Björn Ironside, a legendary Norse chieftain and king of Sweden, was renowned for his warrior spirit and as the son of famed Viking hero Ragnar Lothbrok. His exploits in England, West Francia, and the Mediterranean are well-documented in history.

Björn's legacy is chronicled in medieval sources like the Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok, The Tale of Ragnar’s Sons, Gesta Danorum, Hervarar Saga, and Gesta Normannorum Ducum.

Though semi-legendary, his memory lingers in saga, song, and stone. Björn's barrow, a great burial mound in Uppland, Sweden, once marked by a runestone, connects us to Viking kings and mythical heroes.

Join us as we explore ancient sources recounting Björn Ironside's life, delve into the origins of his fearsome name, and trace his legendary exploits. We maintain the individuality of each account, honoring the unique narratives.

00:00 Introduction
01:33 The Gesta Danorum
04:16 The Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok & his Sons
05:37 The Chronicon Fontanellense
06:55 The Annals of Bertinius
07:45 Gesta Normannorum Ducum
17:47 Fornaldarsögur Norðurlanda
32:32 Hervarar saga
33:46 Burial Mound of Björn Ironside

Gunnhild, known from the series Vikings as Bjorn Ironside's wife, contrasts sharply with her historical counterpart. Renowned for sorcery and beauty, Gunnhild was the wife of Erik Bloodaxe, son of Harald Fairhair and King of Norway. She earned the title 'Mother of Kings' as her sons rose to power in Norway.

Gunnhild is depicted in over five Norse and Icelandic sagas, often as a villain. Erik Bloodaxe, hardly mentioned in the Heimskringla (Saga of the Norwegian Kings), was unpopular—many believed Gunnhild, with her influence, steered his rule. Snorri Sturleson noted, "Of Eirik Blood-axe's five years' reign there is no separate saga. He appears not to have been beloved by the people and his queen Gunhild seems to have had a bad influence on him."

In these sagas, Gunnhild is a formidable character—admired for beauty and generosity but feared for her magic, cunning, and ambition. She is remembered as powerful and ruthless, captivating yet dangerous.

This is the story of Gunnhild.

Arthur Guinness, 1st Baron Ardilaun, was a notable Irish businessman, philanthropist, and politician, renowned for his role in the Guinness brewing dynasty. A descendant of the original Arthur Guinness, he was educated at Eton and Trinity College Dublin. His career in politics led him to serve as a Member of Parliament for Dublin before becoming Baron Ardilaun in 1880.

Arthur Guinness was passionate about public service and philanthropy, contributing significantly to Dublin's development. He played a major role in the restoration of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the creation of public spaces like St. Stephen’s Green. As a conservationist, he invested in preserving forests and historic sites, leaving a lasting impact as a benevolent Anglo-Irish noble during transformative times in Ireland.

This episode explores his remarkable legacy.

Music by Alexander Nakarada - CreatorChords

The Battle of Hastings is a legendary conflict in English history, centered on King Harold Godwinson's fight to defend his throne against William, Duke of Normandy, who claimed King Edward the Confessor promised him succession.

This battle was not just for the throne but reshaped England's destiny. One enduring image from the Bayeux Tapestry shows Harold struck by an arrow to the eye, but did this iconic scene truly occur?

Historical accounts offer differing versions, leaving the truth uncertain. Harold was a seasoned warrior, having defeated a Viking invasion and killed Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, marking the end of the Viking Age in England.

How fierce was the struggle at Hastings, and how did it truly unfold? Sources from the period offer conflicting tales, challenging modern historians to piece together this contested history. Norman propaganda depicted Harold's death as divine punishment to legitimize William the Conqueror's claim. This narrative suggested Harold broke an oath to William and deserved divine retribution. But how true is this propaganda?

Join us as we explore the sources in chronological order to understand the evolution of battle narratives and why modern history teaches Harold's famed arrow-to-the-eye death.

Key Timeline:
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (1066)
03:10 The Song of the Battle of Hastings (1066-1067)
05:35 Bayeux Tapestry (1070s)
08:26 Gesta Willelmi ducis Normannorum et regis Anglorum (1071-1077)
11:01 Chronicon ex Chronicis (Early 1100s)
12:25 Gesta Regum Anglorum (1125)
14:10 Historia Anglorum (1129-1135)
15:00 Vie de seint Aedward le Rei (1230s-1240s)
17:06 Conclusion

Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, was born on 10 November 1847 into the renowned Guinness brewing dynasty. His family name became synonymous with one of the most successful brewing enterprises globally. A prominent Irish businessman, philanthropist, and peer, Edward played a pivotal role in expanding and modernizing the Guinness Brewery during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, transforming it into the world's largest brewery by production.

This episode delves into his life and legacy.

Explore the life of Edith of Wessex, a formidable woman who played a crucial role during the tumultuous 11th-century England. As queen consort to Edward the Confessor, she navigated complex political landscapes and became the last Anglo-Saxon queen of England.

Though overshadowed by figures like her brother, King Harold Godwinson, and William the Conqueror, Edith's story reveals the significant yet often overlooked influence of royal women in pre-Conquest politics.

This is her compelling story.

Tostig Godwinson, an Anglo-Saxon nobleman and Earl of Northumbria, was the brother of King Harold Godwinson. Known in the Norse sagas as a clever and formidable warrior, Tostig is also depicted in Latin writings as strong, brave, handsome, and gracious. Both Norse and Anglo-Saxon sources portray him as a distinguished man and warrior.

Historians consider Tostig's exile pivotal in sparking two major invasions: Harald Hardrada's Norse attack and William, Duke of Normandy's renowned conquest. These events led to the fall of Anglo-Saxon England and a series of brutal battles.

Discover the captivating tale of Edith the Fair, also known as Edith Swanneck, an Anglo-Scandinavian noblewoman from the 11th century. Edith, one of England’s wealthiest nobles, was renowned for her beauty and was a lover of King Harold Godwinson, with whom she had six children.

Raised by her father, Thorkell the Tall, a Viking chief, Edith's life was intertwined with war and loyalty. Despite the chaos, she earned the nickname 'Swanneck' for her gentle nature. Notably, after the Battle of Hastings, she identified Harold's body on the battlefield, ensuring he had a proper burial.

This episode dives deep into her ancestry, her relationship with Harold, and her impact during England's turbulent times.

Music: "VOICE OF PRAYER" by Noel Malekar