blurb: “I’m a Viking!” is a history book about the Viking Age for kids. Join Leif, a chieftain’s son who wants nothing more than to grow up to be a Viking just like his dad. Follow Leif as he gives you a tour of his life—the things he must learn, the things he likes to do for fun, and much more. Conceived and written by author and historian C.J. Adrien and illustrated by the talented Crystal Whithaus, “I’m a Viking!” is an excellent primer for young minds interested in the past. Don’t be fooled—grown-ups may learn a thing or two, too."

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Worlds of Words & Vikings: In conversation with Justin Hill, Giles Kristian & Theo Brun

For our final podcast episode for 2025 I'm beyond thrilled to have invited not one but three of my favourite Viking Age historical fiction authors into Valhalla. Justin Hill, Giles Kristian and Theo Brun. So we can take a deep dive into their own connection and interest with viking history, what inspired them to write and so much more.

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Meet Bjarni, the Science Viking

Joining me in the great mead hall of the gods is Terry, otherwise known as Bjarni the Cabbage Killer. Why? Because part of his day job is slaying cabbages with sword, axe and spear. Why? Because for many decades he was a science teacher BEFORE becoming a viking-age re-enactor. And then when he retired from formal education he discovered a way of combining his love of science and alchemy with the historical side of his life. And thus Bjarni the Science Viking was created to visit schools, participte in historical festivals, science shows and more! Take a seat and listen and learn from the many stories and anecdotes and history lessons Terry has to share from his remarkable and unique career. From medieval medicine, alchemy of making ink for writing on parchment and making paints to illuminate manuscripts, through to the evidence of physics in weapon use. We discuss the only Viking Age longhouse in Cumbria, the Moorforge Settlement, and the very recent discovery of a longhouse 5x it's size from the 10th century in Cumbria itself! The largest ever to be identified in the UK! https://www.scienceviking.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheScienceViking

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Sam Flegal & The Illustrated Lokasenna Kickstarter (Bonus Episode)

Returning to the great mead hall of the gods with "glorious purpose" is ⁨@SamFlegalart⁩ of Fateful Signs, as his latest artistic translation of Old Norse poetics is now LIVE on Kickstarter and in this third edition, the focus is all on Loki and this most popular to many, but unknown to many more, manuscript, the Lokasenna. "Fateful Signs presents "The Illustrated Lokasenna,” a collection of art by Sam Flegal. This 138-page book explores ancient Norse poetry by engaging the sub-conscious’s recognition of shape and form, in an effort to tap into a greater visual and spiritual understanding of the ancient Norse text. With your support we created "The Illustrated Hávamál," and "The Illustrated Völuspá." The third book in this series - "The Illustrated Lokasenna" - will be another beautiful, high-quality art book worthy of a place of honor in your book horde! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/samflegal/fateful-signs-the-illustrated-lokasenna?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=lokasenna&total_hits=1 You can find the Fateful Signs project at www.fatefulsigns.com or follow on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Join PATREON to see behind the scenes and get early access to art.

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The Saga of Erik the Viking

In this episode, special guest Chris Tuckley (who is leading a million-pound project at Selby Abbey) joins me in Valhalla to share his experience and encounters of a piece of vikings in popular culture that is both overlooked and otherwise forgotten - Erik the Viking. And viewers/listeners may be surprised to learn that the late Terry Jones (of Monty Python fame) actually wrote a children's book BEFORE leading on the spoof comedy that was the film. We discuss what makes the children's book so good for all ages, universally regardless of it now being a 30+ year old, how Mosaic Games then developed an interactive narrative game based upon it, and finish off with an honest review of the film and how and why it unfortunately didn't do well when it releaed in 1989, and why it is an artefact of it's time now.

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Curses, Trolls and Valkyries with comic writer Doug Wagner

This episode of Valhalla Conversations is dedicated to comic artist, Tim Odland who sadly passed away this summer of 2025. Tim's life long dream was to illustrate comics for ⁨@imagecomics⁩ and 'Beware The Eye Of Odin' is that comic, that dream. I will treasure my copy as an example of Tim's extraordinary talent. Thank you for your dream, Tim. Rest in Peace. After a hiatus over September and October due to my academic pursuit in valkyries taking priority for a while, I'm delighted to declare Valhalla is once again open and our next new guest is comic writer Doug Wagner. I have invited him to the great mead hall to discuss one of his under-appreciated comics, Beware the Eye of Odin, featuring lots of trolls, curses, huldrafolk and valkyries and so much more. We discuss and explore how he and Tim came up with this wonderfully human story set in a very mythological world of norse myth and folklore. Doug Wagner is an American comic book writer whose Image Comics include PLASTIC (co-created with Daniel Hillyard), THE HARD PLACE (with Nic Rummel), GUN CANDY (with Brian Stelfreeze), and THE RIDE (with too many to list). He’s also written titles such as I.C.E., World of Warcraft: Bloodsworn, Legends of the Dark Knight, and Witchblade/Red Sonja. Doug can be found hiding out in Park City, Utah where he spends his days creating madness, frolicking down the slopes with his lovely wife, and reveling cuddle time with the sweetest kitty in the world. You can follow his exploits at @Doug_Wagner on that social media thingy.

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A Runecast Message - Valkyries bring news from Valhalla Conversations

gcjshxi5 Regular followers/listeners may be wondering where Episode 19 is of our usual monthly Valhalla Conversations podcast series? Well - the answer is that due to a very important debut article which is consuming all my available time and energy I am pausing content creation, including podcast recording with several exciting new guests until November. Consider Valhalla closed for cleaning if you like. We will return, we will reopen, and I am biting on my metaphorical shield with eagerness to hit the ground running in November with 5 new episodes planned, 4 of which will be released between November and Christmas to see us into 2026. I have a very active and thrilling guest list to send invites too and host recordings with. Hopefully you will be patient, understanding and wish me luck as I tackle this very challenging piece of academic work. gcjshxi5