In this episode, we finally come to the end of Ljósvetninga saga! And there are a lot of loose ends to wrap up. Eyjolf Guðmundarson still burns for vengeance against his brother’s killers, but the courts have spared the Möðruvellings, exiling them instead. The outlawed Möðruvellings plan to spread out across Northern Europe, but they have to get out of Iceland first—and the clock is ticking.

Our story this time takes us from the court of Harald Hardrada to the streets of Rome, from the bustle of Byzantium to the famous Battle of Hastings, as everyone tries to move on with their lives. And try as they might, not everyone’s making it out alive. Pack your bags for a globe-trotting conclusion to Ljósvetninga saga!

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Music Credits

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this episode, the Ljósvetnings and Möðruvellings maneuver to position themselves to maximize potential outcomes in the aftermath of the battle of Battle Hill. While Þorvarður Höskuldsson does his best to calm tensions and shield his allies, Eyjólfur Guðmundarson wants more than financial compensation for the killing of his "beloved" brother Koðrán.

And just like last time, both sides rally supporters from far and wide, each determined to force the results that benefit them most. As the thing draws near, the risk of open violence continues to loom large. And when everyone arrives, there's a very real chance that Eyjólfur will get the bloody revenge he's been thirsting after, even if it means dooming many of his own men in the process.

Quick note: In the episode, I think we say this meeting takes place at the Althing. I'm convinced (this is Andy here) that the conflict takes place at the local thing in the north and not at the Althing.

These few chapters capture the tensions and drama that we love most in the sagas: carefully laid legal strategies, preparations for battle, and the ever-present threat that everything is about to pop off in spectacular fashion.

Will everything resolve with a fair and equitable legal resolution? Or will Eyjólf water the grounds of the thing site with the blood of his enemies (and his companions)? There's only one way to find out!

Listen and let us know what you think:

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Music Credits

Intro Music - "Prelude and Action" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Outro Music - "Stormfront" by Kevin MacLeod Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In this special Saga Brief, we wrap up our four-part series from Iceland with an interview recorded in the shadow of Snæfellsjökull, one of the most iconic landscapes in the country. This time, we are joined by Ragnhildur Sigurðardóttir, park manager of Snæfellsjökull National Park, for a wide-ranging conversation about the sagas, Icelandic heritage, and the powerful connection between people and place.

Snæfellsjökull National Park is a natural treasure of Iceland and a must-see destination for fans of Saga Thing and lovers of history, literature, and nature alike. Located at the western tip of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, it was established to protect the dramatic landscapes surrounding the iconic peak of the glacier-capped volcano Snæfellsjökull. The park encompasses a remarkable variety of geological features, from windswept lava fields and jagged cliffs to hidden caves and mossy craters. It’s a place where history, legend, and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly.

After a full day of work in the park, Ragnhildur met us in nearby Arnarstapi at the foot of the massive statue of Bárður Snæfellsás. You may remember Bárður as the mythical guardian of the peninsula and central figure in Bárðar saga Snæfellsáss. As a self-described book lover and lifelong reader of the sagas, Ragnhildur brought a deeply personal perspective to our conversation, especially in her reflections on Guðríður víðförla Þorbjarnardóttir (Gudrid the Far-Traveled) from the Vinland sagas.

As we mention in the intro, this interview came at the end of an unforgettable day that included a magical horse ride along the beach with Siggi from Stóri-Kambur and several stops at saga sites. It was the kind of day where the sagas feel alive in the landscape, which was one of the most important goals of this trip.

And, if you're planning a trip to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, we highly recommend a stop at Stóri-Kambur, where you can ride one of their beautiful Icelandic horses and learn about the special place these animals hold in Icelandic culture and daily life.

We’re so grateful to Ragnhildur for sharing her time and insight with us. Her deep care for the land and its stories really shines through in this conversation.

Enjoy the episode and then let us know what you think on our social media:

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Music Credits:

Opening song – “Rúnatal” by An Danzza

Introduction – from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur

Outro – Ólafur Liljurós