Podcast
Valhalla Conversations
Hosted by Becky Hill · EN
Let's talk all things Norse - the history, the mythology, how each has been reinterpreted or reinvented in the 20th century onwards and in all media forms. From books to comics to TV series to video games and more - join me, a self-confessed Norse Geek with a variety of hosts and special guests including authors, historians and expert academics.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Beowulf in Yorkshire: with musician Howard Jacobs
1w ago01:12:09Tap to summarizeOn 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!"
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Valkyries: Beyond the Sagas and Legends
3w ago01:31:28Tap to summarizeWe know them as the winged choosers of the slain and the fierce female warriors of Valhalla—but who are the Valkyries, really? Are they divine escorts, mortal women with supernatural gifts, or something else entirely? Or perhaps all of the above? Today, we’re pulling back the veil on these enigmatic wish-maidens to explore how they evolved from the terrifying omens of Old Norse poetry into the complex heroines of modern fantasy. I’m joined by an incredible panel: authors KS Barton and Johanna Wittenberg, the co-hosts of Shieldmaiden: @WomenoftheNorseWorldPodcast podcast, and academic researcher from the @universityofleeds , Sif Brookes from the @valsif channel. Together, we’re exploring and examining the sagas, the legends and twenty-first century conceptions in 'Valkyries: Beyond the Sagas and Legends'. Join us as we head straight to Valhalla, to find out what it truly means to 'choose the slain'. Episode artwork designed by illustrator Katie Brompton Intro and Ending Soundtrack, 'Into the Wyld' from Svilland TTRPG - Shieldmaidens: Women of the Norse World is a monthly podcast that takes a deep dive into the lives of women in the Viking Age, exploring their roles, experiences, and contributions to Norse society. Hosted by fiction authors Johanna Wittenberg and K.S. Barton, each episode explores the fascinating stories of Norse women from historical accounts, sagas, and archaeology. From shieldmaidens and queens to farmers and priestesses, we’ll uncover the varied and complex roles that women played in Norse culture. - - The Truth about the Valkyries with Sif Brookes, Episode of @nordicmythologypodcast - https://youtu.be/zZYiMOF7joM?si=AQ5gx0G8fpPSa0GY - Johanna Wittenberg: https://johannawittenberg.com/ - K.S Barton: https://ksbarton.com/ - Sif Brookes: https://sifbrookes.com/ Books discussed in this episode: 'A Deal with Odin' by K.S Barton'Valkrjur: Servant or Master?' by Sif Brookes 'The Valkyries: New & Ancient Norse Tales' from Flame Tree PressValkyrie: The Women of the Viking World by Dr Johanna Katrin Fridriksdottir The Real Valkyrie: The hidden history of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavaia by Neil Price The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson (Penguin Edition)
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Time Travel to the Viking Age with M.G. Leonard
3w ago00:51:50Tap to summarizeEnter 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.
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The Last Einherjar with Kevin Wells
Apr 2301:12:47Tap to summarizeJoining 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 Realmsall that is left is Endirheim.As a new darkness rises from thenorth only one man can prevent theterrors that await the survivors of Ragnarok.That man is Ulf, THE LAST EINHERJAR."https://www.kwizillustrator.com/
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Halls of Asgard: A New Game for Norse Gods
Apr 701:02:48Tap to summarizeJoining me in Valhalla is returning guest, Joshua Gillingham from Little Hammer Games, as we discuss and officially launch his latest @kickstarter card game, Halls of Asgard! Join the Kickstarter by the link below: "HALLS OF ASGARD is a semi-cooperative social strategy game for 3-6 players (25-45 min) with absolutely stunning hand-painted art by celebrated Norse mythology artist Helena Rosova. Clocking in on the lighter side, it’s a great starter for those new to board games with easy set up, a simple mechanic that can generate surprisingly intricate cooperative strategies, and guaranteed memorable times. The semi-cooperative aspect lends itself to a delightful tension between defeating Hela, goddess of the Norse underworld, and out-doing your fellow Asgardian gods. Each player takes on the role of a god (Odin, Thor, Freya, Heimdal, Idun, or Loki) with two unique powers and one unique curse. Gazing down at the mortals passing through the life stages (Child/Warrior/Elder) on the Midgard board, they use their powers to claim heroes that join them in their hall in preparation for Ragnarok. Along the way, Hela claims mortals off the Midgard board and gains all those who die without honour or glory of old age. A unique clan mechanic and differing mortal values (0/1/2) adds an extra element of strategy as gods collect their heroes. If one of the gods can defeat Hela through the strength of their gathered warriors, the gods win; however, if Hela ends up with the highest strength score, all players lose as Ragnarok sets the nine realms aflame."
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The Viking Berserkr with Dr Roderick Dale
Mar 2601:14:45Tap to summarizeJoining me in this episode is Dr Roderick Dale, we will discuss his role in the former World Tree Project looking at observations of Viking representation in the modern world, and then dive deep into our misconceptions about Viking Berserkers. You can buy his book 'The Myths and Raelities of the Viking Berserkr' from Routledge - https://www.routledge.com/The-Myths-a...
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Vikings for Kids with C.J. Adrien (author) and Crystal Whithaus (illustrator)
Mar 1301:00:47Tap to summarizeJoining me as our first guests into Valhalla for 2026, is historical fiction author and historian, @cjadrien - he also co-hosts the @vikingologypodcast too! Alongside his talented artist wife, Crystal Whithaus as we discuss and explore how they teamed up to create a very charming, entertaining and also engaging childrens book about Vikings as a people from a time long ago. It is available to buy on demand from Amazon. Book Blurb: “I’m a Viking!” is a history book about the Viking Age for kids. Join Leif, a chieftain’s son who wants nothing more than to grow up to be a Viking just like his dad. Follow Leif as he gives you a tour of his life—the things he must learn, the things he likes to do for fun, and much more. Conceived and written by author and historian C.J. Adrien and illustrated by the talented Crystal Whithaus, “I’m a Viking!” is an excellent primer for young minds interested in the past. Don’t be fooled—grown-ups may learn a thing or two, too."
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Worlds of Words & Vikings: In conversation with Justin Hill, Giles Kristian & Theo Brun
Dec 1801:15:30Tap to summarizeFor our final podcast episode for 2025 I'm beyond thrilled to have invited not one but three of my favourite Viking Age historical fiction authors into Valhalla. Justin Hill, Giles Kristian and Theo Brun. So we can take a deep dive into their own connection and interest with viking history, what inspired them to write and so much more.
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Meet Bjarni, the Science Viking
Dec 401:44:03Tap to summarizeJoining me in the great mead hall of the gods is Terry, otherwise known as Bjarni the Cabbage Killer. Why? Because part of his day job is slaying cabbages with sword, axe and spear. Why? Because for many decades he was a science teacher BEFORE becoming a viking-age re-enactor. And then when he retired from formal education he discovered a way of combining his love of science and alchemy with the historical side of his life. And thus Bjarni the Science Viking was created to visit schools, participte in historical festivals, science shows and more!Take a seat and listen and learn from the many stories and anecdotes and history lessons Terry has to share from his remarkable and unique career. From medieval medicine, alchemy of making ink for writing on parchment and making paints to illuminate manuscripts, through to the evidence of physics in weapon use. We discuss the only Viking Age longhouse in Cumbria, the Moorforge Settlement, and the very recent discovery of a longhouse 5x it's size from the 10th century in Cumbria itself! The largest ever to be identified in the UK!https://www.scienceviking.com/https://www.facebook.com/TheScienceViking
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Sam Flegal & The Illustrated Lokasenna Kickstarter (Bonus Episode)
Nov 2501:30:10Tap to summarizeReturning to the great mead hall of the gods with "glorious purpose" is @SamFlegalart of Fateful Signs, as his latest artistic translation of Old Norse poetics is now LIVE on Kickstarter and in this third edition, the focus is all on Loki and this most popular to many, but unknown to many more, manuscript, the Lokasenna. "Fateful Signs presents "The Illustrated Lokasenna,” a collection of art by Sam Flegal. This 138-page book explores ancient Norse poetry by engaging the sub-conscious’s recognition of shape and form, in an effort to tap into a greater visual and spiritual understanding of the ancient Norse text. With your support we created "The Illustrated Hávamál," and "The Illustrated Völuspá." The third book in this series - "The Illustrated Lokasenna" - will be another beautiful, high-quality art book worthy of a place of honor in your book horde! https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/samflegal/fateful-signs-the-illustrated-lokasenna?ref=nav_search&result=project&term=lokasenna&total_hits=1 You can find the Fateful Signs project at www.fatefulsigns.com or follow on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.Join PATREON to see behind the scenes and get early access to art.
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