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Valhalla Conversations

Valhalla Conversations

di Becky Hill

Stagione 2

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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!"

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.

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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