Northern Myths Podcast

In this episode, we continue our Kalevala journey with Runo 11 - Lemminkäinen and Kyllikki! In this Runo we meet the two eponymous characters - Lemminkäinen and Kyllikki - and we explore the dynamics between young men and women and some of the reasons why social interactions between the two are structured the way they are. 

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, i...

In this episode, we are joined for the second time by Tuomas Rounakari of Shamanviolin and Korpiklaani. We discuss his upcoming projects, then discuss shamanism and the pre-Christian grief ritual known as laments. 

For an introduction to Tuomas and his work, see our first interview with him here: Interview with Tuomas Rounakari To connect with Tuomas and find more information about his work and projects, visit his website. To atte...

In this episode we interview Alexey Belkin of Russian folk band Otava Yo (Алексей Белкин от фолк группы «Отава ё»). We discuss Otava Yo's excellent music videos which, among other things, highlight the importance of nature, especially for people from the big city, and document historical Russian traditions. We also discuss why it is important to recognize appreciate nature, and taking the best parts from the past and the presen...

In this episode we are joined by Kristyn J. Miller to discuss the story of Siegfried/Sigurd of Das Nibelungenlied and the Volsunga Saga, as well as references and comparisons to that story from Beowulf. Kristyn is, in her own words, a writer and casual literary critic with a passion for the intersection of language, cultural history, and literature. 

Kristyn writes a blog on literature, history, language, culture, and more at h...

In this episode we return to the Kalevala with Kalevala Runo 10 - The Forging of the Sampo! We read how Väinämöinen gets Ilmarinen to journey to Pohjola to forge the Sampo, a powerful mythical device of unknown properties! 

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more. If you'd like to support the show you...

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more. In this introductory episode, we introduce the podcast, the stories we cover, and our most important influences.

Links to the books we discussed can be found on our recommended books page: https://www.northernmyths.com/p/recommended-books-1537495137/

If you'd lik...

Dr. Jackson Crawford returns to the Northern Myths Podcast to tell us about his Wanderer's Havamal. We discuss his involvement with the upcoming Assassin's Creed Valhalla, and other exciting projects Dr. Crawford is working on. In our discussion of the Havamal, we hear why Dr. Crawford finds this wisdom so timeless, and we find out some interesting new things about Yggdrasil and the runes!

This is the Northern Myths Podcas...

The Northern Myths Podcast returns after over a year! We discuss our exciting plans for the future, and we hope to have you along with us!

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more. If you'd like to support the show you can support us on Patreon here: Northern Myths Podcast Patreon

Check out our YouTube c...

In this episode we cover Rígsþula, or the Lay of Rig, from the Poetic Edda of Norse Mythology. We hear how Heimdall, going by Rig, visits 3 couples representing the classes of slaves, free men, and lords, and helps them to reproduce. Their divine children illustrate how the classes of men in the viking age would have lived, and we see how society would have developed from agricultural tribes to thriving kingdoms.

This is the North...

We are joined by Lee Accomando, host of the Viking Age Podcast! His show is one of the longest running Norse/Viking themed shows, and he certainly paved the way for us in a lot of ways so we're excited to have him on! We had a great discussion, talking about how his podcast has developed over the years and hearing some of his favorite stories, including the discovery of Iceland and some of the exploits of Gunnhild, Mother of Ki...

In this episode we return to the Kalevala with Kalevala Runo 9 - The Origin of Iron. Väinämöinen is being healed by the old man he met at the end of the last Runo, and they discuss the mythological origin of iron. This poem deals with the development of technology, both through the development of refining iron into steel and subsequently into tools and weapons, as well as the development of methods of healing!

This is the Northern...

In this episode we interview the hosts of the Saga Thing podcast, one of the longest running shows in the Norse/Viking space and a show that we personally enjoy very much. We had an entertaining talk, and a few times where they really made us think about the nature of the literature we all enjoy.

Check out Saga Thing's website for more information about their show: https://sagathingpodcast.wordpress.com/

Saga Thing iTunes: ht...

We return to the story of the Death of Baldr through the famous poem Baldrs Draumar, or Baldr's Dreams, where Odin rides down into the underworld to find out why his son Baldr is having bad dreams about his death. We dive into the symbolism behind Baldr and what he and his death represent, and the ways the different versions of the story can change the meaning. 

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of ...

We continue our series on the Kalevala with Runo 8 - Väinämöinen's Wound. Väinämöinen gets distracted on his way home from Pohjola when he sees a maiden of Pohja. She makes him complete seemingly impossible challenges in order to win her hand in marriage, and Väinämöinen makes a potentially grave mistake!

The Kalevala is the epic national poem of Finland. Compiled by Elias Lönnrot from folk poetry from throughout Finland, Kare...

Our good friend Noah Tetzner from the History of Vikings podcast joins us for the second time on the anniversary of his podcast! We talk about some of his favorite experiences from his first year of podcasting, including visiting the Jorvik Viking Festival in York, UK. Noah has recently published a book, The Poetic Edda: A Study Guide. We'll provide a link below.

We had a problem with our end of the audio which we only discove...

In this episode we read Alvissmal, or the Words of All-Wise, from the Poetic Edda. The dwarf Alvis (or All-Wise) visits Thor's hall to bring back Thor's daughter as his bride, and Thor acts very un-Thor-like as he deals with this unwelcome guest!

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more. If you'd ...

Väinämöinen has been shot down into the sea by Joukahainen. Where he goes from there and who he meets will set the biggest story of the Kalevala in motion. Join us as we find out what happens with Väinämöinen and when he meets Louhi, the mistress of Pohjola.

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more. If you...

We are joined for the second time by Siobhan Clark, author of Children of Midgard and host of the Myth Legend & Lore podcast. We discuss the folklore of Scotland, especially the Shetland and Orkney islands, including the Finfolk, Kelpies, and Selkies, as well as the Norse influence on the region and the importance of great stories in our childhoods. 

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths an...

Hear how Volund is captured by the evil king Nithuth, and how he gets his revenge. We explore themes relating to society and technology, and the dangers of unconsciousness and resentment.

This is the Northern Myths Podcast, an archetypal exploration of the myths and legends of Northern Europe, including Norse mythology, the Finnish Kalevala, and more. If you'd like to support the show you can support us on Patreon here: Northe...