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Viking Story

Alan Laycock-Fuchs

“Viking Story” began as a podcast designed to explore elements of the Viking world that I had to consider when writing my novel, as well as a tool to tell my own personal story and background, but has evolved into a Viking-themed podcast that explores all topics related to the Viking Age and even goes a bit beyond to explore Scandinavian culture in general and the stories of others connected to the Vikings and to this podcast.

To learn more about the Vikings and other related themes then please listen and subscribe. If you want to get in touch then you can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

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S8 · E8
Saturday · 13 min
Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 6
It's another day, and that means it's time for another one of my translation episodes, this one focusing on chapter 6 of Eirík the Red's Saga. As always, a lot of text will be analysed, with some of the Old Norse words discussed in today's episode including: HÖNDUM (from HÖND) TRÚA KOST (from KOSTR) Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs If 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/unnwu53IL8n Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S8 · E7
Wednesday · 12 min
Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 5
In today's episode we take a closer look at my translation of chapter 5 of Eirík the Red's Saga and we learn about yet another popular saying from the Viking age, namely, "At eigi veit, fyrr en svarat er." Listen to find out what that Norse expression meant plus so much more, including what some of the differences are between this chapter and the same scene from the Saga of the Greenlanders. Old Norse words discussed in today's episode include: LÝKR (from LÚKA) FÉ VÉR FEÐGUM Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs If 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/unnwu53IL8n Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S8 · E6
August 11 · 18 min
Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 4
Thank you to all of my Raiders for your well-wishes following my last episode, where I was fighting against the affects of sunstroke. I am indeed fine again now!! It was really just that one episode where I wasn't feeling like myself, but it's a good reminder to everyone to take care of yourself out there and to watch out for any signs that you might not be well. But now, onwards and upwards! Sound that battle horn because here we go again! In today's episode I talk about chapter 4 of my translation of Eirík the Red's Saga where, among other things, we meet a 'spákona' or 'völva' and I attempt to describe a new colour. We also look at the Christian overtones present in the saga and a popular expression that the Vikings used during the Viking age: Lítt í tauma Other Old Norse words discussed in today's episode include: SIEÐMAÐR SEIÐR BLÁN (from BLÁR) VARÐLOKUR LÍTT Í TAUMA Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs If 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/unnwu53IL8n Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S8 · E5
August 3 · 14 min
Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 3
Welcome to the Viking Story podcast! In today's episode I fight against possible heatstroke while attempting to give insights into my translation of chapter 3 of Eirík the Red's Saga. This was certainly an... experience! Old Norse words discussed in today's episode include: GÓÐR BÓNDI RAUSNARRÁÐ GOÐORÐSMAÐR BEZTI HÚSBÓNDI Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs If 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/unnwu53IL8n Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S8 · E4
July 1 · 12 min
Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 2
Happy Canada Day to all of my Raiders! Since today is a special day, you're getting a double-shot of Viking Story as we take a look at the background behind my translation of of Eirík the Red's Saga, this time focusing specifically on its second chapter. Some of the Old Norse words discussed in today's episode include: KNARRARBRINGU NORÐAN SAUR EY HOLM FJORÐUR STAÐIR ÞRIÐI TUTTUGU OK FIMM Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs If 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/unnwu53IL8n Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S8 · E3
July 1 · 16 min
Translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" Chapter 1
My translation of "Eirík the Red's Saga" takes centre stage today as I give my thoughts, explanations and insights into the saga and, in particular, into its first chapter. What makes "Eirík the Red's Saga" different from "The Saga of the Greenlanders"? Which saga contains the more accurate version of events? All of these answers and more in today's episode! Old Norse words discussed in today's episode include: FRÁ MAGRA KALLAÐI ÞYKKJA VÆRI DAL HÖFN Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs If 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/unnwu53IL8n Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S8 · E2
April 27 · 17 min
Reykjavík Grapevine and other News
In today's episode I go over some of the latest news concerning the Viking age, this very podcast, AI, Reynisfjara, and much, much more. Unfortunately, there is also some bad news concerning the Reykjavík Grapevine, but you can help them out by using the following links. Main link: https://grapevine.is Check out the Reykjavík Grapevine's shop and get between 50-75% off on all Icelandic products: https://shop.grapevine.is To simply donate money to the Reykjavík Grapevine click here: https://support.grapevine.is To find out more about Joshua Gillingham and his current projects, please visit his website at: https://joshuagillingham.ca Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs If 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/unnwu53IL8n Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S8 · E1
April 7 · 26 min
Interview with Joshua Gillingham
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-asgard If 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=XLz6sCgRoMo To find out more about Helena Rosova's artwork please click here: https://www.deviantart.com/hellanim Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs If 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/unnwu53IL8n Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S7 · E9
January 1 · 14 min
Happy New Year's!
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! It is also the 'unofficial' 50th episode of Viking Story! 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: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening and have a happy new year!
S7 · E8
Oct 15, 2025 · 32 min
Interview with Valur Gunnarsson
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-gunnarsson Specifically, 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_UD79hConI6gDVJWaamdGXIyc2GtzMFbbW2XaY51E Valur 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.is I 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=25s Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S7 · E7
Oct 1, 2025 · 7 min
Season 7 Wrap
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: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org A heart-felt thank you to all of my Raiders for listening. Stay tuned for more!
S7 · E6
Sep 15, 2025 · 55 min
Interview with Dr. Steven Dorland
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-profile Here 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__h8R4 A 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=7732s Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S7 · E5
Sep 1, 2025 · 43 min
Translation of "Saga of the Greenlanders" Part Three
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) SÆTT VÆNN BERJUM VÍNBER MÁL TRÉ HÚSASNOTRA Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S7 · E4
Aug 15, 2025 · 36 min
Translation of "Saga of the Greenlanders" Part Two
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: DAGMÁLASTAÐ EYKTARSTAÐ SKORTI (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: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Also 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 vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S7 · E3
Aug 1, 2025 · 36 min
Translation of "Saga of the Greenlanders" Part One
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: HVARF LEITAR HEIÐIS Also, 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: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S7 · E2
Jul 15, 2025 · 18 min
Interview with SaturDave
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/player Of course, if you happen to be in the Huntsville, Ontario, Canada area then you can also tune in on your fm dial at 88.7 Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com My "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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S7 · E1
Jul 1, 2025 · 12 min
Introduction and Update
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: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com 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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
May 8, 2025 · 30 min
Return Interview with Martyn Whittock
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-east Regarding the Viking Story podcast, please don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com My "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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S6 · E6
Sep 2, 2024 · 6 min
The End of Season 6
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: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com My "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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org Thank you for listening!
S6 · E5
Aug 26, 2024 · 1 hr 13 min
Interview with Alan Laycock-Fuchs
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: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com My "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-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

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