Podcast Summary: In Our Time – The Orkneyinga Saga

Podcast Information:

• Title: In Our Time
• Host: Melvyn Bragg (BBC Radio 4)
• Episode Title: The Orkneyinga Saga
• Release Date: July 4, 2024
• Description: Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people, and events that have shaped our world.

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of In Our Time, host Melvyn Bragg delves into the Orkneyinga Saga, an epic narrative penned around the early 13th century that chronicles the history and lore of the Orkney Islands—a strategically significant region in the Viking world. Joined by esteemed guests Judith Jesch, Professor of Viking Studies at the University of Nottingham, Jane Harrison, Archaeologist and Research Associate at Oxford and Newcastle Universities, and Alex Wolfe, Senior Lecturer in History at the University of St. Andrews, the discussion unpacks the saga's intricate blend of myth and history, exploring the socio-political dynamics, maritime significance, and cultural landscapes of the Viking Age in Orkney.

The Orkneyinga Saga: Origins and Scope

Judith Jesch provides an overview of the saga's origins, emphasizing its composition by an anonymous Icelander in the early 13th century. The saga primarily spans the history of Orkney from circa 900 to 1200 AD, focusing on the internal conflicts among earls, their alliances, betrayals, and interactions with Scottish and Norwegian monarchs.

"The saga focuses particularly on the internecine strife between the different members of the family of earls, how they betray each other, ally with each other, go to the Scottish and Norwegian kings to get help in this struggle."
— Judith Jesch [01:11]

Strategic Importance of Orkney

Melvin Bragg elaborates on Orkney's pivotal maritime role during the Viking Age, highlighting its position as a maritime hub facilitating raids along the Irish and British coasts, and serving as a gateway to broader Scandinavian ventures.

"It's a maritime hub, effectively, because you come over from Norway and you... from Orkney round the west coast and to the Hebrides of Scotland."
— Melvin Bragg [05:20]

The geographical advantages, including fertile lands, abundant resources, and strategic harbors, transformed Orkney from a mere stopping point for raiders into a prosperous settlement center.

Maritime Culture and Viking Ships

Melvin Bragg discusses the centrality of the sea and ship mastery in Viking society, as depicted in the saga. The distinction between warships (longships) and cargo ships underscores the Vikings' dual roles as both raiders and traders.

"There are a whole range of those ships, from the fine, fully fitted warships, longships... contrasted with the big, high, broad cargo ships used to take heavy goods."
— Melvin Bragg [07:06]

The saga vividly portrays ships as extensions of household and authority, often serving as refuges during conflicts, highlighting their integral role in Viking social and political life.

Internecine Strife and Power Dynamics

A significant theme explored by Judith Jesch is the relentless power struggle among Orkney's earls, involving betrayal, shifting alliances, and the constant quest for supremacy.

"The internecine strife and the way that these relationships break down and the way that supporters change sides quite regularly is one major theme."
— Judith Jesch [14:44]

The unique division and sharing of the Earldom of Orkney, sometimes among multiple earls simultaneously, reflect a complex political landscape akin to contemporary Norwegian practices.

Christianization and Saints

The transition from paganism to Christianity within the saga is examined, particularly through figures like Saint Magnus, whose martyrdom and subsequent sainthood illustrate the intertwining of political power and religious authority.

Jane Harrison highlights how Christian values are interwoven into the saga, despite the prevalence of violence and power struggles.

"There's a Viking theme running through the saga, but Christianity is introduced in chapter 12... the narrative voice is often non-judgmental."
— Jane Harrison [21:15]

Saints like Magnus and Regenwalder exemplify the era's blending of martial prowess with ecclesiastical influence, reinforcing the church's role in legitimizing power.

Women in the Orkneyinga Saga

Jane Harrison sheds light on the influential, albeit limited, roles of women in the saga. Characters such as Dragnhildr and Thora wield significant power, often affecting the fate of earls through cunning and emotional appeals.

"They don't play a huge role, but they really pack a punch when they do get involved."
— Jane Harrison [29:26]

These portrayals underscore the nuanced presence of women in a predominantly male-dominated narrative, highlighting their strategic and emotional influence.

Archaeological Insights and Material Culture

Melvin Bragg discusses the archaeological evidence that complements the saga, emphasizing the rich material culture of Orkney. Excavations reveal a combination of high-status items, like silver brooches and elaborate jewelry, alongside everyday objects, providing a tangible connection to the saga's depictions.

"There are a lot of antibiotic bones, cattle, pigs, sheep, deer... and everyday things from farming and fishing..."
— Melvin Bragg [38:34]

The preservation of sites like St. Magnus Cathedral in Kirkwall offers visitors a direct link to the saga's narrative, bridging literary history with physical remnants.

Relationships and Authority Structures

The saga intricately details the hierarchical and societal structures of Viking Orkney. Melvin Bragg explains the layers of authority, from earls and their retinues to farmers and chieftains, emphasizing the personalized and often volatile nature of power.

"It's a very personal and present face to face authority, where you have to meet the people, you have to see them."
— Melvin Bragg [26:15]

The saga illustrates how authority was maintained through personal bonds, feasts, oaths, and the constant negotiation of loyalty and power.

The Saga’s Historical Reliability

Judith Jesch examines the historical accuracy of the saga, noting that while early sections may blend myth and folklore, the later parts provide valuable historical insights, especially regarding the geography and socio-political dynamics of 12th-century Orkney.

"Some of the detail seems more like it's drawn from folklore or maybe even just made up... but the section set in the 12th century... are probably as good as most historical sources."
— Judith Jesch [23:04]

This duality makes the saga a complex yet indispensable resource for understanding Viking-era Orkney.

Artifacts and Archaeological Discoveries

Melvin Bragg and Jane Harrison discuss the wealth of artifacts uncovered in Orkney, ranging from high-status jewelry to everyday tools, which provide a nuanced view of Viking life. These findings validate and enrich the saga’s descriptions, offering concrete evidence of the era's material culture.

"There are in Orkney a number of hoards where precious things have been buried in the ground... and ordinary things like combs that you also find in burials."
— Melvin Bragg [35:43]

The ongoing archaeological work continues to uncover new facets of Viking life, keeping the saga's legacy alive through tangible discoveries.

The Saga’s Relevance Today

In the concluding discussion, guests reflect on the enduring significance of the Orkneyinga Saga. Jane Harrison emphasizes its value as both a historical document and a literary masterpiece that offers deep insights into Viking society, governance, and daily life.

"It's an important part of the history of these islands... you can go there and take the saga with you and see all the places in it."
— Jane Harrison [39:51]

Judith Jesch adds that the saga provides a detailed portrayal of an agrarian society, offering modern readers a glimpse into the complexities of Viking governance and community life.

"It gives you a sense of what an agrarian society with no towns, very little cash, and consensual forms of government operated."
— Judith Jesch [41:03]

Notable Quotes

• "The saga focuses particularly on the internecine strife between the different members of the family of earls..."
  — Judith Jesch [01:11]

• "It's a maritime hub, effectively, because you come over from Norway and you... from Orkney round the west coast and to the Hebrides of Scotland."
  — Melvin Bragg [05:20]

• "There are a whole range of those ships, from the fine, fully fitted warships, longships... contrasted with the big, high, broad cargo ships used to take heavy goods."
  — Melvin Bragg [07:06]

• "The internecine strife and the way that these relationships break down and the way that supporters change sides quite regularly is one major theme."
  — Judith Jesch [14:44]

• "There's a Viking theme running through the saga, but Christianity is introduced in chapter 12... the narrative voice is often non-judgmental."
  — Jane Harrison [21:15]

• "They don't play a huge role, but they really pack a punch when they do get involved."
  — Jane Harrison [29:26]

• "There are a lot of antibiotic bones, cattle, pigs, sheep, deer... and everyday things from farming and fishing..."
  — Melvin Bragg [38:34]

• "It's a very personal and present face to face authority, where you have to meet the people, you have to see them."
  — Melvin Bragg [26:15]

• "Some of the detail seems more like it's drawn from folklore or maybe even just made up... but the section set in the 12th century... are probably as good as most historical sources."
  — Judith Jesch [23:04]

Conclusion

The Orkneyinga Saga stands as a monumental testament to Viking history and literature, intricately weaving tales of power, betrayal, and cultural transformation. Through a combination of scholarly analysis and archaeological evidence, this episode of In Our Time illuminates the saga’s multifaceted portrayal of Viking society, its enduring legacy, and its invaluable contribution to our understanding of the medieval Scandinavian world.

Additional Insights from Bonus Material:

In the bonus segment, the guests delve deeper into specific aspects not covered in the main discussion.

• Social and Daily Life: Judith Jesch highlights the saga's rich social details, such as servants carrying weapons on minor errands, revealing the ever-present potential for conflict.

  "There are dozens, if not hundreds, of little moments like that in the saga, which... tell us a huge amount about society."
  — Judith Jesch [42:11]

• Miracles and Legends: Jane Harrison shares intriguing accounts of miracles attributed to saints like Magnus, which served to reinforce religious and political authority.

  "Most of the miracles seem to take place in Shetland... but the most amazing miracle, really, is the English guys with the dice..."
  — Jane Harrison [44:45]

• Pilgrimages and Long Journeys: Discussion on the arduous pilgrimages to Rome and the Holy Land undertaken by the earls, emphasizing the extensive seafaring and overland routes of the time.

  "They sail for the Holy Land, then they go to Constantinople, and then they switch to horses and ride back through."
  — Judith Jesch [48:43]

These additional discussions enrich the understanding of Viking-era Orkney, portraying a society deeply intertwined with seafaring, religion, and complex social hierarchies.

Final Thoughts:

The Orkneyinga Saga not only serves as a historical chronicle but also as a cultural bridge connecting modern audiences with the vibrant and tumultuous world of the Vikings. Through meticulous scholarship and passionate exploration, this episode invites listeners to traverse the landscapes of Orkney, both real and legendary, uncovering the layers of history that continue to resonate through time.