Viking Story

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...

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...

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...

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: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

My "Bloodsword Saga - Fear The North" novel is currently available on Amazon as a...

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 p...

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!<...

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: 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...

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...

In this bonus episode I welcome Martyn Whittock, the author of "American Vikings - How the Norse sailed into the lands and imaginations of America" to the podcast. During our discussion Martyn gives a preview of the types of topics/themes covered in his latest book, ranging from the Norse discovery of North America and their subsequent activity in the New World in the centuries that followed to the perception of Vikings in America today, including their importance to American cultural identity and the use (and often misuse) of their image in modern politics.

Don’t forget to...

Many people have heard of Shakespeare's greatest tragic hero, Hamlet, but surprisingly few have taken an interest in his actual origins, which date back to over half a millennium before Shakespeare's time.

In this episode I speak with St. Clair Publications' own Spencer St. Clair to discuss a collaboration that we are working on together, namely, a book that is tentatively titled "(H)amlet(h)" and which compares/contrasts the earliest known sources of "Amlóðasaga," featuring the proto-Hamlet character of Amleth, with Shakespeare's famous play "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark."

Strap yourself in a...

In the final episode of Season 5 we take a look at the lengths I went to in order to bring you a detailed description in my Viking novel of what burning alive feels like.

I also discuss whether or not this will be the final season of Viking Story and I thank my wonderful listeners for their continued support.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

My novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by se...

It's time for the very first interview in Viking Story history!

Get to know Spencer St. Clair from St. Clair Publications, the publishing house behind my Viking novel.

In our interview you'll find out what went behind bringing my book to print and how Spencer St. Clair successfully navigated the uniquely challenging ideas that I brought to the table.

Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.co...

Meet your sexy (?) new host and also the main character from my novel, Bloodsword Saga: Fear The North

What makes Bloodsword likeable and, perhaps even more importantly, very unlikeable at the same time?

All of these answers and more as I struggle to make it through the entire episode!

Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of...

What makes my novel unique/different/special?

Why are there so many Unique Selling Points (USPs) in my book?

All of these answers and more! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

My novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs

Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of books and authors.

Wa...

What is "Academic Historical Fiction" anyway?

Why did I create a whole new book genre and what inspired me to do so?

Listen to find out as I go off on a tangent about Tim Horton and Dustin Byfuglien!

Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://al...

My book, powered by you, my faithful listeners, has finally been published!

Find my book on Amazon by searching for my name, "Alan Laycock-Fuchs."

Weirdly, this podcast will also come up when you search my name (I had forgotten that you could listen via Amazon!)

In this episode I'll also introduce you to the publishing house behind my book, called St. Clair Publications, and if you listen all the way until the very end there's also an Easter Egg Outtake for all of you to enjoy!

Don’t forget to rate, re...

As we wrap-up Season 4 all eyes turn towards Season 5 as I focus on the publication of my Viking novel.

I want to personally thank all of my listeners once again for their valued support. This is a completely DIY podcast and so to achieve the success that it has has been truly amazing. Thank you!

Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this po...

A deep dive (?) into my own history and also a look at some of the behind-the-scenes goings-on with regards to this podcast.

What was the original name of this podcast? What is the story behind the cover art? And who is SaturDave?

All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Want to check out my brother's show? Then tune into 88.7 The Bay on Saturdays at noon EST or online at: https://muskokaradio.com

...

The best Viking-themed tv show (in my opinion) is revealed and it may not be one you are familiar with.

What makes this series better than Vikings and Vikings Valhalla and who was Uhtred of Bebbanburg?

All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: ht...

My second choice for best Viking-themed tv show is revealed, but how close was it to actually being my number one?

What makes this Norwegian fantasy drama so good and who are the Norwegian "Brat Pack"?

All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: ht...

The #3 ranked Vikings-themed tv show is reviewed and I share some of my own personal stories that relate to the series.

A few questions are also discussed, such as:

Did the Vikings really use sun stones and sun compasses?

Did surviving on your own in the wilderness make you a legendary Viking?

And is Game of Thrones more historically accurate than the Vikings tv show?

All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vi...

It's the start of another new season and I start by thanking my loyal listeners and welcoming all of the new ones.

So... a few updates in regards to my publication journey... a deal has been signed and the journey is fast coming to its conclusion! Learn about a few of the details so far in going to print and also receive a preview of the season ahead.

Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using...

Season 3 has come nearly as fast as it has gone. Almost as if it was riding Slepnir.

In the final episode of the season I give a quick overview of my publishing journey to date, plus I talk a little about my private life and various trials and trublations I have edured.

However, on the plus side, there will be a Season 4 so stay subscribed to recieve those episodes the second they drop (sometime in 2023).

Until then, don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can re...

The last day of the week (or at least the last day that concerns Norse Gods) is the association of Frigg to Friday.

This episode also takes a look at the scholarly debate as to whether or not Frigg and Freyja were at one time one and the same. But in order to look at them in the same light they are first seperated into two and reviewed individually in their own rights.

So who was Frigg, besides the wife of Oðin? Is there enough source material to even know?

In this episode we take a closer look at arguably one of the most famous Norse Gods of all time, even rivaling his father's (Oðin's) fame; today the focus is on the God associated with the day of the week we know as Thursday - Þor!

Was Þor actually more popular than Oðin during the Viking age? What did he represent and how was he viewed in comparison to the other Norse Gods?

What has modern culture got wrong about Þor? And what does he have to do with Santa Claus and Irish Pubs...

Known as the "All Father," Oðin is perhaps the most important God of the Viking people. Or was he?

In this special episode I take a closer look at one of the most famous Gods of the Norse pantheon. But where did it all begin for Oðin? How does it all end? What did he represent and what is he associated with?

And what does a modern-day shirt and skirt have to do with Norse migration patterns and the evolution of the Norse language in general?

All of th...

Focusing on the Norse God associated with the day of the week known as Tuesday, I take a look at Týr and his place in the pantheon of Norse Gods.

Was Týr at one point a more important God than Oðin? How did the Vikings invoke Týr? Were human sacrifices ever made in his honour?

All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Music rights courtesy of: https...

In this first episode of Season 3 I do what it says on the tin and present an overview of "Creation in Norse Cosmology."

How was the Norse universe created? Where do the Viking people and their Gods come from? Who were the Æsir and Vanir, and are their stories echos of real events from the past?

All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Music rights courtesy of: htt...

In this BONUS episode I introduce you to my latest side-project, another podcast called TFC Story, which is going to be a part of my overall "Story" franchise.

I also take a look at the new Netflix series called "Vikings Valhalla," which features many of the same historical characters that are also featured in my novel, as well as many of the same locations, all set in the same time period as my novel. So plenty to compare and contrast such as that of the polarizing figure of Freydis, Lief Eiríksson full or half sister, depending o...

Breaking News? In this, the final episode of Season 2, we look at some "breaking news" as it relates to the Vínland voyages and the site at L'Anse aux Meadows. The future of this very podcast is also discussed with a look ahead to what's next. Thank you all so much for listening and following along with me on this journey! Don’t forget to leave a review and help spread the word! Stay subscribed to this podcast for upcoming information on Season 3 as well as any other projects of mine that you may be interested in. You can reach me...

This is a fun episode in which I take you through a read-through of the introduction to my novel (tongue-twisters and all)! I explain the references made in my introduction and give some crucial background detail into those elements of the Viking world. There's even time for some Old Norse pronounciation and vocabulary! Don't forget to rate, review, and help spread the word. You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Music rights courtesy of https://freemusicarchive.org

This is the third and final episode of the "Viking Mysteries" series, in which we take a closer look at Ötzi The Iceman.

Who was Ötzi and how old is he, actually? Where did he grow up? How did he live and how did he die? What were the strange circumstances surrounding his death? What was life like during Ötzi's time? What have we learned about Ötzi from modern science?

All of these questions will be answered plus more! Don't forget to rate, review, and help spread the word. You can reach me via e-mail at...

In the second episode of the "Viking Mysteries" series we explore the dark history of Surtshellir in Iceland. What is Surtshellir? What was its purpose and why did the Vikings continually visit the site? How is Surtshellir connected to Ragnarök? The answers to all of these questions and more! Don't forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Music rights courtesy of https://freemusicarchive.org

In the first of the "Viking Mysteries" series we look at the mystery surrounding the Vínland Map.

Is the Vínland Map an authentic 15th Century map made by the Vikings or a modern day forgery? What is the background to the Vínland Map and why was it created? What is its history/story? Who made it? How did they make it? What do modern scholars think of the map today? And how did it ultimately end up in the hands of Yale University?

The answers to all of these que...

The Viking horns are heralding in a new season, just in time for the holidays! In Season 2 we'll be diving into the world of rejections in the entertainment industry (yay!) but it's not all doom and gloom because Season 2 has a lot in store and this first episode gives a run-down of what to expect, what to look forward to, and an update on the current status of my Viking novel.

Don't forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com

Music...

This final episode explores a few more of the overall themes from the Vikings which were not focused on in episode one. Namely: what kind of law did the Vikings adhere to? How were laws administered? What language did the Vikings speak and what did the Vikings call their own language? What writing system did the Vikings use and how did it work? What did the Vikings do in their free time?

All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to leave a review and help spread the word! Stay subscribed to this podcast for upcoming in...

An overview of religion in the Viking age with a particular contrast between the pagan religion of the Vikings and Christianity. Both of these religions play a large role in my novel, as in the year 1000 Christianity was making large inroads into the Scandinavian consciousness; therefore, both require special attention in this episode.

What were the major differences then between the pagan religion of the Vikings and Christianity? Where did pagan Vikings worship? Who did they worship and why? What was the pagan religious worldview like? How did they imagine their own afterlife?

All of...

This is the last episode of the “Location Series” and it focuses on Vínland, a mysterious location alluded to in the so-called Vínland Sagas, and a place that confounds scholars even to present day. 

This episode draws heavily on my MA Thesis, published in 2009 by Háskoli Íslands and entitled “The Geography of Viking Age North America.”

Topics covered include: What were the Vínland Sagas and how should we interpret them? What research has been done to date on locating Vínland? What other places are mentioned by the Vikings in the Vínland Sagas? Have any of...

This is the third overall episode but only the second of the “Location Series.” In this episode I welcome you to Iceland, a place where I have recently lived and a central location to my novel. This episode will feature insights into what life is like in Iceland, both now and as it was in the Viking age, as well as insight into how Iceland was discovered and what makes the island unique. We will even delve into some of Iceland’s pre-history, if such pre-history even exists?

All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate...