Dan Carlin's Hardcore History 70 - Twilight of the Æsir II

Today's Show is part two of a two-part Today's Show is part two of a two-part series on the spread of Christianity to series on the spread of Christianity to series on the spread of Christianity to the far north of Europe and the last the far north of Europe and the last the far north of Europe and the last holdouts who still believe in the holdouts who still believe in the holdouts who still believe in the ancient Pagan Germanic gods of the north ancient Pagan Germanic gods of the north ancient Pagan Germanic gods of the north sagas the Odin and the Thors and people sagas the Odin and the Thors and people sagas the Odin and the Thors and people like that if you didn't happen to hear like that if you didn't happen to hear like that if you didn't happen to hear part one you might want to catch that part one you might want to catch that part one you might want to catch that before you hear this show both shows are before you hear this show both shows are before you hear this show both shows are actually a continuation of our 2012 actually a continuation of our 2012 actually a continuation of our 2012 series called Thor's angels and if you series called Thor's angels and if you series called Thor's angels and if you want that that's a available for a want that that's a available for a want that that's a available for a nominal fee from our website one last nominal fee from our website one last nominal fee from our website one last thing stay tuned at the end of today's thing stay tuned at the end of today's thing stay tuned at the end of today's show for some announcements of live show for some announcements of live show for some announcements of live appearances I might be making in a town appearances I might be making in a town appearances I might be making in a town near you so without further Ado let's near you so without further Ado let's near you so without further Ado let's kick off today's ending of our two-part kick off today's ending of our two-part kick off today's ending of our two-part series here with Twilight of the AER series here with Twilight of the AER series here with Twilight of the AER part part part two December 7th it's history 1941 a date which will 1941 a date which will live in INF the events that's one small live in INF the events that's one small live in INF the events that's one small step for man one Le for man the figures would have fin power not man the figures would have fin power not quite to the word go Humanity from this quite to the word go Humanity from this quite to the word go Humanity from this time and place I take pride in the words time and place I take pride in the words time and place I take pride in the words the drama the drama the drama isina Mr off tear down this

Ur has had a major Ur has had a major explosion complete collapse surrounding explosion complete collapse surrounding explosion complete collapse surrounding the entire area I welcome this kind of the entire area I welcome this kind of the entire area I welcome this kind of examination because people have got to examination because people have got to examination because people have got to know whether or not their president's a know whether or not their president's a know whether or not their president's a crook well I'm not a crook if we dig crook well I'm not a crook if we dig crook well I'm not a crook if we dig deep in our history and our docking and deep in our history and our docking and deep in our history and our docking and remember that we are not descended from remember that we are not descended from remember that we are not descended from fearful men it's hardcore history parallel parallel universes simulation universes simulation universes simulation Theory infinite World Theory infinite World Theory infinite World hypotheses other hypotheses other hypotheses other dimensions I'm not smart enough to dimensions I'm not smart enough to dimensions I'm not smart enough to understand these Concepts but I have understand these Concepts but I have understand these Concepts but I have been fascinated by them ever since I was been fascinated by them ever since I was been fascinated by them ever since I was first exposed to the first exposed to the first exposed to the ideas obviously these are Concepts that ideas obviously these are Concepts that ideas obviously these are Concepts that people like physicists study another people like physicists study another people like physicists study another reason I wouldn't understand them could reason I wouldn't understand them could reason I wouldn't understand them could never understand the math right you just never understand the math right you just never understand the math right you just take it to face value but I've often take it to face value but I've often take it to face value but I've often wondered if such wondered if such wondered if such Concepts couldn't Concepts couldn't Concepts couldn't explain or put some sort of a scientific explain or put some sort of a scientific explain or put some sort of a scientific sort of patina or as they would say in sort of patina or as they would say in sort of patina or as they would say in the UK the UK the UK patin on top of some of the ancient patin on top of some of the ancient patin on top of some of the ancient beliefs that earlier peoples beliefs that earlier peoples beliefs that earlier peoples had that they talked about in ways that had that they talked about in ways that had that they talked about in ways that have come down to us as fairy stories or have come down to us as fairy stories or have come down to us as fairy stories or myths or Legends or myths or Legends or myths or Legends or folklore that would be much more easy folklore that would be much more easy folklore that would be much more easy for us to grasp and accept if some

for us to grasp and accept if some for us to grasp and accept if some physicist explained it to us as you know physicist explained it to us as you know physicist explained it to us as you know something that was a part of another something that was a part of another something that was a part of another dimensional realm or a parallel universe dimensional realm or a parallel universe dimensional realm or a parallel universe or something connected to a physicist or something connected to a physicist or something connected to a physicist type theory that sounds a lot more type theory that sounds a lot more type theory that sounds a lot more logical and acceptable than talking logical and acceptable than talking logical and acceptable than talking about the existence of something like about the existence of something like about the existence of something like elves or trolls or of course elves or trolls or of course elves or trolls or of course magic sometimes I wonder if earlier magic sometimes I wonder if earlier magic sometimes I wonder if earlier peoples couldn't understand those higher peoples couldn't understand those higher peoples couldn't understand those higher Concepts how would they explain things Concepts how would they explain things Concepts how would they explain things in their world that they saw or thought in their world that they saw or thought in their world that they saw or thought they saw or believed in as we've said they saw or believed in as we've said they saw or believed in as we've said before if a lot of people believe in before if a lot of people believe in before if a lot of people believe in something like magic fervently doesn't something like magic fervently doesn't something like magic fervently doesn't that create a reality you know all its that create a reality you know all its that create a reality you know all its own there's something known as the own there's something known as the own there's something known as the Tinkerbell effect maybe you've heard of Tinkerbell effect maybe you've heard of Tinkerbell effect maybe you've heard of it if you remember the Walt Disney it if you remember the Walt Disney it if you remember the Walt Disney production of Peter Pan there's this production of Peter Pan there's this production of Peter Pan there's this moment where you have to believe in moment where you have to believe in moment where you have to believe in Tinkerbell or Tinkerbell is going to Tinkerbell or Tinkerbell is going to Tinkerbell or Tinkerbell is going to die if you go look up the definition of die if you go look up the definition of die if you go look up the definition of it it describes the phenomenon of it it describes the phenomenon of it it describes the phenomenon of thinking something exists because people thinking something exists because people thinking something exists because people believe it exists right magic sorcery believe it exists right magic sorcery believe it exists right magic sorcery elves dwarves trolls Valkyries norns elves dwarves trolls Valkyries norns elves dwarves trolls Valkyries norns these are Viking belief systems things these are Viking belief systems things these are Viking belief systems things that they believed in wouldn't it be that they believed in wouldn't it be that they believed in wouldn't it be interesting if it turned out someday interesting if it turned out someday interesting if it turned out someday that these were their representations of that these were their representations of that these were their representations of things that a physicist could explain in things that a physicist could explain in things that a physicist could explain in scientific scientific scientific terms one of my favorite parts of any

terms one of my favorite parts of any terms one of my favorite parts of any Shakespeare play and I'm not alone in Shakespeare play and I'm not alone in Shakespeare play and I'm not alone in this is the earliest part of Hamlet this is the earliest part of Hamlet this is the earliest part of Hamlet where you have this moment where the where you have this moment where the where you have this moment where the night watch comes and tells Hamlet and night watch comes and tells Hamlet and night watch comes and tells Hamlet and Horatio his some what skeptical we would Horatio his some what skeptical we would Horatio his some what skeptical we would call him today more of a scientific you call him today more of a scientific you call him today more of a scientific you know Terra Firma kind of guy and the know Terra Firma kind of guy and the know Terra Firma kind of guy and the night watch tells Hamlet that the ghost night watch tells Hamlet that the ghost night watch tells Hamlet that the ghost of his father has just appeared so of his father has just appeared so of his father has just appeared so Hamlet and Horatio run up to the Hamlet and Horatio run up to the Hamlet and Horatio run up to the battlements and sure enough the ghost battlements and sure enough the ghost battlements and sure enough the ghost appears and atio in his wonderfully appears and atio in his wonderfully appears and atio in his wonderfully skeptical but can't deny what he's skeptical but can't deny what he's skeptical but can't deny what he's seeing in front of him sort of way is seeing in front of him sort of way is seeing in front of him sort of way is stunned doesn't believe in ghosts and stunned doesn't believe in ghosts and stunned doesn't believe in ghosts and says oh day and night but this is says oh day and night but this is says oh day and night but this is Wondrous Strange Wondrous Strange Wondrous Strange then Hamlet replies with that wonderful then Hamlet replies with that wonderful then Hamlet replies with that wonderful line that I feel covers a lot of what we line that I feel covers a lot of what we line that I feel covers a lot of what we just said he says there are more things just said he says there are more things just said he says there are more things in Heaven and Earth htio than are dreamt in Heaven and Earth htio than are dreamt in Heaven and Earth htio than are dreamt of in your of in your of in your philosophy suggesting of course that the philosophy suggesting of course that the philosophy suggesting of course that the human imagination is limited and there human imagination is limited and there human imagination is limited and there are many things we don't know things are many things we don't know things are many things we don't know things that haven't been discovered and in fact that haven't been discovered and in fact that haven't been discovered and in fact things we haven't even dreamt things we haven't even dreamt things we haven't even dreamt of as we've said about magic before what of as we've said about magic before what of as we've said about magic before what happens if lots of people believe in it happens if lots of people believe in it happens if lots of people believe in it and act on it magic might not be real and act on it magic might not be real and act on it magic might not be real but the effects are but the effects are but the effects are if some King goes to the Oracle at dely if some King goes to the Oracle at dely if some King goes to the Oracle at dely in the ancient world and asks the you in the ancient world and asks the you in the ancient world and asks the you know the propus on the oracle's seat you know the propus on the oracle's seat you know the propus on the oracle's seat you know should I go and attack this rival know should I go and attack this rival know should I go and attack this rival Kingdom and the propheus says yes you Kingdom and the propheus says yes you Kingdom and the propheus says yes you should go attack this Kingdom and he

should go attack this Kingdom and he should go attack this Kingdom and he does well that may be a bunch of bunk does well that may be a bunch of bunk does well that may be a bunch of bunk but he acted on it and people died and but he acted on it and people died and but he acted on it and people died and kingdoms Rose or fell because of it how kingdoms Rose or fell because of it how kingdoms Rose or fell because of it how real does that make the magic if you believe yourself to be cursed and if you believe yourself to be cursed and then things start going wrong does that then things start going wrong does that then things start going wrong does that double down on this belief that you're double down on this belief that you're double down on this belief that you're cursed and does your mind start working cursed and does your mind start working cursed and does your mind start working on against you I mean there's a lot of on against you I mean there's a lot of on against you I mean there's a lot of things here where the human mind can things here where the human mind can things here where the human mind can interact with belief in a way that interact with belief in a way that interact with belief in a way that manifests a kind of reality that even if manifests a kind of reality that even if manifests a kind of reality that even if it is a phantom sort of reality at its it is a phantom sort of reality at its it is a phantom sort of reality at its core manifests in real world core manifests in real world core manifests in real world consequences maybe the effect of the consequences maybe the effect of the consequences maybe the effect of the human human human mind and positive or negative thinking mind and positive or negative thinking mind and positive or negative thinking is just as much of a physicists is just as much of a physicists is just as much of a physicists Undiscovered Country as parallel Undiscovered Country as parallel Undiscovered Country as parallel universes simulation Theory infinite universes simulation Theory infinite universes simulation Theory infinite World World World hypotheses or other hypotheses or other hypotheses or other dimensions but when you talk about what dimensions but when you talk about what dimensions but when you talk about what the people in the Viking World believed the people in the Viking World believed the people in the Viking World believed in they believed in elves and dwarves in they believed in elves and dwarves in they believed in elves and dwarves and trolls and Valkyries and norns and trolls and Valkyries and norns and trolls and Valkyries and norns they also believed in beings like giants they also believed in beings like giants they also believed in beings like giants who they believed were an integral part who they believed were an integral part who they believed were an integral part of the creation of the universe and may of the creation of the universe and may of the creation of the universe and may not have been these overly large beings not have been these overly large beings not have been these overly large beings that we normally associate with the term that we normally associate with the term that we normally associate with the term just like their view of dwarves may not

just like their view of dwarves may not just like their view of dwarves may not have involved beings who were smaller have involved beings who were smaller have involved beings who were smaller than human in stature but many of these than human in stature but many of these than human in stature but many of these beings constituted what historian Neil beings constituted what historian Neil beings constituted what historian Neil price in his book The Viking Way refers price in his book The Viking Way refers price in his book The Viking Way refers to as the invisible to as the invisible to as the invisible population and he says that to many in population and he says that to many in population and he says that to many in the Viking World The Invisible the Viking World The Invisible the Viking World The Invisible population of things like elves may have population of things like elves may have population of things like elves may have been more important to their daily life been more important to their daily life been more important to their daily life than the gods than the gods than the gods themselves because in a polytheistic themselves because in a polytheistic themselves because in a polytheistic religion the gods had their own problems religion the gods had their own problems religion the gods had their own problems and people were just one of the things and people were just one of the things and people were just one of the things that they may have been concerned that they may have been concerned that they may have been concerned with this is difficult for those of us with this is difficult for those of us with this is difficult for those of us raised in an environment of monotheism raised in an environment of monotheism raised in an environment of monotheism to understand stand just like trying to to understand stand just like trying to to understand stand just like trying to get your mind around a belief system get your mind around a belief system get your mind around a belief system that may not have been Orthodox and may that may not have been Orthodox and may that may not have been Orthodox and may not have been learned and may not have not have been learned and may not have not have been learned and may not have been understood by everyone similarly been understood by everyone similarly been understood by everyone similarly right they didn't all read the Bible and right they didn't all read the Bible and right they didn't all read the Bible and learn in Sunday school how things were learn in Sunday school how things were learn in Sunday school how things were people just had an innate understanding people just had an innate understanding people just had an innate understanding and it could differ person to person in and it could differ person to person in and it could differ person to person in the Viking Way Neil price writes quote the Viking Way Neil price writes quote the Viking Way Neil price writes quote in the same spirit is Philip vot's in the same spirit is Philip vot's in the same spirit is Philip vot's description of the Gods of Classical description of the Gods of Classical description of the Gods of Classical Greece the worship in air quotes Greece the worship in air quotes Greece the worship in air quotes required by the Norse pantheon was not required by the Norse pantheon was not required by the Norse pantheon was not adoration or gratitude or even adoration or gratitude or even adoration or gratitude or even unreserved approval and was thus utterly unreserved approval and was thus utterly unreserved approval and was thus utterly unlike the Christian relationship to the unlike the Christian relationship to the unlike the Christian relationship to the Divine the religion of the AER and the Divine the religion of the AER and the Divine the religion of the AER and the vaner demanded only a recognition that vaner demanded only a recognition that vaner demanded only a recognition that they existed as an integral and they existed as an integral and they existed as an integral and immutable part of human nature and

immutable part of human nature and immutable part of human nature and society and of the natural world and society and of the natural world and society and of the natural world and that is such they possessed an inherent that is such they possessed an inherent that is such they possessed an inherent rightness perhaps even a kind of beauty rightness perhaps even a kind of beauty rightness perhaps even a kind of beauty if one wished to avoid disaster it was if one wished to avoid disaster it was if one wished to avoid disaster it was necessary to come to terms with the gods necessary to come to terms with the gods necessary to come to terms with the gods and the terms would be theirs not those and the terms would be theirs not those and the terms would be theirs not those of their followers this is an important of their followers this is an important of their followers this is an important point in relation to the interpretations point in relation to the interpretations point in relation to the interpretations he writes that I will develop in the he writes that I will develop in the he writes that I will develop in the following chapters because a refusal to following chapters because a refusal to following chapters because a refusal to acknowledge the Gods in this way could acknowledge the Gods in this way could acknowledge the Gods in this way could have dire consequences it would also have dire consequences it would also have dire consequences it would also involve a contradiction as such an act involve a contradiction as such an act involve a contradiction as such an act would be a denial of the undeniable the would be a denial of the undeniable the would be a denial of the undeniable the question of believing in the Norse gods question of believing in the Norse gods question of believing in the Norse gods was probably irrelevant was probably irrelevant was probably irrelevant end end end quote price also points out that there quote price also points out that there quote price also points out that there wasn't the sort of Orthodoxy of belief wasn't the sort of Orthodoxy of belief wasn't the sort of Orthodoxy of belief that we are accustomed to in the more that we are accustomed to in the more that we are accustomed to in the more monotheistic religions no Sunday school monotheistic religions no Sunday school monotheistic religions no Sunday school no singular text that everyone could no singular text that everyone could no singular text that everyone could study and be on the same page study and be on the same page study and be on the same page with there might be quite a bit of with there might be quite a bit of with there might be quite a bit of variation in the belief variation in the belief variation in the belief systems also unlike the religions of the systems also unlike the religions of the systems also unlike the religions of the book you could not automatically assume book you could not automatically assume book you could not automatically assume that the deities were on your side that the deities were on your side that the deities were on your side because they had their own problems because they had their own problems because they had their own problems their own goals and their own issues their own goals and their own issues their own goals and their own issues that they were involved with you might that they were involved with you might that they were involved with you might be a secondary or even lower on the list be a secondary or even lower on the list be a secondary or even lower on the list concern Odin who is sometimes considered

concern Odin who is sometimes considered concern Odin who is sometimes considered to be the chief of the Gods but maybe to be the chief of the Gods but maybe to be the chief of the Gods but maybe not Odin is the perfect example right it not Odin is the perfect example right it not Odin is the perfect example right it is said that you have to be careful ful is said that you have to be careful ful is said that you have to be careful ful because Odin can be tricky he might because Odin can be tricky he might because Odin can be tricky he might sleep with a man's wife or he might sleep with a man's wife or he might sleep with a man's wife or he might sleep with the wife's sleep with the wife's sleep with the wife's husband these are not the sort of things husband these are not the sort of things husband these are not the sort of things one in the religions of the book need to one in the religions of the book need to one in the religions of the book need to worry worry worry about Odin is a fantastically about Odin is a fantastically about Odin is a fantastically interesting figure that when you interesting figure that when you interesting figure that when you contrast it with the monotheistic contrast it with the monotheistic contrast it with the monotheistic religions shows many of the various religions shows many of the various religions shows many of the various differences I mean famously the god of differences I mean famously the god of differences I mean famously the god of the Bible is supposed to know when any the Bible is supposed to know when any the Bible is supposed to know when any Sparrow falls from a tree Odin doesn't Sparrow falls from a tree Odin doesn't Sparrow falls from a tree Odin doesn't Odin has a couple of Ravens that he Odin has a couple of Ravens that he Odin has a couple of Ravens that he keeps for reconnaissance purposes one is keeps for reconnaissance purposes one is keeps for reconnaissance purposes one is named mind the other named mind the other named mind the other memory sometimes you'll hear one is memory sometimes you'll hear one is memory sometimes you'll hear one is named thought too you'll run into that named thought too you'll run into that named thought too you'll run into that Neil price says mind and memory are the Neil price says mind and memory are the Neil price says mind and memory are the translations that he would ascribe to translations that he would ascribe to translations that he would ascribe to and these Ravens go out in the world and and these Ravens go out in the world and and these Ravens go out in the world and Report report back to Odin so that he Report report back to Odin so that he Report report back to Odin so that he can know when some Sparrow Falls if he can know when some Sparrow Falls if he can know when some Sparrow Falls if he even cares about something like that even cares about something like that even cares about something like that Odin also has powers and Magic that he Odin also has powers and Magic that he Odin also has powers and Magic that he can use to gain further information can use to gain further information can use to gain further information again one would assume that the god of again one would assume that the god of again one would assume that the god of the Bible has this information Odin the Bible has this information Odin the Bible has this information Odin needs to search for things like wisdom needs to search for things like wisdom needs to search for things like wisdom he gave up an eye in his pursuit of

he gave up an eye in his pursuit of he gave up an eye in his pursuit of wisdom that's why he only has wisdom that's why he only has wisdom that's why he only has one he's known by perhaps hundreds of one he's known by perhaps hundreds of one he's known by perhaps hundreds of different names different names different names and one of the powers that he has and and one of the powers that he has and and one of the powers that he has and uses all the time is he talks to dead uses all the time is he talks to dead uses all the time is he talks to dead people he goes up to the bodies that are people he goes up to the bodies that are people he goes up to the bodies that are hanging on the Gallows after someone is hanging on the Gallows after someone is hanging on the Gallows after someone is hanged and he talks to them he raises hanged and he talks to them he raises hanged and he talks to them he raises the dead so that he can question the dead so that he can question the dead so that he can question them he has the decapitated head of them he has the decapitated head of them he has the decapitated head of another God that he has preserved and another God that he has preserved and another God that he has preserved and keeps with him so that he can ask it keeps with him so that he can ask it keeps with him so that he can ask it questions it reminds me a little of like questions it reminds me a little of like questions it reminds me a little of like a very gory version of a Harry Potter a very gory version of a Harry Potter a very gory version of a Harry Potter painting where you can ask the figures painting where you can ask the figures painting where you can ask the figures in the painting for information Odin in the painting for information Odin in the painting for information Odin talks to the talks to the talks to the head there is no clear separation of head there is no clear separation of head there is no clear separation of powers and authorities and powers and authorities and powers and authorities and responsibilities amongst the gods responsibilities amongst the gods responsibilities amongst the gods there's overlap for example Odin and there's overlap for example Odin and there's overlap for example Odin and Thor Thor is Odin's son and you know Thor Thor is Odin's son and you know Thor Thor is Odin's son and you know from the comic books and movies and from the comic books and movies and from the comic books and movies and stuff Thor is very famous but Thor the stuff Thor is very famous but Thor the stuff Thor is very famous but Thor the God of Thunder ther and weather also God of Thunder ther and weather also God of Thunder ther and weather also rules a part of military Affairs War the rules a part of military Affairs War the rules a part of military Affairs War the actual brute strength of fighting actual brute strength of fighting actual brute strength of fighting whereas his father Odin is the whereas his father Odin is the whereas his father Odin is the strategist and the god of that also strategist and the god of that also strategist and the god of that also apparently the god of Berserk kind of apparently the god of Berserk kind of apparently the god of Berserk kind of fanaticism Odin also gets slammed fanaticism Odin also gets slammed fanaticism Odin also gets slammed sometimes for using things like magic sometimes for using things like magic sometimes for using things like magic because in the Norse religious beliefs because in the Norse religious beliefs because in the Norse religious beliefs and Society magic is where the women

and Society magic is where the women and Society magic is where the women shine it's a female thing to do and shine it's a female thing to do and shine it's a female thing to do and there is in one of the north sagas Loki there is in one of the north sagas Loki there is in one of the north sagas Loki who was thought to be the son of a God who was thought to be the son of a God who was thought to be the son of a God and the giant or giantis Loki sort of and the giant or giantis Loki sort of and the giant or giantis Loki sort of takes a slam at Odin by saying the fact takes a slam at Odin by saying the fact takes a slam at Odin by saying the fact that he practices magic is perverted and that he practices magic is perverted and that he practices magic is perverted and makes him makes him makes him feminine but this is part of what makes feminine but this is part of what makes feminine but this is part of what makes women so both respected and in some women so both respected and in some women so both respected and in some cases feared they are spell Weavers and cases feared they are spell Weavers and cases feared they are spell Weavers and Shaman and sorcer Shaman and sorcer Shaman and sorcer es the three women who supposedly weave es the three women who supposedly weave es the three women who supposedly weave the Destinies of human beings the norns the Destinies of human beings the norns the Destinies of human beings the norns fall into this category and there are fall into this category and there are fall into this category and there are some who think that there are some who think that there are some who think that there are similarities between many of the similarities between many of the similarities between many of the different European pre-christian different European pre-christian different European pre-christian mythologies because there are figures in mythologies because there are figures in mythologies because there are figures in Greek mythology for example the famous Greek mythology for example the famous Greek mythology for example the famous Fates and the names are similar the Fates and the names are similar the Fates and the names are similar the three women one is named something akin three women one is named something akin three women one is named something akin to a version that means the past another to a version that means the past another to a version that means the past another is named with a version that means is named with a version that means is named with a version that means something like the present and another something like the present and another something like the present and another is named with a version that means is named with a version that means is named with a version that means something like the future it's sort of something like the future it's sort of something like the future it's sort of like Ebenezer Scrooge is a Christmas like Ebenezer Scrooge is a Christmas like Ebenezer Scrooge is a Christmas Carol's ghosts Ghost of Christmas Past Carol's ghosts Ghost of Christmas Past Carol's ghosts Ghost of Christmas Past Christmas present Christmas future the Christmas present Christmas future the Christmas present Christmas future the norns are somewhat more terrifying and norns are somewhat more terrifying and norns are somewhat more terrifying and some of the mythology suggests that they some of the mythology suggests that they some of the mythology suggests that they weave the fate of mankind on a loom with weave the fate of mankind on a loom with weave the fate of mankind on a loom with the entr or bloody body parts of human

the entr or bloody body parts of human the entr or bloody body parts of human beings I've also heard that ascribed to beings I've also heard that ascribed to beings I've also heard that ascribed to Valkyries and Valkyries also have been Valkyries and Valkyries also have been Valkyries and Valkyries also have been completely distorted by things like completely distorted by things like completely distorted by things like comic books and male fantasies into sort comic books and male fantasies into sort comic books and male fantasies into sort of Scandinavian versions of bayat of Scandinavian versions of bayat of Scandinavian versions of bayat women that a man might watch and admire women that a man might watch and admire women that a man might watch and admire and lust after when the actual accounts and lust after when the actual accounts and lust after when the actual accounts from the sagas and whatnot describe from the sagas and whatnot describe from the sagas and whatnot describe looking at a valkyrie as looking at a valkyrie as looking at a valkyrie as terrifying and Akin to staring into terrifying and Akin to staring into terrifying and Akin to staring into Flame the entire universe in Norse Flame the entire universe in Norse Flame the entire universe in Norse mythology is held together or girded by mythology is held together or girded by mythology is held together or girded by a tree an evergreen ash tree known as a tree an evergreen ash tree known as a tree an evergreen ash tree known as igdrasil and the norns care for igdrasil igdrasil and the norns care for igdrasil igdrasil and the norns care for igdrasil and idrasil is sometimes thought by some and idrasil is sometimes thought by some and idrasil is sometimes thought by some to refer to sort of a version of the to refer to sort of a version of the to refer to sort of a version of the Milky Way and igdrasil connects the Milky Way and igdrasil connects the Milky Way and igdrasil connects the various Realms of existence this gets us various Realms of existence this gets us various Realms of existence this gets us back to our physicist idea of other back to our physicist idea of other back to our physicist idea of other dimensions or multiple World theories I dimensions or multiple World theories I dimensions or multiple World theories I mean igdrasil connects like a interstate mean igdrasil connects like a interstate mean igdrasil connects like a interstate highway places like midgard which is highway places like midgard which is highway places like midgard which is where human beings live and which is the where human beings live and which is the where human beings live and which is the term JRR tolken used and translated into term JRR tolken used and translated into term JRR tolken used and translated into Middle Earth connects midgard to Asgard Middle Earth connects midgard to Asgard Middle Earth connects midgard to Asgard and midgard and Asgard to the realm of and midgard and Asgard to the realm of and midgard and Asgard to the realm of the Giants yodenheim and the land of

the Giants yodenheim and the land of the Giants yodenheim and the land of midgard and Asgard and yodenheim to the midgard and Asgard and yodenheim to the midgard and Asgard and yodenheim to the lands of Fire and Ice and all the other lands of Fire and Ice and all the other lands of Fire and Ice and all the other different different different Realms there's an interesting connection Realms there's an interesting connection Realms there's an interesting connection between ancient Germanic religion across between ancient Germanic religion across between ancient Germanic religion across Europe and this question of this sacred Europe and this question of this sacred Europe and this question of this sacred tree because when the Christian Bishops tree because when the Christian Bishops tree because when the Christian Bishops are going around trying to convert are going around trying to convert are going around trying to convert people like the Saxons or other Germanic people like the Saxons or other Germanic people like the Saxons or other Germanic tribes or the fans or any of those tribes or the fans or any of those tribes or the fans or any of those people they all sort of have a tree that people they all sort of have a tree that people they all sort of have a tree that is connected to their Worship in fact is connected to their Worship in fact is connected to their Worship in fact hundreds of years before when tacitus is hundreds of years before when tacitus is hundreds of years before when tacitus is writing about Germanic beliefs he talks writing about Germanic beliefs he talks writing about Germanic beliefs he talks about sacred trees in sacred Groves about sacred trees in sacred Groves about sacred trees in sacred Groves where they have sacrifices that involve where they have sacrifices that involve where they have sacrifices that involve the bloody killings of human beings and the bloody killings of human beings and the bloody killings of human beings and animals who are then ritually hung up animals who are then ritually hung up animals who are then ritually hung up around sacred around sacred around sacred sites in his 11th century writings Adam sites in his 11th century writings Adam sites in his 11th century writings Adam of brayman who has as his Source a of brayman who has as his Source a of brayman who has as his Source a Danish King talks about one of these Danish King talks about one of these Danish King talks about one of these sacrificial places at upsa in what's now sacrificial places at upsa in what's now sacrificial places at upsa in what's now Sweden and by the way when Adam of Sweden and by the way when Adam of Sweden and by the way when Adam of Breman says Wen that's the more Germanic Breman says Wen that's the more Germanic Breman says Wen that's the more Germanic version of the name Odin when he says version of the name Odin when he says version of the name Odin when he says fro he means Frey or fro he means Frey or fro he means Frey or freyer and when he says borco when he's freyer and when he says borco when he's freyer and when he says borco when he's talking about a city he means the city talking about a city he means the city talking about a city he means the city of burka which is the Trade Center in of burka which is the Trade Center in of burka which is the Trade Center in the island in the middle of a lake

the island in the middle of a lake the island in the middle of a lake that's so famous and he says quote that that's so famous and he says quote that that's so famous and he says quote that folk meaning the swedes has a very folk meaning the swedes has a very folk meaning the swedes has a very famous temple called abala situated not famous temple called abala situated not famous temple called abala situated not far from the city of sna and borco in far from the city of sna and borco in far from the city of sna and borco in this Temple entirely decked out in Gold this Temple entirely decked out in Gold this Temple entirely decked out in Gold the people worship the statues of three the people worship the statues of three the people worship the statues of three gods in such wise that the mightiest of gods in such wise that the mightiest of gods in such wise that the mightiest of them Thor occupies a throne in the them Thor occupies a throne in the them Thor occupies a throne in the middle of the chamber Wen and fro have middle of the chamber Wen and fro have middle of the chamber Wen and fro have places on either side the significance places on either side the significance places on either side the significance of these Gods is as follows Thor they of these Gods is as follows Thor they of these Gods is as follows Thor they say presides over the air which governs say presides over the air which governs say presides over the air which governs the thunder and lightning the winds and the thunder and lightning the winds and the thunder and lightning the winds and rains fair weather and crops the other rains fair weather and crops the other rains fair weather and crops the other Wen that is the Furious carries on war Wen that is the Furious carries on war Wen that is the Furious carries on war and imparts to man strength against his and imparts to man strength against his and imparts to man strength against his enemies the third is fro who bestows enemies the third is fro who bestows enemies the third is fro who bestows peace and pleasure on Mortals his peace and pleasure on Mortals his peace and pleasure on Mortals his likeness too they fashion with an likeness too they fashion with an likeness too they fashion with an immense phus but Wen they chisel armed immense phus but Wen they chisel armed immense phus but Wen they chisel armed as our people are want to represent Mars as our people are want to represent Mars as our people are want to represent Mars Thor with his scepter apparently Thor with his scepter apparently Thor with his scepter apparently resembles Jo the people also worship resembles Jo the people also worship resembles Jo the people also worship Heroes made Gods whom they endow with Heroes made Gods whom they endow with Heroes made Gods whom they endow with immortality because of their remarkable immortality because of their remarkable immortality because of their remarkable exploits end quote the scepter that he exploits end quote the scepter that he exploits end quote the scepter that he says Thor has is probably the famous says Thor has is probably the famous says Thor has is probably the famous Hammer Hammer Hammer Moler Adam of brayman then describes Moler Adam of brayman then describes Moler Adam of brayman then describes what the sacrifice at these various

what the sacrifice at these various what the sacrifice at these various places is like and he writes quote the places is like and he writes quote the places is like and he writes quote the sacrifices of this nature of every sacrifices of this nature of every sacrifices of this nature of every living thing that is male they offer living thing that is male they offer living thing that is male they offer nine heads with the blood of which it is nine heads with the blood of which it is nine heads with the blood of which it is customary to Plate gods of this sort the customary to Plate gods of this sort the customary to Plate gods of this sort the bodies they hang in a sacred grove that bodies they hang in a sacred grove that bodies they hang in a sacred grove that adjoins the temple now this Grove is so adjoins the temple now this Grove is so adjoins the temple now this Grove is so sacred in the eyes of the Heathen that sacred in the eyes of the Heathen that sacred in the eyes of the Heathen that each and every tree in it is believed each and every tree in it is believed each and every tree in it is believed Vine because of the death or Vine because of the death or Vine because of the death or putrification of the victims even dogs putrification of the victims even dogs putrification of the victims even dogs and horses hang there with men a and horses hang there with men a and horses hang there with men a Christian 72 years old told me that he Christian 72 years old told me that he Christian 72 years old told me that he had seen the body suspended had seen the body suspended had seen the body suspended promiscuously furthermore the promiscuously furthermore the promiscuously furthermore the incantations customarily chanted in the incantations customarily chanted in the incantations customarily chanted in the ritual of a sacrifice of this kind are ritual of a sacrifice of this kind are ritual of a sacrifice of this kind are manifold and unseemly therefore it is manifold and unseemly therefore it is manifold and unseemly therefore it is better to keep Silence about them end better to keep Silence about them end better to keep Silence about them end quote given how little is is actually quote given how little is is actually quote given how little is is actually known about what went on at these sorts known about what went on at these sorts known about what went on at these sorts of Viking religious ceremonies one of Viking religious ceremonies one of Viking religious ceremonies one wishes Adam of brayman wouldn't have wishes Adam of brayman wouldn't have wishes Adam of brayman wouldn't have been so scared or horrified and could been so scared or horrified and could been so scared or horrified and could have told us what the Danish King told have told us what the Danish King told have told us what the Danish King told him about them but Adam of brayan's him about them but Adam of brayan's him about them but Adam of brayan's response to this is what you would have response to this is what you would have response to this is what you would have expected from most Christians of the expected from most Christians of the expected from most Christians of the Middle Ages who would have seen these Middle Ages who would have seen these Middle Ages who would have seen these Viking ceremonies as little more than Viking ceremonies as little more than Viking ceremonies as little more than Satanic rituals designed to play at or Satanic rituals designed to play at or Satanic rituals designed to play at or even conjure devils and demons and the even conjure devils and demons and the even conjure devils and demons and the people involved in them as Folk who were

people involved in them as Folk who were people involved in them as Folk who were headed for the fiery pits of headed for the fiery pits of headed for the fiery pits of damnation Viking expert in University of damnation Viking expert in University of damnation Viking expert in University of Oslo historian John vdar sigon in his Oslo historian John vdar sigon in his Oslo historian John vdar sigon in his book Scandinavia in the age of Vikings book Scandinavia in the age of Vikings book Scandinavia in the age of Vikings points out two interesting facts about points out two interesting facts about points out two interesting facts about the Scandinavians in this era and their the Scandinavians in this era and their the Scandinavians in this era and their belief system he says that the worship belief system he says that the worship belief system he says that the worship of deities like Thor and Odin is part of of deities like Thor and Odin is part of of deities like Thor and Odin is part of ethnic religion meaning it applied to a ethnic religion meaning it applied to a ethnic religion meaning it applied to a specific people contrast that with specific people contrast that with specific people contrast that with something like Christianity which is a something like Christianity which is a something like Christianity which is a universal religion Islam is too the idea universal religion Islam is too the idea universal religion Islam is too the idea that anyone can convert to this and it that anyone can convert to this and it that anyone can convert to this and it applies equally well to people all over applies equally well to people all over applies equally well to people all over the world sigon points out that that's the world sigon points out that that's the world sigon points out that that's not how the Scandinavians would have not how the Scandinavians would have not how the Scandinavians would have seen their gods their gods were exactly seen their gods their gods were exactly seen their gods their gods were exactly that their gods sigon also says that you that their gods sigon also says that you that their gods sigon also says that you could classify this religion as an elite could classify this religion as an elite could classify this religion as an elite religion meaning the people that religion meaning the people that religion meaning the people that communicated with the gods were people communicated with the gods were people communicated with the gods were people like the Kings and this is key because like the Kings and this is key because like the Kings and this is key because the biggest threat to this religion in the biggest threat to this religion in the biggest threat to this religion in this time period is people like Adam of this time period is people like Adam of this time period is people like Adam of brayman who simply want to keep these brayman who simply want to keep these brayman who simply want to keep these people from the fiery pits of hell and people from the fiery pits of hell and people from the fiery pits of hell and stop them from worshiping demons and stop them from worshiping demons and stop them from worshiping demons and Devils but to the people of Scandinavia Devils but to the people of Scandinavia Devils but to the people of Scandinavia it's the same as saying that you want to it's the same as saying that you want to it's the same as saying that you want to kill their gods and destroy their kill their gods and destroy their kill their gods and destroy their worldview and make them stop believing worldview and make them stop believing worldview and make them stop believing in the traditional spirits and the in the traditional spirits and the in the traditional spirits and the invisible population the elves the invisible population the elves the invisible population the elves the dwarves and yes the Giants and the dwarves and yes the Giants and the dwarves and yes the Giants and the Valkyries and as we said in part one the

Valkyries and as we said in part one the Valkyries and as we said in part one the Christian assault against the Christian assault against the Christian assault against the traditional Viking beliefs is a traditional Viking beliefs is a traditional Viking beliefs is a two-pronged one both from above and two-pronged one both from above and two-pronged one both from above and below they're able to find inroads in below they're able to find inroads in below they're able to find inroads in the Viking world through the Christian the Viking world through the Christian the Viking world through the Christian slaves that the Vikings take who can't slaves that the Vikings take who can't slaves that the Vikings take who can't help but share their belief system with help but share their belief system with help but share their belief system with their slave masters and also through the their slave masters and also through the their slave masters and also through the elite as cson said these are the people elite as cson said these are the people elite as cson said these are the people who communicate with the gods well what who communicate with the gods well what who communicate with the gods well what if you convert those people and you can if you convert those people and you can if you convert those people and you can see exactly what happens if you look see exactly what happens if you look see exactly what happens if you look from a little earlier in this story when from a little earlier in this story when from a little earlier in this story when Charlamagne and his Frankish Christians Charlamagne and his Frankish Christians Charlamagne and his Frankish Christians are able to use this same sort of are able to use this same sort of are able to use this same sort of tendency among the German peoples of tendency among the German peoples of tendency among the German peoples of Saxony to achieve the same sort of Saxony to achieve the same sort of Saxony to achieve the same sort of result the longstanding tactic of result the longstanding tactic of result the longstanding tactic of converting the Kings to Christianity who converting the Kings to Christianity who converting the Kings to Christianity who then take their people with then take their people with then take their people with them but make no mistake about it Odin them but make no mistake about it Odin them but make no mistake about it Odin Thor and the rest of the Norse pantheon Thor and the rest of the Norse pantheon Thor and the rest of the Norse pantheon are fighting a defensive rear guard are fighting a defensive rear guard are fighting a defensive rear guard action against the most dangerous foes action against the most dangerous foes action against the most dangerous foes these gods have ever faced and it's not these gods have ever faced and it's not these gods have ever faced and it's not the Giants and the eventual destruction the Giants and the eventual destruction the Giants and the eventual destruction of of of Ragnarok it's the Christian God and the Ragnarok it's the Christian God and the Ragnarok it's the Christian God and the many powerful states and their many powerful states and their many powerful states and their armies who go to war under that armies who go to war under that armies who go to war under that Banner but the followers of Odin are not Banner but the followers of Odin are not Banner but the followers of Odin are not the only peoples who feel threatened

the only peoples who feel threatened the only peoples who feel threatened during this era the people that threaten during this era the people that threaten during this era the people that threaten the people of Odin are themselves beset the people of Odin are themselves beset the people of Odin are themselves beset by portance of Doom in their near by portance of Doom in their near by portance of Doom in their near future the Christian states of Europe future the Christian states of Europe future the Christian states of Europe and their power power is more latent and their power power is more latent and their power power is more latent than manifest in this era and we see it than manifest in this era and we see it than manifest in this era and we see it more clearly than the people living more clearly than the people living more clearly than the people living through this time period right around through this time period right around through this time period right around 899 900 adce when Alfred the Great died 899 900 adce when Alfred the Great died 899 900 adce when Alfred the Great died we see it more clearly than they do we see it more clearly than they do we see it more clearly than they do because like patrons at a movie theater because like patrons at a movie theater because like patrons at a movie theater who've already read the book the movie who've already read the book the movie who've already read the book the movie is based on we know how the 900s are is based on we know how the 900s are is based on we know how the 900s are going to go for Europe the people in going to go for Europe the people in going to go for Europe the people in Europe during the the 900s Europe during the the 900s Europe during the the 900s don't and they see a quadruple threat on don't and they see a quadruple threat on don't and they see a quadruple threat on their their their Horizon the first of which has been Horizon the first of which has been Horizon the first of which has been plaguing them for more than a hundred plaguing them for more than a hundred plaguing them for more than a hundred years by this time period the years by this time period the years by this time period the Scandinavian Vikings have gone from Scandinavian Vikings have gone from Scandinavian Vikings have gone from Smash and grab piracy raids to full-on Smash and grab piracy raids to full-on Smash and grab piracy raids to full-on colonization and colonization and colonization and settlement historian Neil price suggests settlement historian Neil price suggests settlement historian Neil price suggests that there were 40 to 50,000 Danes that there were 40 to 50,000 Danes that there were 40 to 50,000 Danes taking up residen in Britain during this taking up residen in Britain during this taking up residen in Britain during this time and they control about half the island it's called The Dan Law they are island it's called The Dan Law they are settling elsewhere as well in addition settling elsewhere as well in addition settling elsewhere as well in addition the long running feud between Islam and

the long running feud between Islam and the long running feud between Islam and Christianity takes a decidedly negative Christianity takes a decidedly negative Christianity takes a decidedly negative turn during this time period in the turn during this time period in the turn during this time period in the Mediterranean where the island of Sicily Mediterranean where the island of Sicily Mediterranean where the island of Sicily which had been attacked and temporarily which had been attacked and temporarily which had been attacked and temporarily occupied by Vikings at one point is occupied by Vikings at one point is occupied by Vikings at one point is finally swamped and overwhelmed by Arab finally swamped and overwhelmed by Arab finally swamped and overwhelmed by Arab conquerors from North Africa and by 902 conquerors from North Africa and by 902 conquerors from North Africa and by 902 they control the island and they are they control the island and they are they control the island and they are putting great pressure on the Christian putting great pressure on the Christian putting great pressure on the Christian byzantines in the aian and the Eastern byzantines in the aian and the Eastern byzantines in the aian and the Eastern Mediterranean add to that the latest and Mediterranean add to that the latest and Mediterranean add to that the latest and newest threat from the Eurasian step newest threat from the Eurasian step newest threat from the Eurasian step breaking like a tsunami on the defenses breaking like a tsunami on the defenses breaking like a tsunami on the defenses of Central Europe and penetrating them of Central Europe and penetrating them of Central Europe and penetrating them the magar Hungarian peoples who were ra the magar Hungarian peoples who were ra the magar Hungarian peoples who were ra into Bavaria and then finally into into Bavaria and then finally into into Bavaria and then finally into southern southern southern France and as Tom Holland in his France and as Tom Holland in his France and as Tom Holland in his wonderful book The Forge of Christendom wonderful book The Forge of Christendom wonderful book The Forge of Christendom points out perhaps the greatest threat points out perhaps the greatest threat points out perhaps the greatest threat looming on the horizon for Christians in looming on the horizon for Christians in looming on the horizon for Christians in 900 900 900 adce is coming at the appointed date a adce is coming at the appointed date a adce is coming at the appointed date a hundred years in the future when the hundred years in the future when the hundred years in the future when the long awaited promised appearance of the long awaited promised appearance of the long awaited promised appearance of the Antichrist is expected like a giant Antichrist is expected like a giant Antichrist is expected like a giant exponentially worse version of the Y2K exponentially worse version of the Y2K exponentially worse version of the Y2K virus from the year virus from the year virus from the year 2000 all of those things together create 2000 all of those things together create 2000 all of those things together create a climate of a climate of a climate of pessimism and negativity that shows up

pessimism and negativity that shows up pessimism and negativity that shows up in the sources in his classic work the in the sources in his classic work the in the sources in his classic work the age of Faith historian will Durant in a age of Faith historian will Durant in a age of Faith historian will Durant in a condensed and edited account from a it condensed and edited account from a it condensed and edited account from a it appears monk in southern France gives a appears monk in southern France gives a appears monk in southern France gives a sense of the feeling when that monk sense of the feeling when that monk sense of the feeling when that monk writes quote the cities are depopulated writes quote the cities are depopulated writes quote the cities are depopulated the monasteries ruined and burned the the monasteries ruined and burned the the monasteries ruined and burned the country reduced to Solitude as the first country reduced to Solitude as the first country reduced to Solitude as the first men lived without law so now every man men lived without law so now every man men lived without law so now every man does what seems good in his own eyes does what seems good in his own eyes does what seems good in his own eyes despising laws human and divine the despising laws human and divine the despising laws human and divine the strong oppress the weak the world is strong oppress the weak the world is strong oppress the weak the world is full of violence against the poor and of full of violence against the poor and of full of violence against the poor and of the plunder of ecclesiastical Goods men the plunder of ecclesiastical Goods men the plunder of ecclesiastical Goods men devour one another like the fishes in devour one another like the fishes in devour one another like the fishes in the sea end the sea end the sea end quote now as I always say I'm addicted quote now as I always say I'm addicted quote now as I always say I'm addicted to context and I also have a background to context and I also have a background to context and I also have a background in journalism which some people have in journalism which some people have in journalism which some people have said is the first draft of history and said is the first draft of history and said is the first draft of history and there have always been criticisms about there have always been criticisms about there have always been criticisms about journalism for example one is the idea journalism for example one is the idea journalism for example one is the idea that stories get chosen because of that stories get chosen because of that stories get chosen because of their shocking or violent nature maybe their shocking or violent nature maybe their shocking or violent nature maybe you've heard the phrase if it bleeds it you've heard the phrase if it bleeds it you've heard the phrase if it bleeds it leads leads leads well maybe there's a little of that well maybe there's a little of that well maybe there's a little of that going on in this story too cuz right going on in this story too cuz right going on in this story too cuz right after he uses that quote we just cited after he uses that quote we just cited after he uses that quote we just cited the one about the men devouring each the one about the men devouring each the one about the men devouring each other like fishes in the sea will Durant other like fishes in the sea will Durant other like fishes in the sea will Durant in his nearly 75y old history notices

in his nearly 75y old history notices in his nearly 75y old history notices that maybe there's a little trick that maybe there's a little trick that maybe there's a little trick histories playing on us about this as histories playing on us about this as histories playing on us about this as well maybe it's a case of historically well maybe it's a case of historically well maybe it's a case of historically speaking something bleeding and so speaking something bleeding and so speaking something bleeding and so making the history books more than the making the history books more than the making the history books more than the much more boring much more boring much more boring stuff like peace and commerce and stuff like peace and commerce and stuff like peace and commerce and happiness and he writes happiness and he writes happiness and he writes quote perhaps we exaggerate the Damage quote perhaps we exaggerate the Damage quote perhaps we exaggerate the Damage Done by the Norse and magar raids to Done by the Norse and magar raids to Done by the Norse and magar raids to crowd them into a page for brevity's crowd them into a page for brevity's crowd them into a page for brevity's sake darkens unduly the picture of a sake darkens unduly the picture of a sake darkens unduly the picture of a life in which there were doubtless life in which there were doubtless life in which there were doubtless intervals of security and peace intervals of security and peace intervals of security and peace monasteries continued to be built monasteries continued to be built monasteries continued to be built throughout this terrible 9th century he throughout this terrible 9th century he throughout this terrible 9th century he writes and were often the centers of writes and were often the centers of writes and were often the centers of busy industry ru SW despite raids and busy industry ru SW despite raids and busy industry ru SW despite raids and fires grew stronger from trade with fires grew stronger from trade with fires grew stronger from trade with Britain cologne and Mains dominated Britain cologne and Mains dominated Britain cologne and Mains dominated Commerce on the rine and in Flanders Commerce on the rine and in Flanders Commerce on the rine and in Flanders thriving centers of industry and trade thriving centers of industry and trade thriving centers of industry and trade developed end quote there's another line developed end quote there's another line developed end quote there's another line we used to have in the news business and we used to have in the news business and we used to have in the news business and it was that another story is killed by it was that another story is killed by it was that another story is killed by overcheck and what that meant is overcheck and what that meant is overcheck and what that meant is something that appeared to be a really something that appeared to be a really something that appeared to be a really good scintillating Tale the more you good scintillating Tale the more you good scintillating Tale the more you looked into it the less scintillating it looked into it the less scintillating it looked into it the less scintillating it appeared to be and there's a case to be appeared to be and there's a case to be appeared to be and there's a case to be made that this very discussion on the made that this very discussion on the made that this very discussion on the Vikings falls into this category because Vikings falls into this category because Vikings falls into this category because Hollywood and accounts like Hollywood Hollywood and accounts like Hollywood Hollywood and accounts like Hollywood have so transformed the Vikings into have so transformed the Vikings into have so transformed the Vikings into this uniquely barbaric and terrible this uniquely barbaric and terrible this uniquely barbaric and terrible entity that almost anything you do to

entity that almost anything you do to entity that almost anything you do to put a more accurate sort of cast on top put a more accurate sort of cast on top put a more accurate sort of cast on top of them makes them look of them makes them look of them makes them look well less worthy of leading because of well less worthy of leading because of well less worthy of leading because of lack of bleeding if you lack of bleeding if you lack of bleeding if you will also because I'm addicted to will also because I'm addicted to will also because I'm addicted to context the other reason that the context the other reason that the context the other reason that the Vikings look less outrageous the more Vikings look less outrageous the more Vikings look less outrageous the more you dive into this time period is you dive into this time period is you dive into this time period is because compared to the people they're because compared to the people they're because compared to the people they're up against they don't look anywhere near up against they don't look anywhere near up against they don't look anywhere near as barbaric right they may score a 10 as barbaric right they may score a 10 as barbaric right they may score a 10 out of 10 on the barbarity scale but out of 10 on the barbarity scale but out of 10 on the barbarity scale but what Hollywood doesn't often show is what Hollywood doesn't often show is what Hollywood doesn't often show is that the people they're fighting would that the people they're fighting would that the people they're fighting would often score a nine or an eight on the often score a nine or an eight on the often score a nine or an eight on the barbarity scale right take the opponents barbarity scale right take the opponents barbarity scale right take the opponents of these Viking Raiders in Europe the of these Viking Raiders in Europe the of these Viking Raiders in Europe the proton knites as I like to call proton knites as I like to call proton knites as I like to call them these Horsemen from Western and them these Horsemen from Western and them these Horsemen from Western and Central Europe who several hundred years Central Europe who several hundred years Central Europe who several hundred years after this time period will take all after this time period will take all after this time period will take all sorts of vows to protect the weak and sorts of vows to protect the weak and sorts of vows to protect the weak and the poor well they need to take those the poor well they need to take those the poor well they need to take those vows because that contrasts greatly with vows because that contrasts greatly with vows because that contrasts greatly with the behavior of the proton nites in this the behavior of the proton nites in this the behavior of the proton nites in this era people Tom Holland in his book The era people Tom Holland in his book The era people Tom Holland in his book The Forge of Christendom labels Forge of Christendom labels Forge of Christendom labels a gang of male clad a gang of male clad a gang of male clad Thugs who pre on the peasantry of Europe Thugs who pre on the peasantry of Europe Thugs who pre on the peasantry of Europe in ways that make them sound little in ways that make them sound little in ways that make them sound little different than the Viking attacks in the different than the Viking attacks in the different than the Viking attacks in the Forge of Christendom Tom Holland writes Forge of Christendom Tom Holland writes Forge of Christendom Tom Holland writes about these gangs of male clad thugs about these gangs of male clad thugs about these gangs of male clad thugs quote month by month season by season

quote month by month season by season quote month by month season by season year by year their exactions grew ever year by year their exactions grew ever year by year their exactions grew ever worse how gruesomely apt it was that worse how gruesomely apt it was that worse how gruesomely apt it was that their favorite mode of torture their favorite mode of torture their favorite mode of torture should have been a ging chain notorious should have been a ging chain notorious should have been a ging chain notorious for inflicting upon its victims now for inflicting upon its victims now for inflicting upon its victims now quoting a contemporary Source not one quoting a contemporary Source not one quoting a contemporary Source not one but a thousand deaths he continues a but a thousand deaths he continues a but a thousand deaths he continues a literal tightening of the screws literal tightening of the screws literal tightening of the screws robberies too and rapes and kidnappings robberies too and rapes and kidnappings robberies too and rapes and kidnappings all were deployed with a brutal Gusto by all were deployed with a brutal Gusto by all were deployed with a brutal Gusto by hit squads determined to trample hit squads determined to trample hit squads determined to trample underfoot every last vestage of underfoot every last vestage of underfoot every last vestage of Independence in the countryside and to Independence in the countryside and to Independence in the countryside and to reduce even the most prosperous of reduce even the most prosperous of reduce even the most prosperous of peasants to peasants to peasants to servitude end servitude end servitude end quote as the old line goes with friends quote as the old line goes with friends quote as the old line goes with friends like that who needs enemies and if your like that who needs enemies and if your like that who needs enemies and if your enemies enemies enemies are are are barbaric how much less do they stand out barbaric how much less do they stand out barbaric how much less do they stand out when your friends are pretty barbaric when your friends are pretty barbaric when your friends are pretty barbaric too in the 900s the era we are in this too in the 900s the era we are in this too in the 900s the era we are in this story there will be such a reaction to story there will be such a reaction to story there will be such a reaction to the depredations of these gangs of male the depredations of these gangs of male the depredations of these gangs of male clad thugs that a movement that I was clad thugs that a movement that I was clad thugs that a movement that I was surprised to read is considered one of surprised to read is considered one of surprised to read is considered one of the greatest peace movements in world the greatest peace movements in world the greatest peace movements in world history will get going it's known as the history will get going it's known as the history will get going it's known as the peace of peace of peace of God but in the early 900s we're still God but in the early 900s we're still God but in the early 900s we're still seeing the sorts of activities that will seeing the sorts of activities that will seeing the sorts of activities that will create you know the equal and opposite create you know the equal and opposite create you know the equal and opposite reaction that leads to that movement in reaction that leads to that movement in reaction that leads to that movement in another

another another Century this is the era of the Century this is the era of the Century this is the era of the castellons as they're known and Holland castellons as they're known and Holland castellons as they're known and Holland talks a lot about them local Warlords talks a lot about them local Warlords talks a lot about them local Warlords who put up what we would consider today who put up what we would consider today who put up what we would consider today to be rudimentary small primitive type to be rudimentary small primitive type to be rudimentary small primitive type castles wherever they can and then castles wherever they can and then castles wherever they can and then fleece the local area that they could fleece the local area that they could fleece the local area that they could now control using these castles and use now control using these castles and use now control using these castles and use the money to hire more and more gangs of the money to hire more and more gangs of the money to hire more and more gangs of male clad male clad male clad Thugs and to show how history can be Thugs and to show how history can be Thugs and to show how history can be seen in multiple different ways there seen in multiple different ways there seen in multiple different ways there are different ways to view this are different ways to view this are different ways to view this development whether it's positive or development whether it's positive or development whether it's positive or negative let's go back to Charlemagne in negative let's go back to Charlemagne in negative let's go back to Charlemagne in the late the late the late 700s with a United Europe which won't 700s with a United Europe which won't 700s with a United Europe which won't happen again for a thousand years after happen again for a thousand years after happen again for a thousand years after Charlemagne's time right it'll take Charlemagne's time right it'll take Charlemagne's time right it'll take Napoleon in the late 1700s early 1800s Napoleon in the late 1700s early 1800s Napoleon in the late 1700s early 1800s through War to unite Europe similarly through War to unite Europe similarly through War to unite Europe similarly again this is often seen as a golden age again this is often seen as a golden age again this is often seen as a golden age by people who lowed all the benefits of by people who lowed all the benefits of by people who lowed all the benefits of centralization and who see the centralization and who see the centralization and who see the disintegration of that Empire as a disintegration of that Empire as a disintegration of that Empire as a terrible tragedy and the fragmentation terrible tragedy and the fragmentation terrible tragedy and the fragmentation of it as something that invited things of it as something that invited things of it as something that invited things like Viking attacks right when we when like Viking attacks right when we when like Viking attacks right when we when you have something we would call today a you have something we would call today a you have something we would call today a failed State well that invites terrorism failed State well that invites terrorism failed State well that invites terrorism doesn't it and warlordism and the era doesn't it and warlordism and the era doesn't it and warlordism and the era that is the one that Europe is going that is the one that Europe is going that is the one that Europe is going into now is often I have a chapter of a into now is often I have a chapter of a into now is often I have a chapter of a book that calls it the rise of the Dukes book that calls it the rise of the Dukes book that calls it the rise of the Dukes well who are these dukes and counts and well who are these dukes and counts and well who are these dukes and counts and Lords and Barons well these are the

Lords and Barons well these are the Lords and Barons well these are the castellan and the more glorified more castellan and the more glorified more castellan and the more glorified more decorated castellan who will take over decorated castellan who will take over decorated castellan who will take over areas that used to be all part of areas that used to be all part of areas that used to be all part of Charlemagne's empire and Rule all these Charlemagne's empire and Rule all these Charlemagne's empire and Rule all these little territories themselves is this a little territories themselves is this a little territories themselves is this a plus or a minus history has seen it plus or a minus history has seen it plus or a minus history has seen it differently during different time differently during different time differently during different time periods if you are a fan of centralized periods if you are a fan of centralized periods if you are a fan of centralized Authority and that whole thing well you Authority and that whole thing well you Authority and that whole thing well you see this as a terrible negative in see this as a terrible negative in see this as a terrible negative in Europe descending into a fragmented Europe descending into a fragmented Europe descending into a fragmented unable to coordinate their activities unable to coordinate their activities unable to coordinate their activities sort of entity and you will say sort of entity and you will say sort of entity and you will say something like well Charlamagne didn't something like well Charlamagne didn't something like well Charlamagne didn't have Viking attacks to worry about cuz have Viking attacks to worry about cuz have Viking attacks to worry about cuz he could fight those things off he could he could fight those things off he could he could fight those things off he could build all sorts of defenses and the build all sorts of defenses and the build all sorts of defenses and the minute all that you know falls apart minute all that you know falls apart minute all that you know falls apart into Anarchy well that's when you know into Anarchy well that's when you know into Anarchy well that's when you know you create the conditions of you know you create the conditions of you know you create the conditions of you know it's like taking the police force out of it's like taking the police force out of it's like taking the police force out of your community and keeping all your your community and keeping all your your community and keeping all your doors unlock you're inviting robbers doors unlock you're inviting robbers doors unlock you're inviting robbers right and right and right and Interlopers but the other way to look at Interlopers but the other way to look at Interlopers but the other way to look at it and it's been seen this way it and it's been seen this way it and it's been seen this way throughout different eras also is that throughout different eras also is that throughout different eras also is that the decentralization here is a reaction the decentralization here is a reaction the decentralization here is a reaction to things like Vikings raids right if to things like Vikings raids right if to things like Vikings raids right if the Emperor or the king is so far away the Emperor or the king is so far away the Emperor or the king is so far away that by the time they're able to send that by the time they're able to send that by the time they're able to send soldiers to protect the people who are soldiers to protect the people who are soldiers to protect the people who are hit by Viking raids the Vikings are long hit by Viking raids the Vikings are long hit by Viking raids the Vikings are long gone well what if the central Authority gone well what if the central Authority gone well what if the central Authority isn't who sends out the equivalent of isn't who sends out the equivalent of isn't who sends out the equivalent of the local police force what if that's a the local police force what if that's a the local police force what if that's a local Duke count Lord Baron or what have local Duke count Lord Baron or what have local Duke count Lord Baron or what have you right nearby with a little local you right nearby with a little local you right nearby with a little local Castle right there on the spot right so

Castle right there on the spot right so Castle right there on the spot right so there are historical accounts over the there are historical accounts over the there are historical accounts over the eras that see this fragmentation not as eras that see this fragmentation not as eras that see this fragmentation not as a Down side but as a reaction to the a Down side but as a reaction to the a Down side but as a reaction to the need to have local protection and need to have local protection and need to have local protection and authority and decisionmaking on site authority and decisionmaking on site authority and decisionmaking on site because otherwise it's hard to respond because otherwise it's hard to respond because otherwise it's hard to respond to these you know quick hit and run to these you know quick hit and run to these you know quick hit and run raids that the Vikings are raids that the Vikings are raids that the Vikings are launching but by the time we're where we launching but by the time we're where we launching but by the time we're where we are in this story right we've gone from are in this story right we've gone from are in this story right we've gone from the 700s to the 800s now we're in the the 700s to the 800s now we're in the the 700s to the 800s now we're in the 900s the conditions on the ground are 900s the conditions on the ground are 900s the conditions on the ground are much different and the easy picking of much different and the easy picking of much different and the easy picking of undefended monasteries and all that from undefended monasteries and all that from undefended monasteries and all that from the 800 unds is a thing of the past now the 800 unds is a thing of the past now the 800 unds is a thing of the past now the Vikings are encountering the the Vikings are encountering the the Vikings are encountering the equivalent of locked doors Burglar Alarm equivalent of locked doors Burglar Alarm equivalent of locked doors Burglar Alarm Systems and local police forces nearby Systems and local police forces nearby Systems and local police forces nearby and the 900s will prove to be an and the 900s will prove to be an and the 900s will prove to be an entirely different sort of entirely different sort of entirely different sort of Affair as we said in the last part of Affair as we said in the last part of Affair as we said in the last part of this discussion in places like this discussion in places like this discussion in places like modern-day France West frania they're modern-day France West frania they're modern-day France West frania they're starting to fortify the bridges because starting to fortify the bridges because starting to fortify the bridges because the Vikings use the river systems as a the Vikings use the river systems as a the Vikings use the river systems as a kind of super highway to get into the kind of super highway to get into the kind of super highway to get into the inside of the territory well if you inside of the territory well if you inside of the territory well if you fortify Bridges at the mouths of these fortify Bridges at the mouths of these fortify Bridges at the mouths of these Rivers well all of a sudden you have the Rivers well all of a sudden you have the Rivers well all of a sudden you have the equivalent of a toll booth or a police equivalent of a toll booth or a police equivalent of a toll booth or a police Bureau or a guarded Bureau or a guarded Bureau or a guarded Border in Britain Kings like Alfred the Border in Britain Kings like Alfred the Border in Britain Kings like Alfred the Great and his successors will start to Great and his successors will start to Great and his successors will start to create fortified cities they're called

create fortified cities they're called create fortified cities they're called burs and they'll do similar sorts of burs and they'll do similar sorts of burs and they'll do similar sorts of things they'll put them at important things they'll put them at important things they'll put them at important sites where the Viking sites where the Viking sites where the Viking would use as super highways roads or would use as super highways roads or would use as super highways roads or river Crossings and once again it river Crossings and once again it river Crossings and once again it doesn't mean you can't have Viking doesn't mean you can't have Viking doesn't mean you can't have Viking attacks but it means all of a sudden the attacks but it means all of a sudden the attacks but it means all of a sudden the defenses are there to make something defenses are there to make something defenses are there to make something that used to be considered you know a that used to be considered you know a that used to be considered you know a relatively easy score something where relatively easy score something where relatively easy score something where you can expect to lose people and maybe you can expect to lose people and maybe you can expect to lose people and maybe a lot of people and maybe just lose a lot of people and maybe just lose a lot of people and maybe just lose because the 900s start to see a lot more because the 900s start to see a lot more because the 900s start to see a lot more times where the Viking Raiders and maybe times where the Viking Raiders and maybe times where the Viking Raiders and maybe even larger forces than Raiders start even larger forces than Raiders start even larger forces than Raiders start losing losing losing of course losing in quotation marks is a of course losing in quotation marks is a of course losing in quotation marks is a bit of an eye of the beholder thing bit of an eye of the beholder thing bit of an eye of the beholder thing sometimes isn't it there's a phrase sometimes isn't it there's a phrase sometimes isn't it there's a phrase often used about winning the war and often used about winning the war and often used about winning the war and losing the losing the losing the peace for example one of the most peace for example one of the most peace for example one of the most important cases of maybe winning the war important cases of maybe winning the war important cases of maybe winning the war and losing the peace happens in the year and losing the peace happens in the year and losing the peace happens in the year 911 when one of the most famous Viking 911 when one of the most famous Viking 911 when one of the most famous Viking figures in all viking history and one of figures in all viking history and one of figures in all viking history and one of the earliest that we can say the earliest that we can say the earliest that we can say conclusively actually lived and was a conclusively actually lived and was a conclusively actually lived and was a real person and there's no doubt about real person and there's no doubt about real person and there's no doubt about it is this guy known to history as it is this guy known to history as it is this guy known to history as R his Viking name was probably some R his Viking name was probably some R his Viking name was probably some version of version of version of Ral and his nickname because those Ral and his nickname because those Ral and his nickname because those Vikings often had you know Ral the in Vikings often had you know Ral the in Vikings often had you know Ral the in his case it was Ralph the his case it was Ralph the his case it was Ralph the ganger and that supposedly was a ganger and that supposedly was a ganger and that supposedly was a reference to his size and he was

reference to his size and he was reference to his size and he was supposed to be so large that he couldn't supposed to be so large that he couldn't supposed to be so large that he couldn't ride a horse and he had to ride a horse and he had to ride a horse and he had to walk he's not the only Viking that that walk he's not the only Viking that that walk he's not the only Viking that that is said is said is said about but this Ralph the ganger the about but this Ralph the ganger the about but this Ralph the ganger the future R the future Robert is one of the future R the future Robert is one of the future R the future Robert is one of the many vikings supposed to have been many vikings supposed to have been many vikings supposed to have been involved in the famous Siege of Paris in involved in the famous Siege of Paris in involved in the famous Siege of Paris in the late 800s that we talked about in the late 800s that we talked about in the late 800s that we talked about in the last segment of this the last segment of this the last segment of this discussion it is not known whether he is discussion it is not known whether he is discussion it is not known whether he is Danish or Norwegian both traditions Danish or Norwegian both traditions Danish or Norwegian both traditions exist the Norwegians often claim uh R exist the Norwegians often claim uh R exist the Norwegians often claim uh R Ralph as one of their Ralph as one of their Ralph as one of their own but he gets into a scrap one of many own but he gets into a scrap one of many own but he gets into a scrap one of many with the West frankian King right what with the West frankian King right what with the West frankian King right what will in the future be France a guy named will in the future be France a guy named will in the future be France a guy named Charles the simple that we mentioned Charles the simple that we mentioned Charles the simple that we mentioned earlier and simple doesn't mean you know earlier and simple doesn't mean you know earlier and simple doesn't mean you know not intelligent it kind of not intelligent it kind of not intelligent it kind of means sincere right not not means sincere right not not means sincere right not not simple-minded but he will uh Ralph will simple-minded but he will uh Ralph will simple-minded but he will uh Ralph will lose this encounter in West frankia and lose this encounter in West frankia and lose this encounter in West frankia and as part of the peace agreement he will as part of the peace agreement he will as part of the peace agreement he will be given a territory that in the future be given a territory that in the future be given a territory that in the future will be called Normandy which is a will be called Normandy which is a will be called Normandy which is a reference to the people who settle there reference to the people who settle there reference to the people who settle there after this peace agreements the after this peace agreements the after this peace agreements the northmen under Ral the northmen under Ral the northmen under Ral the ganger Ral is fully a viking right out

ganger Ral is fully a viking right out ganger Ral is fully a viking right out of the Hollywood movie trope of the Hollywood movie trope of the Hollywood movie trope in his book powers and Thrones Dan Jones in his book powers and Thrones Dan Jones in his book powers and Thrones Dan Jones writes quote the creation of Normandy writes quote the creation of Normandy writes quote the creation of Normandy was directly linked to the dramatic was directly linked to the dramatic was directly linked to the dramatic Siege of Paris in 885 886 among the Siege of Paris in 885 886 among the Siege of Paris in 885 886 among the Viking leaders of that expedition was a Viking leaders of that expedition was a Viking leaders of that expedition was a man called R who was probably born in man called R who was probably born in man called R who was probably born in Denmark and whose career was described Denmark and whose career was described Denmark and whose career was described by a later biographer dudo of San by a later biographer dudo of San by a later biographer dudo of San Quenton in idealized but undeniably Quenton in idealized but undeniably Quenton in idealized but undeniably thrilling terms end quote Jones is going thrilling terms end quote Jones is going thrilling terms end quote Jones is going to intersperse some of those quotes from to intersperse some of those quotes from to intersperse some of those quotes from dudo in this next part where he says dudo in this next part where he says dudo in this next part where he says quote dudo described r as a quote dudo described r as a quote dudo described r as a preternaturally tough and dogged Soldier preternaturally tough and dogged Soldier preternaturally tough and dogged Soldier quote trained in The Art of War and quote trained in The Art of War and quote trained in The Art of War and utterly ruthless end quot who could utterly ruthless end quot who could utterly ruthless end quot who could typically be seen quote in a helmet typically be seen quote in a helmet typically be seen quote in a helmet wonderfully ornamented with gold and a wonderfully ornamented with gold and a wonderfully ornamented with gold and a male coat end quote Jones continues male coat end quote Jones continues male coat end quote Jones continues quote R was one of the most violent men quote R was one of the most violent men quote R was one of the most violent men of his exceptionally bloody times of his exceptionally bloody times of his exceptionally bloody times on one occasion he prevailed in battle on one occasion he prevailed in battle on one occasion he prevailed in battle by ordering his men to kill all the by ordering his men to kill all the by ordering his men to kill all the animals Cho their carcasses in half and animals Cho their carcasses in half and animals Cho their carcasses in half and build a makeshift barricade out of their build a makeshift barricade out of their build a makeshift barricade out of their freshly butchered meat but he was a freshly butchered meat but he was a freshly butchered meat but he was a canny negotiator Jones writes during the canny negotiator Jones writes during the canny negotiator Jones writes during the second half of the 9th century R made a second half of the 9th century R made a second half of the 9th century R made a tidy living among the Franks doing as tidy living among the Franks doing as tidy living among the Franks doing as all thrusting young northmen did Burning all thrusting young northmen did Burning all thrusting young northmen did Burning laying towns and villages to waste

laying towns and villages to waste laying towns and villages to waste plundering Ing and killing by the early plundering Ing and killing by the early plundering Ing and killing by the early years of the 10th Century he and his years of the 10th Century he and his years of the 10th Century he and his Viking comrades had driven the rulers of Viking comrades had driven the rulers of Viking comrades had driven the rulers of the Franks to distraction and their the Franks to distraction and their the Franks to distraction and their people to a state of abject War people to a state of abject War people to a state of abject War weariness end quote his biographer dudo then says that quote his biographer dudo then says that the subjects of West frania were the subjects of West frania were the subjects of West frania were complaining to their King that the land complaining to their King that the land complaining to their King that the land in the realm was quote no better than a in the realm was quote no better than a in the realm was quote no better than a desert for for its population is either desert for for its population is either desert for for its population is either dead through famine or soared or is dead through famine or soared or is dead through famine or soared or is perhaps in captivity end perhaps in captivity end perhaps in captivity end quote so Charles the simple defeats R in quote so Charles the simple defeats R in quote so Charles the simple defeats R in a battle a Siege perhaps and the peace a battle a Siege perhaps and the peace a battle a Siege perhaps and the peace agreement is one that the people who are agreement is one that the people who are agreement is one that the people who are the fans of the highly centralized sorts the fans of the highly centralized sorts the fans of the highly centralized sorts of governments de cry as a huge mistake of governments de cry as a huge mistake of governments de cry as a huge mistake but those who see the decentralized but those who see the decentralized but those who see the decentralized approach as something may be more akin approach as something may be more akin approach as something may be more akin to you know doing the best with what you to you know doing the best with what you to you know doing the best with what you have have have available if you have terrorists available if you have terrorists available if you have terrorists continually destroying and raiding a continually destroying and raiding a continually destroying and raiding a region and taking off captives and region and taking off captives and region and taking off captives and killing the population and robbing killing the population and robbing killing the population and robbing everything what it would you think of everything what it would you think of everything what it would you think of turning that area over to the terrorists turning that area over to the terrorists turning that area over to the terrorists telling them that they now owe their telling them that they now owe their telling them that they now owe their allegiance to you that they need to allegiance to you that they need to allegiance to you that they need to convert to your way of thinking you know convert to your way of thinking you know convert to your way of thinking you know in these days we might make it a rule

in these days we might make it a rule in these days we might make it a rule that they have to then become a that they have to then become a that they have to then become a democracy but back in these times the democracy but back in these times the democracy but back in these times the rule is you have to become Christians rule is you have to become Christians rule is you have to become Christians and then telling them to defend that and then telling them to defend that and then telling them to defend that territory against other terrorists like territory against other terrorists like territory against other terrorists like themselves cuz that's going to be the deal Charles the simple is going to deal Charles the simple is going to Grant to R the Viking the areas that R Grant to R the Viking the areas that R Grant to R the Viking the areas that R is sort of already controlling and is sort of already controlling and is sort of already controlling and occupying these areas that will become occupying these areas that will become occupying these areas that will become Normandy around the entry to the San Normandy around the entry to the San Normandy around the entry to the San River and then tell him that you know if River and then tell him that you know if River and then tell him that you know if you accept this deal you're my you accept this deal you're my you accept this deal you're my vassel which may sound weird except that vassel which may sound weird except that vassel which may sound weird except that this is the era as we said when the this is the era as we said when the this is the era as we said when the Dukes and counts and Lords and barrons Dukes and counts and Lords and barrons Dukes and counts and Lords and barrons are going to start to come to the four are going to start to come to the four are going to start to come to the four and what's the difference if your and what's the difference if your and what's the difference if your warlord happens to be you know a locally warlord happens to be you know a locally warlord happens to be you know a locally grown warlord or if it's somebody you grown warlord or if it's somebody you grown warlord or if it's somebody you know from outside right I mean if if know from outside right I mean if if know from outside right I mean if if you're giving lands to a bunch of bar you're giving lands to a bunch of bar you're giving lands to a bunch of bar who are going to throw up their own who are going to throw up their own who are going to throw up their own castles and be you know sometimes loyal castles and be you know sometimes loyal castles and be you know sometimes loyal to you and other times rebellious well to you and other times rebellious well to you and other times rebellious well why not make it the guy who's already in why not make it the guy who's already in why not make it the guy who's already in charge of that area and who knows charge of that area and who knows charge of that area and who knows probably best how to repel Viking probably best how to repel Viking probably best how to repel Viking Raiders because he is himself a viking Raiders because he is himself a viking Raiders because he is himself a viking Raider and in his book Northman Raider and in his book Northman Raider and in his book Northman historian John Hayward writes about R historian John Hayward writes about R historian John Hayward writes about R and this and this and this agreement agreement agreement quote in return for his homage quote in return for his homage quote in return for his homage conversion to Christianity and agreement

conversion to Christianity and agreement conversion to Christianity and agreement to defend the San against other Viking to defend the San against other Viking to defend the San against other Viking Raiders Charles appointed r as count of Raiders Charles appointed r as count of Raiders Charles appointed r as count of ruon it was a mutually advantageous ruon it was a mutually advantageous ruon it was a mutually advantageous Arrangement Charles got recognition of Arrangement Charles got recognition of Arrangement Charles got recognition of his sovereignty over lands he did not his sovereignty over lands he did not his sovereignty over lands he did not actually control while R's deao rule actually control while R's deao rule actually control while R's deao rule over the lower San was over the lower San was over the lower San was legitimized end quote Haywood then legitimized end quote Haywood then legitimized end quote Haywood then points out that this is hardly a new points out that this is hardly a new points out that this is hardly a new Arrangement and that other kings have Arrangement and that other kings have Arrangement and that other kings have done this with Vikings before in fact done this with Vikings before in fact done this with Vikings before in fact one can go all the way back to certain one can go all the way back to certain one can go all the way back to certain Roman practices from the Roman Empire Roman practices from the Roman Empire Roman practices from the Roman Empire that sound similar including the way the that sound similar including the way the that sound similar including the way the Romans treated the Franks themselves Romans treated the Franks themselves Romans treated the Franks themselves when the Franks were much more Viking when the Franks were much more Viking when the Franks were much more Viking like than they are in this time like than they are in this time like than they are in this time period famously R may not be the period famously R may not be the period famously R may not be the submissive vassel to Charles the simple submissive vassel to Charles the simple submissive vassel to Charles the simple that the peace agreement may have that the peace agreement may have that the peace agreement may have expected did the biographer dudo tells a expected did the biographer dudo tells a expected did the biographer dudo tells a story where at one point during the story where at one point during the story where at one point during the ceremony R is supposed to kiss the feet ceremony R is supposed to kiss the feet ceremony R is supposed to kiss the feet of the Frankish King and instead says of the Frankish King and instead says of the Frankish King and instead says he's not kissing anyone's feet and he's not kissing anyone's feet and he's not kissing anyone's feet and orders an underling to do it for him and orders an underling to do it for him and orders an underling to do it for him and normally you bend down and kiss the feet normally you bend down and kiss the feet normally you bend down and kiss the feet of the King instead the Viking underling of the King instead the Viking underling of the King instead the Viking underling lifted up the king's foot to his mouth lifted up the king's foot to his mouth lifted up the king's foot to his mouth toppling the King on his back and toppling the King on his back and toppling the King on his back and supposedly the Vikings all laughed about supposedly the Vikings all laughed about supposedly the Vikings all laughed about this it's a sign of exactly how much this it's a sign of exactly how much this it's a sign of exactly how much respect they have for this agreement and

respect they have for this agreement and respect they have for this agreement and this this this King but R did convert to Christianity King but R did convert to Christianity King but R did convert to Christianity but like so many other Vikings who did but like so many other Vikings who did but like so many other Vikings who did first generation Christian converts from first generation Christian converts from first generation Christian converts from Scandinavia often hedged their bets a Scandinavia often hedged their bets a Scandinavia often hedged their bets a little bit and John Haywood in Northman little bit and John Haywood in Northman little bit and John Haywood in Northman explains how that worked for R when he explains how that worked for R when he explains how that worked for R when he says quote although R was still a pagan says quote although R was still a pagan says quote although R was still a pagan when he won control of raw it appears he when he won control of raw it appears he when he won control of raw it appears he allowed what was left of the church to allowed what was left of the church to allowed what was left of the church to function in that area under his control function in that area under his control function in that area under his control much as the Danish rulers of York had much as the Danish rulers of York had much as the Danish rulers of York had done Pagan Vikings he writes were rarely done Pagan Vikings he writes were rarely done Pagan Vikings he writes were rarely positively hostile to Christianity positively hostile to Christianity positively hostile to Christianity sacking churches and monasteries and sacking churches and monasteries and sacking churches and monasteries and selling their occupants into slavery was selling their occupants into slavery was selling their occupants into slavery was just good business even after his just good business even after his just good business even after his baptism in 9912 R like many first baptism in 9912 R like many first baptism in 9912 R like many first generation Viking converts to generation Viking converts to generation Viking converts to Christianity hedged his bets and Christianity hedged his bets and Christianity hedged his bets and worshiped the pagan gods along alongside worshiped the pagan gods along alongside worshiped the pagan gods along alongside Christ shortly before he died R ordered Christ shortly before he died R ordered Christ shortly before he died R ordered a 100 Christians to be beheaded as an a 100 Christians to be beheaded as an a 100 Christians to be beheaded as an offering to the pagan gods but he also offering to the pagan gods but he also offering to the pagan gods but he also gave a 100 pounds of gold to the gave a 100 pounds of gold to the gave a 100 pounds of gold to the churches of Ruan end churches of Ruan end churches of Ruan end quote the interesting thing about this quote the interesting thing about this quote the interesting thing about this though is that you can see the long-term though is that you can see the long-term though is that you can see the long-term anti-terrorism strategy at work here anti-terrorism strategy at work here anti-terrorism strategy at work here what the Chinese would have called in what the Chinese would have called in what the Chinese would have called in their long-term anti-terrorism strategy their long-term anti-terrorism strategy their long-term anti-terrorism strategy IES with their so-called barbarians IES with their so-called barbarians IES with their so-called barbarians nearby them cooking right cooking The

nearby them cooking right cooking The nearby them cooking right cooking The Barbarians because you turn them into Barbarians because you turn them into Barbarians because you turn them into people more like yourself and when that people more like yourself and when that people more like yourself and when that happens it changes the happens it changes the happens it changes the relationship it's a good thing for a relationship it's a good thing for a relationship it's a good thing for a ruler like R because becoming a ruler like R because becoming a ruler like R because becoming a Christian and beginning to organize your Christian and beginning to organize your Christian and beginning to organize your Society the way the Christian states did Society the way the Christian states did Society the way the Christian states did exalts the king turns the societies into exalts the king turns the societies into exalts the king turns the societies into one organized as a hierarchy not so good for the individual hierarchy not so good for the individual freedom-loving Viking farmers who used freedom-loving Viking farmers who used freedom-loving Viking farmers who used to get together at their assemblies to get together at their assemblies to get together at their assemblies known as things and make decisions that known as things and make decisions that known as things and make decisions that way right if you're Freedom loving and way right if you're Freedom loving and way right if you're Freedom loving and you like a nice decentralized system you like a nice decentralized system you like a nice decentralized system having your ruler convert to having your ruler convert to having your ruler convert to Christianity then mandating all his Christianity then mandating all his Christianity then mandating all his people do all of a sudden puts you under people do all of a sudden puts you under people do all of a sudden puts you under the control of a much stronger despotic the control of a much stronger despotic the control of a much stronger despotic r rer r rer r rer maybe the other thing though that it maybe the other thing though that it maybe the other thing though that it does for the other Christian states is does for the other Christian states is does for the other Christian states is it takes away one of the great Viking it takes away one of the great Viking it takes away one of the great Viking Scandinavian advantages in war all of a Scandinavian advantages in war all of a Scandinavian advantages in war all of a sudden instead of the circumstances sudden instead of the circumstances sudden instead of the circumstances being that they can rage you but you being that they can rage you but you being that they can rage you but you can't go and attack them because they can't go and attack them because they can't go and attack them because they live far away and who knows where and live far away and who knows where and live far away and who knows where and you can't get to them when the Vikings you can't get to them when the Vikings you can't get to them when the Vikings begin to settle in places for example in begin to settle in places for example in begin to settle in places for example in the Daye law in the British Isles or in the Daye law in the British Isles or in the Daye law in the British Isles or in Normandy they lose the main advantage Normandy they lose the main advantage Normandy they lose the main advantage that they have of that they have of that they have of mobility and now all of a sudden their

mobility and now all of a sudden their mobility and now all of a sudden their Farms their homes their families and Farms their homes their families and Farms their homes their families and their wealth are right next door to the their wealth are right next door to the their wealth are right next door to the people that they're sometimes making people that they're sometimes making people that they're sometimes making angry with them or angry with them or angry with them or vengeful or vengeful or vengeful or warlike and now their foes can do to warlike and now their foes can do to warlike and now their foes can do to them what they've done for more than a them what they've done for more than a them what they've done for more than a century to their foes century to their foes century to their foes and one of the really interesting things and one of the really interesting things and one of the really interesting things to follow during the Viking era are to follow during the Viking era are to follow during the Viking era are these overseas settlements by these these overseas settlements by these these overseas settlements by these Scandinavian Pirates conquerors Scandinavian Pirates conquerors Scandinavian Pirates conquerors colonists settlers whatever you want to colonists settlers whatever you want to colonists settlers whatever you want to call call call them because they become part of the them because they become part of the them because they become part of the societies that they're embedded in over societies that they're embedded in over societies that they're embedded in over time they become time they become time they become absorbed I think we compared the Viking absorbed I think we compared the Viking absorbed I think we compared the Viking age in part one to a hand grenade age in part one to a hand grenade age in part one to a hand grenade detonating in the Scandinavian Homeland detonating in the Scandinavian Homeland detonating in the Scandinavian Homeland and spreading burning shrapnel in all and spreading burning shrapnel in all and spreading burning shrapnel in all directions it's part of why this story directions it's part of why this story directions it's part of why this story so hard to follow you're following all so hard to follow you're following all so hard to follow you're following all those pieces of shrapnel as they embed those pieces of shrapnel as they embed those pieces of shrapnel as they embed themselves in the surrounding societies themselves in the surrounding societies themselves in the surrounding societies but if shrapnel doesn't kill you but if shrapnel doesn't kill you but if shrapnel doesn't kill you eventually the wound closes up and skin eventually the wound closes up and skin eventually the wound closes up and skin forms around it and while the metal may forms around it and while the metal may forms around it and while the metal may impact your life and cause a lingering impact your life and cause a lingering impact your life and cause a lingering amount of influence forever amount of influence forever amount of influence forever it just becomes one piece of a larger it just becomes one piece of a larger it just becomes one piece of a larger hole and there are interesting stories hole and there are interesting stories hole and there are interesting stories about R for example having dreams of

about R for example having dreams of about R for example having dreams of creating a society that is the creating a society that is the creating a society that is the equivalent of a whole flock of birds equivalent of a whole flock of birds equivalent of a whole flock of birds that shows up in one place of all that shows up in one place of all that shows up in one place of all different breeds and types but all different breeds and types but all different breeds and types but all bearing the same blood red bearing the same blood red bearing the same blood red leftwing and creating what one historian leftwing and creating what one historian leftwing and creating what one historian refers to as a mongrel Society out of refers to as a mongrel Society out of refers to as a mongrel Society out of these many different these many different these many different parts sort of parts sort of parts sort of foreshadowing the fusion to come it foreshadowing the fusion to come it foreshadowing the fusion to come it reminds me of the American Experience reminds me of the American Experience reminds me of the American Experience where the United States often referred where the United States often referred where the United States often referred to itself as the great Melting Pot or to itself as the great Melting Pot or to itself as the great Melting Pot or had Latin phrases associated with it had Latin phrases associated with it had Latin phrases associated with it like urbus yum urbus like urbus yum urbus like urbus yum urbus Unum which means out of many Unum which means out of many Unum which means out of many one and that is not a bad phrase to one and that is not a bad phrase to one and that is not a bad phrase to describe the Normans and of course describe the Normans and of course describe the Normans and of course Norman just means Northman and Normandy Norman just means Northman and Normandy Norman just means Northman and Normandy is the land of the northmen but these is the land of the northmen but these is the land of the northmen but these men came from all over and quickly found men came from all over and quickly found men came from all over and quickly found themselves a part of the society around themselves a part of the society around themselves a part of the society around them maintaining perhaps though them maintaining perhaps though them maintaining perhaps though something in their blood or their DNA or something in their blood or their DNA or something in their blood or their DNA or their cultural makeup that hearkened their cultural makeup that hearkened their cultural makeup that hearkened back to the ferociousness and the back to the ferociousness and the back to the ferociousness and the fierceness of their Viking Roots because fierceness of their Viking Roots because fierceness of their Viking Roots because you can hear chroniclers and even you can hear chroniclers and even you can hear chroniclers and even historians up until the mid 20th century historians up until the mid 20th century historians up until the mid 20th century and maybe even today talking about that and maybe even today talking about that and maybe even today talking about that weird sort of extra ferocity weird sort of extra ferocity weird sort of extra ferocity that the Normans had even when they were that the Normans had even when they were that the Normans had even when they were Christian and French and you can see how Christian and French and you can see how Christian and French and you can see how quickly they're absorbed by the local quickly they're absorbed by the local quickly they're absorbed by the local population R who's the first to settle population R who's the first to settle population R who's the first to settle there right this

there right this there right this Viking who is almost the quintessential Viking who is almost the quintessential Viking who is almost the quintessential example of the type will marry a local example of the type will marry a local example of the type will marry a local woman in the Danish way we're told and woman in the Danish way we're told and woman in the Danish way we're told and have a son who's already only half have a son who's already only half have a son who's already only half Viking and who speaks French and who's Viking and who speaks French and who's Viking and who speaks French and who's Christian he will have the respectively Christian he will have the respectively Christian he will have the respectively French name of William attached to him French name of William attached to him French name of William attached to him and get a surname or a nickname and get a surname or a nickname and get a surname or a nickname afterwards he'll be known as William afterwards he'll be known as William afterwards he'll be known as William longsword he will have a rebellion R's longsword he will have a rebellion R's longsword he will have a rebellion R's son launched against him by a bunch of son launched against him by a bunch of son launched against him by a bunch of his own Scandinavian Viking peoples who his own Scandinavian Viking peoples who his own Scandinavian Viking peoples who consider him already to consider him already to consider him already to frankied and then he's going to in the frankied and then he's going to in the frankied and then he's going to in the Danish way which means sort of like a Danish way which means sort of like a Danish way which means sort of like a conc Bine or a hookup or what would they conc Bine or a hookup or what would they conc Bine or a hookup or what would they say today a baby mama he will hook up say today a baby mama he will hook up say today a baby mama he will hook up with another Local woman which means with another Local woman which means with another Local woman which means that his kid who will be named Richard that his kid who will be named Richard that his kid who will be named Richard is only one quarter Viking so in the is only one quarter Viking so in the is only one quarter Viking so in the space of two generations you can already space of two generations you can already space of two generations you can already see the burning piece of shrapnel being see the burning piece of shrapnel being see the burning piece of shrapnel being absorbed by the much larger West absorbed by the much larger West absorbed by the much larger West Frankish Frankish Frankish body but as we've been saying all along body but as we've been saying all along body but as we've been saying all along what happens to R and his pirate Vikings what happens to R and his pirate Vikings what happens to R and his pirate Vikings in what will be Normandy is just a in what will be Normandy is just a in what will be Normandy is just a continuation of a process that's been continuation of a process that's been continuation of a process that's been going on since long before the Roman going on since long before the Roman going on since long before the Roman Empire fell centuries beforehand it's Empire fell centuries beforehand it's Empire fell centuries beforehand it's The Taming of these Germanic language

The Taming of these Germanic language The Taming of these Germanic language Pagan Pagan Pagan peoples and earlier versions of them peoples and earlier versions of them peoples and earlier versions of them from Goths to Lombards to vandals to from Goths to Lombards to vandals to from Goths to Lombards to vandals to burgundians to Franks yes even these burgundians to Franks yes even these burgundians to Franks yes even these Frankish people they've already gone Frankish people they've already gone Frankish people they've already gone through this process they're being well through this process they're being well through this process they're being well 150 years ago somebody would have seen a 150 years ago somebody would have seen a 150 years ago somebody would have seen a very superiority kind of way of looking very superiority kind of way of looking very superiority kind of way of looking at things said they're being civilized at things said they're being civilized at things said they're being civilized these Savages are being turned into these Savages are being turned into these Savages are being turned into reputable members of the Christian reputable members of the Christian reputable members of the Christian Community answerable to God and the Community answerable to God and the Community answerable to God and the surrounding other Nobles but if you're surrounding other Nobles but if you're surrounding other Nobles but if you're an average Viking farmer who goes on an average Viking farmer who goes on an average Viking farmer who goes on these raids as your ancestors might have these raids as your ancestors might have these raids as your ancestors might have doing a little piracy work to better doing a little piracy work to better doing a little piracy work to better yourself go home marry the girl next yourself go home marry the girl next yourself go home marry the girl next door and start a farm with you know your door and start a farm with you know your door and start a farm with you know your winnings from your pirate Affairs you winnings from your pirate Affairs you winnings from your pirate Affairs you might look at something like this as might look at something like this as might look at something like this as being sold out right the the big guys being sold out right the the big guys being sold out right the the big guys like R and his yls and yl could mean like R and his yls and yl could mean like R and his yls and yl could mean Earl or Lord or anything like that those Earl or Lord or anything like that those Earl or Lord or anything like that those guys are the ones who benefit greatly guys are the ones who benefit greatly guys are the ones who benefit greatly from these sorts of deals it's the from these sorts of deals it's the from these sorts of deals it's the average Viking who Once Upon a Time used average Viking who Once Upon a Time used average Viking who Once Upon a Time used to be considered sort of an equal who to be considered sort of an equal who to be considered sort of an equal who loses if you want to make the Hollywood loses if you want to make the Hollywood loses if you want to make the Hollywood movie about the Viking Kings and you movie about the Viking Kings and you movie about the Viking Kings and you want them to be these Barbarian type want them to be these Barbarian type want them to be these Barbarian type pirate you know movie tropes and you pirate you know movie tropes and you pirate you know movie tropes and you want them to be a bunch of Warriors want them to be a bunch of Warriors want them to be a bunch of Warriors involved in an equal Brotherhood that involved in an equal Brotherhood that involved in an equal Brotherhood that when somebody says who is your leader when somebody says who is your leader when somebody says who is your leader you say we have none right that's a you say we have none right that's a you say we have none right that's a famous line from the old Viking we have

famous line from the old Viking we have famous line from the old Viking we have no leader we're all equal here then you no leader we're all equal here then you no leader we're all equal here then you want to set your movie in the want to set your movie in the want to set your movie in the 700s or the 800s because in the 900s ADC 700s or the 800s because in the 900s ADC 700s or the 800s because in the 900s ADC the Viking world begins to become more the Viking world begins to become more the Viking world begins to become more like the non viiking Christian world and like the non viiking Christian world and like the non viiking Christian world and the hierarchies that are taking over in the hierarchies that are taking over in the hierarchies that are taking over in places that will become France and places that will become France and places that will become France and Germany and places like that arrives in Germany and places like that arrives in Germany and places like that arrives in Scandinavia and you can begin to see the Scandinavia and you can begin to see the Scandinavia and you can begin to see the consolidation of these independent consolidation of these independent consolidation of these independent smalltime rulers these so-called Petty smalltime rulers these so-called Petty smalltime rulers these so-called Petty Kings by the great Kings and it's a bit Kings by the great Kings and it's a bit Kings by the great Kings and it's a bit like watching corporate Giants SWAP like watching corporate Giants SWAP like watching corporate Giants SWAP following up smalltime businesses and following up smalltime businesses and following up smalltime businesses and Mom and Pop operations until they create Mom and Pop operations until they create Mom and Pop operations until they create the geopolitical equivalent of a the geopolitical equivalent of a the geopolitical equivalent of a monopoly and in keeping with history's monopoly and in keeping with history's monopoly and in keeping with history's love of consolidation and love of consolidation and love of consolidation and consolidators the men who do this are consolidators the men who do this are consolidators the men who do this are often often often lauded as the founding fathers of the lauded as the founding fathers of the lauded as the founding fathers of the modern-day nations of Scandinavia right modern-day nations of Scandinavia right modern-day nations of Scandinavia right their version of a George Washington their version of a George Washington their version of a George Washington type figure it's worth pointing out that type figure it's worth pointing out that type figure it's worth pointing out that the people who do this in the places the people who do this in the places the people who do this in the places like modern day Sweden or modern day like modern day Sweden or modern day like modern day Sweden or modern day Denmark or modern-day Norway are figures Denmark or modern-day Norway are figures Denmark or modern-day Norway are figures that you can't 100% confirm were even that you can't 100% confirm were even that you can't 100% confirm were even real welcome to the Early Middle

real welcome to the Early Middle real welcome to the Early Middle Ages take for example the guy who Ages take for example the guy who Ages take for example the guy who famously does this and what will become famously does this and what will become famously does this and what will become the country of the country of the country of Norway his name is Harold fehir also Norway his name is Harold fehir also Norway his name is Harold fehir also also known as Harold Fair hair also also known as Harold Fair hair also also known as Harold Fair hair also known as Harold known as Harold known as Harold hairfair Neil price the historian of hairfair Neil price the historian of hairfair Neil price the historian of Viking times says that his nickname was Viking times says that his nickname was Viking times says that his nickname was loofah which means mophead and price loofah which means mophead and price loofah which means mophead and price points out that these guys often had points out that these guys often had points out that these guys often had pirate last names and nicknames compare pirate last names and nicknames compare pirate last names and nicknames compare it to something like Blackbeard from the it to something like Blackbeard from the it to something like Blackbeard from the 16th or 17th century and mop head is a 16th or 17th century and mop head is a 16th or 17th century and mop head is a famous figure in one of the sagas famous figure in one of the sagas famous figure in one of the sagas written by one of the most famous Saga written by one of the most famous Saga written by one of the most famous Saga writers of all time an Icelandic writer writers of all time an Icelandic writer writers of all time an Icelandic writer named snor steron and in his work known named snor steron and in his work known named snor steron and in his work known as the himim kringla or the lives of the as the himim kringla or the lives of the as the himim kringla or the lives of the Norse Kings he writes about mop head and Norse Kings he writes about mop head and Norse Kings he writes about mop head and in very story book like fashion traces in very story book like fashion traces in very story book like fashion traces his desire to conquer all of Norway and his desire to conquer all of Norway and his desire to conquer all of Norway and be the king that unifies the entire be the king that unifies the entire be the king that unifies the entire place to a woman that he wants and he place to a woman that he wants and he place to a woman that he wants and he goes to her and basically you know goes to her and basically you know goes to her and basically you know proposes that he become her man and she proposes that he become her man and she proposes that he become her man and she says something like why would a petty says something like why would a petty says something like why would a petty King like you appeal to me I mean she King like you appeal to me I mean she King like you appeal to me I mean she says when we have Kings who are unifying says when we have Kings who are unifying says when we have Kings who are unifying Sweden and Kings who are unifying Sweden and Kings who are unifying Sweden and Kings who are unifying Denmark why don't you go unify Norway Denmark why don't you go unify Norway Denmark why don't you go unify Norway and then come back to me when you've and then come back to me when you've and then come back to me when you've made something of yourself he in The made something of yourself he in The made something of yourself he in The Saga says something like oh yeah thanks Saga says something like oh yeah thanks Saga says something like oh yeah thanks for reminding me I was always going to

for reminding me I was always going to for reminding me I was always going to do that and then he vows to not cut his do that and then he vows to not cut his do that and then he vows to not cut his hair until he does and then he goes hair until he does and then he goes hair until he does and then he goes around like a mafia Dawn making the sort around like a mafia Dawn making the sort around like a mafia Dawn making the sort of offers that the other Petty Kings of offers that the other Petty Kings of offers that the other Petty Kings can't refuse because if they do he kills can't refuse because if they do he kills can't refuse because if they do he kills them and all of their top men with them them and all of their top men with them them and all of their top men with them if they instead join him as we said with if they instead join him as we said with if they instead join him as we said with r all his top men can become his men yls r all his top men can become his men yls r all his top men can become his men yls and they can be bigger than the petty and they can be bigger than the petty and they can be bigger than the petty Kings of old but if they resist he's Kings of old but if they resist he's Kings of old but if they resist he's going to kill them and this creates a going to kill them and this creates a going to kill them and this creates a Newtonian equal and opposite Newtonian equal and opposite Newtonian equal and opposite reaction that precipitates one of the reaction that precipitates one of the reaction that precipitates one of the things that the Viking era is most known things that the Viking era is most known things that the Viking era is most known for right the pushing out and exploring for right the pushing out and exploring for right the pushing out and exploring farther and farther away lands in part farther and farther away lands in part farther and farther away lands in part because these people need to get away because these people need to get away because these people need to get away from Harold fehir who's going to kill from Harold fehir who's going to kill from Harold fehir who's going to kill them if he catches them if he catches them if he catches them it's a little bit more complicated them it's a little bit more complicated them it's a little bit more complicated than that but let's let snor steres in than that but let's let snor steres in than that but let's let snor steres in his work written farther away from the his work written farther away from the his work written farther away from the time that he's chronicling than the time that he's chronicling than the time that he's chronicling than the American Revolution is to our time let's American Revolution is to our time let's American Revolution is to our time let's have him discuss a little bit of the have him discuss a little bit of the have him discuss a little bit of the career of Harold fine hair to show us career of Harold fine hair to show us career of Harold fine hair to show us what we're dealing with here what we're dealing with here what we're dealing with here I'm using the earling Monson translation I'm using the earling Monson translation I'm using the earling Monson translation by the by the by the way and it needs to be pointed out that way and it needs to be pointed out that way and it needs to be pointed out that there are reasons that people would there are reasons that people would there are reasons that people would resist what fine hair is trying to do resist what fine hair is trying to do resist what fine hair is trying to do they often were people who were farmers they often were people who were farmers they often were people who were farmers on ancestral land that had been handed on ancestral land that had been handed on ancestral land that had been handed down from father to son from time

down from father to son from time down from father to son from time immemorial and all of a sudden this immemorial and all of a sudden this immemorial and all of a sudden this great king comes in and says all this great king comes in and says all this great king comes in and says all this land is mine and you can stay on it if land is mine and you can stay on it if land is mine and you can stay on it if you pay taxes and a lot of people said you pay taxes and a lot of people said you pay taxes and a lot of people said to hell with you I'm going elsewhere and to hell with you I'm going elsewhere and to hell with you I'm going elsewhere and that's described by steron when he says that's described by steron when he says that's described by steron when he says quote amid all the unrest when Harold quote amid all the unrest when Harold quote amid all the unrest when Harold was seeking to subdue all the land of was seeking to subdue all the land of was seeking to subdue all the land of Norway the Pharaohs which are islands Norway the Pharaohs which are islands Norway the Pharaohs which are islands and Iceland lands out Beyond the Sea and Iceland lands out Beyond the Sea and Iceland lands out Beyond the Sea were found and settled at that time also were found and settled at that time also were found and settled at that time also there was a great fairing to Shetland there was a great fairing to Shetland there was a great fairing to Shetland and many great men fled as Outlaws from and many great men fled as Outlaws from and many great men fled as Outlaws from Norway and they went on Viking raids to Norway and they went on Viking raids to Norway and they went on Viking raids to the West in the winter they were in the the West in the winter they were in the the West in the winter they were in the ores and the herdes but in the summer ores and the herdes but in the summer ores and the herdes but in the summer they harried in Norway and did great they harried in Norway and did great they harried in Norway and did great scate there in the land end scate there in the land end scate there in the land end quote what steron means by that is that quote what steron means by that is that quote what steron means by that is that these people didn't just run away from these people didn't just run away from these people didn't just run away from Harold fine hair and everybody let Harold fine hair and everybody let Harold fine hair and everybody let bygones be bygones they came back and bygones be bygones they came back and bygones be bygones they came back and treated Norway or what will become treated Norway or what will become treated Norway or what will become Norway the same way that Viking Raiders Norway the same way that Viking Raiders Norway the same way that Viking Raiders had treated the rest of Europe they had treated the rest of Europe they had treated the rest of Europe they raided and robbed and took slaves from raided and robbed and took slaves from raided and robbed and took slaves from heral f hair's growing Kingdom and this heral f hair's growing Kingdom and this heral f hair's growing Kingdom and this recalls something we said earlier in recalls something we said earlier in recalls something we said earlier in this story that before the Viking age this story that before the Viking age this story that before the Viking age supposedly begins it was probably supposedly begins it was probably supposedly begins it was probably already going on in the deep dark already going on in the deep dark already going on in the deep dark Scandinavian Mists before Europe ever Scandinavian Mists before Europe ever Scandinavian Mists before Europe ever knew about them and it continued knew about them and it continued knew about them and it continued probably long after the Viking age sort

probably long after the Viking age sort probably long after the Viking age sort of officially in air quotes ends the of officially in air quotes ends the of officially in air quotes ends the Vikings raid Scandinavia too and like Vikings raid Scandinavia too and like Vikings raid Scandinavia too and like all the kings of Europe who whose main all the kings of Europe who whose main all the kings of Europe who whose main job is protect protecting their subjects job is protect protecting their subjects job is protect protecting their subjects Harold feh hair's main job was Harold feh hair's main job was Harold feh hair's main job was protecting his and so when vikings who protecting his and so when vikings who protecting his and so when vikings who had fled Norway came back and raided had fled Norway came back and raided had fled Norway came back and raided Norway Harold fine hair goes after Norway Harold fine hair goes after Norway Harold fine hair goes after them steres continues quote King Harold them steres continues quote King Harold them steres continues quote King Harold learned that the Vikings who in the learned that the Vikings who in the learned that the Vikings who in the winter were in the Westlands which means winter were in the Westlands which means winter were in the Westlands which means Britain and Ireland were harrying in the Britain and Ireland were harrying in the Britain and Ireland were harrying in the Midlands which means Norway he went out Midlands which means Norway he went out Midlands which means Norway he went out to war each summer and ransacked the to war each summer and ransacked the to war each summer and ransacked the islands and the outlying rocks but when islands and the outlying rocks but when islands and the outlying rocks but when his army came near the Vikings they all his army came near the Vikings they all his army came near the Vikings they all fled most of them out to sea and when fled most of them out to sea and when fled most of them out to sea and when the King was weary of this It Happened the King was weary of this It Happened the King was weary of this It Happened One Summer that he sailed West with his One Summer that he sailed West with his One Summer that he sailed West with his army across the sea first he came to army across the sea first he came to army across the sea first he came to Shetland and there slew all the Vikings Shetland and there slew all the Vikings Shetland and there slew all the Vikings who had not fled th next he sailed South who had not fled th next he sailed South who had not fled th next he sailed South to the ores and cleansed them all of to the ores and cleansed them all of to the ores and cleansed them all of Vikings thereafter he went right to the Vikings thereafter he went right to the Vikings thereafter he went right to the herdes and harried there he slew many herdes and harried there he slew many herdes and harried there he slew many vikings who before had Warriors under vikings who before had Warriors under vikings who before had Warriors under them and he held there many battles and them and he held there many battles and them and he held there many battles and most often had the victory end most often had the victory end most often had the victory end quote so Herold loofah mop head hairfair quote so Herold loofah mop head hairfair quote so Herold loofah mop head hairfair fine hair adopted the same anti-piracy fine hair adopted the same anti-piracy fine hair adopted the same anti-piracy strategy common in the ancient world strategy common in the ancient world strategy common in the ancient world when it becomes too much you go find the

when it becomes too much you go find the when it becomes too much you go find the pirate layers launch the equivalent of pirate layers launch the equivalent of pirate layers launch the equivalent of Marines from your boats and wipe out all Marines from your boats and wipe out all Marines from your boats and wipe out all the Pirates where they they the Pirates where they they the Pirates where they they live now if you're trying to clear live now if you're trying to clear live now if you're trying to clear Pirates out Pirates out Pirates out though the problem is is how do you keep though the problem is is how do you keep though the problem is is how do you keep the areas from being the areas from being the areas from being reestablished as pirate bases later if reestablished as pirate bases later if reestablished as pirate bases later if you look at the history of the you look at the history of the you look at the history of the Mediterranean for example and piracy in Mediterranean for example and piracy in Mediterranean for example and piracy in that area you can have that area you can have that area you can have successive Empires and kingdoms clear successive Empires and kingdoms clear successive Empires and kingdoms clear out pirate layers only to have those out pirate layers only to have those out pirate layers only to have those places get reinfested later usually places get reinfested later usually places get reinfested later usually because they're perfect I mean they're because they're perfect I mean they're because they're perfect I mean they're just it's easy to hide they're uh these just it's easy to hide they're uh these just it's easy to hide they're uh these certain islands that become known for certain islands that become known for certain islands that become known for piracy are right along important piracy are right along important piracy are right along important shipping routes they just lend shipping routes they just lend shipping routes they just lend themselves to reinfestation so according themselves to reinfestation so according themselves to reinfestation so according to the sagas Harold will put some of his to the sagas Harold will put some of his to the sagas Harold will put some of his own people in charge of these islands own people in charge of these islands own people in charge of these islands like the Hees and the ornes and whatnot like the Hees and the ornes and whatnot like the Hees and the ornes and whatnot and their job is to sort of you know and their job is to sort of you know and their job is to sort of you know create a stable business climate and create a stable business climate and create a stable business climate and settle people there and make it one of settle people there and make it one of settle people there and make it one of those areas where there's just too many those areas where there's just too many those areas where there's just too many eyes and too much Law and Order and too eyes and too much Law and Order and too eyes and too much Law and Order and too many authorities for it to be a good many authorities for it to be a good many authorities for it to be a good place for pirates place for pirates place for pirates anymore I don't know if that's true and anymore I don't know if that's true and anymore I don't know if that's true and the sagas are not necessarily all that the sagas are not necessarily all that the sagas are not necessarily all that trustworthy on this sort of trustworthy on this sort of trustworthy on this sort of stuff there is another aspect though of stuff there is another aspect though of stuff there is another aspect though of Harold's rule that more modern histories Harold's rule that more modern histories Harold's rule that more modern histories are taking a much more jaundice view of are taking a much more jaundice view of are taking a much more jaundice view of them my earlier ones and that the sagas them my earlier ones and that the sagas them my earlier ones and that the sagas take which is that Harold's tyranny and

take which is that Harold's tyranny and take which is that Harold's tyranny and people fleeing from it are the reason people fleeing from it are the reason people fleeing from it are the reason for many of the Great Viking discoveries for many of the Great Viking discoveries for many of the Great Viking discoveries you know the islands overseas you know the islands overseas you know the islands overseas the icelands the greenlands the east the icelands the greenlands the east the icelands the greenlands the east coast of the Americas and you know coast of the Americas and you know coast of the Americas and you know places like the ornes and the hdes and places like the ornes and the hdes and places like the ornes and the hdes and the reason that modern historians are the reason that modern historians are the reason that modern historians are discounting that as a major reason is discounting that as a major reason is discounting that as a major reason is because the dating doesn't line up he because the dating doesn't line up he because the dating doesn't line up he couldn't have been his tyranny couldn't couldn't have been his tyranny couldn't couldn't have been his tyranny couldn't have been the reason that the Hees and have been the reason that the Hees and have been the reason that the Hees and the orcines and those places are settled the orcines and those places are settled the orcines and those places are settled because they're settled long before because they're settled long before because they're settled long before herold's time even Iceland is settled herold's time even Iceland is settled herold's time even Iceland is settled before heral is putting immense pressure before heral is putting immense pressure before heral is putting immense pressure on other on other on other Norwegians and Greenland and the Norwegians and Greenland and the Norwegians and Greenland and the Americas aren't settled until long Americas aren't settled until long Americas aren't settled until long afterwards so the dating doesn't line up afterwards so the dating doesn't line up afterwards so the dating doesn't line up um John Haywood points this out in um John Haywood points this out in um John Haywood points this out in Northman that just that that couldn't Northman that just that that couldn't Northman that just that that couldn't have been the reason but what he does have been the reason but what he does have been the reason but what he does say is it could be a reason for further say is it could be a reason for further say is it could be a reason for further settlement you know New Waves of people settlement you know New Waves of people settlement you know New Waves of people leaving Norway to escape the new leaving Norway to escape the new leaving Norway to escape the new restrictions that a guy like Harold is restrictions that a guy like Harold is restrictions that a guy like Harold is putting into place through consolidation putting into place through consolidation putting into place through consolidation right if you don't like it get out and right if you don't like it get out and right if you don't like it get out and they do and what do you go well American they do and what do you go well American they do and what do you go well American draes fleeing the draft during the draes fleeing the draft during the draes fleeing the draft during the Vietnam War went over the border to Vietnam War went over the border to Vietnam War went over the border to Canada if you're someone located in Canada if you're someone located in Canada if you're someone located in Modern Day Norway maybe you go to the Modern Day Norway maybe you go to the Modern Day Norway maybe you go to the herdes or the ores or if those are herdes or the ores or if those are herdes or the ores or if those are becoming too established and controlled becoming too established and controlled becoming too established and controlled by Harold's men maybe you go farther and by Harold's men maybe you go farther and by Harold's men maybe you go farther and farther in Herold F's lifetime would farther in Herold F's lifetime would farther in Herold F's lifetime would have been a place like Iceland and then have been a place like Iceland and then have been a place like Iceland and then after his uh lifetime would have been a after his uh lifetime would have been a after his uh lifetime would have been a place like

place like place like Greenland when you look at how those Greenland when you look at how those Greenland when you look at how those places were probably discovered that's places were probably discovered that's places were probably discovered that's an interesting story in and of itself an interesting story in and of itself an interesting story in and of itself and something that is undetermined as of and something that is undetermined as of and something that is undetermined as of yet but more and more the history yet but more and more the history yet but more and more the history suggests that some of these places were suggests that some of these places were suggests that some of these places were found before the Vikings even found them found before the Vikings even found them found before the Vikings even found them take Iceland for example Iceland may take Iceland for example Iceland may take Iceland for example Iceland may have had uh Irish monks find the place have had uh Irish monks find the place have had uh Irish monks find the place first now we need to take a different first now we need to take a different first now we need to take a different sort of approach with a place like sort of approach with a place like sort of approach with a place like Iceland than with most of the places the Iceland than with most of the places the Iceland than with most of the places the Vikings settled in Europe because we Vikings settled in Europe because we Vikings settled in Europe because we talked about the piece of shrapnel you talked about the piece of shrapnel you talked about the piece of shrapnel you know the Vikings embedding them elves in know the Vikings embedding them elves in know the Vikings embedding them elves in these larger societies and eventually these larger societies and eventually these larger societies and eventually being absorbed it's a little different being absorbed it's a little different being absorbed it's a little different when the Vikings discover places that when the Vikings discover places that when the Vikings discover places that don't have pre-existing large societies don't have pre-existing large societies don't have pre-existing large societies to begin with then the shrapnel acts to begin with then the shrapnel acts to begin with then the shrapnel acts more like a seed and grows into a real more like a seed and grows into a real more like a seed and grows into a real sort of Viking settlement and Iceland sort of Viking settlement and Iceland sort of Viking settlement and Iceland falls into that falls into that falls into that category because Irish monks would have category because Irish monks would have category because Irish monks would have been celibate anyway they wouldn't have been celibate anyway they wouldn't have been celibate anyway they wouldn't have gone to a place like Iceland to try to gone to a place like Iceland to try to gone to a place like Iceland to try to start families and settle down start families and settle down start families and settle down and be fruitful and multiply and there's and be fruitful and multiply and there's and be fruitful and multiply and there's no evidence that when the Vikings no evidence that when the Vikings no evidence that when the Vikings actually got there the Irish monks were actually got there the Irish monks were actually got there the Irish monks were still there although they supposedly still there although they supposedly still there although they supposedly found some leftover found some leftover found some leftover stuff the bottom line though is it's stuff the bottom line though is it's stuff the bottom line though is it's like finding free land with nobody there like finding free land with nobody there like finding free land with nobody there occupying it the various histories that occupying it the various histories that occupying it the various histories that I've read suggest what would probably be I've read suggest what would probably be I've read suggest what would probably be considered a rather obvious way that

considered a rather obvious way that considered a rather obvious way that these places get discovered initially these places get discovered initially these places get discovered initially and that's not because you seek out and that's not because you seek out and that's not because you seek out places cuz no one knows these places are places cuz no one knows these places are places cuz no one knows these places are here they get found accidentally when here they get found accidentally when here they get found accidentally when the Scandinavian ships get blown off the Scandinavian ships get blown off the Scandinavian ships get blown off course I mean if you're a sailing ship course I mean if you're a sailing ship course I mean if you're a sailing ship and all of a sudden you get caught in a and all of a sudden you get caught in a and all of a sudden you get caught in a place like uh the North Atlantic or the place like uh the North Atlantic or the place like uh the North Atlantic or the Atlantic above what's now Scotland and Atlantic above what's now Scotland and Atlantic above what's now Scotland and those islands and the wind starts taking those islands and the wind starts taking those islands and the wind starts taking you where it's going to take you you're you where it's going to take you you're you where it's going to take you you're kind of along for the ride aren't kind of along for the ride aren't kind of along for the ride aren't you and this is the part of the story you and this is the part of the story you and this is the part of the story that I find personally terrifying it is that I find personally terrifying it is that I find personally terrifying it is also the part of the story where uh also the part of the story where uh also the part of the story where uh we've been making connections between we've been making connections between we've been making connections between the Vikings and their contemporaries and the Vikings and their contemporaries and the Vikings and their contemporaries and the Vikings and their predecessors right the Vikings and their predecessors right the Vikings and their predecessors right the Germanic language Pagan peoples uh the Germanic language Pagan peoples uh the Germanic language Pagan peoples uh like the Saxons and all these people who like the Saxons and all these people who like the Saxons and all these people who came before the Vikings and the people came before the Vikings and the people came before the Vikings and the people in Western and Central Europe during in Western and Central Europe during in Western and Central Europe during their time period and trying to show the their time period and trying to show the their time period and trying to show the context that shows continuity and how context that shows continuity and how context that shows continuity and how the Vikings don't really stand out so the Vikings don't really stand out so the Vikings don't really stand out so much from uh all these other people's in much from uh all these other people's in much from uh all these other people's in most respects the area where they really most respects the area where they really most respects the area where they really do stand out and where they break new do stand out and where they break new do stand out and where they break new ground completely is the sea fairing ground completely is the sea fairing ground completely is the sea fairing part and that's the part that blows my part and that's the part that blows my part and that's the part that blows my mind and has fascinated people well for mind and has fascinated people well for mind and has fascinated people well for a very long time you know the Vikings a very long time you know the Vikings a very long time you know the Vikings became very big in the 19th century but became very big in the 19th century but became very big in the 19th century but people knew about these seaf fairing people knew about these seaf fairing people knew about these seaf fairing things long before then the people in things long before then the people in things long before then the people in Iceland for example who were fascinated Iceland for example who were fascinated Iceland for example who were fascinated because they were an immigrant people

because they were an immigrant people because they were an immigrant people too like the United States and like too like the United States and like too like the United States and like Australia and a lot of other places now Australia and a lot of other places now Australia and a lot of other places now you become fascinated with your roots you become fascinated with your roots you become fascinated with your roots and it was people like snor steron and and it was people like snor steron and and it was people like snor steron and all those folk who were writing about all those folk who were writing about all those folk who were writing about how their Island originally got how their Island originally got how their Island originally got populated from the home country and so populated from the home country and so populated from the home country and so everyone has been fascinated with what everyone has been fascinated with what everyone has been fascinated with what the Vikings were doing with ships the Vikings were doing with ships the Vikings were doing with ships because what they were doing with ships because what they were doing with ships because what they were doing with ships was relatively unprecedented and I say was relatively unprecedented and I say was relatively unprecedented and I say relatively because there were other relatively because there were other relatively because there were other peoples uh but they're some of the most peoples uh but they're some of the most peoples uh but they're some of the most famous seafaring peoples in history famous seafaring peoples in history famous seafaring peoples in history people like the Polynesians and the what people like the Polynesians and the what people like the Polynesians and the what maybe we could call the Roo Polynesians maybe we could call the Roo Polynesians maybe we could call the Roo Polynesians who were doing similar things in the who were doing similar things in the who were doing similar things in the Pacific mostly south of the Equator and Pacific mostly south of the Equator and Pacific mostly south of the Equator and the big difference between the the big difference between the the big difference between the Polynesians and the Vikings and all the Polynesians and the Vikings and all the Polynesians and the Vikings and all the other seaf fairing peoples before them other seaf fairing peoples before them other seaf fairing peoples before them was the willingness to go out into the was the willingness to go out into the was the willingness to go out into the Open Open Open Sea because seaf fairing pretty much Sea because seaf fairing pretty much Sea because seaf fairing pretty much from the beginning of time until about from the beginning of time until about from the beginning of time until about the Vikings and the protop Polynesians the Vikings and the protop Polynesians the Vikings and the protop Polynesians was all about staying within sight of was all about staying within sight of was all about staying within sight of land hugging the coast or going point to land hugging the coast or going point to land hugging the coast or going point to point like a connect the dots game you point like a connect the dots game you point like a connect the dots game you know from this island to that Island to know from this island to that Island to know from this island to that Island to this island never getting too far away this island never getting too far away this island never getting too far away from Land even when you see for example from Land even when you see for example from Land even when you see for example um the trans transfer of uh shipping or um the trans transfer of uh shipping or um the trans transfer of uh shipping or some of even the great Naval battles in some of even the great Naval battles in some of even the great Naval battles in the Mediterranean you can always see the Mediterranean you can always see the Mediterranean you can always see that it's a pointto point too navigation that it's a pointto point too navigation that it's a pointto point too navigation system they're never getting far away system they're never getting far away system they're never getting far away from Land they're never get there's from Land they're never get there's from Land they're never get there's always an island here or there that always an island here or there that always an island here or there that they're they're they're nearby once you go the old line was was

nearby once you go the old line was was nearby once you go the old line was was beyond the pillars of Hercules or beyond the pillars of Hercules or beyond the pillars of Hercules or Heracles the Gibralter area out into the Heracles the Gibralter area out into the Heracles the Gibralter area out into the Atlantic you were going off into the Atlantic you were going off into the Atlantic you were going off into the dragon territory on the edge of the map dragon territory on the edge of the map dragon territory on the edge of the map where people go and never come where people go and never come where people go and never come back that's where you lose ships but back that's where you lose ships but back that's where you lose ships but it's funny what you can discover while it's funny what you can discover while it's funny what you can discover while still hugging the coast the great still hugging the coast the great still hugging the coast the great Phoenicians who were the greatest Phoenicians who were the greatest Phoenicians who were the greatest seafarers of the ancient Mediterranean seafarers of the ancient Mediterranean seafarers of the ancient Mediterranean they were able to get allegedly all the they were able to get allegedly all the they were able to get allegedly all the way up to the British Isles and and the way up to the British Isles and and the way up to the British Isles and and the scan avian areas and everything simply scan avian areas and everything simply scan avian areas and everything simply following the following the following the coastline but what the Vikings do is as coastline but what the Vikings do is as coastline but what the Vikings do is as far as I can tell except for the far as I can tell except for the far as I can tell except for the Polynesian types unprecedented in this Polynesian types unprecedented in this Polynesian types unprecedented in this era and before which is they will era and before which is they will era and before which is they will venture out into the Open venture out into the Open venture out into the Open Sea now after pointing out that both the Sea now after pointing out that both the Sea now after pointing out that both the Polynesians and the malaise in the Polynesians and the malaise in the Polynesians and the malaise in the Indian Ocean had gone farther distances Indian Ocean had gone farther distances Indian Ocean had gone farther distances in this era or earlier eras than the in this era or earlier eras than the in this era or earlier eras than the Vikings historian John Haywood in Vikings historian John Haywood in Vikings historian John Haywood in Northman mentions that both those Northman mentions that both those Northman mentions that both those peoples at least had warmer weather and peoples at least had warmer weather and peoples at least had warmer weather and more predictable Seas working in their more predictable Seas working in their more predictable Seas working in their favor whereas these Scandinavians are favor whereas these Scandinavians are favor whereas these Scandinavians are operating in close to Arctic conditions operating in close to Arctic conditions operating in close to Arctic conditions sometimes I mean go look at a map look sometimes I mean go look at a map look sometimes I mean go look at a map look at where the latitude of a place like at where the latitude of a place like at where the latitude of a place like Iceland is there are no major cities Iceland is there are no major cities Iceland is there are no major cities above something like rikic that I can above something like rikic that I can above something like rikic that I can see it's subarctic maybe you would say

see it's subarctic maybe you would say see it's subarctic maybe you would say and Haywood says that like earlier and Haywood says that like earlier and Haywood says that like earlier peoples the Viking Scandinavian peoples the Viking Scandinavian peoples the Viking Scandinavian explorers and seaf farers preferred to explorers and seaf farers preferred to explorers and seaf farers preferred to stay within sight of land go point to stay within sight of land go point to stay within sight of land go point to point you know so that they were going point you know so that they were going point you know so that they were going from Island to Island and stayed as from Island to Island and stayed as from Island to Island and stayed as close as they could to areas you know close as they could to areas you know close as they could to areas you know where they felt safe to pull their ships where they felt safe to pull their ships where they felt safe to pull their ships into Coes and harbors and places where into Coes and harbors and places where into Coes and harbors and places where at nighttime they didn't have to be out at nighttime they didn't have to be out at nighttime they didn't have to be out in the water but often they were out in in the water but often they were out in in the water but often they were out in the water and when you realize that the water and when you realize that the water and when you realize that these are open boats in sometimes Arctic these are open boats in sometimes Arctic these are open boats in sometimes Arctic conditions it boggles the mind you can conditions it boggles the mind you can conditions it boggles the mind you can go online by the way and see videos of go online by the way and see videos of go online by the way and see videos of modern Recreations of Viking long ships modern Recreations of Viking long ships modern Recreations of Viking long ships and people traveling on them and you and people traveling on them and you and people traveling on them and you just can't imagine doing it for days at just can't imagine doing it for days at just can't imagine doing it for days at a time but that's what had to be done a time but that's what had to be done a time but that's what had to be done and these Viking warships that are often and these Viking warships that are often and these Viking warships that are often used in the Recreations are usually not used in the Recreations are usually not used in the Recreations are usually not the kind of ships that Vikings settlers the kind of ships that Vikings settlers the kind of ships that Vikings settlers traveled on they traveled on tubbier traveled on they traveled on tubbier traveled on they traveled on tubbier merchantmen called Nars or nors and merchantmen called Nars or nors and merchantmen called Nars or nors and Haywood describes these and he says Haywood describes these and he says Haywood describes these and he says quote most of the leading settlers or he quote most of the leading settlers or he quote most of the leading settlers or he uses the Scandinavian word that means uses the Scandinavian word that means uses the Scandinavian word that means land takers because that was the phrase land takers because that was the phrase land takers because that was the phrase used or land takers arrived in their own used or land takers arrived in their own used or land takers arrived in their own ships these were not long ships but ships these were not long ships but ships these were not long ships but sturdy Merchant ships called Nars with sturdy Merchant ships called Nars with sturdy Merchant ships called Nars with shorter broader and deeper hulls than shorter broader and deeper hulls than shorter broader and deeper hulls than long ship long ship long ship Nars relied on sales alone carrying only

Nars relied on sales alone carrying only Nars relied on sales alone carrying only a couple of pairs of ores for a couple of pairs of ores for a couple of pairs of ores for maneuvering in Harbor end quote he then maneuvering in Harbor end quote he then maneuvering in Harbor end quote he then points out at the time of the points out at the time of the points out at the time of the settlements the Nars probably had a settlements the Nars probably had a settlements the Nars probably had a cargo capacity of 25 to 30 tons this cargo capacity of 25 to 30 tons this cargo capacity of 25 to 30 tons this would go up as the Viking age went on to would go up as the Viking age went on to would go up as the Viking age went on to probably more like 50 tons he says probably more like 50 tons he says probably more like 50 tons he says modern replicas of these Merchant modern replicas of these Merchant modern replicas of these Merchant vessels have sailed around the entire vessels have sailed around the entire vessels have sailed around the entire world but um the one that sailed around world but um the one that sailed around world but um the one that sailed around the entire world sank off the Spanish the entire world sank off the Spanish the entire world sank off the Spanish Coast in 1992 so you know just like Coast in 1992 so you know just like Coast in 1992 so you know just like modern-day uh fishing fleets and I and I modern-day uh fishing fleets and I and I modern-day uh fishing fleets and I and I believe that fishing is still considered believe that fishing is still considered believe that fishing is still considered per capita uh the most or one of the per capita uh the most or one of the per capita uh the most or one of the most dangerous professions you can have most dangerous professions you can have most dangerous professions you can have and that's with satellites modern ships and that's with satellites modern ships and that's with satellites modern ships uh Coast Guards and all those kinds of uh Coast Guards and all those kinds of uh Coast Guards and all those kinds of things imagine what it's like with a things imagine what it's like with a things imagine what it's like with a wooden boat with open decks and people wooden boat with open decks and people wooden boat with open decks and people navigating well with none of those navigating well with none of those navigating well with none of those tools and Haywood writes tools and Haywood writes tools and Haywood writes quote The Voyage to Iceland could take quote The Voyage to Iceland could take quote The Voyage to Iceland could take two to 3 weeks often with stopovers in two to 3 weeks often with stopovers in two to 3 weeks often with stopovers in orany Shetland and the Pharaoh Islands orany Shetland and the Pharaoh Islands orany Shetland and the Pharaoh Islands The Voyage cannot have been a The Voyage cannot have been a The Voyage cannot have been a comfortable experience Nars were comfortable experience Nars were comfortable experience Nars were basically just large open boats without basically just large open boats without basically just large open boats without cabins to give crew and passengers cabins to give crew and passengers cabins to give crew and passengers shelter in bad weather tents were shelter in bad weather tents were shelter in bad weather tents were stretched over ship's decks to provide stretched over ship's decks to provide stretched over ship's decks to provide shelter in Harbor but it is unlikely shelter in Harbor but it is unlikely shelter in Harbor but it is unlikely that this could be done at Sea because that this could be done at Sea because that this could be done at Sea because the tent would catch the wind and drive the tent would catch the wind and drive the tent would catch the wind and drive the the ship off course people probably the the ship off course people probably the the ship off course people probably had to huddle under seal skin or greased

had to huddle under seal skin or greased had to huddle under seal skin or greased leather coats in the hold along with the leather coats in the hold along with the leather coats in the hold along with the livestock to keep warm nor was there any livestock to keep warm nor was there any livestock to keep warm nor was there any possibility he writes of enjoying any possibility he writes of enjoying any possibility he writes of enjoying any hot food on the high seas shipwreck was hot food on the high seas shipwreck was hot food on the high seas shipwreck was a real possibility in one bad year of a real possibility in one bad year of a real possibility in one bad year of the 35 ships sailing to Iceland all but the 35 ships sailing to Iceland all but the 35 ships sailing to Iceland all but eight were wrecked end eight were wrecked end eight were wrecked end quote I've spent my entire life except quote I've spent my entire life except quote I've spent my entire life except for when I was in college Within a 35 for when I was in college Within a 35 for when I was in college Within a 35 minute drive of the Pacific Ocean I grew minute drive of the Pacific Ocean I grew minute drive of the Pacific Ocean I grew up uh body surfing at an age that was up uh body surfing at an age that was up uh body surfing at an age that was almost child abusive to have left me out almost child abusive to have left me out almost child abusive to have left me out in the waters at that age I'm very brave in the waters at that age I'm very brave in the waters at that age I'm very brave uh on the coast but you get me out into uh on the coast but you get me out into uh on the coast but you get me out into the Open Water and I get just terrified the Open Water and I get just terrified the Open Water and I get just terrified much more cowardly uh I remember a much more cowardly uh I remember a much more cowardly uh I remember a cousin of mine an idiot cousin of mine cousin of mine an idiot cousin of mine cousin of mine an idiot cousin of mine tipping us over in a catamaran three tipping us over in a catamaran three tipping us over in a catamaran three times in a day until the Coast Guard times in a day until the Coast Guard times in a day until the Coast Guard said that's enough of that you get to go said that's enough of that you get to go said that's enough of that you get to go in with inside of land and feeling in with inside of land and feeling in with inside of land and feeling absolutely helpless I can't imagine what absolutely helpless I can't imagine what absolutely helpless I can't imagine what it would be like in subarctic conditions it would be like in subarctic conditions it would be like in subarctic conditions in the middle of nowhere um with no help in the middle of nowhere um with no help in the middle of nowhere um with no help anywhere I was looking for accounts that anywhere I was looking for accounts that anywhere I was looking for accounts that could give us some semblance of what it could give us some semblance of what it could give us some semblance of what it was like for these Vikings but they was like for these Vikings but they was like for these Vikings but they don't exist during this period and the don't exist during this period and the don't exist during this period and the best ones that I found are actually uh best ones that I found are actually uh best ones that I found are actually uh in a book called The Perfect Storm now in a book called The Perfect Storm now in a book called The Perfect Storm now you might have seen the movie based on you might have seen the movie based on you might have seen the movie based on the book but the book is a very the book but the book is a very the book but the book is a very different animal and it combines the different animal and it combines the different animal and it combines the story that the movie focused on with story that the movie focused on with story that the movie focused on with historical accounts firsthand eyewitness

historical accounts firsthand eyewitness historical accounts firsthand eyewitness remembrances the science of the ocean remembrances the science of the ocean remembrances the science of the ocean and waves and shipping and all that it's and waves and shipping and all that it's and waves and shipping and all that it's absolutely fascinating if you can get absolutely fascinating if you can get absolutely fascinating if you can get your hands on it it's by Sebastian your hands on it it's by Sebastian your hands on it it's by Sebastian younger it's wonderful and he has some younger it's wonderful and he has some younger it's wonderful and he has some accounts that give us a sense of what it accounts that give us a sense of what it accounts that give us a sense of what it might be like in the open sea and how might be like in the open sea and how might be like in the open sea and how absolutely terrifying it can absolutely terrifying it can absolutely terrifying it can be so for example one of the scientific be so for example one of the scientific be so for example one of the scientific parts of the book talks about the parts of the book talks about the parts of the book talks about the difference between waves that are not difference between waves that are not difference between waves that are not crashing versus waves that do crash in crashing versus waves that do crash in crashing versus waves that do crash in the open ocean and younger writes quote the open ocean and younger writes quote the open ocean and younger writes quote a general rule of fluid dynamics holds a general rule of fluid dynamics holds a general rule of fluid dynamics holds that an object in the water tends to do that an object in the water tends to do that an object in the water tends to do whatever the water it replaces would whatever the water it replaces would whatever the water it replaces would have done in the case of a boat in a have done in the case of a boat in a have done in the case of a boat in a breaking wave the boat will effectively breaking wave the boat will effectively breaking wave the boat will effectively become part of the curl it will either become part of the curl it will either become part of the curl it will either be flipped end overend or shoved be flipped end overend or shoved be flipped end overend or shoved backwards and broken on instantaneous backwards and broken on instantaneous backwards and broken on instantaneous pressures of up to 6 tons per square pressures of up to 6 tons per square pressures of up to 6 tons per square foot have been measured in breaking foot have been measured in breaking foot have been measured in breaking waves breaking waves he writes have waves breaking waves he writes have waves breaking waves he writes have lifted a lifted a lifted a 2700 ton Breakwater and mass and 2700 ton Breakwater and mass and 2700 ton Breakwater and mass and deposited it inside the harbor at Wick deposited it inside the harbor at Wick deposited it inside the harbor at Wick Scotland they have blasted open a steel Scotland they have blasted open a steel Scotland they have blasted open a steel door 195 ft above sea level at I think door 195 ft above sea level at I think door 195 ft above sea level at I think it's un light or unlight in the Shetland it's un light or unlight in the Shetland it's un light or unlight in the Shetland Islands they have heaved a half ton Islands they have heaved a half ton Islands they have heaved a half ton Boulder 91 feet into the air at tiok Boulder 91 feet into the air at tiok Boulder 91 feet into the air at tiok Rock Oregon end Rock Oregon end Rock Oregon end quote so that gives us a sense of the quote so that gives us a sense of the quote so that gives us a sense of the power of the waves that these early

power of the waves that these early power of the waves that these early Mariners are having to potentially Mariners are having to potentially Mariners are having to potentially encounter and then younger talks about a encounter and then younger talks about a encounter and then younger talks about a phenomenon that used to be considered phenomenon that used to be considered phenomenon that used to be considered sort of an old wives tale or one of sort of an old wives tale or one of sort of an old wives tale or one of those tall stories that a salty sea those tall stories that a salty sea those tall stories that a salty sea captain would would relate but it turns captain would would relate but it turns captain would would relate but it turns out that they're true and buoys in the out that they're true and buoys in the out that they're true and buoys in the middle of the ocean and people in oil middle of the ocean and people in oil middle of the ocean and people in oil rigs in the middle of the sea have now rigs in the middle of the sea have now rigs in the middle of the sea have now conclusively proven that the phenomenon conclusively proven that the phenomenon conclusively proven that the phenomenon known as rogue waves are real and known as rogue waves are real and known as rogue waves are real and younger points out that the problem with younger points out that the problem with younger points out that the problem with eyewitness accounts is that a lot of eyewitness accounts is that a lot of eyewitness accounts is that a lot of people especially in the pre-modern seaf people especially in the pre-modern seaf people especially in the pre-modern seaf fairing era who encountered large rogue fairing era who encountered large rogue fairing era who encountered large rogue waves never survived to tell anybody waves never survived to tell anybody waves never survived to tell anybody about them speaking about the rogue about them speaking about the rogue about them speaking about the rogue waves he writes quote in the dry waves he writes quote in the dry waves he writes quote in the dry terminology of Naval architecture these terminology of Naval architecture these terminology of Naval architecture these are called non-negotiable waves Mariners are called non-negotiable waves Mariners are called non-negotiable waves Mariners call them rogue waves or freak Seas call them rogue waves or freak Seas call them rogue waves or freak Seas typically they are very Steep and have typically they are very Steep and have typically they are very Steep and have an equally steep trough in front of them an equally steep trough in front of them an equally steep trough in front of them a so-called hole in the ocean as some a so-called hole in the ocean as some a so-called hole in the ocean as some witnesses have described it ships he witnesses have described it ships he witnesses have described it ships he writes cannot get their boughs up fast writes cannot get their boughs up fast writes cannot get their boughs up fast enough and the ensuing wave breaks their enough and the ensuing wave breaks their enough and the ensuing wave breaks their back Maritime history is full of back Maritime history is full of back Maritime history is full of encounters with such waves when sir encounters with such waves when sir encounters with such waves when sir Ernest Shackleton was forced to cross Ernest Shackleton was forced to cross Ernest Shackleton was forced to cross the South polar sea in a 22t open the South polar sea in a 22t open the South polar sea in a 22t open Lifeboat he saw a wave so big that he Lifeboat he saw a wave so big that he Lifeboat he saw a wave so big that he mistook its foaming crest for a moonlit mistook its foaming crest for a moonlit mistook its foaming crest for a moonlit Cloud he only had time to yell hang on

Cloud he only had time to yell hang on Cloud he only had time to yell hang on boys it's got us before the wave broke boys it's got us before the wave broke boys it's got us before the wave broke over his boat miraculously they didn't over his boat miraculously they didn't over his boat miraculously they didn't sink he continues in February 1883 the sink he continues in February 1883 the sink he continues in February 1883 the 320t steam ship Glamorgan was swept bow 320t steam ship Glamorgan was swept bow 320t steam ship Glamorgan was swept bow to stern by an enormous wave that ripped to stern by an enormous wave that ripped to stern by an enormous wave that ripped the wheel house right off the deck the wheel house right off the deck the wheel house right off the deck taking all the ship's officers with it taking all the ship's officers with it taking all the ship's officers with it she later sank in 1966 he writes the she later sank in 1966 he writes the she later sank in 1966 he writes the 44,000 ton Michelangelo an Italian 44,000 ton Michelangelo an Italian 44,000 ton Michelangelo an Italian steamship carrying steamship carrying steamship carrying 775 passengers encountered a single 775 passengers encountered a single 775 passengers encountered a single massive wave in an otherwise massive wave in an otherwise massive wave in an otherwise unremarkable sea her bow fell into the unremarkable sea her bow fell into the unremarkable sea her bow fell into the trough and the wave stove in her bow trough and the wave stove in her bow trough and the wave stove in her bow flooding her wheelhouse and killed a flooding her wheelhouse and killed a flooding her wheelhouse and killed a crewman and two passengers in 1976 he crewman and two passengers in 1976 he crewman and two passengers in 1976 he says the the oil tanker Creon star says the the oil tanker Creon star says the the oil tanker Creon star radioed now the radio message was quote radioed now the radio message was quote radioed now the radio message was quote vessel was struck by a huge wave that vessel was struck by a huge wave that vessel was struck by a huge wave that went over the deck and quote and he says went over the deck and quote and he says went over the deck and quote and he says was never heard from again the only sign was never heard from again the only sign was never heard from again the only sign of her fate he wrote was a Four Mile oil of her fate he wrote was a Four Mile oil of her fate he wrote was a Four Mile oil slick off Bombay end slick off Bombay end slick off Bombay end quote he then tells an amazing story of quote he then tells an amazing story of quote he then tells an amazing story of one of the people who lived after seeing one of the people who lived after seeing one of the people who lived after seeing and surviving one of these waves hitting and surviving one of these waves hitting and surviving one of these waves hitting and the waves are very different and the waves are very different and the waves are very different sometimes sometimes they create create sometimes sometimes they create create sometimes sometimes they create create they they come together several waves they they come together several waves they they come together several waves come together and get larger than than come together and get larger than than come together and get larger than than the some of its parts so to speak and the some of its parts so to speak and the some of its parts so to speak and that's a phenomenon known as the three that's a phenomenon known as the three that's a phenomenon known as the three sisters sometimes when they come in sisters sometimes when they come in sisters sometimes when they come in threes but this 1966 encounter off South

threes but this 1966 encounter off South threes but this 1966 encounter off South Africa was a wave that stretched from Africa was a wave that stretched from Africa was a wave that stretched from Horizon to Horizon to Horizon to Horizon and younger writes quote most Horizon and younger writes quote most Horizon and younger writes quote most people don't survive encounters with people don't survive encounters with people don't survive encounters with such waves and so firsthand accounts are such waves and so firsthand accounts are such waves and so firsthand accounts are hard to come by but they do exist an hard to come by but they do exist an hard to come by but they do exist an English woman named barl smen was English woman named barl smen was English woman named barl smen was rounding Cape Horn with her husband in rounding Cape Horn with her husband in rounding Cape Horn with her husband in the 1960s I guess I said 66 1960s when the 1960s I guess I said 66 1960s when the 1960s I guess I said 66 1960s when she saw a shing wave behind her that she saw a shing wave behind her that she saw a shing wave behind her that stretched away in a straight line as far stretched away in a straight line as far stretched away in a straight line as far as she could see now quoting the as she could see now quoting the as she could see now quoting the Survivor quote the whole Horizon was Survivor quote the whole Horizon was Survivor quote the whole Horizon was blotted out by a huge gray wall she blotted out by a huge gray wall she blotted out by a huge gray wall she writes in her journal it had no curling writes in her journal it had no curling writes in her journal it had no curling Crest just a thin white line along the Crest just a thin white line along the Crest just a thin white line along the whole length and its face was unlike the whole length and its face was unlike the whole length and its face was unlike the slope face of a normal wave this was a slope face of a normal wave this was a slope face of a normal wave this was a wall of water with a completely vertical wall of water with a completely vertical wall of water with a completely vertical face down which ran white ripples like a face down which ran white ripples like a face down which ran white ripples like a waterfall end quote younger then points waterfall end quote younger then points waterfall end quote younger then points out that the wave flipped the 46ft boat out that the wave flipped the 46ft boat out that the wave flipped the 46ft boat end over end snapping the eyewitness's end over end snapping the eyewitness's end over end snapping the eyewitness's harness and throwing her harness and throwing her harness and throwing her overboard now I know in this era where overboard now I know in this era where overboard now I know in this era where we see people surfing almost 100 foot we see people surfing almost 100 foot we see people surfing almost 100 foot tall tall tall waves and whatnot that we are Blas to waves and whatnot that we are Blas to waves and whatnot that we are Blas to the power of the surf sometimes but even the power of the surf sometimes but even the power of the surf sometimes but even a 12-ft wave and I've been in 12ft waves a 12-ft wave and I've been in 12ft waves a 12-ft wave and I've been in 12ft waves churning around after wiping out body churning around after wiping out body churning around after wiping out body surfing on the coastline and I can just surfing on the coastline and I can just surfing on the coastline and I can just tell you the power of a mere 12 foot

tell you the power of a mere 12 foot tell you the power of a mere 12 foot wave is absolutely shocking and I can't wave is absolutely shocking and I can't wave is absolutely shocking and I can't imagine what This Woman's experience was imagine what This Woman's experience was imagine what This Woman's experience was like after being having her ship turned like after being having her ship turned like after being having her ship turned over with a wave like that and then over with a wave like that and then over with a wave like that and then finding herself CED finding herself CED finding herself CED snapped in the open ocean and then I recall that all those ocean and then I recall that all those vessels that we just talked about had vessels that we just talked about had vessels that we just talked about had multiple decks so you could go below multiple decks so you could go below multiple decks so you could go below deck when things got hairy up above they deck when things got hairy up above they deck when things got hairy up above they had modern Communications equipment had modern Communications equipment had modern Communications equipment modern navigational tools they knew modern navigational tools they knew modern navigational tools they knew their relative Geographic position on their relative Geographic position on their relative Geographic position on the map the map the map perfectly and it still freaks me out now perfectly and it still freaks me out now perfectly and it still freaks me out now imagine having none of those things imagine having none of those things imagine having none of those things and being a viking era Scandinavian in and being a viking era Scandinavian in and being a viking era Scandinavian in an open boat no Communications tools at an open boat no Communications tools at an open boat no Communications tools at all no modern navigational equipment at all no modern navigational equipment at all no modern navigational equipment at all and you know no below decks and all and you know no below decks and all and you know no below decks and you're out in the open you're out in the open you're out in the open ocean there's a part of me that thinks ocean there's a part of me that thinks ocean there's a part of me that thinks those people are crazy but that might be those people are crazy but that might be those people are crazy but that might be an eye of the beholder sort of thing an eye of the beholder sort of thing an eye of the beholder sort of thing right try telling them that we routinely right try telling them that we routinely right try telling them that we routinely go up in man-made metal tubes that fly go up in man-made metal tubes that fly go up in man-made metal tubes that fly higher than birds fly and take us across higher than birds fly and take us across higher than birds fly and take us across whole oceans continent to continent and whole oceans continent to continent and whole oceans continent to continent and see if they don't think we're The Crazy see if they don't think we're The Crazy see if they don't think we're The Crazy Ones and I imagine if you told people Ones and I imagine if you told people Ones and I imagine if you told people like that that we could do what we do like that that we could do what we do like that that we could do what we do with air travel they'd probably want to with air travel they'd probably want to with air travel they'd probably want to see what manner of human being it was

see what manner of human being it was see what manner of human being it was who could do that and I feel the same who could do that and I feel the same who could do that and I feel the same way about way about way about them and if you discount the sagas which them and if you discount the sagas which them and if you discount the sagas which as I said I don't know what Hollywood as I said I don't know what Hollywood as I said I don't know what Hollywood would do in portraying Vikings if they would do in portraying Vikings if they would do in portraying Vikings if they didn't use the didn't use the didn't use the sagas because discounting the sagas sagas because discounting the sagas sagas because discounting the sagas means you're left with very few means you're left with very few means you're left with very few eyewitness accounts of who these people eyewitness accounts of who these people eyewitness accounts of who these people were and like all eyewitness accounts were and like all eyewitness accounts were and like all eyewitness accounts from people who found themselves on the from people who found themselves on the from people who found themselves on the receiving end of violence or receiving end of violence or receiving end of violence or mistreatment or even just very different mistreatment or even just very different mistreatment or even just very different cultural norms and standards hard to cultural norms and standards hard to cultural norms and standards hard to accept the idea that the Viking era accept the idea that the Viking era accept the idea that the Viking era Scandinavians are getting a good Shake I Scandinavians are getting a good Shake I Scandinavians are getting a good Shake I mean if you're a monk writing about mean if you're a monk writing about mean if you're a monk writing about these people who as part of their these people who as part of their these people who as part of their business strategy aren't just pagans but business strategy aren't just pagans but business strategy aren't just pagans but like to assault holy sites and like to assault holy sites and like to assault holy sites and monasteries and kill monks well is a monasteries and kill monks well is a monasteries and kill monks well is a monk's account of these people going to monk's account of these people going to monk's account of these people going to be particularly evenhanded I doubt be particularly evenhanded I doubt be particularly evenhanded I doubt it we do have the rare accounts though it we do have the rare accounts though it we do have the rare accounts though that show up from eyewitnesses who are that show up from eyewitnesses who are that show up from eyewitnesses who are not Christian monks and who run into not Christian monks and who run into not Christian monks and who run into people who may be Viking era people who may be Viking era people who may be Viking era Scandinavians and the most most famous Scandinavians and the most most famous Scandinavians and the most most famous happens right around where we are in happens right around where we are in happens right around where we are in this this this story it is a an account which like the story it is a an account which like the story it is a an account which like the sagas a lot of people have to hang a lot sagas a lot of people have to hang a lot sagas a lot of people have to hang a lot of assumptions on because you have so of assumptions on because you have so of assumptions on because you have so little to work with and it's such a

little to work with and it's such a little to work with and it's such a famous account and so rare that it has famous account and so rare that it has famous account and so rare that it has been used by fictional authors to sort been used by fictional authors to sort been used by fictional authors to sort of build stories off of Michael of build stories off of Michael of build stories off of Michael kryon uh the author of Eaters of the kryon uh the author of Eaters of the kryon uh the author of Eaters of the Dead for example used this account Dead for example used this account Dead for example used this account as the foundation on which to build a as the foundation on which to build a as the foundation on which to build a fictional story and a movie was built on fictional story and a movie was built on fictional story and a movie was built on top of that book called The 13th Warrior top of that book called The 13th Warrior top of that book called The 13th Warrior so you may have seen that but neither so you may have seen that but neither so you may have seen that but neither one of those Tales gets told if not for one of those Tales gets told if not for one of those Tales gets told if not for the original account the eyewitness the original account the eyewitness the original account the eyewitness account of a Muslim traveler named ibben account of a Muslim traveler named ibben account of a Muslim traveler named ibben fadlan and he traveled two regions in fadlan and he traveled two regions in fadlan and he traveled two regions in what are now what are now what are now Russia in the Russia in the Russia in the year 921 and9 22 year 921 and9 22 year 921 and9 22 adce and along the way ran into a people adce and along the way ran into a people adce and along the way ran into a people who were trading on the rivers back then who were trading on the rivers back then who were trading on the rivers back then who very well may have been Viking era who very well may have been Viking era who very well may have been Viking era Scandinavians let's put some disclaimers Scandinavians let's put some disclaimers Scandinavians let's put some disclaimers in here though shall we for accuracy in here though shall we for accuracy in here though shall we for accuracy sake disclaimer number one these may not sake disclaimer number one these may not sake disclaimer number one these may not have been Viking era have been Viking era have been Viking era Scandinavians these may have been people Scandinavians these may have been people Scandinavians these may have been people who were Slavic for example who were Slavic for example who were Slavic for example or it may have been what we would call or it may have been what we would call or it may have been what we would call today an international crew of people a today an international crew of people a today an international crew of people a mixed crew of people that included some mixed crew of people that included some mixed crew of people that included some Scandinavians mixed with some slaves Scandinavians mixed with some slaves Scandinavians mixed with some slaves mixed with some balts you just don't mixed with some balts you just don't mixed with some balts you just don't know disclaimer number two even if these know disclaimer number two even if these know disclaimer number two even if these were were were Scandinavians they may not be

Scandinavians they may not be Scandinavians they may not be representative of the Scandinavians back representative of the Scandinavians back representative of the Scandinavians back in Scandinavia or Vikings in other in Scandinavia or Vikings in other in Scandinavia or Vikings in other places even though it's very possible places even though it's very possible places even though it's very possible that these same people that ibben fodlan that these same people that ibben fodlan that these same people that ibben fodlan talks about were migrating back back and talks about were migrating back back and talks about were migrating back back and forth to Scandinavia and maybe then forth to Scandinavia and maybe then forth to Scandinavia and maybe then going west to Britain and maybe then to going west to Britain and maybe then to going west to Britain and maybe then to FR you you just don't know because how FR you you just don't know because how FR you you just don't know because how representative of Scandinavian culture representative of Scandinavian culture representative of Scandinavian culture back in a place like well what will be back in a place like well what will be back in a place like well what will be modern day Sweden Modern Day Norway modern day Sweden Modern Day Norway modern day Sweden Modern Day Norway modern day Denmark are these modern day Denmark are these modern day Denmark are these seafarers it's possible that you could seafarers it's possible that you could seafarers it's possible that you could look at them the way we would look at look at them the way we would look at look at them the way we would look at you know Sailors today who spent their you know Sailors today who spent their you know Sailors today who spent their life at Sea and then come back home life at Sea and then come back home life at Sea and then come back home covered in tattoos these salty Popeye covered in tattoos these salty Popeye covered in tattoos these salty Popeye the Sailor slash you know long joh the Sailor slash you know long joh the Sailor slash you know long joh silver characters from Treasure Island silver characters from Treasure Island silver characters from Treasure Island where they are people from your culture where they are people from your culture where they are people from your culture but they're not representative of most but they're not representative of most but they're not representative of most of the people in your culture for of the people in your culture for of the people in your culture for example one of the thing Fon talks about example one of the thing Fon talks about example one of the thing Fon talks about in this eyewitness account is how dirty in this eyewitness account is how dirty in this eyewitness account is how dirty these people were but this clashes with these people were but this clashes with these people were but this clashes with other accounts that suggest that Viking other accounts that suggest that Viking other accounts that suggest that Viking era Scandinavians in Scandinavia were era Scandinavians in Scandinavia were era Scandinavians in Scandinavia were meticulously clean people with clean meticulously clean people with clean meticulously clean people with clean clothes and clean hair and all so these clothes and clean hair and all so these clothes and clean hair and all so these are the disclaimers in one of these very are the disclaimers in one of these very are the disclaimers in one of these very very rare eyewitness accounts of a very rare eyewitness accounts of a very rare eyewitness accounts of a people that very well may be or include people that very well may be or include people that very well may be or include Viking era Scandinavians probably if so Viking era Scandinavians probably if so Viking era Scandinavians probably if so mostly swedes now here's the backstory mostly swedes now here's the backstory mostly swedes now here's the backstory of fodlan's account he sets out from of fodlan's account he sets out from of fodlan's account he sets out from Baghdad I think it was where his bosses Baghdad I think it was where his bosses Baghdad I think it was where his bosses and he doesn't want to lie to them so and he doesn't want to lie to them so and he doesn't want to lie to them so these aren't like Marco Polo type

these aren't like Marco Polo type these aren't like Marco Polo type accounts where you know there could be accounts where you know there could be accounts where you know there could be all kinds of exaggeration this guy's all kinds of exaggeration this guy's all kinds of exaggeration this guy's trying to give a good account of what he trying to give a good account of what he trying to give a good account of what he runs runs into and he's not looking for runs runs into and he's not looking for runs runs into and he's not looking for Vikings remember in the part of the Vikings remember in the part of the Vikings remember in the part of the world where fon traveling they don't world where fon traveling they don't world where fon traveling they don't call them Vikings they call them call them Vikings they call them call them Vikings they call them varangians and this is the era where varangians and this is the era where varangians and this is the era where these varangian people are morphing these varangian people are morphing these varangian people are morphing perhaps again another disclaimer into perhaps again another disclaimer into perhaps again another disclaimer into that people we introduced in part one that people we introduced in part one that people we introduced in part one the Roose who these Roost are is another the Roose who these Roost are is another the Roose who these Roost are is another one of these great non understood things one of these great non understood things one of these great non understood things and historians over the eras have had and historians over the eras have had and historians over the eras have had different opinions I think we introduced different opinions I think we introduced different opinions I think we introduced the concept of the Norman and the anti-oral about the ru because in place anti-oral about the ru because in place like the old Soviet Union uh you didn't like the old Soviet Union uh you didn't like the old Soviet Union uh you didn't want to assume or acknowledge that there want to assume or acknowledge that there want to assume or acknowledge that there was any was any was any Scandinavian influx of DNA or cultural Scandinavian influx of DNA or cultural Scandinavian influx of DNA or cultural influence in a predominantly Slavic sort influence in a predominantly Slavic sort influence in a predominantly Slavic sort of historical account but on the of historical account but on the of historical account but on the Germanic side it was just the opposite I Germanic side it was just the opposite I Germanic side it was just the opposite I mean Hitler and his Aryan supremacists I mean Hitler and his Aryan supremacists I mean Hitler and his Aryan supremacists I think Hitler famously said something think Hitler famously said something think Hitler famously said something like if not for the infusion of the like if not for the infusion of the like if not for the infusion of the Scandinavian blood into the Russian Scandinavian blood into the Russian Scandinavian blood into the Russian bloodline they would still be like bloodline they would still be like bloodline they would still be like rabbits in the Forest right the only rabbits in the Forest right the only rabbits in the Forest right the only reason they're they're advanced in any reason they're they're advanced in any reason they're they're advanced in any way shape or form is due to the Aryan way shape or form is due to the Aryan way shape or form is due to the Aryan blood so you know those are the two blood so you know those are the two blood so you know those are the two extremes of the pendulum there um DNA extremes of the pendulum there um DNA extremes of the pendulum there um DNA bioarchaeology and uh the assessment of bioarchaeology and uh the assessment of bioarchaeology and uh the assessment of artifacts that are being found is artifacts that are being found is artifacts that are being found is helping to clarify this this would be a helping to clarify this this would be a helping to clarify this this would be a different show if we could have this

different show if we could have this different show if we could have this conversation 20 years from now conversation 20 years from now conversation 20 years from now nonetheless fod laon talks about these nonetheless fod laon talks about these nonetheless fod laon talks about these people that he sees on his travels to people that he sees on his travels to people that he sees on his travels to what's now Southern Russia he's there to what's now Southern Russia he's there to what's now Southern Russia he's there to talk to some step Nomad maybe semi Nomad talk to some step Nomad maybe semi Nomad talk to some step Nomad maybe semi Nomad by this point leader of a group called by this point leader of a group called by this point leader of a group called the bulgars right this is a you know the bulgars right this is a you know the bulgars right this is a you know Bulgarian comes from that so this guy is Bulgarian comes from that so this guy is Bulgarian comes from that so this guy is Islamic but his bulgars are practicing a Islamic but his bulgars are practicing a Islamic but his bulgars are practicing a form of Islam that might not exactly be form of Islam that might not exactly be form of Islam that might not exactly be kosher if you'll pardon the mixed kosher if you'll pardon the mixed kosher if you'll pardon the mixed metaphors there and so he asks for some metaphors there and so he asks for some metaphors there and so he asks for some instruction on the faith you know come instruction on the faith you know come instruction on the faith you know come on up here tell us what we're doing on up here tell us what we're doing on up here tell us what we're doing wrong in practicing Islam and oh by the wrong in practicing Islam and oh by the wrong in practicing Islam and oh by the way I'd like to make some deals with you way I'd like to make some deals with you way I'd like to make some deals with you like to do some trading with you so if like to do some trading with you so if like to do some trading with you so if I'd goes up there and it's like a travel I'd goes up there and it's like a travel I'd goes up there and it's like a travel log if you will and as with anything log if you will and as with anything log if you will and as with anything from that long ago it's a miracle it's from that long ago it's a miracle it's from that long ago it's a miracle it's come down to you know be read by us come down to you know be read by us come down to you know be read by us today that it survived but amongst the today that it survived but amongst the today that it survived but amongst the many people he talks about are these many people he talks about are these many people he talks about are these people he calls the Russ or the rosiah people he calls the Russ or the rosiah people he calls the Russ or the rosiah now I'm using the translation by Richard now I'm using the translation by Richard now I'm using the translation by Richard Fry there are others but fodlan talks Fry there are others but fodlan talks Fry there are others but fodlan talks about these people that he encounters about these people that he encounters about these people that he encounters along the rivers who are trading and in along the rivers who are trading and in along the rivers who are trading and in the East if these are Arians if these the East if these are Arians if these the East if these are Arians if these are you know the Viking people from are you know the Viking people from are you know the Viking people from Scandinavia trading in what's now Scandinavia trading in what's now Scandinavia trading in what's now Southern Southern Southern Russia they are you know what do we say Russia they are you know what do we say Russia they are you know what do we say in the first part of the show that the in the first part of the show that the in the first part of the show that the Vikings in the west are like 60% Raiders Vikings in the west are like 60% Raiders Vikings in the west are like 60% Raiders and 40% Traders and in the East it's and 40% Traders and in the East it's and 40% Traders and in the East it's it's reversed like 60% Traer 40% Raider it's reversed like 60% Traer 40% Raider it's reversed like 60% Traer 40% Raider in part because there's a lot of in part because there's a lot of in part because there's a lot of powerful entities in the East that make

powerful entities in the East that make powerful entities in the East that make it a lot tougher to just go go along it a lot tougher to just go go along it a lot tougher to just go go along sacking everything and killing everyone sacking everything and killing everyone sacking everything and killing everyone uh they'll be pushed back and these uh they'll be pushed back and these uh they'll be pushed back and these bulgars are a perfect example of the bulgars are a perfect example of the bulgars are a perfect example of the kind of people that would push back so kind of people that would push back so kind of people that would push back so fonza can't talks about these people now fonza can't talks about these people now fonza can't talks about these people now to show you how difficult it is he talks to show you how difficult it is he talks to show you how difficult it is he talks about them having tattoos now we about them having tattoos now we about them having tattoos now we mentioned in part one there's all kinds mentioned in part one there's all kinds mentioned in part one there's all kinds of things that they found on the Viking of things that they found on the Viking of things that they found on the Viking skeletons that have been uncovered for skeletons that have been uncovered for skeletons that have been uncovered for example the tooth grooves right example the tooth grooves right example the tooth grooves right horizontal cuttings or carvings in the horizontal cuttings or carvings in the horizontal cuttings or carvings in the teeth of some of these skeletons that teeth of some of these skeletons that teeth of some of these skeletons that may have been dyed when they were alive may have been dyed when they were alive may have been dyed when they were alive you know so so you put a die in there so you know so so you put a die in there so you know so so you put a die in there so you can see them even more pronounced you can see them even more pronounced you can see them even more pronounced and this may have been the the mark of and this may have been the the mark of and this may have been the the mark of certain Warrior bands right it shows certain Warrior bands right it shows certain Warrior bands right it shows that you're in this particular group of that you're in this particular group of that you're in this particular group of people there are um the accounts of people there are um the accounts of people there are um the accounts of course of the eye makeup what did we course of the eye makeup what did we course of the eye makeup what did we call it in part one war mascara uh that call it in part one war mascara uh that call it in part one war mascara uh that the Vikings are supposed to have used uh the Vikings are supposed to have used uh the Vikings are supposed to have used uh and it was one of those things that was and it was one of those things that was and it was one of those things that was thought to be so cool by other people thought to be so cool by other people thought to be so cool by other people who saw it that the Anglo-Saxons in who saw it that the Anglo-Saxons in who saw it that the Anglo-Saxons in Britain right on the opposite side of Britain right on the opposite side of Britain right on the opposite side of this Great Divide between they and the this Great Divide between they and the this Great Divide between they and the Danes they start wearing it sounds like Danes they start wearing it sounds like Danes they start wearing it sounds like the girls liked it reminds you a little the girls liked it reminds you a little the girls liked it reminds you a little bit of like how the Romans in the Roman bit of like how the Romans in the Roman bit of like how the Romans in the Roman Era start adopting Golic and German Era start adopting Golic and German Era start adopting Golic and German Fashions like the tight pants cuz once Fashions like the tight pants cuz once Fashions like the tight pants cuz once again seemed to be popular with the again seemed to be popular with the again seemed to be popular with the opposite sex right I can look cool like opposite sex right I can look cool like opposite sex right I can look cool like a barbarian too give me that leather a barbarian too give me that leather a barbarian too give me that leather jacket give me those tight pants a jacket give me those tight pants a jacket give me those tight pants a little bit of the eye makeup the little bit of the eye makeup the little bit of the eye makeup the guideliner the war mascara and you know guideliner the war mascara and you know guideliner the war mascara and you know maybe the maybe the maybe the hairstyle there's an account by I think hairstyle there's an account by I think hairstyle there's an account by I think it was a monk in I think it's in Britain it was a monk in I think it's in Britain it was a monk in I think it's in Britain who was talking about how scandalous it

who was talking about how scandalous it who was talking about how scandalous it was to see Anglo-Saxon youth you know was to see Anglo-Saxon youth you know was to see Anglo-Saxon youth you know adopting the Fashions of the barbarians adopting the Fashions of the barbarians adopting the Fashions of the barbarians and the Heathen will Lon has these and the Heathen will Lon has these and the Heathen will Lon has these people that he encounters he says people that he encounters he says people that he encounters he says they're they're tattooed now once again they're they're tattooed now once again they're they're tattooed now once again we're brought into the situation where we're brought into the situation where we're brought into the situation where do you extrapolate that and say well we do you extrapolate that and say well we do you extrapolate that and say well we have an eyewitness account of Vikings so have an eyewitness account of Vikings so have an eyewitness account of Vikings so they must all be tattooed or is this they must all be tattooed or is this they must all be tattooed or is this like poey the Sailor and long jean like poey the Sailor and long jean like poey the Sailor and long jean silver and this isn't what Vikings are silver and this isn't what Vikings are silver and this isn't what Vikings are like at home this is what the ones who like at home this is what the ones who like at home this is what the ones who go to see and you know it's a go to see and you know it's a go to see and you know it's a Brotherhood of guys and they act a Brotherhood of guys and they act a Brotherhood of guys and they act a certain way we're dirty we're scy we're certain way we're dirty we're scy we're certain way we're dirty we're scy we're we're a bunch of you know guys on the we're a bunch of you know guys on the we're a bunch of you know guys on the road we're like musicians on the road road we're like musicians on the road road we're like musicians on the road it's different on the road you get home it's different on the road you get home it's different on the road you get home and you know you're amongst your own and you know you're amongst your own and you know you're amongst your own kind and you want to look clean and kind and you want to look clean and kind and you want to look clean and pretty and and reputable and maybe you pretty and and reputable and maybe you pretty and and reputable and maybe you look different so don't know how much look different so don't know how much look different so don't know how much you can extrapolate the Fon stuff but you can extrapolate the Fon stuff but you can extrapolate the Fon stuff but what he says is awesome and more awesome what he says is awesome and more awesome what he says is awesome and more awesome because it's one of the few accounts you because it's one of the few accounts you because it's one of the few accounts you have this isn't a saga right this is a have this isn't a saga right this is a have this isn't a saga right this is a guy who saw these people and this is guy who saw these people and this is guy who saw these people and this is what he writes from the Richard Fry what he writes from the Richard Fry what he writes from the Richard Fry translation of ibben fodlan's Journey To translation of ibben fodlan's Journey To translation of ibben fodlan's Journey To Russia Russia Russia quote I saw the rusia or rusia when they quote I saw the rusia or rusia when they quote I saw the rusia or rusia when they came hither on their trade in voyages came hither on their trade in voyages came hither on their trade in voyages and had encamped by the river itel or and had encamped by the river itel or and had encamped by the river itel or ail that's the vulga by the way I have ail that's the vulga by the way I have ail that's the vulga by the way I have never seen people he writes with a more never seen people he writes with a more never seen people he writes with a more developed bodily stature than they they developed bodily stature than they they developed bodily stature than they they are as tall as date palms blonde and are as tall as date palms blonde and are as tall as date palms blonde and Ruddy so that they do not need to wear a Ruddy so that they do not need to wear a Ruddy so that they do not need to wear a tunic nor a cloak rather the men among tunic nor a cloak rather the men among tunic nor a cloak rather the men among them wear a garment that only covers them wear a garment that only covers them wear a garment that only covers half of his body and leaves one of his

half of his body and leaves one of his half of his body and leaves one of his hands free each of them has an axe a hands free each of them has an axe a hands free each of them has an axe a sword and a knife with him and all of sword and a knife with him and all of sword and a knife with him and all of these whom we have mentioned never let these whom we have mentioned never let these whom we have mentioned never let themselves be separated from their themselves be separated from their themselves be separated from their weapons their swords are broad bladed weapons their swords are broad bladed weapons their swords are broad bladed provided with reals and of the Frankish provided with reals and of the Frankish provided with reals and of the Frankish type each one of them has from the tip type each one of them has from the tip type each one of them has from the tip of his nails to the neck figures trees of his nails to the neck figures trees of his nails to the neck figures trees and other things tattooed in dark green and other things tattooed in dark green and other things tattooed in dark green end quote so this jbes with what we know end quote so this jbes with what we know end quote so this jbes with what we know about the Vikings that they Don't Stray about the Vikings that they Don't Stray about the Vikings that they Don't Stray too far from their weapons it also jives too far from their weapons it also jives too far from their weapons it also jives with the fact that they like Frankish with the fact that they like Frankish with the fact that they like Frankish swords but if you're in Europe who swords but if you're in Europe who swords but if you're in Europe who doesn't right the the great arms doesn't right the the great arms doesn't right the the great arms manufacturers of the Frankish War manufacturers of the Frankish War manufacturers of the Frankish War warehouses and factories produce the warehouses and factories produce the warehouses and factories produce the best European weapons so everybody wants best European weapons so everybody wants best European weapons so everybody wants them it does show how much the trading them it does show how much the trading them it does show how much the trading though is is completely interactive and though is is completely interactive and though is is completely interactive and interspersed in Europe so that if you interspersed in Europe so that if you interspersed in Europe so that if you can get your hands on a good Frankish can get your hands on a good Frankish can get your hands on a good Frankish sword it's like a Winchester rifle of sword it's like a Winchester rifle of sword it's like a Winchester rifle of that era you get that era you get that era you get it now he also talks about as I said how it now he also talks about as I said how it now he also talks about as I said how dirty these people are and as we've said dirty these people are and as we've said dirty these people are and as we've said this doesn't necessarily just J with this doesn't necessarily just J with this doesn't necessarily just J with other things that are asserted about other things that are asserted about other things that are asserted about life at home but this may be like a life at home but this may be like a life at home but this may be like a bunch of dudes on the road and you know bunch of dudes on the road and you know bunch of dudes on the road and you know we don't have to be so clean and when we we don't have to be so clean and when we we don't have to be so clean and when we get home we'll you know smarten up clean get home we'll you know smarten up clean get home we'll you know smarten up clean up a little bit get the nice clothes out up a little bit get the nice clothes out up a little bit get the nice clothes out but you know we've been on uh you know but you know we've been on uh you know but you know we've been on uh you know Safari here for a long time and you know Safari here for a long time and you know Safari here for a long time and you know your clothes get a little dirty and and your clothes get a little dirty and and your clothes get a little dirty and and we live a little rough and ready and we live a little rough and ready and we live a little rough and ready and close to the ground and fodlan writes

close to the ground and fodlan writes close to the ground and fodlan writes and remember he's from a very you know and remember he's from a very you know and remember he's from a very you know in air quote civilized place during this in air quote civilized place during this in air quote civilized place during this time period where there are lots of time period where there are lots of time period where there are lots of manners cleanliness a lot of White manners cleanliness a lot of White manners cleanliness a lot of White Collar jobs going on we would say in his Collar jobs going on we would say in his Collar jobs going on we would say in his world um and he writes quote they are world um and he writes quote they are world um and he writes quote they are the dirtiest creatures of God they have the dirtiest creatures of God they have the dirtiest creatures of God they have no shame in voiding their bowels and no shame in voiding their bowels and no shame in voiding their bowels and bladder nor do they wash themselves when bladder nor do they wash themselves when bladder nor do they wash themselves when polluted by a mission of seamen nor do polluted by a mission of seamen nor do polluted by a mission of seamen nor do they wash their hands after eating they they wash their hands after eating they they wash their hands after eating they are then like asses who have gone astray are then like asses who have gone astray are then like asses who have gone astray and quote now he starts to talk about and quote now he starts to talk about and quote now he starts to talk about what they're selling and they're selling what they're selling and they're selling what they're selling and they're selling good Goods but the number one Goods that good Goods but the number one Goods that good Goods but the number one Goods that they're trying to sell off to other they're trying to sell off to other they're trying to sell off to other people are other people the Vikings were people are other people the Vikings were people are other people the Vikings were great slavers these people are too they great slavers these people are too they great slavers these people are too they take slaves according to the Muslim take slaves according to the Muslim take slaves according to the Muslim accounts often from the Slavic people accounts often from the Slavic people accounts often from the Slavic people and there are historians who say that and there are historians who say that and there are historians who say that the term slav is connected to the term the term slav is connected to the term the term slav is connected to the term slave but this is the part that people slave but this is the part that people slave but this is the part that people sometimes minimize when you talk about sometimes minimize when you talk about sometimes minimize when you talk about people like the Vikings they are a great people like the Vikings they are a great people like the Vikings they are a great slaving people and they were great slaving people and they were great slaving people and they were great trading people and the number one thing trading people and the number one thing trading people and the number one thing probably that they make the most money probably that they make the most money probably that they make the most money off of our slaves and a lot of their off of our slaves and a lot of their off of our slaves and a lot of their raids are connected to the idea of raids are connected to the idea of raids are connected to the idea of getting more shall we say raw materials getting more shall we say raw materials getting more shall we say raw materials for for for sale this is also where you get a chance sale this is also where you get a chance sale this is also where you get a chance to see uh a reminder shall we say of the to see uh a reminder shall we say of the to see uh a reminder shall we say of the absolute horrific of slavery of human

absolute horrific of slavery of human absolute horrific of slavery of human bondage because there are women for sale bondage because there are women for sale bondage because there are women for sale mostly from According to fodlan's mostly from According to fodlan's mostly from According to fodlan's account anyway the people he run into account anyway the people he run into account anyway the people he run into are selling women and when they're are selling women and when they're are selling women and when they're selling women they're also using women selling women they're also using women selling women they're also using women it's horrible it's rape it's slavery um it's horrible it's rape it's slavery um it's horrible it's rape it's slavery um and he writes quote they come from their and he writes quote they come from their and he writes quote they come from their own country more their boats on the own country more their boats on the own country more their boats on the strand of the iel which is a great River strand of the iel which is a great River strand of the iel which is a great River it's the vulgar right and build on its it's the vulgar right and build on its it's the vulgar right and build on its banks large houses out of wood in a banks large houses out of wood in a banks large houses out of wood in a house like this 10 or 20 people more or house like this 10 or 20 people more or house like this 10 or 20 people more or less live together each of them has a less live together each of them has a less live together each of them has a couch whereupon he sits and with them couch whereupon he sits and with them couch whereupon he sits and with them are fair maidens who are destined for are fair maidens who are destined for are fair maidens who are destined for sale to the merchants and they may have sale to the merchants and they may have sale to the merchants and they may have intercourse with their girl while their intercourse with their girl while their intercourse with their girl while their comrades look on at times a crowd of comrades look on at times a crowd of comrades look on at times a crowd of them may come together and one does this them may come together and one does this them may come together and one does this in the presence of the others it also in the presence of the others it also in the presence of the others it also happens that a merchant who comes into happens that a merchant who comes into happens that a merchant who comes into the house to buy a girl from one of them the house to buy a girl from one of them the house to buy a girl from one of them may find him in the very Act of having may find him in the very Act of having may find him in the very Act of having intercourse with her then he the Russ intercourse with her then he the Russ intercourse with her then he the Russ will not let her be until he has will not let her be until he has will not let her be until he has fulfilled his intention end fulfilled his intention end fulfilled his intention end quote one gets the vibe again this is a quote one gets the vibe again this is a quote one gets the vibe again this is a non-historian Vibe so take it for what non-historian Vibe so take it for what non-historian Vibe so take it for what it's worth but one gets sort of a Vibe it's worth but one gets sort of a Vibe it's worth but one gets sort of a Vibe here that this is not how these guys are here that this is not how these guys are here that this is not how these guys are going to behave amongst their own women going to behave amongst their own women going to behave amongst their own women folk back in Scandinavia this is a bunch folk back in Scandinavia this is a bunch folk back in Scandinavia this is a bunch of dudes far away from women folk and of dudes far away from women folk and of dudes far away from women folk and manners and oversight and you know wink manners and oversight and you know wink manners and oversight and you know wink wink nod nod what happens in Vegas stays

wink nod nod what happens in Vegas stays wink nod nod what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas and the levels of cleanliness in Vegas and the levels of cleanliness in Vegas and the levels of cleanliness and upkeep may not meet the standards and upkeep may not meet the standards and upkeep may not meet the standards expected of them back in their home expected of them back in their home expected of them back in their home territory and Fon writes territory and Fon writes territory and Fon writes quote as a matter of Duty they wash quote as a matter of Duty they wash quote as a matter of Duty they wash daily their faces and heads in a manner daily their faces and heads in a manner daily their faces and heads in a manner so dirty and so unclean as could so dirty and so unclean as could so dirty and so unclean as could possibly Be Imagined thus it is carried possibly Be Imagined thus it is carried possibly Be Imagined thus it is carried out a slave girl brings each morning out a slave girl brings each morning out a slave girl brings each morning early a large vessel with water and early a large vessel with water and early a large vessel with water and gives the vessel to her master and he gives the vessel to her master and he gives the vessel to her master and he washes his hands and face and the hair washes his hands and face and the hair washes his hands and face and the hair of his head he washes it and combs it of his head he washes it and combs it of his head he washes it and combs it with a comb into the bucket then blows with a comb into the bucket then blows with a comb into the bucket then blows his nose and spits into the bucket he his nose and spits into the bucket he his nose and spits into the bucket he holds back nothing impure but rather holds back nothing impure but rather holds back nothing impure but rather lets it go into the water end quote so lets it go into the water end quote so lets it go into the water end quote so far no problem right guys just being far no problem right guys just being far no problem right guys just being clean washing you know that whole thing clean washing you know that whole thing clean washing you know that whole thing but the problem comes with what Fon says but the problem comes with what Fon says but the problem comes with what Fon says next quote after he has done what was next quote after he has done what was next quote after he has done what was necessary the girl takes the same vessel necessary the girl takes the same vessel necessary the girl takes the same vessel to the one who is nearest and he does to the one who is nearest and he does to the one who is nearest and he does just as his neighbor had done she just as his neighbor had done she just as his neighbor had done she carries the vessel from one to another carries the vessel from one to another carries the vessel from one to another until all in the house have had a turn until all in the house have had a turn until all in the house have had a turn at it and each of them has blown his at it and each of them has blown his at it and each of them has blown his nose spat into and washed his face and nose spat into and washed his face and nose spat into and washed his face and hair in the vessel end quote remember hair in the vessel end quote remember hair in the vessel end quote remember what's so unusual about this is this what's so unusual about this is this what's so unusual about this is this isn't some story from some Monk that isn't some story from some Monk that isn't some story from some Monk that some Monk may have heard or is lying some Monk may have heard or is lying some Monk may have heard or is lying about this is an eyewitness writing for about this is an eyewitness writing for about this is an eyewitness writing for his master his accuracy is probably his master his accuracy is probably his master his accuracy is probably better than any other accurate account

better than any other accurate account better than any other accurate account you're going to get about the Vikings in you're going to get about the Vikings in you're going to get about the Vikings in this period Aster here if these are Vikings then it gets truly dark where he Vikings then it gets truly dark where he talks about what happens when one of talks about what happens when one of talks about what happens when one of their numbers one of these Chieftains of their numbers one of these Chieftains of their numbers one of these Chieftains of this group this group this group dies he gets to witness this he says dies he gets to witness this he says dies he gets to witness this he says he's curious and wants to see what he's curious and wants to see what he's curious and wants to see what happens and what the burial practices happens and what the burial practices happens and what the burial practices are like and by the way one of these are like and by the way one of these are like and by the way one of these rusia people comes up to him and tells rusia people comes up to him and tells rusia people comes up to him and tells him through an interpreter that uh him through an interpreter that uh him through an interpreter that uh people like him or stupid where he comes people like him or stupid where he comes people like him or stupid where he comes from because they bury their loved ones from because they bury their loved ones from because they bury their loved ones who allow them to be eaten by worms and who allow them to be eaten by worms and who allow them to be eaten by worms and frogs and slimy things he said we burn frogs and slimy things he said we burn frogs and slimy things he said we burn them and then they go straight to them and then they go straight to them and then they go straight to paradise no mus no fuss but the ceremony paradise no mus no fuss but the ceremony paradise no mus no fuss but the ceremony itself is a scene of gang rapes itself is a scene of gang rapes itself is a scene of gang rapes drunkenness drunkenness drunkenness killings and the archaeology of killings and the archaeology of killings and the archaeology of Scandinavian Viking era burial practices Scandinavian Viking era burial practices Scandinavian Viking era burial practices seem to indicate that at least some of seem to indicate that at least some of seem to indicate that at least some of the things fodlan Witnesses is in the things fodlan Witnesses is in the things fodlan Witnesses is in sympatico with what has been found sympatico with what has been found sympatico with what has been found archaeologically speaking and he writes archaeologically speaking and he writes archaeologically speaking and he writes quote when a high chief dies his family quote when a high chief dies his family quote when a high chief dies his family says to his slave girls and servants says to his slave girls and servants says to his slave girls and servants which one of you wishes to die with him which one of you wishes to die with him which one of you wishes to die with him then one of them answers I when he or then one of them answers I when he or then one of them answers I when he or she has said this he is bound he can in she has said this he is bound he can in she has said this he is bound he can in no way be allowed to withdraw his word no way be allowed to withdraw his word no way be allowed to withdraw his word if he wishes it or she wishes is it it

if he wishes it or she wishes is it it if he wishes it or she wishes is it it is not permitted for the most part this is not permitted for the most part this is not permitted for the most part this self-sacrifice is made by the maidens self-sacrifice is made by the maidens self-sacrifice is made by the maidens end end end quote then there's a whole ceremony quote then there's a whole ceremony quote then there's a whole ceremony involves a lot of drinking a lot of involves a lot of drinking a lot of involves a lot of drinking a lot of pronouncements and all kinds of things pronouncements and all kinds of things pronouncements and all kinds of things it also involves a person a female known it also involves a person a female known it also involves a person a female known he says as the angel of death remember he says as the angel of death remember he says as the angel of death remember he's an eyewitness to this this is why he's an eyewitness to this this is why he's an eyewitness to this this is why this account is so important he's not this account is so important he's not this account is so important he's not telling you something he's heard this is telling you something he's heard this is telling you something he's heard this is something he saw how many people ever something he saw how many people ever something he saw how many people ever wrote anything down like this and of wrote anything down like this and of wrote anything down like this and of course you know how many of those course you know how many of those course you know how many of those accounts ever survive to come into our accounts ever survive to come into our accounts ever survive to come into our hands hands hands today so he talks about this boat that today so he talks about this boat that today so he talks about this boat that is laid out with all sorts of precious is laid out with all sorts of precious is laid out with all sorts of precious material and whatnot and a and a couch material and whatnot and a and a couch material and whatnot and a and a couch is put on it and the boat is dragged on is put on it and the boat is dragged on is put on it and the boat is dragged on the shore and they they build sort of a the shore and they they build sort of a the shore and they they build sort of a a facade around it and over it and then a facade around it and over it and then a facade around it and over it and then talks about the slave girl who drinks to talks about the slave girl who drinks to talks about the slave girl who drinks to insensibility makes a bunch of insensibility makes a bunch of insensibility makes a bunch of pronouncements she's got a role to play pronouncements she's got a role to play pronouncements she's got a role to play in this whole ceremony too and then he in this whole ceremony too and then he in this whole ceremony too and then he writes writes writes quote thereupon an old woman came whom quote thereupon an old woman came whom quote thereupon an old woman came whom they call the angel of death and spread they call the angel of death and spread they call the angel of death and spread the draperies mentioned over the couch the draperies mentioned over the couch the draperies mentioned over the couch meaning the couch on the boat she had meaning the couch on the boat she had meaning the couch on the boat she had held the oversight over the sewing of held the oversight over the sewing of held the oversight over the sewing of the garments of the deceased and their the garments of the deceased and their the garments of the deceased and their completion this old woman kills the girl completion this old woman kills the girl completion this old woman kills the girl I saw that she was an old giantis fat I saw that she was an old giantis fat I saw that she was an old giantis fat and Grim to and Grim to and Grim to behold end behold end behold end quote he says that they then bring a quote he says that they then bring a quote he says that they then bring a bunch of different animals to the boat

bunch of different animals to the boat bunch of different animals to the boat that the chieftain is laid in including that the chieftain is laid in including that the chieftain is laid in including all sorts of food drink fruits flowers all sorts of food drink fruits flowers all sorts of food drink fruits flowers and everything else uh bread meat onions and everything else uh bread meat onions and everything else uh bread meat onions then they brought a dog he says and then they brought a dog he says and then they brought a dog he says and chopped it into two halves and laid the chopped it into two halves and laid the chopped it into two halves and laid the halves on the boat then they brought halves on the boat then they brought halves on the boat then they brought weapons and laid them by his side then weapons and laid them by his side then weapons and laid them by his side then they took horses and chopped them in they took horses and chopped them in they took horses and chopped them in half which is not an easy thing to do half which is not an easy thing to do half which is not an easy thing to do but it's probably a little bit easier but it's probably a little bit easier but it's probably a little bit easier than what they do next which he says than what they do next which he says than what they do next which he says they take two whole live cows and cut they take two whole live cows and cut they take two whole live cows and cut them in two again not an easy thing to them in two again not an easy thing to them in two again not an easy thing to do and then laid them in the boat and do and then laid them in the boat and do and then laid them in the boat and then he writes quote the maiden who then he writes quote the maiden who then he writes quote the maiden who wished to be put to death went here and wished to be put to death went here and wished to be put to death went here and there and entered each of the tents there and entered each of the tents there and entered each of the tents where the head of each tent had where the head of each tent had where the head of each tent had intercourse with her saying say to thy intercourse with her saying say to thy intercourse with her saying say to thy Lord I have done this out of Love Of Lord I have done this out of Love Of Lord I have done this out of Love Of Thee end quote so what it seems like Thee end quote so what it seems like Thee end quote so what it seems like they're saying there is take this they're saying there is take this they're saying there is take this message to wherever the Spirit of the message to wherever the Spirit of the message to wherever the Spirit of the guy who just died is and tell him I'm guy who just died is and tell him I'm guy who just died is and tell him I'm having intercourse with you cuz I love having intercourse with you cuz I love having intercourse with you cuz I love him interesting how the different him interesting how the different him interesting how the different cultures of the world can seem to us cultures of the world can seem to us cultures of the world can seem to us now she then takes part in some now she then takes part in some now she then takes part in some ceremonies involved and some drinking ceremonies involved and some drinking ceremonies involved and some drinking and some and some and some statements and then he says as it gets statements and then he says as it gets statements and then he says as it gets time for the killing of her to happen he time for the killing of her to happen he time for the killing of her to happen he says quote I saw then how Disturbed she says quote I saw then how Disturbed she says quote I saw then how Disturbed she was she wished to go into the tent but was she wished to go into the tent but was she wished to go into the tent but put her head between the tent and the put her head between the tent and the put her head between the tent and the side of the boat then the old woman the side of the boat then the old woman the side of the boat then the old woman the angel of death took her by the head made

angel of death took her by the head made angel of death took her by the head made her go into the tent and also entered her go into the tent and also entered her go into the tent and also entered with her whereupon the men began to beat with her whereupon the men began to beat with her whereupon the men began to beat their Shields with the stabs so that her their Shields with the stabs so that her their Shields with the stabs so that her shrieks would not be heard and the other shrieks would not be heard and the other shrieks would not be heard and the other maidens became terrified then six men maidens became terrified then six men maidens became terrified then six men went into the tent and all had went into the tent and all had went into the tent and all had intercourse with the girl then they intercourse with the girl then they intercourse with the girl then they placed her beside her dead Lord two men placed her beside her dead Lord two men placed her beside her dead Lord two men seized her by the feet and two by the seized her by the feet and two by the seized her by the feet and two by the hands then the old woman placed a rope hands then the old woman placed a rope hands then the old woman placed a rope in which a bite meaning a noose had been in which a bite meaning a noose had been in which a bite meaning a noose had been made and gave it to two of the men to made and gave it to two of the men to made and gave it to two of the men to pull at the two ends then the old woman pull at the two ends then the old woman pull at the two ends then the old woman came to her with a broad-bladed dagger came to her with a broad-bladed dagger came to her with a broad-bladed dagger and began to jab it into her ribs and and began to jab it into her ribs and and began to jab it into her ribs and pull it out again and the two men pull it out again and the two men pull it out again and the two men strangled her until she was dead end strangled her until she was dead end strangled her until she was dead end quote the end result of all of this is quote the end result of all of this is quote the end result of all of this is she's laid in the boat next to the dead she's laid in the boat next to the dead she's laid in the boat next to the dead Chieftain the boat is then set on fire Chieftain the boat is then set on fire Chieftain the boat is then set on fire goes up in smoke and you have a very goes up in smoke and you have a very goes up in smoke and you have a very high ranking version of the Viking high ranking version of the Viking high ranking version of the Viking funeral the low ranking version by the funeral the low ranking version by the funeral the low ranking version by the way they say if it's not a Chie they way they say if it's not a Chie they way they say if it's not a Chie they often just put them into a boat with often just put them into a boat with often just put them into a boat with weapons light it on fire and push it out weapons light it on fire and push it out weapons light it on fire and push it out into a river or the ocean or whatever it into a river or the ocean or whatever it into a river or the ocean or whatever it might be and as we've been mentioning it might be and as we've been mentioning it might be and as we've been mentioning it is difficult to know how much one can is difficult to know how much one can is difficult to know how much one can talk about this as a you know in air talk about this as a you know in air talk about this as a you know in air quotes Viking funeral versus some sort quotes Viking funeral versus some sort quotes Viking funeral versus some sort of hybrid Viking SL Slavic Eastern sort of hybrid Viking SL Slavic Eastern sort of hybrid Viking SL Slavic Eastern sort of deal because in all the areas as of deal because in all the areas as of deal because in all the areas as we've said that the Scandinavians sort we've said that the Scandinavians sort we've said that the Scandinavians sort of touch upon and enter into they become

of touch upon and enter into they become of touch upon and enter into they become more like the locals they start to fuse more like the locals they start to fuse more like the locals they start to fuse with them and they certainly adopt with them and they certainly adopt with them and they certainly adopt Styles and practices weapons armor Styles and practices weapons armor Styles and practices weapons armor tactics maybe sometimes even religious tactics maybe sometimes even religious tactics maybe sometimes even religious beliefs of the locals that's how you get beliefs of the locals that's how you get beliefs of the locals that's how you get people like the Norse Irish in Ireland people like the Norse Irish in Ireland people like the Norse Irish in Ireland for example right this this what do we for example right this this what do we for example right this this what do we say the shrapnel begins to be absorbed say the shrapnel begins to be absorbed say the shrapnel begins to be absorbed you know into the Flesh of the local you know into the Flesh of the local you know into the Flesh of the local population here in the East it's an population here in the East it's an population here in the East it's an Eastern population you want to get a Eastern population you want to get a Eastern population you want to get a sense of the vibe go look at artist sense of the vibe go look at artist sense of the vibe go look at artist renderings of these Eastern Vikings or renderings of these Eastern Vikings or renderings of these Eastern Vikings or these Russ people they look like Vikings these Russ people they look like Vikings these Russ people they look like Vikings with an Eastern sort of flare right the with an Eastern sort of flare right the with an Eastern sort of flare right the hairstyles the weapons the armor the hairstyles the weapons the armor the hairstyles the weapons the armor the armor is sometimes Lamer armor which is armor is sometimes Lamer armor which is armor is sometimes Lamer armor which is sort of fish scaly looks different than sort of fish scaly looks different than sort of fish scaly looks different than chain mail you don't see a lot of Lamer chain mail you don't see a lot of Lamer chain mail you don't see a lot of Lamer armor in the armor in the armor in the west but this is something you see all west but this is something you see all west but this is something you see all throughout history I mean the step throughout history I mean the step throughout history I mean the step people are famous for this uh the people are famous for this uh the people are famous for this uh the nomadic horse Archer people people from nomadic horse Archer people people from nomadic horse Archer people people from the entire Eurasian land mass they tend the entire Eurasian land mass they tend the entire Eurasian land mass they tend to look like the big settled societies to look like the big settled societies to look like the big settled societies that they operate near I mean if you're that they operate near I mean if you're that they operate near I mean if you're on the borders of China and you're a on the borders of China and you're a on the borders of China and you're a step tribe well you're trading with step tribe well you're trading with step tribe well you're trading with China aren't you you're raiding with China aren't you you're raiding with China aren't you you're raiding with China you're intermarrying with the China you're intermarrying with the China you're intermarrying with the Chinese in the Border areas and you tend Chinese in the Border areas and you tend Chinese in the Border areas and you tend to look kind of well Chinese if your to look kind of well Chinese if your to look kind of well Chinese if your step tribes north of Persia you have an step tribes north of Persia you have an step tribes north of Persia you have an Iranian sort of feel if you're step Iranian sort of feel if you're step Iranian sort of feel if you're step tribes in the west and you're getting tribes in the west and you're getting tribes in the west and you're getting your fabrics and your armor and your your fabrics and your armor and your your fabrics and your armor and your weapons weapons weapons uh from the byzantines either through uh from the byzantines either through uh from the byzantines either through raiding or trading well you tend to look raiding or trading well you tend to look raiding or trading well you tend to look like a western step tribe and the

like a western step tribe and the like a western step tribe and the Scandinavian peoples have this same sort Scandinavian peoples have this same sort Scandinavian peoples have this same sort of feel to them and if you ever go look of feel to them and if you ever go look of feel to them and if you ever go look at an artist rendering of the at an artist rendering of the at an artist rendering of the Scandinavian peoples in Eastern Europe Scandinavian peoples in Eastern Europe Scandinavian peoples in Eastern Europe they sort of look different than the they sort of look different than the they sort of look different than the Scandinavian peoples in Ireland for Scandinavian peoples in Ireland for Scandinavian peoples in Ireland for example or or Northwestern example or or Northwestern example or or Northwestern France in graves in the merchant Town France in graves in the merchant Town France in graves in the merchant Town that's located in modern day Sweden now that's located in modern day Sweden now that's located in modern day Sweden now burka they have found clear influences burka they have found clear influences burka they have found clear influences from the East and the step Nomads and from the East and the step Nomads and from the East and the step Nomads and hairstyles for example the Russ will hairstyles for example the Russ will hairstyles for example the Russ will always look a little step Nomad in terms always look a little step Nomad in terms always look a little step Nomad in terms of uh their particular look and in his of uh their particular look and in his of uh their particular look and in his book The Children of Ashen Elm historian book The Children of Ashen Elm historian book The Children of Ashen Elm historian Neo price talks about these burka Neo price talks about these burka Neo price talks about these burka burials and the fact that the Eastern burials and the fact that the Eastern burials and the fact that the Eastern Vikings were starting to look well very Vikings were starting to look well very Vikings were starting to look well very Eastern indeed and he writes quote Eastern indeed and he writes quote Eastern indeed and he writes quote recalling the people in the burka recalling the people in the burka recalling the people in the burka chamber burials the mounted archers with chamber burials the mounted archers with chamber burials the mounted archers with their recurved bows and special thumb their recurved bows and special thumb their recurved bows and special thumb rings the Russ appear as military Elites rings the Russ appear as military Elites rings the Russ appear as military Elites who have adopted the best equipment and who have adopted the best equipment and who have adopted the best equipment and tactics of those they might have to tactics of those they might have to tactics of those they might have to fight ornate silks and cfans have been fight ornate silks and cfans have been fight ornate silks and cfans have been found in Graves across Scandinavia and found in Graves across Scandinavia and found in Graves across Scandinavia and depictions on gotlandic picture stones depictions on gotlandic picture stones depictions on gotlandic picture stones of Warriors wearing the wide baggy of Warriors wearing the wide baggy of Warriors wearing the wide baggy trousers that characterized Persian and trousers that characterized Persian and trousers that characterized Persian and Arab Fashions similarly imply that Arab Fashions similarly imply that Arab Fashions similarly imply that Viking dress codes were infused with an Viking dress codes were infused with an Viking dress codes were infused with an element of foreign flare the same element of foreign flare the same element of foreign flare the same individuals also had armor of the individuals also had armor of the individuals also had armor of the Byzantine type as well as the laler that

Byzantine type as well as the laler that Byzantine type as well as the laler that was particular to the mounted step was particular to the mounted step was particular to the mounted step Nomads of Eurasia all while the Isotopes Nomads of Eurasia all while the Isotopes Nomads of Eurasia all while the Isotopes and genomic analysis indicate that they and genomic analysis indicate that they and genomic analysis indicate that they themselves were Scandinavian origin in a themselves were Scandinavian origin in a themselves were Scandinavian origin in a way this almost appears to be a uniform way this almost appears to be a uniform way this almost appears to be a uniform not in the sense of identical clothes not in the sense of identical clothes not in the sense of identical clothes but in a recognized repertoire of but in a recognized repertoire of but in a recognized repertoire of symbolism and style what one scholar has symbolism and style what one scholar has symbolism and style what one scholar has called a turkic military called a turkic military called a turkic military outfit end outfit end outfit end quote there are some other elements in quote there are some other elements in quote there are some other elements in play too where you can see why the play too where you can see why the play too where you can see why the Scandinavian Vikings in the East would Scandinavian Vikings in the East would Scandinavian Vikings in the East would start to diverge a little bit from the start to diverge a little bit from the start to diverge a little bit from the ones in the west one has to do with ones in the west one has to do with ones in the west one has to do with cultural Affinity in some places in the cultural Affinity in some places in the cultural Affinity in some places in the west England's a perfect example the west England's a perfect example the west England's a perfect example the Vikings are running into people that are Vikings are running into people that are Vikings are running into people that are quite a bit like themselves in some quite a bit like themselves in some quite a bit like themselves in some respects I mean the Anglo-Saxon in respects I mean the Anglo-Saxon in respects I mean the Anglo-Saxon in England spoke a language that was England spoke a language that was England spoke a language that was probably mutually intelligible they probably mutually intelligible they probably mutually intelligible they could probably speak to the Vikings in could probably speak to the Vikings in could probably speak to the Vikings in the past they had the same gods they the past they had the same gods they the past they had the same gods they look like them they sound like them they look like them they sound like them they look like them they sound like them they have a bunch of the same sorts of have a bunch of the same sorts of have a bunch of the same sorts of Customs it's not that way in the East Customs it's not that way in the East Customs it's not that way in the East what's more as we've said before the what's more as we've said before the what's more as we've said before the East is a much more dangerous East is a much more dangerous East is a much more dangerous neighborhood there are many more neighborhood there are many more neighborhood there are many more cultures coming together in a kind of a cultures coming together in a kind of a cultures coming together in a kind of a cultural Estuary in the East a sort of a cultural Estuary in the East a sort of a cultural Estuary in the East a sort of a a meeting of a bunch of different a meeting of a bunch of different a meeting of a bunch of different [Music] [Music] [Music] worlds the Scandinavian in the East are worlds the Scandinavian in the East are worlds the Scandinavian in the East are much more in a population and numbers much more in a population and numbers much more in a population and numbers since a drop in the bucket we quoted since a drop in the bucket we quoted since a drop in the bucket we quoted historians in part one of this historians in part one of this historians in part one of this discussion who suggested that the discussion who suggested that the discussion who suggested that the population of Scandinavia in its

population of Scandinavia in its population of Scandinavia in its entirety during this era might have been entirety during this era might have been entirety during this era might have been around 2 million human beings and around 2 million human beings and around 2 million human beings and remember it's only a small percentage of remember it's only a small percentage of remember it's only a small percentage of that 2 million that's going to go down that 2 million that's going to go down that 2 million that's going to go down the river systems in the East and become the river systems in the East and become the river systems in the East and become the Russ well they're in mixing with a the Russ well they're in mixing with a the Russ well they're in mixing with a Slavic population that's enormous the Slavic population that's enormous the Slavic population that's enormous the Slavs today are still the largest I Slavs today are still the largest I Slavs today are still the largest I believe ethn the linguistic group in believe ethn the linguistic group in believe ethn the linguistic group in Europe during this time period there Europe during this time period there Europe during this time period there would have been many many millions of would have been many many millions of would have been many many millions of Slavs divided into all sorts of Slavs divided into all sorts of Slavs divided into all sorts of different Slavic tribes how much of an different Slavic tribes how much of an different Slavic tribes how much of an impact could a small amount of impact could a small amount of impact could a small amount of Scandinavian adventurers or conquerors Scandinavian adventurers or conquerors Scandinavian adventurers or conquerors have had on such a large population have had on such a large population have had on such a large population maybe they're a you know layer of maybe they're a you know layer of maybe they're a you know layer of leadership or a dominant group amongst a leadership or a dominant group amongst a leadership or a dominant group amongst a bunch of different tribes hard to bunch of different tribes hard to bunch of different tribes hard to know Archaeology is helping to flesh out know Archaeology is helping to flesh out know Archaeology is helping to flesh out some of the answers to these question some of the answers to these question some of the answers to these question questions by studying Graves grave Goods questions by studying Graves grave Goods questions by studying Graves grave Goods skeletons but what's missing are the skeletons but what's missing are the skeletons but what's missing are the stories the sort of things that you stories the sort of things that you stories the sort of things that you would get from written accounts and as would get from written accounts and as would get from written accounts and as we've said and said extensively in the we've said and said extensively in the we've said and said extensively in the first part of this series The byzantines first part of this series The byzantines first part of this series The byzantines would write about some of this stuff but would write about some of this stuff but would write about some of this stuff but when the Russ first appear in the when the Russ first appear in the when the Russ first appear in the Byzantine accounts they're treated like Byzantine accounts they're treated like Byzantine accounts they're treated like an almost Unknown People remember let's an almost Unknown People remember let's an almost Unknown People remember let's review here for a minute the first time review here for a minute the first time review here for a minute the first time you hear about these Russ is in the 830s you hear about these Russ is in the 830s you hear about these Russ is in the 830s back in Western Europe we told the story back in Western Europe we told the story back in Western Europe we told the story of the two or three Russ Travelers who of the two or three Russ Travelers who of the two or three Russ Travelers who show up in a court of a Frankish King show up in a court of a Frankish King show up in a court of a Frankish King and the byzantines send him there and and the byzantines send him there and and the byzantines send him there and say can you help these people get home

say can you help these people get home say can you help these people get home if they go the direct route ferocious if they go the direct route ferocious if they go the direct route ferocious tribes will kill them and the Frankish tribes will kill them and the Frankish tribes will kill them and the Frankish Emperor has to say well tell me who you Emperor has to say well tell me who you Emperor has to say well tell me who you are and we'll try to get you home and are and we'll try to get you home and are and we'll try to get you home and they say we're Russ and he doesn't know they say we're Russ and he doesn't know they say we're Russ and he doesn't know what that means they have to go do some what that means they have to go do some what that means they have to go do some investigative work and they finally investigative work and they finally investigative work and they finally determined that Russ means sweds and determined that Russ means sweds and determined that Russ means sweds and these are swedes these are swedes these are swedes so that's in the 830s there is a rumor so that's in the 830s there is a rumor so that's in the 830s there is a rumor is a good way to put it or a tradition is a good way to put it or a tradition is a good way to put it or a tradition that there might have been an attack on that there might have been an attack on that there might have been an attack on some Byzantine territories in the 830s some Byzantine territories in the 830s some Byzantine territories in the 830s also but most historians seem to also but most historians seem to also but most historians seem to Discount that what they don't discount Discount that what they don't discount Discount that what they don't discount is the story we told in the first part is the story we told in the first part is the story we told in the first part of the show about The Great Raid on the of the show about The Great Raid on the of the show about The Great Raid on the suburbs of Constantinople modern day suburbs of Constantinople modern day suburbs of Constantinople modern day Istanbul in the 860s right 860 famously Istanbul in the 860s right 860 famously Istanbul in the 860s right 860 famously we told that story and the byzantines we told that story and the byzantines we told that story and the byzantines treated that like a brand new people had treated that like a brand new people had treated that like a brand new people had shown up in their territory you know shown up in their territory you know shown up in their territory you know from some parts Unknown which doesn't from some parts Unknown which doesn't from some parts Unknown which doesn't make any sense if a couple decades make any sense if a couple decades make any sense if a couple decades before they'd been sending them to the before they'd been sending them to the before they'd been sending them to the Frankish Emperor and telling them these Frankish Emperor and telling them these Frankish Emperor and telling them these are Russ people get them home are Russ people get them home are Russ people get them home nonetheless in that whole era we really nonetheless in that whole era we really nonetheless in that whole era we really don't know who for example the rulers don't know who for example the rulers don't know who for example the rulers were what the politics were or any of were what the politics were or any of were what the politics were or any of that sort of stuff now you'll get some that sort of stuff now you'll get some that sort of stuff now you'll get some of that from the Byzantine records of that from the Byzantine records of that from the Byzantine records later we do have some information about later we do have some information about later we do have some information about what's going on in terms of the stories what's going on in terms of the stories what's going on in terms of the stories from this area but as is usual with from this area but as is usual with from this area but as is usual with these sorts of situations they're not these sorts of situations they're not these sorts of situations they're not written down for hundreds of years and written down for hundreds of years and written down for hundreds of years and the people who wrote them down have the people who wrote them down have the people who wrote them down have their own reasons for writing them down their own reasons for writing them down their own reasons for writing them down which makes the information suspect and

which makes the information suspect and which makes the information suspect and requires historians to be very Vigilant requires historians to be very Vigilant requires historians to be very Vigilant about what they accept and what they about what they accept and what they about what they accept and what they don't and try to cross reference and don't and try to cross reference and don't and try to cross reference and double check double check double check things those of you who know this story things those of you who know this story things those of you who know this story know I'm talking about a bunch of know I'm talking about a bunch of know I'm talking about a bunch of documents put together in chronicled in documents put together in chronicled in documents put together in chronicled in something called the Russian primary something called the Russian primary something called the Russian primary Chronicle supposedly written by Chronicle supposedly written by Chronicle supposedly written by Christian monks one specifically named Christian monks one specifically named Christian monks one specifically named Nestor living in caves so you get a Nestor living in caves so you get a Nestor living in caves so you get a sense now of what we might be dealing sense now of what we might be dealing sense now of what we might be dealing with here it is compiled hundreds of with here it is compiled hundreds of with here it is compiled hundreds of years after the events in question and years after the events in question and years after the events in question and there are reasons why these monks might there are reasons why these monks might there are reasons why these monks might have skewed the story including trying have skewed the story including trying have skewed the story including trying to sort of Trace back the ruling to sort of Trace back the ruling to sort of Trace back the ruling Dynasty's lineage and give support to Dynasty's lineage and give support to Dynasty's lineage and give support to the legitimacy of the legitimacy of the legitimacy of that it is a fascinating text though any that it is a fascinating text though any that it is a fascinating text though any way you slice it and when you hear the way you slice it and when you hear the way you slice it and when you hear the accounts you realize what a different accounts you realize what a different accounts you realize what a different animal it is than the sorts of animal it is than the sorts of animal it is than the sorts of information we have from archaeology information we have from archaeology information we have from archaeology from Byzantine accounts or anything else from Byzantine accounts or anything else from Byzantine accounts or anything else so it makes it very valuable in that so it makes it very valuable in that so it makes it very valuable in that respect maybe as a jumping off point for respect maybe as a jumping off point for respect maybe as a jumping off point for detective work but boy when you read it detective work but boy when you read it detective work but boy when you read it you also see stuff that reminds you of you also see stuff that reminds you of you also see stuff that reminds you of like Grim's fairy tales Greek mythology like Grim's fairy tales Greek mythology like Grim's fairy tales Greek mythology JRR tolken stuff so well take it with a JRR tolken stuff so well take it with a JRR tolken stuff so well take it with a grain of salt I by the way use the grain of salt I by the way use the grain of salt I by the way use the Samuel Hazard cross and old P sherb Vitz Samuel Hazard cross and old P sherb Vitz Samuel Hazard cross and old P sherb Vitz veter translation but this you know and what's translation but this you know and what's wonderful about these sorts of documents

wonderful about these sorts of documents wonderful about these sorts of documents is that they they will like start the is that they they will like start the is that they they will like start the story at a logical beginning point and story at a logical beginning point and story at a logical beginning point and the Russian primary Chronicle begins the Russian primary Chronicle begins the Russian primary Chronicle begins with the biblical flood of Noah and sort with the biblical flood of Noah and sort with the biblical flood of Noah and sort of works its way down we call that of works its way down we call that of works its way down we call that comprehensive comprehensive comprehensive where I come where I come where I come from but the chronicle tells the shall from but the chronicle tells the shall from but the chronicle tells the shall we call it legendary story of the we call it legendary story of the we call it legendary story of the founding of what will be called the Ken founding of what will be called the Ken founding of what will be called the Ken Russ State and it involves three Russ State and it involves three Russ State and it involves three brothers from Scandinavia the story is brothers from Scandinavia the story is brothers from Scandinavia the story is that the Slavic tribes in what's now that the Slavic tribes in what's now that the Slavic tribes in what's now Poland the baltics Ukraine Russia that Poland the baltics Ukraine Russia that Poland the baltics Ukraine Russia that whole area really a Central Area sort of whole area really a Central Area sort of whole area really a Central Area sort of if you if you drew a line from like St if you if you drew a line from like St if you if you drew a line from like St Petersburg now all the way down to Petersburg now all the way down to Petersburg now all the way down to Istanbul and there's that whole area in Istanbul and there's that whole area in Istanbul and there's that whole area in between because the people who became between because the people who became between because the people who became the KE and Russ desperately want to get the KE and Russ desperately want to get the KE and Russ desperately want to get to where the money is and the money is to where the money is and the money is to where the money is and the money is in in in Constantinople so if you start in Sweden Constantinople so if you start in Sweden Constantinople so if you start in Sweden and you want to get to Constantinople and you want to get to Constantinople and you want to get to Constantinople and you want to control the the pipeline and you want to control the the pipeline and you want to control the the pipeline in between well that's the area we're in between well that's the area we're in between well that's the area we're talking about talking about talking about here and the Russian primary Chronicle here and the Russian primary Chronicle here and the Russian primary Chronicle says there were all these Slavic tribes says there were all these Slavic tribes says there were all these Slavic tribes in that area in that area in that area that the varangians as they call them that the varangians as they call them that the varangians as they call them these Scandinavians come in there try to these Scandinavians come in there try to these Scandinavians come in there try to you know bully their way around Force you know bully their way around Force you know bully their way around Force the locals to pay tribute the locals the locals to pay tribute the locals the locals to pay tribute the locals eventually throw them out but then ask eventually throw them out but then ask eventually throw them out but then ask them back later and they ask them back them back later and they ask them back them back later and they ask them back later because the tribes of Slavs are

later because the tribes of Slavs are later because the tribes of Slavs are all fighting with each other when they all fighting with each other when they all fighting with each other when they need someone to come in and rule them need someone to come in and rule them need someone to come in and rule them this is the very basis by the way of this is the very basis by the way of this is the very basis by the way of that Norman anti-norm controversy we've that Norman anti-norm controversy we've that Norman anti-norm controversy we've talked about you know is this a bunch of talked about you know is this a bunch of talked about you know is this a bunch of Scandinavians who are imparting their Scandinavians who are imparting their Scandinavians who are imparting their DNA and their culture on the locals and DNA and their culture on the locals and DNA and their culture on the locals and improving them what did Hitler say improving them what did Hitler say improving them what did Hitler say something like if it weren't for the something like if it weren't for the something like if it weren't for the Scandinavian infusion of blood the Scandinavian infusion of blood the Scandinavian infusion of blood the Russians would still be living like Russians would still be living like Russians would still be living like rabbits the opposite Viewpoint are the rabbits the opposite Viewpoint are the rabbits the opposite Viewpoint are the people in the Soviet Union who think people in the Soviet Union who think people in the Soviet Union who think that the whole thing is a bit of a scam that the whole thing is a bit of a scam that the whole thing is a bit of a scam and that this is mostly a Slavic story and that this is mostly a Slavic story and that this is mostly a Slavic story and all this other stuff is a bunch of and all this other stuff is a bunch of and all this other stuff is a bunch of meaningless sort of Fringe material that meaningless sort of Fringe material that meaningless sort of Fringe material that doesn't really matter in the grand doesn't really matter in the grand doesn't really matter in the grand scheme of things but the story is that scheme of things but the story is that scheme of things but the story is that these three brothers are asked by the these three brothers are asked by the these three brothers are asked by the slaves to come back and rule over them slaves to come back and rule over them slaves to come back and rule over them because they need someone to prevent the because they need someone to prevent the because they need someone to prevent the violence between the Slavic tribes this violence between the Slavic tribes this violence between the Slavic tribes this might sound weird except we should might sound weird except we should might sound weird except we should realize that bringing in royal families realize that bringing in royal families realize that bringing in royal families from completely other dynasties and from completely other dynasties and from completely other dynasties and places is Not Unusual at all the current places is Not Unusual at all the current places is Not Unusual at all the current British royal family for example is British royal family for example is British royal family for example is German you look at people like the German you look at people like the German you look at people like the hapsburgs that besides marrying into all hapsburgs that besides marrying into all hapsburgs that besides marrying into all kinds of places and conquering all kinds kinds of places and conquering all kinds kinds of places and conquering all kinds of places sometimes when you just needed of places sometimes when you just needed of places sometimes when you just needed a ruler and you didn't have one you'd a ruler and you didn't have one you'd a ruler and you didn't have one you'd bring a hapsburg bring a hapsburg bring a hapsburg in it also kind of makes sense if you in it also kind of makes sense if you in it also kind of makes sense if you have a bunch of tribes none of whom have a bunch of tribes none of whom have a bunch of tribes none of whom wants to have their royal family ruling wants to have their royal family ruling wants to have their royal family ruling over them from one of their competitors over them from one of their competitors over them from one of their competitors so you bring in a non-biased outside so you bring in a non-biased outside so you bring in a non-biased outside Source right with no allegiance to any Source right with no allegiance to any Source right with no allegiance to any of the tribes that are involved in the of the tribes that are involved in the of the tribes that are involved in the current conflict right an outside you current conflict right an outside you current conflict right an outside you know unbiased person to come in here and

know unbiased person to come in here and know unbiased person to come in here and Rule Rule Rule fairly so the Russian primary Chronicle fairly so the Russian primary Chronicle fairly so the Russian primary Chronicle written by these monks in caves written by these monks in caves written by these monks in caves supposedly hundreds of years later tells supposedly hundreds of years later tells supposedly hundreds of years later tells the the the story and here's the way they tell it story and here's the way they tell it story and here's the way they tell it quot the varangians from Beyond the Sea quot the varangians from Beyond the Sea quot the varangians from Beyond the Sea imposed tribute upon the chuds the imposed tribute upon the chuds the imposed tribute upon the chuds the slaves the Marans the vest and the slaves the Marans the vest and the slaves the Marans the vest and the citians but the kazars imposed it upon citians but the kazars imposed it upon citians but the kazars imposed it upon the penans the cians and the vians and the penans the cians and the vians and the penans the cians and the vians and collected a white squirrel skin from collected a white squirrel skin from collected a white squirrel skin from each Hearth end quote the kazars are a each Hearth end quote the kazars are a each Hearth end quote the kazars are a very important group of people in this very important group of people in this very important group of people in this era they are a step tribe Confederacy era they are a step tribe Confederacy era they are a step tribe Confederacy they are uh Turkish and other they are uh Turkish and other they are uh Turkish and other ethnicities as these step tribes tend to ethnicities as these step tribes tend to ethnicities as these step tribes tend to be and the upper echelons of the kazars be and the upper echelons of the kazars be and the upper echelons of the kazars converted to Judaism which is a rather converted to Judaism which is a rather converted to Judaism which is a rather unusual unusual unusual thing I'm interested in the squirrel thing I'm interested in the squirrel thing I'm interested in the squirrel skin comment because if you think about skin comment because if you think about skin comment because if you think about people's who exist in a mostly people's who exist in a mostly people's who exist in a mostly non-currency sort of society if somebody non-currency sort of society if somebody non-currency sort of society if somebody wants to force them to pay tribute how wants to force them to pay tribute how wants to force them to pay tribute how did they pay and the story basically did they pay and the story basically did they pay and the story basically says that they required each you know says that they required each you know says that they required each you know homeowner to deliver their share of the homeowner to deliver their share of the homeowner to deliver their share of the tribute in this case a white squirrel tribute in this case a white squirrel tribute in this case a white squirrel skin well if you have hundreds of homes skin well if you have hundreds of homes skin well if you have hundreds of homes that pay tribute to you and you say I that pay tribute to you and you say I that pay tribute to you and you say I want a white squirrel skin from each of want a white squirrel skin from each of want a white squirrel skin from each of you you end up at the end of the day you you end up at the end of the day you you end up at the end of the day with hundreds of squirrel skins don't with hundreds of squirrel skins don't with hundreds of squirrel skins don't you the Russian primary Chronicle you the Russian primary Chronicle you the Russian primary Chronicle continues talking about how these Slavic

continues talking about how these Slavic continues talking about how these Slavic peoples and others by the way those peoples and others by the way those peoples and others by the way those aren't all Slavic groups as I understand aren't all Slavic groups as I understand aren't all Slavic groups as I understand it throw the varangians out and send it throw the varangians out and send it throw the varangians out and send them home to where they came from quote them home to where they came from quote them home to where they came from quote the tributaries of the varangians drove the tributaries of the varangians drove the tributaries of the varangians drove them back Beyond the Sea and refusing them back Beyond the Sea and refusing them back Beyond the Sea and refusing them further tribute set out to govern them further tribute set out to govern them further tribute set out to govern themselves there was no law among them themselves there was no law among them themselves there was no law among them but tribe Rose against tribe Discord but tribe Rose against tribe Discord but tribe Rose against tribe Discord thus ensued among them and they began to thus ensued among them and they began to thus ensued among them and they began to war one against another they said to war one against another they said to war one against another they said to themselves let us seek a prince who may themselves let us seek a prince who may themselves let us seek a prince who may rule over us and judge us according to rule over us and judge us according to rule over us and judge us according to the law they accordingly went overseas the law they accordingly went overseas the law they accordingly went overseas to the varangian ruses these particular to the varangian ruses these particular to the varangian ruses these particular varangians were known as ruses just as varangians were known as ruses just as varangians were known as ruses just as some are called swedes and others some are called swedes and others some are called swedes and others Normans English and golanders for they Normans English and golanders for they Normans English and golanders for they were thus were thus were thus named the chuds the Slavs the citians named the chuds the Slavs the citians named the chuds the Slavs the citians and the VES then said to the people of and the VES then said to the people of and the VES then said to the people of Rose our land is great and Rich but Rose our land is great and Rich but Rose our land is great and Rich but there is no order in it come to rule and there is no order in it come to rule and there is no order in it come to rule and Reign Over Us end quote the chronicle Reign Over Us end quote the chronicle Reign Over Us end quote the chronicle then says that they selected Three then says that they selected Three then says that they selected Three Brothers who would come and rule over Brothers who would come and rule over Brothers who would come and rule over them and each of the brothers was going them and each of the brothers was going them and each of the brothers was going to take and Rule one of the key Trading to take and Rule one of the key Trading to take and Rule one of the key Trading Post towns along the rivers that formed Post towns along the rivers that formed Post towns along the rivers that formed sort of the pipeline from the Baltic to sort of the pipeline from the Baltic to sort of the pipeline from the Baltic to you know the money Port of you know you know the money Port of you know you know the money Port of you know Constantinople and Byzantium but within Constantinople and Byzantium but within Constantinople and Byzantium but within two years the chronicle says two of the two years the chronicle says two of the two years the chronicle says two of the three brothers died leaving the one three brothers died leaving the one three brothers died leaving the one brother that's famous his name is

brother that's famous his name is brother that's famous his name is rurick now to me Ruck is an Eastern rurick now to me Ruck is an Eastern rurick now to me Ruck is an Eastern version of a figure that reminds me of version of a figure that reminds me of version of a figure that reminds me of Ragnar lothbrook in the west right Ragnar lothbrook in the west right Ragnar lothbrook in the west right famous Viking you see him on television famous Viking you see him on television famous Viking you see him on television in the movies all the time but Ragnar in the movies all the time but Ragnar in the movies all the time but Ragnar lovebrook is a figure that no one's lovebrook is a figure that no one's lovebrook is a figure that no one's exactly sure if he was even real or if exactly sure if he was even real or if exactly sure if he was even real or if he was real he's had so much myth and he was real he's had so much myth and he was real he's had so much myth and Legend piled on top of him that maybe Legend piled on top of him that maybe Legend piled on top of him that maybe the real person doesn't even resemble the real person doesn't even resemble the real person doesn't even resemble the figure you know in the the figure you know in the the figure you know in the stories but what you can say about stories but what you can say about stories but what you can say about Ragnar lothbrook is his descendants are Ragnar lothbrook is his descendants are Ragnar lothbrook is his descendants are real and you can say the same thing real and you can say the same thing real and you can say the same thing about about about rurick you get a sense in the Russian rurick you get a sense in the Russian rurick you get a sense in the Russian primary Chronicle that stuff is primary Chronicle that stuff is primary Chronicle that stuff is happening without it NE necessarily happening without it NE necessarily happening without it NE necessarily being spelled out to you that you know being spelled out to you that you know being spelled out to you that you know more of these Slavic tribes are paying more of these Slavic tribes are paying more of these Slavic tribes are paying tribute that things are being tribute that things are being tribute that things are being Consolidated by the time ruic dies it Consolidated by the time ruic dies it Consolidated by the time ruic dies it seems like it's a more subtle situation seems like it's a more subtle situation seems like it's a more subtle situation the chronicle says he turns things over the chronicle says he turns things over the chronicle says he turns things over to a member it says of his kin not his to a member it says of his kin not his to a member it says of his kin not his child but his kin who'll be known to child but his kin who'll be known to child but his kin who'll be known to history as o the Russian histories call history as o the Russian histories call history as o the Russian histories call him Oleg the wise now if these don't him Oleg the wise now if these don't him Oleg the wise now if these don't particularly sound like Viking particularly sound like Viking particularly sound like Viking Scandinavian names to you there's a Scandinavian names to you there's a Scandinavian names to you there's a reason for that they are all sort of reason for that they are all sort of reason for that they are all sort of reimagined through a Slavic lens so when reimagined through a Slavic lens so when reimagined through a Slavic lens so when you read the history books the you read the history books the you read the history books the historians will often go to Great pains historians will often go to Great pains historians will often go to Great pains to give you the likely Viking name for to give you the likely Viking name for to give you the likely Viking name for these people originally and then you get these people originally and then you get these people originally and then you get to see what the Slavic version of it is to see what the Slavic version of it is to see what the Slavic version of it is so rurick was probably Eric Oleg was

so rurick was probably Eric Oleg was so rurick was probably Eric Oleg was probably heli it goes like that probably heli it goes like that probably heli it goes like that eventually the names will be Slavic from eventually the names will be Slavic from eventually the names will be Slavic from the get-go and then that supposedly the get-go and then that supposedly the get-go and then that supposedly signifies some major change there right signifies some major change there right signifies some major change there right when you're not any longer giving them when you're not any longer giving them when you're not any longer giving them Viking Scandinavian names but naming Viking Scandinavian names but naming Viking Scandinavian names but naming them Slavic names something's gone them Slavic names something's gone them Slavic names something's gone different so Oleg the wise is famous he different so Oleg the wise is famous he different so Oleg the wise is famous he does the same thing ruic does in terms does the same thing ruic does in terms does the same thing ruic does in terms of consolidating things expanding things of consolidating things expanding things of consolidating things expanding things uh these early rulers change the tribute uh these early rulers change the tribute uh these early rulers change the tribute that people are paying so often times that people are paying so often times that people are paying so often times they'll deal with these tribes who are they'll deal with these tribes who are they'll deal with these tribes who are paying tribute to someone else the paying tribute to someone else the paying tribute to someone else the kazars we mentioned earlier are famous kazars we mentioned earlier are famous kazars we mentioned earlier are famous the bulgars are another one and they'll the bulgars are another one and they'll the bulgars are another one and they'll say you know who you paying tribute to say you know who you paying tribute to say you know who you paying tribute to and they'll say and the the Scandinavian and they'll say and the the Scandinavian and they'll say and the the Scandinavian Russ varangians will say well stop Russ varangians will say well stop Russ varangians will say well stop paying tribute to them and start paying paying tribute to them and start paying paying tribute to them and start paying it to me sometimes they'll say We'll it to me sometimes they'll say We'll it to me sometimes they'll say We'll charge you less usually they'll say if charge you less usually they'll say if charge you less usually they'll say if they give you any trouble they can come they give you any trouble they can come they give you any trouble they can come talk to us and so there's this process talk to us and so there's this process talk to us and so there's this process of sort of taking over in the last show of sort of taking over in the last show of sort of taking over in the last show we compared some of the Viking we compared some of the Viking we compared some of the Viking activities to sort of the organized activities to sort of the organized activities to sort of the organized crime or the mob moving in if you want crime or the mob moving in if you want crime or the mob moving in if you want to give that overtone to this it still to give that overtone to this it still to give that overtone to this it still sort of works coming in here and taking sort of works coming in here and taking sort of works coming in here and taking over the territory from the other over the territory from the other over the territory from the other mob the best story in the Russian mob the best story in the Russian mob the best story in the Russian primary Chronicle whether it's true or primary Chronicle whether it's true or primary Chronicle whether it's true or not again this all sounds like Greek not again this all sounds like Greek not again this all sounds like Greek mythology or Grim's fairy tales to me mythology or Grim's fairy tales to me mythology or Grim's fairy tales to me sometimes and you can tell by the story sometimes and you can tell by the story sometimes and you can tell by the story of how Oleg dies so the story about how of how Oleg dies so the story about how of how Oleg dies so the story about how Oleg dies involves a wizard and The Oleg dies involves a wizard and The Oleg dies involves a wizard and The Wizard tells Oleg that his horse is

Wizard tells Oleg that his horse is Wizard tells Oleg that his horse is going to be the reason he dies now going to be the reason he dies now going to be the reason he dies now somebody told you that your horse was somebody told you that your horse was somebody told you that your horse was going to be the reason you die going to be the reason you die going to be the reason you die long before your horse does anything to long before your horse does anything to long before your horse does anything to you what would you do probably the same you what would you do probably the same you what would you do probably the same thing that ole does when the wizard says thing that ole does when the wizard says thing that ole does when the wizard says your horse is going to be the bane of your horse is going to be the bane of your horse is going to be the bane of your existence he sends the horse away your existence he sends the horse away your existence he sends the horse away doesn't hold anything against the horse doesn't hold anything against the horse doesn't hold anything against the horse tells his underlings to take it far away tells his underlings to take it far away tells his underlings to take it far away feed it take good care of it just don't feed it take good care of it just don't feed it take good care of it just don't you know have it near me and then one you know have it near me and then one you know have it near me and then one day when the prophecy is supposed to day when the prophecy is supposed to day when the prophecy is supposed to come true and Oleg finds himself still come true and Oleg finds himself still come true and Oleg finds himself still alive he says to one of his Squires the alive he says to one of his Squires the alive he says to one of his Squires the Russian primary Chronicle says and you Russian primary Chronicle says and you Russian primary Chronicle says and you can see how very different this this can see how very different this this can see how very different this this can't you from information an can't you from information an can't you from information an archaeologist would provide or something archaeologist would provide or something archaeologist would provide or something the byzantines would write right this is the byzantines would write right this is the byzantines would write right this is the origin story As Told by the the origin story As Told by the the origin story As Told by the descendants of the people they're descendants of the people they're descendants of the people they're writing about but OLG says to The Squire writing about but OLG says to The Squire writing about but OLG says to The Squire whatever happened to that horse that was whatever happened to that horse that was whatever happened to that horse that was supposed to be the death of me and the supposed to be the death of me and the supposed to be the death of me and the Russian primary Chronicle says Russian primary Chronicle says Russian primary Chronicle says quote The Squire answered that he was quote The Squire answered that he was quote The Squire answered that he was dead meaning the horse was dead Oleg dead meaning the horse was dead Oleg dead meaning the horse was dead Oleg laughed and mocked the magician meaning laughed and mocked the magician meaning laughed and mocked the magician meaning the wizard exclaiming soothsayers tell the wizard exclaiming soothsayers tell the wizard exclaiming soothsayers tell untruths and their words are not but untruths and their words are not but untruths and their words are not but falsehoods this horse is dead but I am falsehoods this horse is dead but I am falsehoods this horse is dead but I am still alive then he commanded that a still alive then he commanded that a still alive then he commanded that a horse should be saddled let me see his horse should be saddled let me see his horse should be saddled let me see his bones said he he rode to the place with bones said he he rode to the place with bones said he he rode to the place with the bare bones and skull lay dismounting the bare bones and skull lay dismounting the bare bones and skull lay dismounting from his horse he laughed and remarked from his horse he laughed and remarked from his horse he laughed and remarked so I was supposed to receive my death

so I was supposed to receive my death so I was supposed to receive my death from this skull and then he stamped upon from this skull and then he stamped upon from this skull and then he stamped upon the skull with his foot but a serpent the skull with his foot but a serpent the skull with his foot but a serpent crawled forth from it and bit him on the crawled forth from it and bit him on the crawled forth from it and bit him on the foot so that in consequence he sickened foot so that in consequence he sickened foot so that in consequence he sickened and died end and died end and died end quote now I suppose there's a tiny quote now I suppose there's a tiny quote now I suppose there's a tiny chance that that's what actually chance that that's what actually chance that that's what actually happened but you could see why people happened but you could see why people happened but you could see why people take the Russian primary Chronicle take the Russian primary Chronicle take the Russian primary Chronicle especially these early parts of the especially these early parts of the especially these early parts of the story with more than a grain of salt and story with more than a grain of salt and story with more than a grain of salt and you can also see though why it's the you can also see though why it's the you can also see though why it's the kind of material you just don't get from kind of material you just don't get from kind of material you just don't get from the other sources right sometimes you're the other sources right sometimes you're the other sources right sometimes you're left with something that might not be left with something that might not be left with something that might not be good enough to hang your hat on but if good enough to hang your hat on but if good enough to hang your hat on but if it's all you have well it's hard to it's all you have well it's hard to it's all you have well it's hard to throw away in its entirety isn't it now throw away in its entirety isn't it now throw away in its entirety isn't it now Oleg leads to eigor and eigor is a Oleg leads to eigor and eigor is a Oleg leads to eigor and eigor is a fascinating character including because fascinating character including because fascinating character including because of the woman he marries Igor marries of the woman he marries Igor marries of the woman he marries Igor marries Olga there's a lot of names I realize Olga there's a lot of names I realize Olga there's a lot of names I realize but Olga is also supposed to be a but Olga is also supposed to be a but Olga is also supposed to be a Scandinavian person uh her name was Scandinavian person uh her name was Scandinavian person uh her name was probably Helga in the Scandinavian probably Helga in the Scandinavian probably Helga in the Scandinavian naming system she's fascinating in fact naming system she's fascinating in fact naming system she's fascinating in fact I'm trying to think I know there has to I'm trying to think I know there has to I'm trying to think I know there has to be more cuz there's so many Christian be more cuz there's so many Christian be more cuz there's so many Christian Saints I'm trying to think of a Saints I'm trying to think of a Saints I'm trying to think of a Christian Saint with a more bloody Christian Saint with a more bloody Christian Saint with a more bloody vindictive retribution violent sort of vindictive retribution violent sort of vindictive retribution violent sort of temperament that would outstrip Olga's temperament that would outstrip Olga's temperament that would outstrip Olga's reputation and I can't think of one off reputation and I can't think of one off reputation and I can't think of one off the top of my head but some would say the top of my head but some would say the top of my head but some would say Olga had a good reason for being the way

Olga had a good reason for being the way Olga had a good reason for being the way that she was because Olga's husband will that she was because Olga's husband will that she was because Olga's husband will be killed by a Slavic tribe be killed by a Slavic tribe be killed by a Slavic tribe now if you are a Slavic proponent you now if you are a Slavic proponent you now if you are a Slavic proponent you will say that they had a very good will say that they had a very good will say that they had a very good reason to kill reason to kill reason to kill eigor because what happens is is like eigor because what happens is is like eigor because what happens is is like his predecessors before him eigor will his predecessors before him eigor will his predecessors before him eigor will go and lay tribute on these Slavic go and lay tribute on these Slavic go and lay tribute on these Slavic tribes he shows up according to the tribes he shows up according to the tribes he shows up according to the Russian primary Chronicle to this one C Russian primary Chronicle to this one C Russian primary Chronicle to this one C tribe with his army and basically says tribe with his army and basically says tribe with his army and basically says you know that amount you were paying to you know that amount you were paying to you know that amount you were paying to my predecessor we were raising the rent my predecessor we were raising the rent my predecessor we were raising the rent right so you're going to pay me more and right so you're going to pay me more and right so you're going to pay me more and what could they do he had the army army what could they do he had the army army what could they do he had the army army with them they just sort of meekly said with them they just sort of meekly said with them they just sort of meekly said okay and then he and the Army head back okay and then he and the Army head back okay and then he and the Army head back to you know headquarters but on the way to you know headquarters but on the way to you know headquarters but on the way the primary Chronicle says he decided he the primary Chronicle says he decided he the primary Chronicle says he decided he was going to raise it even more so he was going to raise it even more so he was going to raise it even more so he goes back to the people whose rent you goes back to the people whose rent you goes back to the people whose rent you know the tribute he just raised but he know the tribute he just raised but he know the tribute he just raised but he only brings a small bodyguard with him only brings a small bodyguard with him only brings a small bodyguard with him and when he tells the Slavic tribe he and when he tells the Slavic tribe he and when he tells the Slavic tribe he raising the rent even more than he said raising the rent even more than he said raising the rent even more than he said he was they kill him the traditional he was they kill him the traditional he was they kill him the traditional account is and you'll run into this account is and you'll run into this account is and you'll run into this quite a bit that they each of his legs quite a bit that they each of his legs quite a bit that they each of his legs to a birch tree that is bent over you to a birch tree that is bent over you to a birch tree that is bent over you know under tension and that will pull know under tension and that will pull know under tension and that will pull his legs in opposite directions and then his legs in opposite directions and then his legs in opposite directions and then when they let go of the birch tree it when they let go of the birch tree it when they let go of the birch tree it splits him right up the splits him right up the splits him right up the middle and then they have the gall to go middle and then they have the gall to go middle and then they have the gall to go to his wife Olga and tell her what they to his wife Olga and tell her what they to his wife Olga and tell her what they did to her husband and then they have did to her husband and then they have did to her husband and then they have the greater Gall to say well now that the greater Gall to say well now that the greater Gall to say well now that your husband is dead we think you should

your husband is dead we think you should your husband is dead we think you should marry our leader and that's where the marry our leader and that's where the marry our leader and that's where the story gets fantastic again if is it true story gets fantastic again if is it true story gets fantastic again if is it true who knows it's not something the who knows it's not something the who knows it's not something the archaeologist at least at this times can archaeologist at least at this times can archaeologist at least at this times can confirm and it's not something that the confirm and it's not something that the confirm and it's not something that the Byzantine documents confirm but Olga Byzantine documents confirm but Olga Byzantine documents confirm but Olga basically says oh yeah you know what am basically says oh yeah you know what am basically says oh yeah you know what am I going to do my husband's dead and the I going to do my husband's dead and the I going to do my husband's dead and the story starts off from there and it's story starts off from there and it's story starts off from there and it's just wickedly just wickedly just wickedly retribution quote Olga was informed that retribution quote Olga was informed that retribution quote Olga was informed that the derans that's the Slavic tribe in the derans that's the Slavic tribe in the derans that's the Slavic tribe in question had arrived and summoned them question had arrived and summoned them question had arrived and summoned them to her presence with a gracious welcome to her presence with a gracious welcome to her presence with a gracious welcome when the derans had announced their when the derans had announced their when the derans had announced their arrival Olga replied with an inquiry as arrival Olga replied with an inquiry as arrival Olga replied with an inquiry as to the reason of their coming the derans to the reason of their coming the derans to the reason of their coming the derans then announced that their tribe had sent then announced that their tribe had sent then announced that their tribe had sent them to report that they had slain her them to report that they had slain her them to report that they had slain her husband because he was like a wolf husband because he was like a wolf husband because he was like a wolf crafty and ravening but that their crafty and ravening but that their crafty and ravening but that their princes who had thus preserved the land princes who had thus preserved the land princes who had thus preserved the land of Dera were good and that Olga should of Dera were good and that Olga should of Dera were good and that Olga should come and marry their prince whose name come and marry their prince whose name come and marry their prince whose name was Mal Olga made this reply quote your was Mal Olga made this reply quote your was Mal Olga made this reply quote your proposed is pleasing to me indeed my proposed is pleasing to me indeed my proposed is pleasing to me indeed my husband cannot Rise Again from the dead husband cannot Rise Again from the dead husband cannot Rise Again from the dead but I desire to honor you tomorrow in but I desire to honor you tomorrow in but I desire to honor you tomorrow in the presence of my people return now to the presence of my people return now to the presence of my people return now to your boat and remain there with an your boat and remain there with an your boat and remain there with an aspect of arrogance I shall send for you aspect of arrogance I shall send for you aspect of arrogance I shall send for you on the tomorrow end quote she then has on the tomorrow end quote she then has on the tomorrow end quote she then has her people show up the next day after her people show up the next day after her people show up the next day after they have dug a big trench without the they have dug a big trench without the they have dug a big trench without the derans knowing about it they pick them

derans knowing about it they pick them derans knowing about it they pick them up in this boat they carry them in this up in this boat they carry them in this up in this boat they carry them in this boat to the trench they throw them in boat to the trench they throw them in boat to the trench they throw them in the trench and then they bury them alive the trench and then they bury them alive the trench and then they bury them alive Olga's not even close to being done Olga's not even close to being done Olga's not even close to being done though she then according to the though she then according to the though she then according to the chronicle sends a message back to the chronicle sends a message back to the chronicle sends a message back to the derans basically saying quote if they derans basically saying quote if they derans basically saying quote if they really required her presence they should really required her presence they should really required her presence they should send after her their most distinguished send after her their most distinguished send after her their most distinguished men so that she might go to their prince men so that she might go to their prince men so that she might go to their prince with due honor for otherwise her people with due honor for otherwise her people with due honor for otherwise her people in Kiev would not let her go end quote in Kiev would not let her go end quote in Kiev would not let her go end quote right send me your best people they'll right send me your best people they'll right send me your best people they'll conduct me to you and we'll get this conduct me to you and we'll get this conduct me to you and we'll get this marriage thing underway basically so marriage thing underway basically so marriage thing underway basically so they send their best people to her when they send their best people to her when they send their best people to her when they arrive she says that she set up a they arrive she says that she set up a they arrive she says that she set up a wonderful bath in the bath house for wonderful bath in the bath house for wonderful bath in the bath house for them they should go sort of wash off the them they should go sort of wash off the them they should go sort of wash off the dirt from the trip and then she'll dirt from the trip and then she'll dirt from the trip and then she'll receive them when they all go into the receive them when they all go into the receive them when they all go into the bath house she has her people burn it bath house she has her people burn it bath house she has her people burn it down with them in down with them in down with them in it but Olga's not done yet she then it but Olga's not done yet she then it but Olga's not done yet she then tells the derans that she's coming to tells the derans that she's coming to tells the derans that she's coming to them that they should prepare a feast them that they should prepare a feast them that they should prepare a feast with lots of alcoholic beverages and with lots of alcoholic beverages and with lots of alcoholic beverages and they'll party it up well and then she they'll party it up well and then she they'll party it up well and then she shows up everybody gets drunk um she has shows up everybody gets drunk um she has shows up everybody gets drunk um she has a small escort with her and when a small escort with her and when a small escort with her and when everybody gets drunk she has her everybody gets drunk she has her everybody gets drunk she has her followers kill followers kill followers kill everyone the Russian primary Chronicle everyone the Russian primary Chronicle everyone the Russian primary Chronicle says that her followers killed down says that her followers killed down says that her followers killed down 5,000 of the 5,000 of the 5,000 of the derans but that she wasn't done even yet derans but that she wasn't done even yet derans but that she wasn't done even yet Olga then returns to Kiev the chronicle

Olga then returns to Kiev the chronicle Olga then returns to Kiev the chronicle says and prepares her Army to attack the says and prepares her Army to attack the says and prepares her Army to attack the survivors it does she puts their city survivors it does she puts their city survivors it does she puts their city under siege it says for a year under siege it says for a year under siege it says for a year eventually both sides Tire of The Siege eventually both sides Tire of The Siege eventually both sides Tire of The Siege and they say you know what do we have to and they say you know what do we have to and they say you know what do we have to do to get this you know resolved and she do to get this you know resolved and she do to get this you know resolved and she says I only want a sparrow actually says I only want a sparrow actually says I only want a sparrow actually three pigeons and three sparrows I I three pigeons and three sparrows I I three pigeons and three sparrows I I correct myself from each correct myself from each correct myself from each house and then when they're really happy house and then when they're really happy house and then when they're really happy to find out that that's all she wants to find out that that's all she wants to find out that that's all she wants they deliver up the three sparrows or they deliver up the three sparrows or they deliver up the three sparrows or three pigeons from each house she ties three pigeons from each house she ties three pigeons from each house she ties sulfur and other inflammatory materials sulfur and other inflammatory materials sulfur and other inflammatory materials to each one of them releases them the to each one of them releases them the to each one of them releases them the primary Chronicle says they instantly primary Chronicle says they instantly primary Chronicle says they instantly return to where they came from all the return to where they came from all the return to where they came from all the various houses with their thatched roofs various houses with their thatched roofs various houses with their thatched roofs like the whole city on fire the whole like the whole city on fire the whole like the whole city on fire the whole thing burns down and as the Russian thing burns down and as the Russian thing burns down and as the Russian primary Chronicle says quote there was primary Chronicle says quote there was primary Chronicle says quote there was not a house that was not consumed and it not a house that was not consumed and it not a house that was not consumed and it was impossible to extinguish the Flames was impossible to extinguish the Flames was impossible to extinguish the Flames because all the houses caught fire at because all the houses caught fire at because all the houses caught fire at once the people fled from the city and once the people fled from the city and once the people fled from the city and Olga ordered her soldiers to catch them Olga ordered her soldiers to catch them Olga ordered her soldiers to catch them thus she took the city and burned it and thus she took the city and burned it and thus she took the city and burned it and captured the Elders of the city some of captured the Elders of the city some of captured the Elders of the city some of the other captives she killed while she the other captives she killed while she the other captives she killed while she gave others as slaves to her followers gave others as slaves to her followers gave others as slaves to her followers The Remnant she left to pay tribute end The Remnant she left to pay tribute end The Remnant she left to pay tribute end quote Now spoiler alert in the future quote Now spoiler alert in the future quote Now spoiler alert in the future Olga is going to be sainted she's going Olga is going to be sainted she's going Olga is going to be sainted she's going to become a Christian Saint when was the to become a Christian Saint when was the to become a Christian Saint when was the last Christian saint that you can think last Christian saint that you can think last Christian saint that you can think of off the top of your head responsible

of off the top of your head responsible of off the top of your head responsible for as much retribution violence as Olga for as much retribution violence as Olga for as much retribution violence as Olga is she's clearly one of the women in is she's clearly one of the women in is she's clearly one of the women in history you would least want to make history you would least want to make history you would least want to make angry with angry with angry with you but is any of this stuff about Olga you but is any of this stuff about Olga you but is any of this stuff about Olga or for that matter ruic or Ole or Igor or for that matter ruic or Ole or Igor or for that matter ruic or Ole or Igor true all this stuff from the Russian true all this stuff from the Russian true all this stuff from the Russian primary Chronicle is open to debate and primary Chronicle is open to debate and primary Chronicle is open to debate and inspection and critique what's more I inspection and critique what's more I inspection and critique what's more I like the other name that the Russian like the other name that the Russian like the other name that the Russian primary Chronicle is known by it's also primary Chronicle is known by it's also primary Chronicle is known by it's also called The Tale of bygone years which called The Tale of bygone years which called The Tale of bygone years which makes it sound less authoritative and makes it sound less authoritative and makes it sound less authoritative and more like a hobbit might have written it more like a hobbit might have written it more like a hobbit might have written it right it's the red book of West March or right it's the red book of West March or right it's the red book of West March or something like that and historians something like that and historians something like that and historians trying to disentangle truth from fiction trying to disentangle truth from fiction trying to disentangle truth from fiction in it have not only been trying now for in it have not only been trying now for in it have not only been trying now for Generations but they often disagree on Generations but they often disagree on Generations but they often disagree on what they consider to be truth and what they consider to be truth and what they consider to be truth and falsehood I mean there are several falsehood I mean there are several falsehood I mean there are several attacks on Constantinople that some attacks on Constantinople that some attacks on Constantinople that some historians think happened and others historians think happened and others historians think happened and others think didn't the question of Olga all by think didn't the question of Olga all by think didn't the question of Olga all by herself is interesting in the emergence herself is interesting in the emergence herself is interesting in the emergence of Russ historians Simon Franklin and of Russ historians Simon Franklin and of Russ historians Simon Franklin and Jonathan Shepard point out that the Olga Jonathan Shepard point out that the Olga Jonathan Shepard point out that the Olga story is formulaic and symbolic and they story is formulaic and symbolic and they story is formulaic and symbolic and they write write write quote Olga has ample space in the quote Olga has ample space in the quote Olga has ample space in the primary Chronicle and she also became primary Chronicle and she also became primary Chronicle and she also became the subject of a quasi hagiographical the subject of a quasi hagiographical the subject of a quasi hagiographical eulogy end quote they point out that she

eulogy end quote they point out that she eulogy end quote they point out that she meets certain specifications for how meets certain specifications for how meets certain specifications for how women are supposed to behave in the time women are supposed to behave in the time women are supposed to behave in the time that the primary Chronicle was written that the primary Chronicle was written that the primary Chronicle was written saying quote yet Olga emphatically saying quote yet Olga emphatically saying quote yet Olga emphatically confirms the rule in the first place her confirms the rule in the first place her confirms the rule in the first place her status is within the Norms she is shown status is within the Norms she is shown status is within the Norms she is shown as holding power not in her own right as holding power not in her own right as holding power not in her own right but as her husband's Widow during her but as her husband's Widow during her but as her husband's Widow during her son's minority and her actions against son's minority and her actions against son's minority and her actions against the derans were her revenge for her the derans were her revenge for her the derans were her revenge for her husband's murder secondly they write husband's murder secondly they write husband's murder secondly they write most narratives about her have a most narratives about her have a most narratives about her have a curiously feminine in texture unlike the curiously feminine in texture unlike the curiously feminine in texture unlike the equivalent narratives about men Mal the equivalent narratives about men Mal the equivalent narratives about men Mal the prince of the derans sends envoys to prince of the derans sends envoys to prince of the derans sends envoys to Olga proposing marriage Olga agrees and Olga proposing marriage Olga agrees and Olga proposing marriage Olga agrees and orders that the envoys be carried up to orders that the envoys be carried up to orders that the envoys be carried up to Kiev in their boat when the envoys reach Kiev in their boat when the envoys reach Kiev in their boat when the envoys reach Olga's compound the boat is cast into a Olga's compound the boat is cast into a Olga's compound the boat is cast into a pit and the envoys are buried alive in pit and the envoys are buried alive in pit and the envoys are buried alive in it this they say is Olga's first Revenge it this they say is Olga's first Revenge it this they say is Olga's first Revenge she then requests more envoys to escort she then requests more envoys to escort she then requests more envoys to escort her on her journey to her bridegroom her on her journey to her bridegroom her on her journey to her bridegroom when they arrive she suggests they take when they arrive she suggests they take when they arrive she suggests they take a bath the doors are then locked the a bath the doors are then locked the a bath the doors are then locked the bath house is set on fire and the envoys bath house is set on fire and the envoys bath house is set on fire and the envoys are burned alive finally they write Olga are burned alive finally they write Olga are burned alive finally they write Olga goes to the land of the derans goes to the land of the derans goes to the land of the derans requesting only that before marrying she requesting only that before marrying she requesting only that before marrying she might hold a funeral Feast for her might hold a funeral Feast for her might hold a funeral Feast for her husband at the feast the derans drink husband at the feast the derans drink husband at the feast the derans drink themselves into a stuper whereupon themselves into a stuper whereupon themselves into a stuper whereupon Olga's Men set upon them and cut them to Olga's Men set upon them and cut them to Olga's Men set upon them and cut them to Pieces all 5,000 of them these they Pieces all 5,000 of them these they Pieces all 5,000 of them these they write are formulaic Tales under the

write are formulaic Tales under the write are formulaic Tales under the guise of betrothal Olga sets a series of guise of betrothal Olga sets a series of guise of betrothal Olga sets a series of riddles with cryptic Clues symbolizing riddles with cryptic Clues symbolizing riddles with cryptic Clues symbolizing not a marriage but a funeral boat burial not a marriage but a funeral boat burial not a marriage but a funeral boat burial washing the body cremation the funeral washing the body cremation the funeral washing the body cremation the funeral Feast the penalty for not decoding the Feast the penalty for not decoding the Feast the penalty for not decoding the riddle is death and the derans drink at riddle is death and the derans drink at riddle is death and the derans drink at their own funeral Feast end their own funeral Feast end their own funeral Feast end quote during the time period we just quote during the time period we just quote during the time period we just mentioned there are a couple of treaties mentioned there are a couple of treaties mentioned there are a couple of treaties that are signed between the Russ or some that are signed between the Russ or some that are signed between the Russ or some of the Russ and the of the Russ and the of the Russ and the byzantines these treaties are byzantines these treaties are byzantines these treaties are interesting because trying to figure out interesting because trying to figure out interesting because trying to figure out why treaties are being signed has why treaties are being signed has why treaties are being signed has created confusion the Russian primary created confusion the Russian primary created confusion the Russian primary Chronicle says they're signed because Chronicle says they're signed because Chronicle says they're signed because well they're ending conflicts right when well they're ending conflicts right when well they're ending conflicts right when do you sign a treaty when you end a war do you sign a treaty when you end a war do you sign a treaty when you end a war but whether these conflicts occurred or but whether these conflicts occurred or but whether these conflicts occurred or not is also controversial I have many not is also controversial I have many not is also controversial I have many books on the subject I would you know books on the subject I would you know books on the subject I would you know off the top of my head say about 60% off the top of my head say about 60% off the top of my head say about 60% believe that these conflicts the believe that these conflicts the believe that these conflicts the treaties are supposed to settle didn't treaties are supposed to settle didn't treaties are supposed to settle didn't happen about 40% by the idea that they happen about 40% by the idea that they happen about 40% by the idea that they did the Russian primary Chronicle the did the Russian primary Chronicle the did the Russian primary Chronicle the tale of byon years says that they did tale of byon years says that they did tale of byon years says that they did but this may be a later insertion to but this may be a later insertion to but this may be a later insertion to explain why there are treaties for explain why there are treaties for explain why there are treaties for example Viking historians Fier Jacobson example Viking historians Fier Jacobson example Viking historians Fier Jacobson in the varangians God's holy fire writes in the varangians God's holy fire writes in the varangians God's holy fire writes quote the treaty is placed into the quote the treaty is placed into the quote the treaty is placed into the primary Chronicle in context of the primary Chronicle in context of the primary Chronicle in context of the attack by Prince Oleg on Constantinople attack by Prince Oleg on Constantinople attack by Prince Oleg on Constantinople in 7 there is however no distinct

in 7 there is however no distinct in 7 there is however no distinct reference to such a raid in any Roman reference to such a raid in any Roman reference to such a raid in any Roman sources meaning any Byzantine sources sources meaning any Byzantine sources sources meaning any Byzantine sources which is in stark contrast to the rate which is in stark contrast to the rate which is in stark contrast to the rate of 860 it could thus be surmised that of 860 it could thus be surmised that of 860 it could thus be surmised that olg's attack on Constantinople was a olg's attack on Constantinople was a olg's attack on Constantinople was a later invention perhaps intended to later invention perhaps intended to later invention perhaps intended to explain the circumstances of the treaty explain the circumstances of the treaty explain the circumstances of the treaty which itself does not refer to any raid which itself does not refer to any raid which itself does not refer to any raid only to a long-standing friendship only to a long-standing friendship only to a long-standing friendship between the Russ and the Roman Empire between the Russ and the Roman Empire between the Russ and the Roman Empire end end end quote in his book North Man the Viking quote in his book North Man the Viking quote in his book North Man the Viking Saga Viking expert John Haywood puts it Saga Viking expert John Haywood puts it Saga Viking expert John Haywood puts it this way quote according to the primary this way quote according to the primary this way quote according to the primary Chronicle Ole LED an attack on Chronicle Ole LED an attack on Chronicle Ole LED an attack on Constantinople in 907 if he did no one Constantinople in 907 if he did no one Constantinople in 907 if he did no one in Constantinople appears to have in Constantinople appears to have in Constantinople appears to have noticed because it is not mentioned in noticed because it is not mentioned in noticed because it is not mentioned in any Byzantine sources end any Byzantine sources end any Byzantine sources end quote yet as I said about 40% of the quote yet as I said about 40% of the quote yet as I said about 40% of the history jeel Reed by the idea that those history jeel Reed by the idea that those history jeel Reed by the idea that those attacks happened I'm not a historian I attacks happened I'm not a historian I attacks happened I'm not a historian I can't make distinctions between can't make distinctions between can't make distinctions between arguments between historians so I'm arguments between historians so I'm arguments between historians so I'm going to treat those attacks as suspect going to treat those attacks as suspect going to treat those attacks as suspect and stick with the ones we know happened and stick with the ones we know happened and stick with the ones we know happened because there's going to be another one because there's going to be another one because there's going to be another one but before we get to it you have to know but before we get to it you have to know but before we get to it you have to know about a geopolitical firestorm that about a geopolitical firestorm that about a geopolitical firestorm that erupts that changes everything in the erupts that changes everything in the erupts that changes everything in the Eastern Viking varangian Russ world and Eastern Viking varangian Russ world and Eastern Viking varangian Russ world and that is the latest eruption of the that is the latest eruption of the that is the latest eruption of the newest step tribe newest step tribe newest step tribe dujour if you follow uh Eurasian step dujour if you follow uh Eurasian step dujour if you follow uh Eurasian step tribe history you know that they break tribe history you know that they break tribe history you know that they break like waves upon the SLE societies that like waves upon the SLE societies that like waves upon the SLE societies that ring the Eurasian step and there's

ring the Eurasian step and there's ring the Eurasian step and there's always another wave behind the current always another wave behind the current always another wave behind the current breaking Crest and in the late 800s breaking Crest and in the late 800s breaking Crest and in the late 800s early 900s the newest wave is the pachan early 900s the newest wave is the pachan early 900s the newest wave is the pachan eggs and these people blow through the eggs and these people blow through the eggs and these people blow through the Kazar and the magars and destroy the Kazar and the magars and destroy the Kazar and the magars and destroy the stabilization that has occurred in that stabilization that has occurred in that stabilization that has occurred in that region over the previous region over the previous region over the previous decades disrupt decades disrupt decades disrupt everything when the byzantines suggest everything when the byzantines suggest everything when the byzantines suggest to the magars also known as the to the magars also known as the to the magars also known as the hungarians that they fight these new hungarians that they fight these new hungarians that they fight these new tribal peoples from the East the tribal peoples from the East the tribal peoples from the East the hungarians say they can't in the hungarians say they can't in the hungarians say they can't in the emergence of Russ Simon Franklin and emergence of Russ Simon Franklin and emergence of Russ Simon Franklin and Jonathan Shepard have this quote quote Jonathan Shepard have this quote quote Jonathan Shepard have this quote quote the pachin eggs overran the grazing the pachin eggs overran the grazing the pachin eggs overran the grazing grounds of the hungarians during the grounds of the hungarians during the grounds of the hungarians during the 890s having been egged on by the ruler 890s having been egged on by the ruler 890s having been egged on by the ruler of Bulgaria Simeon the region between of Bulgaria Simeon the region between of Bulgaria Simeon the region between the Dawn and the Donette steps in the the Dawn and the Donette steps in the the Dawn and the Donette steps in the East and the Easter and then East and the Easter and then East and the Easter and then subsequently the danu in the west lay at subsequently the danu in the west lay at subsequently the danu in the west lay at their disposal they were markedly poorer their disposal they were markedly poorer their disposal they were markedly poorer than the hungarians in terms of material than the hungarians in terms of material than the hungarians in terms of material culture ornaments and riding gear but culture ornaments and riding gear but culture ornaments and riding gear but they were perhaps for that reason more they were perhaps for that reason more they were perhaps for that reason more ferocious when a Byzantine Emissary ferocious when a Byzantine Emissary ferocious when a Byzantine Emissary tried to stir up the hungarians against tried to stir up the hungarians against tried to stir up the hungarians against the pachin eggs they protested now the pachin eggs they protested now the pachin eggs they protested now quoting the hungarians quote we cannot quoting the hungarians quote we cannot quoting the hungarians quote we cannot fight them for their country is vast and fight them for their country is vast and fight them for their country is vast and their people numerous and they are the their people numerous and they are the their people numerous and they are the devil's brats end devil's brats end devil's brats end quote the devil's Bratz I love that term

quote the devil's Bratz I love that term quote the devil's Bratz I love that term and the devil's Bratz are going to and the devil's Bratz are going to and the devil's Bratz are going to create geopolitical upheaval threaten create geopolitical upheaval threaten create geopolitical upheaval threaten the trade routes make life miserable for the trade routes make life miserable for the trade routes make life miserable for lots of different people the Russ not lots of different people the Russ not lots of different people the Russ not least amongst least amongst least amongst them on this super highway from the them on this super highway from the them on this super highway from the Baltic to Constantinople and beyond that Baltic to Constantinople and beyond that Baltic to Constantinople and beyond that to Baghdad there are going to be spots to Baghdad there are going to be spots to Baghdad there are going to be spots where the Russ Traders have to take where the Russ Traders have to take where the Russ Traders have to take their boats Overland and that we are their boats Overland and that we are their boats Overland and that we are told in the original sources is where told in the original sources is where told in the original sources is where the pens eggs wait for them and they get the pens eggs wait for them and they get the pens eggs wait for them and they get get get get them but crisis can create opportunity them but crisis can create opportunity them but crisis can create opportunity and in many places it is thought that and in many places it is thought that and in many places it is thought that these Russ Warriors are able to make new these Russ Warriors are able to make new these Russ Warriors are able to make new inroads and create new tributary inroads and create new tributary inroads and create new tributary societies amongst the Slavs because all societies amongst the Slavs because all societies amongst the Slavs because all of a sudden these Slavs desperately need of a sudden these Slavs desperately need of a sudden these Slavs desperately need protection from the penin eggs and these protection from the penin eggs and these protection from the penin eggs and these Russ these Vikings of the East are Russ these Vikings of the East are Russ these Vikings of the East are strong well equipped Warriors and one of strong well equipped Warriors and one of strong well equipped Warriors and one of the things I find interesting is you can the things I find interesting is you can the things I find interesting is you can start to see the development of what we start to see the development of what we start to see the development of what we can call true Cavalry here in the East can call true Cavalry here in the East can call true Cavalry here in the East that's part of a you know Newtonian that's part of a you know Newtonian that's part of a you know Newtonian formula in Warfare for every action formula in Warfare for every action formula in Warfare for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction there's an equal and opposite reaction there's an equal and opposite reaction when you are fighting mounted people in when you are fighting mounted people in when you are fighting mounted people in Wide Open Country eventually you learn Wide Open Country eventually you learn Wide Open Country eventually you learn that you need to be mounted too and true that you need to be mounted too and true that you need to be mounted too and true Cavalry meaning fighting as Cavalry will Cavalry meaning fighting as Cavalry will Cavalry meaning fighting as Cavalry will start in the East long before it does in start in the East long before it does in start in the East long before it does in the the the west and of course when I say that I west and of course when I say that I west and of course when I say that I mean Scandinavian Cavalry because of mean Scandinavian Cavalry because of mean Scandinavian Cavalry because of course Cavalry had been fighting as course Cavalry had been fighting as course Cavalry had been fighting as Cavalry in some parts of the world for Cavalry in some parts of the world for Cavalry in some parts of the world for 2,000 years or something by this time

2,000 years or something by this time 2,000 years or something by this time but the Scandinavians in the Eastern but the Scandinavians in the Eastern but the Scandinavians in the Eastern areas will adopt true Cavalry quite a areas will adopt true Cavalry quite a areas will adopt true Cavalry quite a bit of time before the Scandinavians in bit of time before the Scandinavians in bit of time before the Scandinavians in the west the west the west will it's in will it's in will it's in 941 that we see the famous great attack 941 that we see the famous great attack 941 that we see the famous great attack on on on Constantinople by the Russ that no one Constantinople by the Russ that no one Constantinople by the Russ that no one denies that there are multiple sources denies that there are multiple sources denies that there are multiple sources for as we said earlier for as we said earlier for as we said earlier uh if it bleeds it leads kind of works uh if it bleeds it leads kind of works uh if it bleeds it leads kind of works for history the same way it does for for history the same way it does for for history the same way it does for journalism and that's why the earlier journalism and that's why the earlier journalism and that's why the earlier attacks that supposedly happened in 9007 attacks that supposedly happened in 9007 attacks that supposedly happened in 9007 for example are harder to believe for example are harder to believe for example are harder to believe because you know you can't really have because you know you can't really have because you know you can't really have one of those big attacks without a bunch one of those big attacks without a bunch one of those big attacks without a bunch of people writing about it well not of people writing about it well not of people writing about it well not easily anyway and the famous 941 attack easily anyway and the famous 941 attack easily anyway and the famous 941 attack is written by about by a lot of sources is written by about by a lot of sources is written by about by a lot of sources proving the proving the proving the point we should talk a little bit about point we should talk a little bit about point we should talk a little bit about the place that's attacked because we've the place that's attacked because we've the place that's attacked because we've mentioned it before but it Bears some mentioned it before but it Bears some mentioned it before but it Bears some discussion we call it the Byzantine discussion we call it the Byzantine discussion we call it the Byzantine Empire this is a misnomer that's not Empire this is a misnomer that's not Empire this is a misnomer that's not something anyone living during this time something anyone living during this time something anyone living during this time period we're talking about would have period we're talking about would have period we're talking about would have understood or used or called themselves understood or used or called themselves understood or used or called themselves the people in what we call the Byzantine the people in what we call the Byzantine the people in what we call the Byzantine Empire called themselves Empire called themselves Empire called themselves Roman and it's easy to understand why Roman and it's easy to understand why Roman and it's easy to understand why all you have to do is pretend that the all you have to do is pretend that the all you have to do is pretend that the same thing that left the byzantines in same thing that left the byzantines in same thing that left the byzantines in the position the byzantines are in by the position the byzantines are in by the position the byzantines are in by this time happen to a place like the this time happen to a place like the this time happen to a place like the United States I mean what would happen United States I mean what would happen United States I mean what would happen if in some future time an invasion of

if in some future time an invasion of if in some future time an invasion of the United States happened and the the United States happened and the the United States happened and the Invaders were able to conquer all the Invaders were able to conquer all the Invaders were able to conquer all the way to somewhere in the midwest let's way to somewhere in the midwest let's way to somewhere in the midwest let's just say you know Iowa you know just say you know Iowa you know just say you know Iowa you know Illinois Indiana that whole area so Illinois Indiana that whole area so Illinois Indiana that whole area so California to Indiana is gone taken over California to Indiana is gone taken over California to Indiana is gone taken over becomes a bunch of separate kingdoms but becomes a bunch of separate kingdoms but becomes a bunch of separate kingdoms but every place east of that you know from every place east of that you know from every place east of that you know from like you know Michigan all the way to like you know Michigan all the way to like you know Michigan all the way to the east coast remained you know as it the east coast remained you know as it the east coast remained you know as it was the United States as we we halted was the United States as we we halted was the United States as we we halted the Invaders at the Midwest and we the Invaders at the Midwest and we the Invaders at the Midwest and we continued on for another thousand years continued on for another thousand years continued on for another thousand years would you call that something different would you call that something different would you call that something different would the people in those territories would the people in those territories would the people in those territories rename the United States as something rename the United States as something rename the United States as something else just because they lost some of it else just because they lost some of it else just because they lost some of it well that's what happened to the Eastern well that's what happened to the Eastern well that's what happened to the Eastern Roman Empire when the you know Barbarian Roman Empire when the you know Barbarian Roman Empire when the you know Barbarian trib and the various other groups were trib and the various other groups were trib and the various other groups were able to eventually let's just say able to eventually let's just say able to eventually let's just say extinguish government in the Roman West extinguish government in the Roman West extinguish government in the Roman West the Roman East remained for another the Roman East remained for another the Roman East remained for another thousand thousand thousand years what matters though in this years what matters though in this years what matters though in this discussion is that there is an unbroken discussion is that there is an unbroken discussion is that there is an unbroken historical tradition in those places historical tradition in those places historical tradition in those places that dates back well a good 1300 years that dates back well a good 1300 years that dates back well a good 1300 years what would you say I mean Julius what would you say I mean Julius what would you say I mean Julius Caesar's in the 50s Caesar's in the 50s Caesar's in the 50s BCE well they still will call their BCE well they still will call their BCE well they still will call their Emperor Kaiser you know that's what Emperor Kaiser you know that's what Emperor Kaiser you know that's what Caesar would have been called in the Caesar would have been called in the Caesar would have been called in the Roman Latin right Roman Latin right Roman Latin right Kar and by Julia Caesar's time in the

Kar and by Julia Caesar's time in the Kar and by Julia Caesar's time in the 50s bcee Roman military tradition is 50s bcee Roman military tradition is 50s bcee Roman military tradition is hundreds of years old already you know hundreds of years old already you know hundreds of years old already you know they write this stuff down it continues they write this stuff down it continues they write this stuff down it continues to build upon you know the information to build upon you know the information to build upon you know the information that's been compiled since at least the that's been compiled since at least the that's been compiled since at least the peric invasions of the 280s bcee so peric invasions of the 280s bcee so peric invasions of the 280s bcee so there's a huge amount a Wellspring we there's a huge amount a Wellspring we there's a huge amount a Wellspring we can say of military and technological can say of military and technological can say of military and technological knowledge in a place like Constantinople knowledge in a place like Constantinople knowledge in a place like Constantinople in this time period that dates back well in this time period that dates back well in this time period that dates back well a long way during this time the a long way during this time the a long way during this time the estimated population of the city of estimated population of the city of estimated population of the city of Constantinople about a half million Constantinople about a half million Constantinople about a half million people this is probably somewhat less people this is probably somewhat less people this is probably somewhat less than the city of Rome at Rome's height than the city of Rome at Rome's height than the city of Rome at Rome's height which has been estimated somewhere which has been estimated somewhere which has been estimated somewhere between 750,000 and a million people but between 750,000 and a million people but between 750,000 and a million people but this still makes it you know at half a this still makes it you know at half a this still makes it you know at half a million people the largest European city million people the largest European city million people the largest European city the most technologically advanced the most technologically advanced the most technologically advanced European city the most wealthy European European city the most wealthy European European city the most wealthy European city and they have weapons that these city and they have weapons that these city and they have weapons that these Russ can't even dream Russ can't even dream Russ can't even dream of and when the Russ attack in of and when the Russ attack in of and when the Russ attack in 941 just like in the attack in 860 It is 941 just like in the attack in 860 It is 941 just like in the attack in 860 It is Well timed and that might not be an Well timed and that might not be an Well timed and that might not be an accident they may know intelligence wise accident they may know intelligence wise accident they may know intelligence wise that the Byzantine Navy and army is away that the Byzantine Navy and army is away that the Byzantine Navy and army is away fighting elsewhere because just like in fighting elsewhere because just like in fighting elsewhere because just like in 60 in 941 it is away in fighting 60 in 941 it is away in fighting 60 in 941 it is away in fighting elsewhere and the emperor is to and the elsewhere and the emperor is to and the elsewhere and the emperor is to and the Russ attack they come down the rivers Russ attack they come down the rivers Russ attack they come down the rivers they head into the Black Sea they sail they head into the Black Sea they sail they head into the Black Sea they sail over to the Bosphorus and they begin to

over to the Bosphorus and they begin to over to the Bosphorus and they begin to attack the suburbs and the places that attack the suburbs and the places that attack the suburbs and the places that have uh lighter defenses cuz the have uh lighter defenses cuz the have uh lighter defenses cuz the defenses of Constantinople are famous defenses of Constantinople are famous defenses of Constantinople are famous and it's part of the reason why it never and it's part of the reason why it never and it's part of the reason why it never fell to the barbarians back when the fell to the barbarians back when the fell to the barbarians back when the Western Roman Empire fell it's one of Western Roman Empire fell it's one of Western Roman Empire fell it's one of the great defensible cities of all time the great defensible cities of all time the great defensible cities of all time it's mainly surrounded by it's mainly surrounded by it's mainly surrounded by water and the places where it's not it water and the places where it's not it water and the places where it's not it has massive walls we should point out as has massive walls we should point out as has massive walls we should point out as I believe we did for the earlier attack I believe we did for the earlier attack I believe we did for the earlier attack in 860 that the ships or boats whatever in 860 that the ships or boats whatever in 860 that the ships or boats whatever you want to call them it's it's you want to call them it's it's you want to call them it's it's somewhere between a ship and a boat that somewhere between a ship and a boat that somewhere between a ship and a boat that the Russ are using are not the long the Russ are using are not the long the Russ are using are not the long ships that they're using in the west ships that they're using in the west ships that they're using in the west because the long ships they're using in because the long ships they're using in because the long ships they're using in the west would never survive the river the west would never survive the river the west would never survive the river Journeys with all the falls and the Journeys with all the falls and the Journeys with all the falls and the Rapids and the Rocks they had to have Rapids and the Rocks they had to have Rapids and the Rocks they had to have boats that could be carried at times so boats that could be carried at times so boats that could be carried at times so these are smaller craft the Greek name these are smaller craft the Greek name these are smaller craft the Greek name for them makes them sound like they're for them makes them sound like they're for them makes them sound like they're kind of like large Dugout kind of like large Dugout kind of like large Dugout canoes but they W if you today were canoes but they W if you today were canoes but they W if you today were faced with a bunch of wooden boats that faced with a bunch of wooden boats that faced with a bunch of wooden boats that you needed to defend yourself against you needed to defend yourself against you needed to defend yourself against what would be a good weapon to use what would be a good weapon to use what would be a good weapon to use against them because in against them because in against them because in 941 when the byzantines are faced with 941 when the byzantines are faced with 941 when the byzantines are faced with this attack the Eastern Romans maybe we this attack the Eastern Romans maybe we this attack the Eastern Romans maybe we should say are faced with this attack should say are faced with this attack should say are faced with this attack they pull out all the technological they pull out all the technological they pull out all the technological stops we are told in the sources that stops we are told in the sources that stops we are told in the sources that they have 15 old hulks we would use the they have 15 old hulks we would use the they have 15 old hulks we would use the term mothballed today and they pull them term mothballed today and they pull them term mothballed today and they pull them out of mothballs and they fit them with

out of mothballs and they fit them with out of mothballs and they fit them with one of their great technological one of their great technological one of their great technological Marvels um I think the best term to use Marvels um I think the best term to use Marvels um I think the best term to use for it probably to be somewhat near for it probably to be somewhat near for it probably to be somewhat near accurate would be to call them accurate would be to call them accurate would be to call them flamethrowers the byzantines the Eastern flamethrowers the byzantines the Eastern flamethrowers the byzantines the Eastern Romans have a weapon that the Romans have a weapon that the Romans have a weapon that the technological scientific Experts of technological scientific Experts of technological scientific Experts of today still can't figure out what it was today still can't figure out what it was today still can't figure out what it was composed of we have all sorts of composed of we have all sorts of composed of we have all sorts of accounts because they used it to keep accounts because they used it to keep accounts because they used it to keep themselves free for a very long time the themselves free for a very long time the themselves free for a very long time the historical term you will usually hear it historical term you will usually hear it historical term you will usually hear it referred to by is Greek Fire it is referred to by is Greek Fire it is referred to by is Greek Fire it is sometimes called Medan fire it is sometimes called Medan fire it is sometimes called Medan fire it is sometimes called Liquid Fire it is sometimes called Liquid Fire it is sometimes called Liquid Fire it is sometimes called sticky sometimes called sticky sometimes called sticky fire there are lots of theories as to fire there are lots of theories as to fire there are lots of theories as to what the formula for this was but it what the formula for this was but it what the formula for this was but it should be pointed out that the reason should be pointed out that the reason should be pointed out that the reason that this isn't better understood is that this isn't better understood is that this isn't better understood is because this is a jealously guarded because this is a jealously guarded because this is a jealously guarded state state state secret in fact I was reading that the secret in fact I was reading that the secret in fact I was reading that the byzantines the Eastern Romans would make byzantines the Eastern Romans would make byzantines the Eastern Romans would make sure to keep the people who dealt with sure to keep the people who dealt with sure to keep the people who dealt with the Greek fire in compartmentalized the Greek fire in compartmentalized the Greek fire in compartmentalized situations right so no one knew situations right so no one knew situations right so no one knew everything about it this these people everything about it this these people everything about it this these people might handle the Mak of it these other might handle the Mak of it these other might handle the Mak of it these other people might handle the distribution of people might handle the distribution of people might handle the distribution of it these other people might handle the it these other people might handle the it these other people might handle the wielding of it but no one knew wielding of it but no one knew wielding of it but no one knew everything and that's how you kind of everything and that's how you kind of everything and that's how you kind of keep the secret from getting keep the secret from getting keep the secret from getting out there's a famous out there's a famous out there's a famous Byzantine um manual written by one

Byzantine um manual written by one Byzantine um manual written by one Emperor to his son and in it he talks Emperor to his son and in it he talks Emperor to his son and in it he talks about a lot of different things uh of about a lot of different things uh of about a lot of different things uh of importance that his son should know in importance that his son should know in importance that his son should know in in ruling the Empire but one thing he in ruling the Empire but one thing he in ruling the Empire but one thing he wants his son to understand is you keep wants his son to understand is you keep wants his son to understand is you keep this technological Marvel this super this technological Marvel this super this technological Marvel this super weapon secret or else and the account weapon secret or else and the account weapon secret or else and the account says says says quote similar care and thought you must quote similar care and thought you must quote similar care and thought you must take in the matter of the Liquid Fire take in the matter of the Liquid Fire take in the matter of the Liquid Fire which is discharged through tubes so which is discharged through tubes so which is discharged through tubes so that if any shall ever venture to demand that if any shall ever venture to demand that if any shall ever venture to demand this too as they've often made demands this too as they've often made demands this too as they've often made demands of us also you may rebut and dismiss of us also you may rebut and dismiss of us also you may rebut and dismiss them in words like these now he's them in words like these now he's them in words like these now he's telling his son what to say to people telling his son what to say to people telling his son what to say to people that might want to put him in a position that might want to put him in a position that might want to put him in a position where he's forced to reveal the secret where he's forced to reveal the secret where he's forced to reveal the secret to Greek Fire quote this too was to Greek Fire quote this too was to Greek Fire quote this too was revealed and taught by God through an revealed and taught by God through an revealed and taught by God through an angel to the great and holy Constantine angel to the great and holy Constantine angel to the great and holy Constantine the first Christian Emperor and the first Christian Emperor and the first Christian Emperor and concerning this too he received great concerning this too he received great concerning this too he received great charges from the same Angel and as we charges from the same Angel and as we charges from the same Angel and as we are assured by the faithful witness of are assured by the faithful witness of are assured by the faithful witness of our fathers and grandfathers that it our fathers and grandfathers that it our fathers and grandfathers that it should be manufactured among the should be manufactured among the should be manufactured among the Christians only and in this city ruled Christians only and in this city ruled Christians only and in this city ruled by them and nowhere else at all nor by them and nowhere else at all nor by them and nowhere else at all nor should it be sent nor taught to any should it be sent nor taught to any should it be sent nor taught to any other Nation whatsoever and so for the other Nation whatsoever and so for the other Nation whatsoever and so for the confirmation of this among those who confirmation of this among those who confirmation of this among those who should come after him this great emperor should come after him this great emperor should come after him this great emperor caused curses to be inscribed on the caused curses to be inscribed on the caused curses to be inscribed on the holy stable of the Church of God that he holy stable of the Church of God that he holy stable of the Church of God that he who should dare give of this fire to

who should dare give of this fire to who should dare give of this fire to another Nation should neither be called another Nation should neither be called another Nation should neither be called a Christian nor be held worthy of any a Christian nor be held worthy of any a Christian nor be held worthy of any rank or office and if he should be the rank or office and if he should be the rank or office and if he should be the holder of any such he should be expelled holder of any such he should be expelled holder of any such he should be expelled there from and be anathemas Zed and made there from and be anathemas Zed and made there from and be anathemas Zed and made an example forever and ever whether he an example forever and ever whether he an example forever and ever whether he were Emperor or patriarch or any other were Emperor or patriarch or any other were Emperor or patriarch or any other man whatever either ruler or subject who man whatever either ruler or subject who man whatever either ruler or subject who should seek to transgress this should seek to transgress this should seek to transgress this commandment and he adjured all who had commandment and he adjured all who had commandment and he adjured all who had had the Zeal and fear of God to be had the Zeal and fear of God to be had the Zeal and fear of God to be prompt to make a way with him who prompt to make a way with him who prompt to make a way with him who attempted to do this as a common enemy attempted to do this as a common enemy attempted to do this as a common enemy and a transgressor of this great and a transgressor of this great and a transgressor of this great commandment and to dismiss him to a commandment and to dismiss him to a commandment and to dismiss him to a death most hateful and cruel and it death most hateful and cruel and it death most hateful and cruel and it happened once as wicked will still find happened once as wicked will still find happened once as wicked will still find room that one of our military Governors room that one of our military Governors room that one of our military Governors who had been most heavily bribed by who had been most heavily bribed by who had been most heavily bribed by certain foreigners handed over some of certain foreigners handed over some of certain foreigners handed over some of this fire to them and since God could this fire to them and since God could this fire to them and since God could not endure to leave unavenged this not endure to leave unavenged this not endure to leave unavenged this transgression as he was about to enter transgression as he was about to enter transgression as he was about to enter the Holy Church of God fire came down the Holy Church of God fire came down the Holy Church of God fire came down out of heaven and devoured and consumed out of heaven and devoured and consumed out of heaven and devoured and consumed him utterly and thereafter Mighty dread him utterly and thereafter Mighty dread him utterly and thereafter Mighty dread and Terror were implanted in the hearts and Terror were implanted in the hearts and Terror were implanted in the hearts of all men and never since then has of all men and never since then has of all men and never since then has anyone whether Emperor or Noble or anyone whether Emperor or Noble or anyone whether Emperor or Noble or private citizen or military Governor or private citizen or military Governor or private citizen or military Governor or any man of any sort whatever venture to any man of any sort whatever venture to any man of any sort whatever venture to think of such a thing far less to think of such a thing far less to think of such a thing far less to attempt to do it or bring it to pass end attempt to do it or bring it to pass end attempt to do it or bring it to pass end quote that is quite an admonition isn't quote that is quite an admonition isn't quote that is quite an admonition isn't it and that shows exactly how much of an

it and that shows exactly how much of an it and that shows exactly how much of an important secret weapon this Greek fire important secret weapon this Greek fire important secret weapon this Greek fire was in his a short history of Byzantium was in his a short history of Byzantium was in his a short history of Byzantium the historian of B antium John Julius the historian of B antium John Julius the historian of B antium John Julius norwitch puts it this way norwitch puts it this way norwitch puts it this way quote it is impossible to exaggerate the quote it is impossible to exaggerate the quote it is impossible to exaggerate the importance of Greek fire in Byzantine importance of Greek fire in Byzantine importance of Greek fire in Byzantine history to the sarasin it was all too history to the sarasin it was all too history to the sarasin it was all too familiar to the Russians a total familiar to the Russians a total familiar to the Russians a total surprise end quote earlier in the work surprise end quote earlier in the work surprise end quote earlier in the work he describes how it worked against the he describes how it worked against the he describes how it worked against the sarasin and says quote the Banes sarasin and says quote the Banes sarasin and says quote the Banes moreover possessed a secret weapon to moreover possessed a secret weapon to moreover possessed a secret weapon to this day we are uncertain of the this day we are uncertain of the this day we are uncertain of the composition of Greek fire whether it was composition of Greek fire whether it was composition of Greek fire whether it was sprayed over an enemy vessel or poured sprayed over an enemy vessel or poured sprayed over an enemy vessel or poured into long narrow cartridges and into long narrow cartridges and into long narrow cartridges and catapulted against its objective the catapulted against its objective the catapulted against its objective the results were almost invariably results were almost invariably results were almost invariably catastrophic the Flaming oil-based catastrophic the Flaming oil-based catastrophic the Flaming oil-based liquid floated upon the surface of the liquid floated upon the surface of the liquid floated upon the surface of the sea frequently igniting the wooden hulls sea frequently igniting the wooden hulls sea frequently igniting the wooden hulls of the ships causing an additional of the ships causing an additional of the ships causing an additional Hazard to those who tried to jump Hazard to those who tried to jump Hazard to those who tried to jump overboard end overboard end overboard end quote the Byzantine princess quote the Byzantine princess quote the Byzantine princess Ana comini writing a couple hundred Ana comini writing a couple hundred Ana comini writing a couple hundred years later and maybe talking about years later and maybe talking about years later and maybe talking about something different seems to slip and something different seems to slip and something different seems to slip and give a little bit of the recipe maybe give a little bit of the recipe maybe give a little bit of the recipe maybe when she wrote quote now this fire was when she wrote quote now this fire was when she wrote quote now this fire was chemically prepared in the following chemically prepared in the following chemically prepared in the following manner from the pine and other similar manner from the pine and other similar manner from the pine and other similar evergreen trees they gather resin which

evergreen trees they gather resin which evergreen trees they gather resin which burns easily this is rubbed with sulfur burns easily this is rubbed with sulfur burns easily this is rubbed with sulfur and introduced into Reed and introduced into Reed and introduced into Reed tubes a man blows on it with a strong tubes a man blows on it with a strong tubes a man blows on it with a strong sustained breath as though he were sustained breath as though he were sustained breath as though he were playing a pipe and then it comes in playing a pipe and then it comes in playing a pipe and then it comes in contact with the fire at the end of the contact with the fire at the end of the contact with the fire at the end of the tube bursts into flames and Falls like a tube bursts into flames and Falls like a tube bursts into flames and Falls like a flash of lightning on the faces in front flash of lightning on the faces in front flash of lightning on the faces in front of it end quote she also of it end quote she also of it end quote she also describes how they would use this in a describes how they would use this in a describes how they would use this in a way where it was sprayed out of the way where it was sprayed out of the way where it was sprayed out of the sculptures the metal carvings and images sculptures the metal carvings and images sculptures the metal carvings and images of like wild animals and lions and of like wild animals and lions and of like wild animals and lions and dragons and she says quote the emperor dragons and she says quote the emperor dragons and she says quote the emperor thereupon ordered all provinces of the thereupon ordered all provinces of the thereupon ordered all provinces of the Roman Empire to provide ships many were Roman Empire to provide ships many were Roman Empire to provide ships many were also made in Constantinople itself from also made in Constantinople itself from also made in Constantinople itself from time to time he used to board a ship time to time he used to board a ship time to time he used to board a ship with One Bank of ores and give advice with One Bank of ores and give advice with One Bank of ores and give advice himself to the shipes about their himself to the shipes about their himself to the shipes about their construction he meaning the emperor knew construction he meaning the emperor knew construction he meaning the emperor knew the pizons were masters of Naval Warfare the pizons were masters of Naval Warfare the pizons were masters of Naval Warfare and he feared a sea Battle with them end and he feared a sea Battle with them end and he feared a sea Battle with them end quote let me stop here they were quote let me stop here they were quote let me stop here they were fighting the pisans at the time this is fighting the pisans at the time this is fighting the pisans at the time this is hundreds of years after the time period hundreds of years after the time period hundreds of years after the time period we're talking about but this is what we're talking about but this is what we're talking about but this is what matters for the time period we're matters for the time period we're matters for the time period we're talking about quote accordingly he talking about quote accordingly he talking about quote accordingly he affixed on the prow of each vessel the affixed on the prow of each vessel the affixed on the prow of each vessel the heads of lions and other land animals heads of lions and other land animals heads of lions and other land animals they were made of bronze or iron with they were made of bronze or iron with they were made of bronze or iron with wide open Jaws the thin layer of gold wide open Jaws the thin layer of gold wide open Jaws the thin layer of gold with which they were covered made the with which they were covered made the with which they were covered made the very sight of them terrifying Greek Fire

very sight of them terrifying Greek Fire very sight of them terrifying Greek Fire to be hurled at the enemy through tubes to be hurled at the enemy through tubes to be hurled at the enemy through tubes was made to issue from the mouths of was made to issue from the mouths of was made to issue from the mouths of these figureheads in such a way that these figureheads in such a way that these figureheads in such a way that they appear to be belching out the they appear to be belching out the they appear to be belching out the fire end fire end fire end quote so these 15 mothballed rotting quote so these 15 mothballed rotting quote so these 15 mothballed rotting hulks of galys are brought out of hulks of galys are brought out of hulks of galys are brought out of storage they are loaded with these tubes storage they are loaded with these tubes storage they are loaded with these tubes that can shoot out essentially this that can shoot out essentially this that can shoot out essentially this explosive flamethrower like explosive flamethrower like explosive flamethrower like material and when these wooden Dugout material and when these wooden Dugout material and when these wooden Dugout canoes end up surrounding these galleys canoes end up surrounding these galleys canoes end up surrounding these galleys the byzantines these Eastern Romans turn the byzantines these Eastern Romans turn the byzantines these Eastern Romans turn the flamethrowers on the wooden vessels the flamethrowers on the wooden vessels the flamethrowers on the wooden vessels of the Russ and it is as the historian of the Russ and it is as the historian of the Russ and it is as the historian we recently quoted said we recently quoted said we recently quoted said catastrophic there are multiple accounts catastrophic there are multiple accounts catastrophic there are multiple accounts that confirm that the Russ are defeated that confirm that the Russ are defeated that confirm that the Russ are defeated by fire that's how many of the accounts by fire that's how many of the accounts by fire that's how many of the accounts put it by put it by put it by fire One account is by a man whose fire One account is by a man whose fire One account is by a man whose stepfather visits Constantinople right stepfather visits Constantinople right stepfather visits Constantinople right after this 4mon long attack occurs his after this 4mon long attack occurs his after this 4mon long attack occurs his name is and I think it's pronounced lud name is and I think it's pronounced lud name is and I think it's pronounced lud prand of Crona and he talks about how prand of Crona and he talks about how prand of Crona and he talks about how the byzantines just like in 860 were the byzantines just like in 860 were the byzantines just like in 860 were taken by surprise in taken by surprise in taken by surprise in 941 and that the roost devastated the 941 and that the roost devastated the 941 and that the roost devastated the area near the coast they were said to be

area near the coast they were said to be area near the coast they were said to be crucifying people driving nails into crucifying people driving nails into crucifying people driving nails into their heads chopping them up using them their heads chopping them up using them their heads chopping them up using them for target practice with arrows raping for target practice with arrows raping for target practice with arrows raping women taking slaves the whole nine women taking slaves the whole nine women taking slaves the whole nine yards and this lud PR of Crona says that yards and this lud PR of Crona says that yards and this lud PR of Crona says that the 15 old gys were rigged with the the 15 old gys were rigged with the the 15 old gys were rigged with the Greek Fire and in their book The Greek Fire and in their book The Greek Fire and in their book The emergence of Ros historians Simon emergence of Ros historians Simon emergence of Ros historians Simon Franklin and Jonathan Shepard talk about Franklin and Jonathan Shepard talk about Franklin and Jonathan Shepard talk about this original story from lud brand of this original story from lud brand of this original story from lud brand of Crona and say quote if we believe lud Crona and say quote if we believe lud Crona and say quote if we believe lud prant the byzantines were taken by prant the byzantines were taken by prant the byzantines were taken by surprise in June 941 as they had been in surprise in June 941 as they had been in surprise in June 941 as they had been in 860 and the emperor Romanos lenos spent 860 and the emperor Romanos lenos spent 860 and the emperor Romanos lenos spent quote not a few sleepless nights in quote not a few sleepless nights in quote not a few sleepless nights in reflection end quote those are quotes reflection end quote those are quotes reflection end quote those are quotes from the original Source by lud prand from the original Source by lud prand from the original Source by lud prand while the Russ devastated areas near the while the Russ devastated areas near the while the Russ devastated areas near the coast the day was saved by bringing 15 coast the day was saved by bringing 15 coast the day was saved by bringing 15 quote battered old galys end quote out quote battered old galys end quote out quote battered old galys end quote out of mothballs and rigging up Greek Fire of mothballs and rigging up Greek Fire of mothballs and rigging up Greek Fire throwers at the boughs Sterns and throwers at the boughs Sterns and throwers at the boughs Sterns and broadside lud print depicts the broadside lud print depicts the broadside lud print depicts the byzantines as winning fairly easily byzantines as winning fairly easily byzantines as winning fairly easily thanks to this non-conventional Weaponry thanks to this non-conventional Weaponry thanks to this non-conventional Weaponry Russ boats swarmed around the galleys Russ boats swarmed around the galleys Russ boats swarmed around the galleys which began to quote project their fire which began to quote project their fire which began to quote project their fire all around and the Russ seeing the all around and the Russ seeing the all around and the Russ seeing the Flames hurled themselves from their Flames hurled themselves from their Flames hurled themselves from their boats preferring death by water to live boats preferring death by water to live boats preferring death by water to live incineration some sank to the bottom

incineration some sank to the bottom incineration some sank to the bottom under the weight of their queres and under the weight of their queres and under the weight of their queres and helmets others caught fire even as they helmets others caught fire even as they helmets others caught fire even as they were swimming among the Billows not a were swimming among the Billows not a were swimming among the Billows not a man escaped that day save those who made man escaped that day save those who made man escaped that day save those who made it to the shore end it to the shore end it to the shore end quote the Byzantine Army finally makes quote the Byzantine Army finally makes quote the Byzantine Army finally makes it back from where they were otherwise it back from where they were otherwise it back from where they were otherwise engaged starts picking off the Russ engaged starts picking off the Russ engaged starts picking off the Russ soldiers on the shoreline where they're soldiers on the shoreline where they're soldiers on the shoreline where they're continuing to loot and commit continuing to loot and commit continuing to loot and commit atrocities John Julius Norwich writes atrocities John Julius Norwich writes atrocities John Julius Norwich writes about the final part of the drama as the about the final part of the drama as the about the final part of the drama as the for monthong attack is winding down and for monthong attack is winding down and for monthong attack is winding down and says that the Byzantine Fleet as the says that the Byzantine Fleet as the says that the Byzantine Fleet as the ships would return would go right into ships would return would go right into ships would return would go right into combat with the russ boats and he says combat with the russ boats and he says combat with the russ boats and he says quote the fleet too was on its way and quote the fleet too was on its way and quote the fleet too was on its way and as each new Squadron arrived it went as each new Squadron arrived it went as each new Squadron arrived it went straight into the attack soon it was the straight into the attack soon it was the straight into the attack soon it was the Russians who were on the defensive Russians who were on the defensive Russians who were on the defensive Autumn was approaching and they were Autumn was approaching and they were Autumn was approaching and they were anxious to sail for home but it was too anxious to sail for home but it was too anxious to sail for home but it was too late the Byzantine fleet was between late the Byzantine fleet was between late the Byzantine fleet was between them in the open sea and slowly closing them in the open sea and slowly closing them in the open sea and slowly closing in early in September they made a in early in September they made a in early in September they made a desperate attempt to slip through the desperate attempt to slip through the desperate attempt to slip through the blockade but suddenly the whole sea was blockade but suddenly the whole sea was blockade but suddenly the whole sea was a flame as the Russian ships went up a flame as the Russian ships went up a flame as the Russian ships went up like matchwood their Crews leapt like matchwood their Crews leapt like matchwood their Crews leapt overboard the lucky ones were dragged overboard the lucky ones were dragged overboard the lucky ones were dragged down by the weight of their armor while down by the weight of their armor while down by the weight of their armor while the rest met their death in the oil the rest met their death in the oil the rest met their death in the oil covered water which blazed as fiercely covered water which blazed as fiercely covered water which blazed as fiercely as the ships end quote according to as the ships end quote according to as the ships end quote according to leard prand of Crona his father was

leard prand of Crona his father was leard prand of Crona his father was there when when the emperor paraded a there when when the emperor paraded a there when when the emperor paraded a bunch of the Russ captives in front of bunch of the Russ captives in front of bunch of the Russ captives in front of an Italian Diplomat and had them all an Italian Diplomat and had them all an Italian Diplomat and had them all beheaded in front of beheaded in front of beheaded in front of him the 941 attack is fascinating to me him the 941 attack is fascinating to me him the 941 attack is fascinating to me clearly cuz I'm interested in the clearly cuz I'm interested in the clearly cuz I'm interested in the technological and Military capabilities technological and Military capabilities technological and Military capabilities of early States you know in the Middle of early States you know in the Middle of early States you know in the Middle Ages and and the ancient world and the Ages and and the ancient world and the Ages and and the ancient world and the use of things like flamethrowers or Napa use of things like flamethrowers or Napa use of things like flamethrowers or Napa weapons is going to be intriguing to me weapons is going to be intriguing to me weapons is going to be intriguing to me regard regard regard less but it's also interesting because less but it's also interesting because less but it's also interesting because in this story of the Russ right these in this story of the Russ right these in this story of the Russ right these these Vikings from the Eastern European these Vikings from the Eastern European these Vikings from the Eastern European sphere this is the encounter that gives sphere this is the encounter that gives sphere this is the encounter that gives us multiple different sources that you us multiple different sources that you us multiple different sources that you can then use to sort of play off against can then use to sort of play off against can then use to sort of play off against each other and compare and contrast um each other and compare and contrast um each other and compare and contrast um sper Jacobson in the varangians in God's sper Jacobson in the varangians in God's sper Jacobson in the varangians in God's holy fire lists no less than five holy fire lists no less than five holy fire lists no less than five separate accounts of this affair all of separate accounts of this affair all of separate accounts of this affair all of which have key differences so what this which have key differences so what this which have key differences so what this says is well two major things one it says is well two major things one it says is well two major things one it actually actually actually happened two uh that the Byzantine happened two uh that the Byzantine happened two uh that the Byzantine victory was clearly gained through fire victory was clearly gained through fire victory was clearly gained through fire because all the sources mention the fire because all the sources mention the fire because all the sources mention the fire but something else is involved too and but something else is involved too and but something else is involved too and you can tell when you compare these you can tell when you compare these you can tell when you compare these different sources and see that there are different sources and see that there are different sources and see that there are major differences between them so major differences between them so major differences between them so something's not right how about this something's not right how about this something's not right how about this major difference you don't know who's in major difference you don't know who's in major difference you don't know who's in charge of the Russ during this period charge of the Russ during this period charge of the Russ during this period and and the differences in the sources

and and the differences in the sources and and the differences in the sources point that out if you just believe the point that out if you just believe the point that out if you just believe the Russian primary Chronicle it's clear Russian primary Chronicle it's clear Russian primary Chronicle it's clear right they go from rurick clearly then right they go from rurick clearly then right they go from rurick clearly then you have Oleg right the guy who Stomps you have Oleg right the guy who Stomps you have Oleg right the guy who Stomps on the horse's skull and gets bitten by on the horse's skull and gets bitten by on the horse's skull and gets bitten by the snake and then clearly after that the snake and then clearly after that the snake and then clearly after that you have eigor I mean you know who's you have eigor I mean you know who's you have eigor I mean you know who's married to Olga I mean it's a very clear married to Olga I mean it's a very clear married to Olga I mean it's a very clear succession but maybe the best source succession but maybe the best source succession but maybe the best source according to Jacobson for this entire according to Jacobson for this entire according to Jacobson for this entire 941 attack is a Hebrew letter and the 941 attack is a Hebrew letter and the 941 attack is a Hebrew letter and the Hebrew letter which is considered to be Hebrew letter which is considered to be Hebrew letter which is considered to be relatively contemporary says that the relatively contemporary says that the relatively contemporary says that the leader of the 941 attack on constant leader of the 941 attack on constant leader of the 941 attack on constant ople is O the guy who stomped on the ople is O the guy who stomped on the ople is O the guy who stomped on the horse's skull and got bitten by the horse's skull and got bitten by the horse's skull and got bitten by the snake on the foot he's according to the snake on the foot he's according to the snake on the foot he's according to the Russian primary Chronicle clearly dead Russian primary Chronicle clearly dead Russian primary Chronicle clearly dead and buried by this time so you start to and buried by this time so you start to and buried by this time so you start to see that that history before this see that that history before this see that that history before this Constantinople attack in 941 is hard to Constantinople attack in 941 is hard to Constantinople attack in 941 is hard to pin down and these figures are less pin down and these figures are less pin down and these figures are less Flesh and Blood than some compilation of Flesh and Blood than some compilation of Flesh and Blood than some compilation of legendary accounts that's hard to you legendary accounts that's hard to you legendary accounts that's hard to you know PE the layers back from and get get know PE the layers back from and get get know PE the layers back from and get get your mind around in fact the first your mind around in fact the first your mind around in fact the first couple of figures that seem couple of figures that seem couple of figures that seem unequivocally real are Olga that we just unequivocally real are Olga that we just unequivocally real are Olga that we just mentioned right she of the uh mentioned right she of the uh mentioned right she of the uh retribution of violence against the retribution of violence against the retribution of violence against the drans although that story may be drans although that story may be drans although that story may be legendary and her son the first of the legendary and her son the first of the legendary and her son the first of the Russ rulers to clearly have from birth a Russ rulers to clearly have from birth a Russ rulers to clearly have from birth a Slavic name if you've taken Russian Slavic name if you've taken Russian Slavic name if you've taken Russian history you know it because he's famous history you know it because he's famous history you know it because he's famous is fatos slav

is fatos slav is fatos slav we' mentioned earlier that most of these we' mentioned earlier that most of these we' mentioned earlier that most of these earlier Russ rulers almost certainly had earlier Russ rulers almost certainly had earlier Russ rulers almost certainly had Nordic names that were reimagined Nordic names that were reimagined Nordic names that were reimagined through through a Slavic lens right so through through a Slavic lens right so through through a Slavic lens right so uh Olga was uh Olga was uh Olga was Helga Igor was ingvar that kind of thing Helga Igor was ingvar that kind of thing Helga Igor was ingvar that kind of thing but sviatoslav was sviatoslav from birth but sviatoslav was sviatoslav from birth but sviatoslav was sviatoslav from birth apparently and this is telling sper apparently and this is telling sper apparently and this is telling sper Jacobson writes about that quote it is Jacobson writes about that quote it is Jacobson writes about that quote it is noteworthy that the son of VAR eigor has noteworthy that the son of VAR eigor has noteworthy that the son of VAR eigor has a slavonic name rather than a a slavonic name rather than a a slavonic name rather than a Scandinavian one which suggests the Scandinavian one which suggests the Scandinavian one which suggests the roost were rapidly becoming assimilated roost were rapidly becoming assimilated roost were rapidly becoming assimilated into the surrounding slavonic population into the surrounding slavonic population into the surrounding slavonic population end end end quote in fact it's really hard to try to quote in fact it's really hard to try to quote in fact it's really hard to try to figure out what percentage of these figure out what percentage of these figure out what percentage of these people that the byzantines were people that the byzantines were people that the byzantines were incinerating with their flamethrowers incinerating with their flamethrowers incinerating with their flamethrowers were actually Scandinavians and what were actually Scandinavians and what were actually Scandinavians and what percentage of them were Slavic tribes or percentage of them were Slavic tribes or percentage of them were Slavic tribes or step peoples or you know other groups of step peoples or you know other groups of step peoples or you know other groups of linguistic or ethnic elements from that linguistic or ethnic elements from that linguistic or ethnic elements from that region it's a as we said a cultural and region it's a as we said a cultural and region it's a as we said a cultural and ethnic Estuary in that part of the world ethnic Estuary in that part of the world ethnic Estuary in that part of the world and a lot of times it's not that hard to and a lot of times it's not that hard to and a lot of times it's not that hard to get a whole bunch of different peoples get a whole bunch of different peoples get a whole bunch of different peoples to join you on an Endeavor like let's go to join you on an Endeavor like let's go to join you on an Endeavor like let's go attack Constantinople and get attack Constantinople and get attack Constantinople and get rich my favorite story about the attack rich my favorite story about the attack rich my favorite story about the attack on Constantinople also I believe from on Constantinople also I believe from on Constantinople also I believe from one of these letters uh to the kazars one of these letters uh to the kazars one of these letters uh to the kazars that suggests because they were trying

that suggests because they were trying that suggests because they were trying to figure out why the Russ would attack to figure out why the Russ would attack to figure out why the Russ would attack Constantinople if the trade with the B Constantinople if the trade with the B Constantinople if the trade with the B the byzantines was going so well and the byzantines was going so well and the byzantines was going so well and that story is that the byzantines that story is that the byzantines that story is that the byzantines encouraged the rush to go attack the encouraged the rush to go attack the encouraged the rush to go attack the kazars which they did but then they were kazars which they did but then they were kazars which they did but then they were defeated by the kazars and the kazars defeated by the kazars and the kazars defeated by the kazars and the kazars made sort of an extortion blackmail made sort of an extortion blackmail made sort of an extortion blackmail Demand on the Russ and said well you Demand on the Russ and said well you Demand on the Russ and said well you know now that you attacked us because know now that you attacked us because know now that you attacked us because the byzantines goed you into it we're the byzantines goed you into it we're the byzantines goed you into it we're demanding that you attack the byzantines demanding that you attack the byzantines demanding that you attack the byzantines or else and so the Hebrew letter to the or else and so the Hebrew letter to the or else and so the Hebrew letter to the kazars paints the entire attack of 941 kazars paints the entire attack of 941 kazars paints the entire attack of 941 as being done reluctantly by the Russ as being done reluctantly by the Russ as being done reluctantly by the Russ and that maybe the Russ knew darn well and that maybe the Russ knew darn well and that maybe the Russ knew darn well what their chances of success were and what their chances of success were and what their chances of success were and felt like they had to do it anyway felt like they had to do it anyway felt like they had to do it anyway ancient and medieval history is ancient and medieval history is ancient and medieval history is wonderful that way isn't it you just wonderful that way isn't it you just wonderful that way isn't it you just don't know what really happened it is don't know what really happened it is don't know what really happened it is with Olga and splav though that you with Olga and splav though that you with Olga and splav though that you start to see things that you can start to see things that you can start to see things that you can actually you know grasp and hold and actually you know grasp and hold and actually you know grasp and hold and look at and say okay this is look at and say okay this is look at and say okay this is real with Olga it's less the story about real with Olga it's less the story about real with Olga it's less the story about her treatment of the derans than her her treatment of the derans than her her treatment of the derans than her conversion to conversion to conversion to Christianity and her conversion to Christianity and her conversion to Christianity and her conversion to Christianity is one of those things you Christianity is one of those things you Christianity is one of those things you see over and over again well I was going see over and over again well I was going see over and over again well I was going to say in all history but especially in to say in all history but especially in to say in all history but especially in the story of and I'm using air quotes the story of and I'm using air quotes the story of and I'm using air quotes here christianizing The here christianizing The here christianizing The Barbarians in Thor's angels we talked Barbarians in Thor's angels we talked Barbarians in Thor's angels we talked about it extensively how often it was about it extensively how often it was about it extensively how often it was that it was the wives of Barbarian in that it was the wives of Barbarian in that it was the wives of Barbarian in air quotes rulers uh who managed to

air quotes rulers uh who managed to air quotes rulers uh who managed to either convert their husbands or their either convert their husbands or their either convert their husbands or their peoples or start the process of peoples or start the process of peoples or start the process of transitioning from the Pagan religions transitioning from the Pagan religions transitioning from the Pagan religions to Christianity my mother was always to Christianity my mother was always to Christianity my mother was always fond of saying that you know the women fond of saying that you know the women fond of saying that you know the women get the short end of the stick in the get the short end of the stick in the get the short end of the stick in the historical accounts because the historical accounts because the historical accounts because the historical accounts up until recent historical accounts up until recent historical accounts up until recent Times Really followed the if it bleeds Times Really followed the if it bleeds Times Really followed the if it bleeds it leads sort of approach and so often it leads sort of approach and so often it leads sort of approach and so often it's about generals and these great it's about generals and these great it's about generals and these great Kings and figures and and the women are Kings and figures and and the women are Kings and figures and and the women are there though they're 50% of the there though they're 50% of the there though they're 50% of the population they're not slaves they're population they're not slaves they're population they're not slaves they're influencing the population all the time influencing the population all the time influencing the population all the time in ways that aren't always clear in the in ways that aren't always clear in the in ways that aren't always clear in the historical accounts they're more like a historical accounts they're more like a historical accounts they're more like a gravitational force acting on these gravitational force acting on these gravitational force acting on these figures that get all the publicity but figures that get all the publicity but figures that get all the publicity but you can see in the christianization you can see in the christianization you can see in the christianization process over hundreds and hundreds of process over hundreds and hundreds of process over hundreds and hundreds of years how important their role was and years how important their role was and years how important their role was and Olga does this again she doesn't manage Olga does this again she doesn't manage Olga does this again she doesn't manage to convert the r to Christianity but to convert the r to Christianity but to convert the r to Christianity but it's hard to see them doing so you know it's hard to see them doing so you know it's hard to see them doing so you know with her grandson as they will you know with her grandson as they will you know with her grandson as they will you know spoiler alert as they will do without spoiler alert as they will do without spoiler alert as they will do without her sort of laying the groundwork for it her sort of laying the groundwork for it her sort of laying the groundwork for it sometime after the attack of sometime after the attack of sometime after the attack of Constantinople in 941 within about 15 Constantinople in 941 within about 15 Constantinople in 941 within about 15 years she goes to the Byzantine emperor years she goes to the Byzantine emperor years she goes to the Byzantine emperor he converts her and baptizes her into he converts her and baptizes her into he converts her and baptizes her into the faith she goes back she tries to the faith she goes back she tries to the faith she goes back she tries to convert her son's fatoff who says that convert her son's fatoff who says that convert her son's fatoff who says that he can't adopt the Christian religion he can't adopt the Christian religion he can't adopt the Christian religion because his Entourage will laugh at because his Entourage will laugh at because his Entourage will laugh at him but you can see that she has him but you can see that she has him but you can see that she has replanted the seeds cuz we said in 860 replanted the seeds cuz we said in 860 replanted the seeds cuz we said in 860 the first time that the Russ ever the first time that the Russ ever the first time that the Russ ever appeared in Constantinople as this sort appeared in Constantinople as this sort appeared in Constantinople as this sort of Unknown People the sources say that

of Unknown People the sources say that of Unknown People the sources say that after that encounter that the byzantines after that encounter that the byzantines after that encounter that the byzantines sent out their evangelists to go convert sent out their evangelists to go convert sent out their evangelists to go convert them right the formula of cooking The them right the formula of cooking The them right the formula of cooking The Barbarians the same one that they were Barbarians the same one that they were Barbarians the same one that they were doing in the west you know the Frankish doing in the west you know the Frankish doing in the west you know the Frankish Empire was sending out their evangelists Empire was sending out their evangelists Empire was sending out their evangelists to go convert the Heathen right St Lewin to go convert the Heathen right St Lewin to go convert the Heathen right St Lewin and all those guys this is the way what and all those guys this is the way what and all those guys this is the way what do we call it in part one the the do we call it in part one the the do we call it in part one the the longterm anti-terror strategy here is longterm anti-terror strategy here is longterm anti-terror strategy here is turned these Heathen pagan people who turned these Heathen pagan people who turned these Heathen pagan people who worship bloody Warrior Gods into you worship bloody Warrior Gods into you worship bloody Warrior Gods into you know fellow Christians now that doesn't know fellow Christians now that doesn't know fellow Christians now that doesn't mean you're not going to have problems mean you're not going to have problems mean you're not going to have problems with them it just means that they're with them it just means that they're with them it just means that they're going to have societies more like your going to have societies more like your going to have societies more like your own they're going to be more own they're going to be more own they're going to be more hierarchical that's easier for you to hierarchical that's easier for you to hierarchical that's easier for you to deal with you're going to incorporate deal with you're going to incorporate deal with you're going to incorporate them into what we would today call the them into what we would today call the them into what we would today call the family of respectable Nations and then family of respectable Nations and then family of respectable Nations and then they also become subject to the kinds of they also become subject to the kinds of they also become subject to the kinds of military and economic pressure military and economic pressure military and economic pressure that one organized State can impose upon that one organized State can impose upon that one organized State can impose upon another another another one there's another aspect of this that one there's another aspect of this that one there's another aspect of this that is sometimes overlooked unless you are a is sometimes overlooked unless you are a is sometimes overlooked unless you are a fan of the history of the Middle Ages in fan of the history of the Middle Ages in fan of the history of the Middle Ages in Europe because it's a huge problem over Europe because it's a huge problem over Europe because it's a huge problem over the course of the history of the Middle the course of the history of the Middle the course of the history of the Middle Ages in Europe and that is who gets to Ages in Europe and that is who gets to Ages in Europe and that is who gets to decide who the Bishops and archbishops decide who the Bishops and archbishops decide who the Bishops and archbishops are in all these areas I mean you'll see are in all these areas I mean you'll see are in all these areas I mean you'll see German Emperors fighting with popes German Emperors fighting with popes German Emperors fighting with popes you'll see English kings fighting with you'll see English kings fighting with you'll see English kings fighting with archbishops I mean it's a huge thing archbishops I mean it's a huge thing archbishops I mean it's a huge thing because all you have to realize and we because all you have to realize and we because all you have to realize and we said this in the first part of this

said this in the first part of this said this in the first part of this discussion which is what it means to discussion which is what it means to discussion which is what it means to have Christianity introduced into a have Christianity introduced into a have Christianity introduced into a pagan realm it's a lot more than pagan realm it's a lot more than pagan realm it's a lot more than religion it's a lot more than saving religion it's a lot more than saving religion it's a lot more than saving Souls it's things like an instant Souls it's things like an instant Souls it's things like an instant bureaucracy just add Jesus I think is bureaucracy just add Jesus I think is bureaucracy just add Jesus I think is the way we put it well if you think the way we put it well if you think the way we put it well if you think about it that way try to imagine how about it that way try to imagine how about it that way try to imagine how that would work in the modern world I that would work in the modern world I that would work in the modern world I mean can you imagine the Chinese or the mean can you imagine the Chinese or the mean can you imagine the Chinese or the Russians being able to decide for Russians being able to decide for Russians being able to decide for example who the United States Secretary example who the United States Secretary example who the United States Secretary of State might be that's why so many of of State might be that's why so many of of State might be that's why so many of these rulers will try to create some these rulers will try to create some these rulers will try to create some sort of self-sufficiency over time so sort of self-sufficiency over time so sort of self-sufficiency over time so that they don't have a foreign power that they don't have a foreign power that they don't have a foreign power deciding who some of their most deciding who some of their most deciding who some of their most important officials are going to be I important officials are going to be I important officials are going to be I mean it's it's explained very well in mean it's it's explained very well in mean it's it's explained very well in German historian Christian raffensberger German historian Christian raffensberger German historian Christian raffensberger book reimagining Europe ke Russ in the book reimagining Europe ke Russ in the book reimagining Europe ke Russ in the Medieval World when he says quote Medieval World when he says quote Medieval World when he says quote it must be noted that the conversions it must be noted that the conversions it must be noted that the conversions discussed in this chapter are what are discussed in this chapter are what are discussed in this chapter are what are referred to as ecclesiastical referred to as ecclesiastical referred to as ecclesiastical conversions which are and he's quoting conversions which are and he's quoting conversions which are and he's quoting someone else now quote often the someone else now quote often the someone else now quote often the consequence of sociopolitical strategies consequence of sociopolitical strategies consequence of sociopolitical strategies power economics intellectual or power economics intellectual or power economics intellectual or psychological issues and other motives psychological issues and other motives psychological issues and other motives or expediencies that have in fact very or expediencies that have in fact very or expediencies that have in fact very little to do with religious feelings end little to do with religious feelings end little to do with religious feelings end quot raffensberger continues and though quot raffensberger continues and though quot raffensberger continues and though conversion due to true religious feeling conversion due to true religious feeling conversion due to true religious feeling and religious I motives can be found and religious I motives can be found and religious I motives can be found throughout medieval history including at throughout medieval history including at throughout medieval history including at the Royal level it is the more the Royal level it is the more the Royal level it is the more geopolitical reasoning behind conversion

geopolitical reasoning behind conversion geopolitical reasoning behind conversion that will be examined here because of that will be examined here because of that will be examined here because of these social political and economic these social political and economic these social political and economic reasons behind medieval Royal conversion reasons behind medieval Royal conversion reasons behind medieval Royal conversion historians for years have practically historians for years have practically historians for years have practically assumed that whoever christianized a assumed that whoever christianized a assumed that whoever christianized a kingdom gained tacit control over that kingdom gained tacit control over that kingdom gained tacit control over that Kingdom that control was enforced by the Kingdom that control was enforced by the Kingdom that control was enforced by the appointment of Bishops by the appointment of Bishops by the appointment of Bishops by the christianizing power Bishops who were christianizing power Bishops who were christianizing power Bishops who were loyal to the those who appointed them loyal to the those who appointed them loyal to the those who appointed them rather than to those they ministered to rather than to those they ministered to rather than to those they ministered to this created a strong foreign power this created a strong foreign power this created a strong foreign power center in a kingdom that could center in a kingdom that could center in a kingdom that could potentially have strong political potentially have strong political potentially have strong political consequences for the orientation of the consequences for the orientation of the consequences for the orientation of the Kingdom's foreign policy interests end Kingdom's foreign policy interests end Kingdom's foreign policy interests end quote so while the Byzantine emperor quote so while the Byzantine emperor quote so while the Byzantine emperor might be thinking he's getting some you might be thinking he's getting some you might be thinking he's getting some you know Extra Value points that would help know Extra Value points that would help know Extra Value points that would help help him get to heaven if he you know help him get to heaven if he you know help him get to heaven if he you know gets a lot of souls converted amongst gets a lot of souls converted amongst gets a lot of souls converted amongst the roasts for Jesus there are some more the roasts for Jesus there are some more the roasts for Jesus there are some more real world political things on his mind real world political things on his mind real world political things on his mind also and once Olga gives way to her son also and once Olga gives way to her son also and once Olga gives way to her son spados a man the byzantines refer to as spados a man the byzantines refer to as spados a man the byzantines refer to as sendos all of a sudden every trick that sendos all of a sudden every trick that sendos all of a sudden every trick that the Byzantine emperor has every tool in the Byzantine emperor has every tool in the Byzantine emperor has every tool in his toolbox has to be employed because his toolbox has to be employed because his toolbox has to be employed because fat aslav is a handful he is a warrior fat aslav is a handful he is a warrior fat aslav is a handful he is a warrior he is one of these rulers that the he is one of these rulers that the he is one of these rulers that the minute he takes control contr he starts minute he takes control contr he starts minute he takes control contr he starts attacking the people around him and attacking the people around him and attacking the people around him and turning the Russ into a major power in turning the Russ into a major power in turning the Russ into a major power in the region it's interesting to watch

the region it's interesting to watch the region it's interesting to watch Byzantine diplomacy at work because they Byzantine diplomacy at work because they Byzantine diplomacy at work because they will often use money and diplomatic will often use money and diplomatic will often use money and diplomatic agreements to try to play off potential agreements to try to play off potential agreements to try to play off potential troublemakers to their foreign policy troublemakers to their foreign policy troublemakers to their foreign policy against each other and they try to use against each other and they try to use against each other and they try to use spatas slav this way too but it spatas slav this way too but it spatas slav this way too but it backfires when they get him to attack backfires when they get him to attack backfires when they get him to attack some of their other enemies and he some of their other enemies and he some of their other enemies and he defeats them and becomes stronger with defeats them and becomes stronger with defeats them and becomes stronger with every Victory now the byzantines have every Victory now the byzantines have every Victory now the byzantines have created their own kind of monster the created their own kind of monster the created their own kind of monster the Russian primary Chronicle the tale of Russian primary Chronicle the tale of Russian primary Chronicle the tale of bygone years describes Fiat sloth this bygone years describes Fiat sloth this bygone years describes Fiat sloth this way when he takes over from his mom Olga way when he takes over from his mom Olga way when he takes over from his mom Olga remember he's the one that when Olga remember he's the one that when Olga remember he's the one that when Olga tries to tell him to become a Christian tries to tell him to become a Christian tries to tell him to become a Christian says if I do that my retinue will laugh says if I do that my retinue will laugh says if I do that my retinue will laugh at at at me he's also by the way the physical me he's also by the way the physical me he's also by the way the physical living embodiment of the sort of living embodiment of the sort of living embodiment of the sort of linguistic and ethnic Fusion that you're linguistic and ethnic Fusion that you're linguistic and ethnic Fusion that you're seeing amongst the Russ during this seeing amongst the Russ during this seeing amongst the Russ during this period where they're not just period where they're not just period where they're not just Scandinavian and Slavic anymore they're Scandinavian and Slavic anymore they're Scandinavian and Slavic anymore they're Bal they're they're step tribes um and Bal they're they're step tribes um and Bal they're they're step tribes um and remember the step tribes are themselves remember the step tribes are themselves remember the step tribes are themselves a interesting mix of turkic and Iranian a interesting mix of turkic and Iranian a interesting mix of turkic and Iranian finan and Asian so this is a you know finan and Asian so this is a you know finan and Asian so this is a you know blending of all sorts of different blending of all sorts of different blending of all sorts of different people and sviatoslav the first of these people and sviatoslav the first of these people and sviatoslav the first of these rulers with a Slavic name when you see rulers with a Slavic name when you see rulers with a Slavic name when you see what he looks like he looks the physical what he looks like he looks the physical what he looks like he looks the physical part part of that blending and we know part part of that blending and we know part part of that blending and we know this because a guy who was probably an this because a guy who was probably an this because a guy who was probably an eyewitness to what he looked like a guy eyewitness to what he looked like a guy eyewitness to what he looked like a guy named Leo the Deacon describes this named Leo the Deacon describes this named Leo the Deacon describes this whole period so we have something as a

whole period so we have something as a whole period so we have something as a Counterpoint to the Russian primary Counterpoint to the Russian primary Counterpoint to the Russian primary Chronicle and by the way my history of Chronicle and by the way my history of Chronicle and by the way my history of Leo the Deacon who's written uh is Leo the Deacon who's written uh is Leo the Deacon who's written uh is translated by Alice Mary Talbot and translated by Alice Mary Talbot and translated by Alice Mary Talbot and Dennis F Sullivan and they describe a Dennis F Sullivan and they describe a Dennis F Sullivan and they describe a figure here who looks figure here who looks figure here who looks like he's something between a 12th like he's something between a 12th like he's something between a 12th century Russian and a 9th century Viking century Russian and a 9th century Viking century Russian and a 9th century Viking the Russian primary Chronicle describes the Russian primary Chronicle describes the Russian primary Chronicle describes him in a way that would fit very nicely him in a way that would fit very nicely him in a way that would fit very nicely for a Tilla the Hun also one of these for a Tilla the Hun also one of these for a Tilla the Hun also one of these people who is a warrior in the field who people who is a warrior in the field who people who is a warrior in the field who doesn't need all these wonderful doesn't need all these wonderful doesn't need all these wonderful luxuries but sleeps with a blanket and a luxuries but sleeps with a blanket and a luxuries but sleeps with a blanket and a saddle for a pillow the Russian primary saddle for a pillow the Russian primary saddle for a pillow the Russian primary Chronicle says quote when Prince fatoff Chronicle says quote when Prince fatoff Chronicle says quote when Prince fatoff had grown up and matured he began to had grown up and matured he began to had grown up and matured he began to collect a numerous and Valiant Army collect a numerous and Valiant Army collect a numerous and Valiant Army stepping light as a leopard he undertook stepping light as a leopard he undertook stepping light as a leopard he undertook many campaigns upon his Expeditions he many campaigns upon his Expeditions he many campaigns upon his Expeditions he carried with him neither wagons nor carried with him neither wagons nor carried with him neither wagons nor kettles and boiled no meat but cut off kettles and boiled no meat but cut off kettles and boiled no meat but cut off small strips of horse flesh game or beef small strips of horse flesh game or beef small strips of horse flesh game or beef and ate it after roasting it on the and ate it after roasting it on the and ate it after roasting it on the coals nor did he have a tent but he coals nor did he have a tent but he coals nor did he have a tent but he spread out a horse blanket under him and spread out a horse blanket under him and spread out a horse blanket under him and set his saddle under his head and all set his saddle under his head and all set his saddle under his head and all his retinue did likewise he sent his retinue did likewise he sent his retinue did likewise he sent Messengers to the other lands announcing Messengers to the other lands announcing Messengers to the other lands announcing his intention to attack them end his intention to attack them end his intention to attack them end quote and the Russian primary Chronicle quote and the Russian primary Chronicle quote and the Russian primary Chronicle has this guy attacking a new opponent has this guy attacking a new opponent has this guy attacking a new opponent every year he becomes the one who breaks every year he becomes the one who breaks every year he becomes the one who breaks the backs of the kazars which was the backs of the kazars which was the backs of the kazars which was probably a shock if this was a sporting probably a shock if this was a sporting probably a shock if this was a sporting event uh you would have favored the

event uh you would have favored the event uh you would have favored the kazars in any Las Vegas bets and yet he kazars in any Las Vegas bets and yet he kazars in any Las Vegas bets and yet he destroys their power very soon destroys their power very soon destroys their power very soon afterwards he starts destroying the afterwards he starts destroying the afterwards he starts destroying the power of the bulgarians some of this may power of the bulgarians some of this may power of the bulgarians some of this may have been done at the instigation of the have been done at the instigation of the have been done at the instigation of the byzantines but they didn't expect them byzantines but they didn't expect them byzantines but they didn't expect them to be so successful they kind of created to be so successful they kind of created to be so successful they kind of created a geopolitical monster here here and a geopolitical monster here here and a geopolitical monster here here and then they have to deal with then they have to deal with then they have to deal with him all of these victories we should him all of these victories we should him all of these victories we should point out are done less for the point out are done less for the point out are done less for the expansion of one's borders than they are expansion of one's borders than they are expansion of one's borders than they are for well essentially doing what for well essentially doing what for well essentially doing what organized crime would do splav is going organized crime would do splav is going organized crime would do splav is going into other mob bosses territory like the into other mob bosses territory like the into other mob bosses territory like the kazars and the bulgarians and taking kazars and the bulgarians and taking kazars and the bulgarians and taking over their rackets going in and Shifting over their rackets going in and Shifting over their rackets going in and Shifting the protection Money Paid to one group the protection Money Paid to one group the protection Money Paid to one group of overlords of overlords of overlords to the Russ and a lot of the Russ income to the Russ and a lot of the Russ income to the Russ and a lot of the Russ income during this time period and Olga was during this time period and Olga was during this time period and Olga was doing the same thing by the way before doing the same thing by the way before doing the same thing by the way before splav is designed to have the people splav is designed to have the people splav is designed to have the people that they protect or rule or Strongarm that they protect or rule or Strongarm that they protect or rule or Strongarm pay them a portion of you know their pay them a portion of you know their pay them a portion of you know their living wages right they're the ones living wages right they're the ones living wages right they're the ones doing the farming they're the ones doing doing the farming they're the ones doing doing the farming they're the ones doing the trapping they're the ones doing the the trapping they're the ones doing the the trapping they're the ones doing the resource extraction and then providing resource extraction and then providing resource extraction and then providing it to the it to the it to the Russ at a certain point the byzantines Russ at a certain point the byzantines Russ at a certain point the byzantines will essentially tell spat sloff and the will essentially tell spat sloff and the will essentially tell spat sloff and the Rus okay you're taking over lands now Rus okay you're taking over lands now Rus okay you're taking over lands now that even though the bulgarians were that even though the bulgarians were that even though the bulgarians were occupying them belong to us occupying them belong to us occupying them belong to us traditionally so give them back as fatos traditionally so give them back as fatos traditionally so give them back as fatos said why don't you just get out of

said why don't you just get out of said why don't you just get out of Europe you don't even belong here and Europe you don't even belong here and Europe you don't even belong here and it's going to cost you a lot if you want it's going to cost you a lot if you want it's going to cost you a lot if you want me to leave this territory I just took me to leave this territory I just took me to leave this territory I just took Leo the Deacon says when he took one of Leo the Deacon says when he took one of Leo the Deacon says when he took one of these Bulgarian towns he impaled 20,000 these Bulgarian towns he impaled 20,000 these Bulgarian towns he impaled 20,000 people on a bunch of forked people on a bunch of forked people on a bunch of forked polls whether that happened or not is polls whether that happened or not is polls whether that happened or not is debatable we talk a lot on this show debatable we talk a lot on this show debatable we talk a lot on this show about the actual physical challenges of about the actual physical challenges of about the actual physical challenges of things like this killing 20,000 people things like this killing 20,000 people things like this killing 20,000 people is about a midsize American is about a midsize American is about a midsize American University's student population it's not University's student population it's not University's student population it's not easy although there are ingenious ways easy although there are ingenious ways easy although there are ingenious ways that have been suggested over the erors that have been suggested over the erors that have been suggested over the erors for this to be done the Mongols for for this to be done the Mongols for for this to be done the Mongols for example are supposed to have made this example are supposed to have made this example are supposed to have made this something that was the responsibility of something that was the responsibility of something that was the responsibility of every individual Soldier every individual Soldier every individual Soldier so if you have 30 or 40,000 Mongol so if you have 30 or 40,000 Mongol so if you have 30 or 40,000 Mongol Warriors and you say every one of you Warriors and you say every one of you Warriors and you say every one of you gets five captives and you have to gets five captives and you have to gets five captives and you have to execute those five captives bring me the execute those five captives bring me the execute those five captives bring me the ears when you're done so I know you did ears when you're done so I know you did ears when you're done so I know you did it well you could kill a lot of people it well you could kill a lot of people it well you could kill a lot of people pretty quickly couldn't you it's a pretty quickly couldn't you it's a pretty quickly couldn't you it's a pretty efficient way to destroy a ton of pretty efficient way to destroy a ton of pretty efficient way to destroy a ton of human lives and spatas is supposed to human lives and spatas is supposed to human lives and spatas is supposed to have done have done have done that eventually sviatoslav and the that eventually sviatoslav and the that eventually sviatoslav and the Byzantine Army will come to blows and Byzantine Army will come to blows and Byzantine Army will come to blows and this account is is recorded in Leo the this account is is recorded in Leo the this account is is recorded in Leo the Deacon's Deacon's Deacon's work and he talks about the work and he talks about the work and he talks about the this arrogant Barbarian getting very this arrogant Barbarian getting very this arrogant Barbarian getting very puffed up after beating the bulgarians a puffed up after beating the bulgarians a puffed up after beating the bulgarians a people the byzantines call the msians

people the byzantines call the msians people the byzantines call the msians and Leo the Deacon writes quote sendos and Leo the Deacon writes quote sendos and Leo the Deacon writes quote sendos Laos splav was very puffed up by his Laos splav was very puffed up by his Laos splav was very puffed up by his victories over the msians and swaggered victories over the msians and swaggered victories over the msians and swaggered insolently with Barbarian arrogance for insolently with Barbarian arrogance for insolently with Barbarian arrogance for he already held the land securely and he already held the land securely and he already held the land securely and STI reduced the msians to Terror and STI reduced the msians to Terror and STI reduced the msians to Terror and stun submission with his innate cruelty stun submission with his innate cruelty stun submission with his innate cruelty for they say that when he took philos by for they say that when he took philos by for they say that when he took philos by force he cruy and inhumanely affixed to force he cruy and inhumanely affixed to force he cruy and inhumanely affixed to a stake 20,000 of the men captured in a stake 20,000 of the men captured in a stake 20,000 of the men captured in the town thus terrifying all his enemies the town thus terrifying all his enemies the town thus terrifying all his enemies and making them come to terms he and making them come to terms he and making them come to terms he delivered arrogant and insolent delivered arrogant and insolent delivered arrogant and insolent responses to the Roman envoys that he responses to the Roman envoys that he responses to the Roman envoys that he would not renounce his claim to this would not renounce his claim to this would not renounce his claim to this fertile land except in return for the fertile land except in return for the fertile land except in return for the payment of vast sums of money and The payment of vast sums of money and The payment of vast sums of money and The Ransom of the cities and prisoners that Ransom of the cities and prisoners that Ransom of the cities and prisoners that he had taken in Warfare if the Romans he had taken in Warfare if the Romans he had taken in Warfare if the Romans were not willing to pay this then they were not willing to pay this then they were not willing to pay this then they should quickly withdraw from Europe should quickly withdraw from Europe should quickly withdraw from Europe which did not belong to them and move to which did not belong to them and move to which did not belong to them and move to Asia end Asia end Asia end quote Leo the Deacon says that the quote Leo the Deacon says that the quote Leo the Deacon says that the response from the Romans was essentially response from the Romans was essentially response from the Romans was essentially something like remember what happened to something like remember what happened to something like remember what happened to your father when he Tangled with your father when he Tangled with your father when he Tangled with us remember what those flamethrower us remember what those flamethrower us remember what those flamethrower ships did to him remember how he ended ships did to him remember how he ended ships did to him remember how he ended his days being torn into by the derans his days being torn into by the derans his days being torn into by the derans tying his limbs to trees and then tying his limbs to trees and then tying his limbs to trees and then letting them snap back Leo the Deacon letting them snap back Leo the Deacon letting them snap back Leo the Deacon says that sendos slavo splav was enraged says that sendos slavo splav was enraged says that sendos slavo splav was enraged by that answer quote sendos slavis

by that answer quote sendos slavis by that answer quote sendos slavis became furious at this response and became furious at this response and became furious at this response and carried away by Barbarian frenzy and carried away by Barbarian frenzy and carried away by Barbarian frenzy and rage made the following reply I see no rage made the following reply I see no rage made the following reply I see no need for the emperor of the Romans to need for the emperor of the Romans to need for the emperor of the Romans to come to us therefore let him not t come to us therefore let him not t come to us therefore let him not t himself out by coming to this land for himself out by coming to this land for himself out by coming to this land for we will soon pitch our tents before the we will soon pitch our tents before the we will soon pitch our tents before the gates of Byzantium we'll surround this gates of Byzantium we'll surround this gates of Byzantium we'll surround this city with a mighty Palisade and will city with a mighty Palisade and will city with a mighty Palisade and will meet him bravely when he sallies forth meet him bravely when he sallies forth meet him bravely when he sallies forth if he should dare to undertake such a if he should dare to undertake such a if he should dare to undertake such a great struggle we will teach him with great struggle we will teach him with great struggle we will teach him with very Deeds that we are not mere manual very Deeds that we are not mere manual very Deeds that we are not mere manual laborers who live by the work of our laborers who live by the work of our laborers who live by the work of our hands but bloodthirsty Warriors who hands but bloodthirsty Warriors who hands but bloodthirsty Warriors who fight our foes with weapons although the fight our foes with weapons although the fight our foes with weapons although the emperor believes in ignorance that Rous emperor believes in ignorance that Rous emperor believes in ignorance that Rous soldiers are like pampered women and soldiers are like pampered women and soldiers are like pampered women and tries to frighten us with these threats tries to frighten us with these threats tries to frighten us with these threats as if we were suckling infants to be as if we were suckling infants to be as if we were suckling infants to be frightened by hobgoblins end frightened by hobgoblins end frightened by hobgoblins end quote after that clearly it's on there will be several fights between on there will be several fights between spat aslav and the byzantines and the spat aslav and the byzantines and the spat aslav and the byzantines and the byzantines doing typical Byzantine byzantines doing typical Byzantine byzantines doing typical Byzantine things will offer enemy enemies of the things will offer enemy enemies of the things will offer enemy enemies of the Russ incentives to attack them which is Russ incentives to attack them which is Russ incentives to attack them which is how they created this big problem was how they created this big problem was how they created this big problem was fattis laav in the first place they used fattis laav in the first place they used fattis laav in the first place they used him as a puppet to attack other enemies him as a puppet to attack other enemies him as a puppet to attack other enemies of there sometimes Byzantine diplomacy of there sometimes Byzantine diplomacy of there sometimes Byzantine diplomacy can backfire eventually a meeting can backfire eventually a meeting can backfire eventually a meeting happens and Leo the Deacon may have been happens and Leo the Deacon may have been happens and Leo the Deacon may have been there this may be an eyewitness account

there this may be an eyewitness account there this may be an eyewitness account but it's the best eyewitness type but it's the best eyewitness type but it's the best eyewitness type account that we have since ibben fadlan account that we have since ibben fadlan account that we have since ibben fadlan described the you know tall as date described the you know tall as date described the you know tall as date palms Russ that he personally saw in the palms Russ that he personally saw in the palms Russ that he personally saw in the 920s and Leo the Deacon says that spados 920s and Leo the Deacon says that spados 920s and Leo the Deacon says that spados sloff says he wants to have a meeting sloff says he wants to have a meeting sloff says he wants to have a meeting with the emperor the emperor with his with the emperor the emperor with his with the emperor the emperor with his gold gold gold encrusted bodyguard shows up to meet encrusted bodyguard shows up to meet encrusted bodyguard shows up to meet this living embodiment of the fusion this living embodiment of the fusion this living embodiment of the fusion going on in the Russ people during this going on in the Russ people during this going on in the Russ people during this time period and Leo the Deacon as I said time period and Leo the Deacon as I said time period and Leo the Deacon as I said very good chance he saw this firsthand very good chance he saw this firsthand very good chance he saw this firsthand describes it and says describes it and says describes it and says quote after the treaties were arranged quote after the treaties were arranged quote after the treaties were arranged meaning treaties between the Russ and meaning treaties between the Russ and meaning treaties between the Russ and the byzantines the byzantines the byzantines sendos sosav asked to come and speak sendos sosav asked to come and speak sendos sosav asked to come and speak with the emperor and the latter came with the emperor and the latter came with the emperor and the latter came without delay the emperor on Horseback without delay the emperor on Horseback without delay the emperor on Horseback to the bank of the estros river clad in to the bank of the estros river clad in to the bank of the estros river clad in armor ornamented with gold accompanied armor ornamented with gold accompanied armor ornamented with gold accompanied by a vast Squadron of armed Horsemen by a vast Squadron of armed Horsemen by a vast Squadron of armed Horsemen adorned with gold sendes slavis arrived adorned with gold sendes slavis arrived adorned with gold sendes slavis arrived sailing along the river in a skythian sailing along the river in a skythian sailing along the river in a skythian light boat grasping an ore and Rowing light boat grasping an ore and Rowing light boat grasping an ore and Rowing with his companions as if he were one of with his companions as if he were one of with his companions as if he were one of them his appearance was as follows he them his appearance was as follows he them his appearance was as follows he was of moderate height neither taller was of moderate height neither taller was of moderate height neither taller than average nor particularly short his than average nor particularly short his than average nor particularly short his eyebrows were thick he had gray eyes and eyebrows were thick he had gray eyes and eyebrows were thick he had gray eyes and a snub nose his beard was clean shaven a snub nose his beard was clean shaven a snub nose his beard was clean shaven but he let the hair grow abundantly on but he let the hair grow abundantly on but he let the hair grow abundantly on his upper lip where it was bushy and

his upper lip where it was bushy and his upper lip where it was bushy and long and he shaved his head completely long and he shaved his head completely long and he shaved his head completely except for a lock of hair that hung down except for a lock of hair that hung down except for a lock of hair that hung down on one side as a mark of the nobility of on one side as a mark of the nobility of on one side as a mark of the nobility of his ancestry he was solid in the neck his ancestry he was solid in the neck his ancestry he was solid in the neck Broad in the chest and very well Broad in the chest and very well Broad in the chest and very well articulated in the rest of his body he articulated in the rest of his body he articulated in the rest of his body he had a rather angry and Savage appearance had a rather angry and Savage appearance had a rather angry and Savage appearance on one ear was fastened a gold earring on one ear was fastened a gold earring on one ear was fastened a gold earring adorned with two pearls and with a red adorned with two pearls and with a red adorned with two pearls and with a red gemstone between them his clothing was gemstone between them his clothing was gemstone between them his clothing was white no different from that of his white no different from that of his white no different from that of his companions except in companions except in companions except in cleanliness after talking briefly with cleanliness after talking briefly with cleanliness after talking briefly with the emperor about their reconciliation the emperor about their reconciliation the emperor about their reconciliation he parted sitting on a helmsman's seat he parted sitting on a helmsman's seat he parted sitting on a helmsman's seat of the boat thus the war of the Romans of the boat thus the war of the Romans of the boat thus the war of the Romans with the skians he means the Russ came with the skians he means the Russ came with the skians he means the Russ came to an end end to an end end to an end end quote but forgiving and forgetting was quote but forgiving and forgetting was quote but forgiving and forgetting was not really the style of the time period not really the style of the time period not really the style of the time period on either side the byzantines almost on either side the byzantines almost on either side the byzantines almost certainly encouraged the pension eggs to certainly encouraged the pension eggs to certainly encouraged the pension eggs to Ambush sviatoslav and his men which they Ambush sviatoslav and his men which they Ambush sviatoslav and his men which they did what did we say that the Byzantine did what did we say that the Byzantine did what did we say that the Byzantine sources had said that the penin eggs sources had said that the penin eggs sources had said that the penin eggs waited until the Russ had to take their waited until the Russ had to take their waited until the Russ had to take their boats Overland to transfer from one boats Overland to transfer from one boats Overland to transfer from one river system to another that's where river system to another that's where river system to another that's where they caught they caught they caught sviatoslav they killed him and a bunch sviatoslav they killed him and a bunch sviatoslav they killed him and a bunch of his men and the pachin eggs in a very

of his men and the pachin eggs in a very of his men and the pachin eggs in a very step Warrior sort of traditional thing step Warrior sort of traditional thing step Warrior sort of traditional thing cut his head off poured gold into the cut his head off poured gold into the cut his head off poured gold into the skull and used it as a drinking cup skull and used it as a drinking cup skull and used it as a drinking cup which I've always thought was a kind of which I've always thought was a kind of which I've always thought was a kind of an interesting thing I mean imagine an interesting thing I mean imagine an interesting thing I mean imagine being able to look into the face the being able to look into the face the being able to look into the face the actual face of one of your enemies as actual face of one of your enemies as actual face of one of your enemies as you drank your you drank your you drank your wine do you talk to it I mean it's a wine do you talk to it I mean it's a wine do you talk to it I mean it's a little like the real version of Dan little like the real version of Dan little like the real version of Dan acro's Crystal Skull Vodka which comes acro's Crystal Skull Vodka which comes acro's Crystal Skull Vodka which comes in that wonderful glass skull-shaped in that wonderful glass skull-shaped in that wonderful glass skull-shaped bottle but this isn't a reasonable fact bottle but this isn't a reasonable fact bottle but this isn't a reasonable fact symo of a skull-shaped symo of a skull-shaped symo of a skull-shaped container this is the real deal and so container this is the real deal and so container this is the real deal and so spatas slof ends his days not a whole spatas slof ends his days not a whole spatas slof ends his days not a whole lot better than his father lot better than his father lot better than his father did when you look at Leo the Deacon's did when you look at Leo the Deacon's did when you look at Leo the Deacon's description physical description of description physical description of description physical description of sadis laav as we said he seems like the sadis laav as we said he seems like the sadis laav as we said he seems like the physical embodiment of the fusion that's physical embodiment of the fusion that's physical embodiment of the fusion that's been going on now in the East between been going on now in the East between been going on now in the East between all the different peoples where the all the different peoples where the all the different peoples where the Scandinavians are just one of the groups Scandinavians are just one of the groups Scandinavians are just one of the groups that are coalescing into a new that are coalescing into a new that are coalescing into a new ethnolinguistic group I mean he doesn't ethnolinguistic group I mean he doesn't ethnolinguistic group I mean he doesn't sound like the Vikings in Ireland or sound like the Vikings in Ireland or sound like the Vikings in Ireland or England or the Frankish Empire when the England or the Frankish Empire when the England or the Frankish Empire when the description of his clothing and description of his clothing and description of his clothing and hairstyles and all that is put forward hairstyles and all that is put forward hairstyles and all that is put forward by Leo he sounds like a 16th or 17th by Leo he sounds like a 16th or 17th by Leo he sounds like a 16th or 17th century Eastern European KAC doesn't he

century Eastern European KAC doesn't he century Eastern European KAC doesn't he go look at a artist rendering of those go look at a artist rendering of those go look at a artist rendering of those guys or go watch a modern-day Recreation guys or go watch a modern-day Recreation guys or go watch a modern-day Recreation of KAC of KAC of KAC you know riding and you'll see the you know riding and you'll see the you know riding and you'll see the people dressed in the traditional KAC people dressed in the traditional KAC people dressed in the traditional KAC outfits with hairstyles and everything outfits with hairstyles and everything outfits with hairstyles and everything that's almost a dead ringer for Leo the that's almost a dead ringer for Leo the that's almost a dead ringer for Leo the Deacon's description of svatos slof so Deacon's description of svatos slof so Deacon's description of svatos slof so right there you can see that he right there you can see that he right there you can see that he represents this blending of cultures and represents this blending of cultures and represents this blending of cultures and ethnolinguistic ethnolinguistic ethnolinguistic elements you can see that by the way elements you can see that by the way elements you can see that by the way also in the Treaty of 944 between the also in the Treaty of 944 between the also in the Treaty of 944 between the byzantines and the r the one that ended byzantines and the r the one that ended byzantines and the r the one that ended the war that involved the ships and the the war that involved the ships and the the war that involved the ships and the flamethrowers and all that that we flamethrowers and all that that we flamethrowers and all that that we talked about because as the treaty is talked about because as the treaty is talked about because as the treaty is being signed the Russ have to swear to being signed the Russ have to swear to being signed the Russ have to swear to the various you know deities and the various you know deities and the various you know deities and religious elements that they hold dear religious elements that they hold dear religious elements that they hold dear some of the leading Russ are already some of the leading Russ are already some of the leading Russ are already swearing to the Christian God so you can swearing to the Christian God so you can swearing to the Christian God so you can see Christianity making inroads already see Christianity making inroads already see Christianity making inroads already but the ones that swear to Pagan deities but the ones that swear to Pagan deities but the ones that swear to Pagan deities aren't swearing to Thor and Odin they're aren't swearing to Thor and Odin they're aren't swearing to Thor and Odin they're swearing to Slavic Pagan deities you you swearing to Slavic Pagan deities you you swearing to Slavic Pagan deities you you know rulers and gods like Peron and know rulers and gods like Peron and know rulers and gods like Peron and people like that now a case can be made people like that now a case can be made people like that now a case can be made that those Slavic Pagan deities have that those Slavic Pagan deities have that those Slavic Pagan deities have counterparts you know perin could be counterparts you know perin could be counterparts you know perin could be Thor in terms of the way one might view Thor in terms of the way one might view Thor in terms of the way one might view him but this entire series we've been him but this entire series we've been him but this entire series we've been doing is called Twilight of the iser and doing is called Twilight of the iser and doing is called Twilight of the iser and the iser of course represents the the iser of course represents the the iser of course represents the pantheon of Germanic gods that dates way

pantheon of Germanic gods that dates way pantheon of Germanic gods that dates way back in history right when the Romans back in history right when the Romans back in history right when the Romans first en counter Germanic peoples first en counter Germanic peoples first en counter Germanic peoples they're worshiping those gods and ever they're worshiping those gods and ever they're worshiping those gods and ever since then it's been sort of a struggle since then it's been sort of a struggle since then it's been sort of a struggle to try to maintain that Pagan belief to try to maintain that Pagan belief to try to maintain that Pagan belief system in the face of the overwhelming system in the face of the overwhelming system in the face of the overwhelming power and Growing Power of Christianity power and Growing Power of Christianity power and Growing Power of Christianity right essentially a religion from the right essentially a religion from the right essentially a religion from the near East that's continually expanding near East that's continually expanding near East that's continually expanding outward pushing back the traditional outward pushing back the traditional outward pushing back the traditional Pagan beliefs of a bunch of different Pagan beliefs of a bunch of different Pagan beliefs of a bunch of different peoples the Germanic peoples just being peoples the Germanic peoples just being peoples the Germanic peoples just being one of them one of them one of them but what the 944 treaty shows is that but what the 944 treaty shows is that but what the 944 treaty shows is that already in the east by the middle already in the east by the middle already in the east by the middle 900s the ier the Odin and the Thors and 900s the ier the Odin and the Thors and 900s the ier the Odin and the Thors and those Gods may have already been those Gods may have already been those Gods may have already been supplanted by another Pagan group of supplanted by another Pagan group of supplanted by another Pagan group of gods before they're all overwhelmed by Christianity it will be one of sisl's Christianity it will be one of sisl's sons who will take the Russ into the sons who will take the Russ into the sons who will take the Russ into the longterm direction that sadoslaves longterm direction that sadoslaves longterm direction that sadoslaves sainted mother Olga wanted them to sainted mother Olga wanted them to sainted mother Olga wanted them to go in his book Northman the Viking Saga go in his book Northman the Viking Saga go in his book Northman the Viking Saga Viking expert John Haywood puts it this Viking expert John Haywood puts it this Viking expert John Haywood puts it this way quote sisl's Empire was ephemeral way quote sisl's Empire was ephemeral way quote sisl's Empire was ephemeral soon after his death civil war broke out soon after his death civil war broke out soon after his death civil war broke out between his teenage Sons yapul OLG and between his teenage Sons yapul OLG and between his teenage Sons yapul OLG and Vladimir after yapul killed OLG Vladimir

Vladimir after yapul killed OLG Vladimir Vladimir after yapul killed OLG Vladimir fled to Sweden fled to Sweden fled to Sweden in 980 Vladimir returned with an army of in 980 Vladimir returned with an army of in 980 Vladimir returned with an army of 6,000 varangians and drove yapul out of 6,000 varangians and drove yapul out of 6,000 varangians and drove yapul out of Kiev Vladimir lured his brother into a Kiev Vladimir lured his brother into a Kiev Vladimir lured his brother into a peace conference where two varangians peace conference where two varangians peace conference where two varangians murdered him Vladimir's Reign from 980 murdered him Vladimir's Reign from 980 murdered him Vladimir's Reign from 980 to 10:15 was one of the most important to 10:15 was one of the most important to 10:15 was one of the most important in Russian history marking the end of in Russian history marking the end of in Russian history marking the end of kaven Rous as a viking state in his kaven Rous as a viking state in his kaven Rous as a viking state in his early years Vladimir was a devote of the early years Vladimir was a devote of the early years Vladimir was a devote of the Thunder God perin the Slavic deity Thunder God perin the Slavic deity Thunder God perin the Slavic deity but in 988 he made the momentous but in 988 he made the momentous but in 988 he made the momentous decision to convert to Orthodox decision to convert to Orthodox decision to convert to Orthodox Christianity end Christianity end Christianity end quote the truth is when you read the quote the truth is when you read the quote the truth is when you read the civil war between Vladimir and his two civil war between Vladimir and his two civil war between Vladimir and his two brothers it sounds like a lot of Russian brothers it sounds like a lot of Russian brothers it sounds like a lot of Russian history and Russian history is wild history and Russian history is wild history and Russian history is wild weird wonderful I mean if you've never weird wonderful I mean if you've never weird wonderful I mean if you've never taken a Russian history course other taken a Russian history course other taken a Russian history course other than the names always reoccurring or than the names always reoccurring or than the names always reoccurring or variations of the names reoccurring it variations of the names reoccurring it variations of the names reoccurring it will blow your mind this sort of of will blow your mind this sort of of will blow your mind this sort of of infighting and whatnot It's Not Unusual infighting and whatnot It's Not Unusual infighting and whatnot It's Not Unusual at all When Vladimir ends up being the at all When Vladimir ends up being the at all When Vladimir ends up being the one who comes out on top in this sort of one who comes out on top in this sort of one who comes out on top in this sort of Civil War Between Brothers or half Civil War Between Brothers or half Civil War Between Brothers or half Brothers he ends up looking initially a Brothers he ends up looking initially a Brothers he ends up looking initially a lot like his dad's fattis slof he's got lot like his dad's fattis slof he's got lot like his dad's fattis slof he's got tons of concubines something like 800 is tons of concubines something like 800 is tons of concubines something like 800 is the amount normally given multiple wives the amount normally given multiple wives the amount normally given multiple wives he ends up sounding very much like a he ends up sounding very much like a he ends up sounding very much like a viking viking viking warlord but over time the publicity

warlord but over time the publicity warlord but over time the publicity shall we call it in the historical shall we call it in the historical shall we call it in the historical sources gets somewhat more positive sources gets somewhat more positive sources gets somewhat more positive which is what will happen if you convert which is what will happen if you convert which is what will happen if you convert to Christianity and some of the sources to Christianity and some of the sources to Christianity and some of the sources writing about you are writing about you are writing about you are Christian Vladimir goes through a very Christian Vladimir goes through a very Christian Vladimir goes through a very famous and almost certainly famous and almost certainly famous and almost certainly legendary um weighing of the various legendary um weighing of the various legendary um weighing of the various other religions that are out other religions that are out other religions that are out there supposedly has a bunch of the there supposedly has a bunch of the there supposedly has a bunch of the different peoples of the book uh send different peoples of the book uh send different peoples of the book uh send repres resentatives to him so he can repres resentatives to him so he can repres resentatives to him so he can hear about all these different religions hear about all these different religions hear about all these different religions and how they believe and what they do so and how they believe and what they do so and how they believe and what they do so supposedly uh Islamic Representatives supposedly uh Islamic Representatives supposedly uh Islamic Representatives come to him and he says tell me about come to him and he says tell me about come to him and he says tell me about your religion and they tell him all the your religion and they tell him all the your religion and they tell him all the things about it but point out he can't things about it but point out he can't things about it but point out he can't eat pork and he can't drink alcohol and eat pork and he can't drink alcohol and eat pork and he can't drink alcohol and he has that wonderful line where he says he has that wonderful line where he says he has that wonderful line where he says that drink is the love of the russes and that drink is the love of the russes and that drink is the love of the russes and that they can't exist without it so that they can't exist without it so that they can't exist without it so Islam's out Jews come to the court and Islam's out Jews come to the court and Islam's out Jews come to the court and explain to him their view of their explain to him their view of their explain to him their view of their religion and he ask them where their religion and he ask them where their religion and he ask them where their Homeland land is and they say it's in Homeland land is and they say it's in Homeland land is and they say it's in Jerusalem and he basically says well why Jerusalem and he basically says well why Jerusalem and he basically says well why aren't you there now and they explain aren't you there now and they explain aren't you there now and they explain how they've been exiled and scattered how they've been exiled and scattered how they've been exiled and scattered all over the world well this sounds to all over the world well this sounds to all over the world well this sounds to Vladimir like God must not be you know Vladimir like God must not be you know Vladimir like God must not be you know thinking too highly of you if he'll let thinking too highly of you if he'll let thinking too highly of you if he'll let you get scattered all over the world so you get scattered all over the world so you get scattered all over the world so they're out then the Latin Christian you they're out then the Latin Christian you they're out then the Latin Christian you know the Western European Christian know the Western European Christian know the Western European Christian Representatives visit him uh and they Representatives visit him uh and they Representatives visit him uh and they look a little poor and like they're not look a little poor and like they're not look a little poor and like they're not that grand because he also gets that grand because he also gets that grand because he also gets represented from the byzantines and of represented from the byzantines and of represented from the byzantines and of course they look like well

course they look like well course they look like well Rome and his Representatives go to Rome and his Representatives go to Rome and his Representatives go to Byzantium the Legends say and they see Byzantium the Legends say and they see Byzantium the Legends say and they see the amazing ostentatiousness of the the amazing ostentatiousness of the the amazing ostentatiousness of the churches and the rituals and all this churches and the rituals and all this churches and the rituals and all this stuff and they come back and say stuff and they come back and say stuff and they come back and say something to the effect of we couldn't something to the effect of we couldn't something to the effect of we couldn't tell whether we were on Earth or in tell whether we were on Earth or in tell whether we were on Earth or in heaven anymore so he's going to the heaven anymore so he's going to the heaven anymore so he's going to the Legends say adopt Orthodox Christianity Legends say adopt Orthodox Christianity Legends say adopt Orthodox Christianity but there's a more real world diplomatic but there's a more real world diplomatic but there's a more real world diplomatic side of this too and that's that side of this too and that's that side of this too and that's that Byzantium falls into Civil War during Byzantium falls into Civil War during Byzantium falls into Civil War during this time period and they need some help this time period and they need some help this time period and they need some help and guess what Vladimir and the Russ can and guess what Vladimir and the Russ can and guess what Vladimir and the Russ can provide it Vladimir says he wants a provide it Vladimir says he wants a provide it Vladimir says he wants a Byzantine princess to marry and that's a Byzantine princess to marry and that's a Byzantine princess to marry and that's a problem because they're not going to problem because they're not going to problem because they're not going to allow one of their princesses to marry a allow one of their princesses to marry a allow one of their princesses to marry a pagan he'll have to convert to pagan he'll have to convert to pagan he'll have to convert to Christianity he does he gets a Byzantine Christianity he does he gets a Byzantine Christianity he does he gets a Byzantine princess it cements the ties between princess it cements the ties between princess it cements the ties between Byzantium and the Russ and then he sends Byzantium and the Russ and then he sends Byzantium and the Russ and then he sends help to to one of the you know sides in help to to one of the you know sides in help to to one of the you know sides in this Civil War supposedly 6,000 this Civil War supposedly 6,000 this Civil War supposedly 6,000 varangians it sounds a little varangians it sounds a little varangians it sounds a little high but we're told that these high but we're told that these high but we're told that these Scandinavian Viking types that have been Scandinavian Viking types that have been Scandinavian Viking types that have been imported from Scandinavia as mercenaries imported from Scandinavia as mercenaries imported from Scandinavia as mercenaries goes down fights amazingly for the goes down fights amazingly for the goes down fights amazingly for the Byzantine emperor crushes his opponent Byzantine emperor crushes his opponent Byzantine emperor crushes his opponent and from about this moment on you're and from about this moment on you're and from about this moment on you're going to see a unit created that will going to see a unit created that will going to see a unit created that will fight in the rest of byzantium's major fight in the rest of byzantium's major fight in the rest of byzantium's major Wars until late in the Century they're Wars until late in the Century they're Wars until late in the Century they're famous they're called the varangian famous they're called the varangian famous they're called the varangian guard Vladimir when he converts by the

guard Vladimir when he converts by the guard Vladimir when he converts by the way will order his subjects to show up way will order his subjects to show up way will order his subjects to show up by the water or else he says become my by the water or else he says become my by the water or else he says become my enemies so that they're all enemies so that they're all enemies so that they're all baptized that's the sort of mass baptized that's the sort of mass baptized that's the sort of mass baptisms that were not uncommon when you baptisms that were not uncommon when you baptisms that were not uncommon when you convert a ruler and expect him to convert a ruler and expect him to convert a ruler and expect him to convert everyone he convert everyone he convert everyone he rules the bottom line though is that in rules the bottom line though is that in rules the bottom line though is that in this story of you know the Twilight of this story of you know the Twilight of this story of you know the Twilight of the iser and the rear guard action of the iser and the rear guard action of the iser and the rear guard action of the Germanic deities against the the Germanic deities against the the Germanic deities against the creeping power of Christendom if creeping power of Christendom if creeping power of Christendom if Vladimir hadn't already ditched Germanic Vladimir hadn't already ditched Germanic Vladimir hadn't already ditched Germanic paganism by worshiping these Slavic paganism by worshiping these Slavic paganism by worshiping these Slavic pagan gods he does ditch it around pagan gods he does ditch it around pagan gods he does ditch it around 988 and the story in the East From This 988 and the story in the East From This 988 and the story in the East From This Moment On from these Scandinavian Slavic Moment On from these Scandinavian Slavic Moment On from these Scandinavian Slavic step people people Finn Baltic finan step people people Finn Baltic finan step people people Finn Baltic finan Turk Asian Iranian Fusion of peoples Turk Asian Iranian Fusion of peoples Turk Asian Iranian Fusion of peoples goes off on a goes off on a goes off on a permanent side tangent never to return permanent side tangent never to return permanent side tangent never to return to Thor and Odin to Thor and Odin to Thor and Odin again and from here our story shifts again and from here our story shifts again and from here our story shifts back to the back to the back to the West now I've been enthralled with the West now I've been enthralled with the West now I've been enthralled with the way the newer breed of Viking historians way the newer breed of Viking historians way the newer breed of Viking historians treat the entire Viking world for lack treat the entire Viking world for lack treat the entire Viking world for lack of a better term for it all East West of a better term for it all East West of a better term for it all East West the places where the Vikings settled all

the places where the Vikings settled all the places where the Vikings settled all that kind of stuff because it explains that kind of stuff because it explains that kind of stuff because it explains and helps us to understand so much of and helps us to understand so much of and helps us to understand so much of what's going on better back when I was a what's going on better back when I was a what's going on better back when I was a kid and they treated things like the kid and they treated things like the kid and they treated things like the Scandinavians in what's now Ukraine or Scandinavians in what's now Ukraine or Scandinavians in what's now Ukraine or Russia as an entirely hermetically Russia as an entirely hermetically Russia as an entirely hermetically sealed different theater from Iceland sealed different theater from Iceland sealed different theater from Iceland and France and Ireland and Britain and France and Ireland and Britain and France and Ireland and Britain certain questions kept Rising when you certain questions kept Rising when you certain questions kept Rising when you start to realize as a Neil price or a start to realize as a Neil price or a start to realize as a Neil price or a cat jarm or a Curson or any of those cat jarm or a Curson or any of those cat jarm or a Curson or any of those people keeps pointing out that the same people keeps pointing out that the same people keeps pointing out that the same people are traveling from one of these people are traveling from one of these people are traveling from one of these parts of the Viking world to the others parts of the Viking world to the others parts of the Viking world to the others intermixing so imagine for example a intermixing so imagine for example a intermixing so imagine for example a person born in Sweden in say 950 maybe person born in Sweden in say 950 maybe person born in Sweden in say 950 maybe and they travel down the river systems and they travel down the river systems and they travel down the river systems in Eastern Europe when they're a in Eastern Europe when they're a in Eastern Europe when they're a teenager to a place like modern day teenager to a place like modern day teenager to a place like modern day Ukraine maybe and they stay a while then Ukraine maybe and they stay a while then Ukraine maybe and they stay a while then they go a little farther south to they go a little farther south to they go a little farther south to Byzantium and join the varangian guard Byzantium and join the varangian guard Byzantium and join the varangian guard for a decade and these by the way I'm for a decade and these by the way I'm for a decade and these by the way I'm not making this up this sort of thing not making this up this sort of thing not making this up this sort of thing happened all the time and then they go happened all the time and then they go happened all the time and then they go back to the Homeland after that think back to the Homeland after that think back to the Homeland after that think about all that they've experienced while about all that they've experienced while about all that they've experienced while they were gone first of all the exposure they were gone first of all the exposure they were gone first of all the exposure to things like Christianity to name only to things like Christianity to name only to things like Christianity to name only one thing so then they go back to the one thing so then they go back to the one thing so then they go back to the home country and they're influencing home country and they're influencing home country and they're influencing people people people there those people then may go to the there those people then may go to the there those people then may go to the west or the same individual who'd been west or the same individual who'd been west or the same individual who'd been to Byzantium might go to the west to to Byzantium might go to the west to to Byzantium might go to the west to what's Now France or Fria the coast of what's Now France or Fria the coast of what's Now France or Fria the coast of uh modern day uh the Netherlands and uh uh modern day uh the Netherlands and uh uh modern day uh the Netherlands and uh or Britain or Ireland in other words

or Britain or Ireland in other words or Britain or Ireland in other words it's the very same people traveling from it's the very same people traveling from it's the very same people traveling from one part of the Viking world to another one part of the Viking world to another one part of the Viking world to another it's a giant it's a giant it's a giant intermixing it's like a Scandinavian intermixing it's like a Scandinavian intermixing it's like a Scandinavian cultural Estuary where all of the cultural Estuary where all of the cultural Estuary where all of the influences in all the parts of the world influences in all the parts of the world influences in all the parts of the world the Vikings are touching and they one of the Vikings are touching and they one of the Vikings are touching and they one of the more well-traveled people in the the more well-traveled people in the the more well-traveled people in the Middle Ages is intermixing and Middle Ages is intermixing and Middle Ages is intermixing and influencing scand avian influencing scand avian influencing scand avian Affairs when we last dealt with the West Affairs when we last dealt with the West Affairs when we last dealt with the West we have to roll the chronology back a we have to roll the chronology back a we have to roll the chronology back a little bit from where we were with the little bit from where we were with the little bit from where we were with the Roose we were in like the n910s right we Roose we were in like the n910s right we Roose we were in like the n910s right we were talking about you know Harold Fair were talking about you know Harold Fair were talking about you know Harold Fair hair Harold fine hair Harold hairfair hair Harold fine hair Harold hairfair hair Harold fine hair Harold hairfair being involved in the political being involved in the political being involved in the political consolidation allegedly legendarily consolidation allegedly legendarily consolidation allegedly legendarily maybe of maybe of maybe of Norway this is a trend that's going on Norway this is a trend that's going on Norway this is a trend that's going on in the entire Viking world if you were in the entire Viking world if you were in the entire Viking world if you were taking a college course on this they taking a college course on this they taking a college course on this they would you know for the test have you would you know for the test have you would you know for the test have you know three major themes that you had to know three major themes that you had to know three major themes that you had to pay attention to State Building pay attention to State Building pay attention to State Building political consolidation and the political consolidation and the political consolidation and the conversion especially of the conversion especially of the conversion especially of the Scandinavian Elite to Christianity okay Scandinavian Elite to Christianity okay Scandinavian Elite to Christianity okay that's all well and good but when a guy that's all well and good but when a guy that's all well and good but when a guy like Harold dies like so many of these like Harold dies like so many of these like Harold dies like so many of these Scandinavian leaders involved in Scandinavian leaders involved in Scandinavian leaders involved in political unification his sons will tear political unification his sons will tear political unification his sons will tear it all up and fight amongst themselves it all up and fight amongst themselves it all up and fight amongst themselves there's very a very Bunny Hop sort of there's very a very Bunny Hop sort of there's very a very Bunny Hop sort of Rhythm to this state building in Rhythm to this state building in Rhythm to this state building in Scandinavia you know two steps forward Scandinavia you know two steps forward Scandinavia you know two steps forward one step back but even if Harold fehir one step back but even if Harold fehir one step back but even if Harold fehir did live and even if Harold fehir did did live and even if Harold fehir did did live and even if Harold fehir did what he was supposed to do and even if what he was supposed to do and even if what he was supposed to do and even if Harold feh hair's kids screwed the pooch

Harold feh hair's kids screwed the pooch Harold feh hair's kids screwed the pooch and and screwed up the whole thing it and and screwed up the whole thing it and and screwed up the whole thing it never goes back to the level of never goes back to the level of never goes back to the level of fragmentation that existed before the fragmentation that existed before the fragmentation that existed before the unifiers so when the unification process unifiers so when the unification process unifiers so when the unification process gets started again they don't have to gets started again they don't have to gets started again they don't have to start from ground zero right so you start from ground zero right so you start from ground zero right so you begin to see progress towards the begin to see progress towards the begin to see progress towards the creation of what Norway will turn into creation of what Norway will turn into creation of what Norway will turn into and Denmark will turn into and Sweden and Denmark will turn into and Sweden and Denmark will turn into and Sweden will turn into by the time you get to will turn into by the time you get to will turn into by the time you get to the Middle Ages or the later Middle Ages the Middle Ages or the later Middle Ages the Middle Ages or the later Middle Ages we had last spoken about what was going we had last spoken about what was going we had last spoken about what was going on in Normandy right with r the Viking on in Normandy right with r the Viking on in Normandy right with r the Viking warlord who gets defeated by the West warlord who gets defeated by the West warlord who gets defeated by the West frankian King so he settles for being frankian King so he settles for being frankian King so he settles for being given control of the area that will given control of the area that will given control of the area that will become Normandy which means land of the become Normandy which means land of the become Normandy which means land of the northmen and he's told to guard it northmen and he's told to guard it northmen and he's told to guard it against people like himself right what against people like himself right what against people like himself right what did we say if you gave a terrorist the did we say if you gave a terrorist the did we say if you gave a terrorist the territ they were operating in and said territ they were operating in and said territ they were operating in and said uh you now owe your allegiance to me but uh you now owe your allegiance to me but uh you now owe your allegiance to me but defend it from other terrorists like defend it from other terrorists like defend it from other terrorists like yourself I think I said it was like yourself I think I said it was like yourself I think I said it was like putting one of the foxes in charge of putting one of the foxes in charge of putting one of the foxes in charge of the chicken Coupe security another the chicken Coupe security another the chicken Coupe security another historian I read said it was like uh historian I read said it was like uh historian I read said it was like uh promoting the lead poacher to the post promoting the lead poacher to the post promoting the lead poacher to the post of gamekeeper but it kind of worked the of gamekeeper but it kind of worked the of gamekeeper but it kind of worked the Normans are going to be a thorn in Normans are going to be a thorn in Normans are going to be a thorn in everybody's side especially the king of everybody's side especially the king of everybody's side especially the king of France's side and the whole bunch of France's side and the whole bunch of France's side and the whole bunch of other problems but basically they do other problems but basically they do other problems but basically they do what Charles the simple of West frankia what Charles the simple of West frankia what Charles the simple of West frankia hoped they would and keep the area from hoped they would and keep the area from hoped they would and keep the area from being overrun with new being overrun with new being overrun with new Vikings and perhaps the most important Vikings and perhaps the most important Vikings and perhaps the most important aspect of this entire

aspect of this entire aspect of this entire Affair is that the people that are being Affair is that the people that are being Affair is that the people that are being granted these lands in what's now granted these lands in what's now granted these lands in what's now modern-day France these Pagan Heathen modern-day France these Pagan Heathen modern-day France these Pagan Heathen Viking conquerors are being forced to Viking conquerors are being forced to Viking conquerors are being forced to convert to convert to convert to Christianity as an element of the Christianity as an element of the Christianity as an element of the deal and even if a Viking Pagan warlord deal and even if a Viking Pagan warlord deal and even if a Viking Pagan warlord like R is providing more lip service like R is providing more lip service like R is providing more lip service than reality to his conversion and than reality to his conversion and than reality to his conversion and that's that's that's debatable his children aren't and his debatable his children aren't and his debatable his children aren't and his grandchildren aren't they're going to be grandchildren aren't they're going to be grandchildren aren't they're going to be real Christians and that undercuts the real Christians and that undercuts the real Christians and that undercuts the entire culture that led to the entire culture that led to the entire culture that led to the Scandinavian Viking pirate age to begin Scandinavian Viking pirate age to begin Scandinavian Viking pirate age to begin with and it should be pointed out that with and it should be pointed out that with and it should be pointed out that the very people who are doing the the very people who are doing the the very people who are doing the converting here whether we're talking converting here whether we're talking converting here whether we're talking about the about the about the Franks in what's now modern day France Franks in what's now modern day France Franks in what's now modern day France or the Germans in Germany or the or the Germans in Germany or the or the Germans in Germany or the Anglo-Saxons in England all three of Anglo-Saxons in England all three of Anglo-Saxons in England all three of those people used to be the worshippers those people used to be the worshippers those people used to be the worshippers of the old Germanic Pantheon of of the old Germanic Pantheon of of the old Germanic Pantheon of gods basically worshiping Odin basically gods basically worshiping Odin basically gods basically worshiping Odin basically worshiping Thor they might have had worshiping Thor they might have had worshiping Thor they might have had subtly different names for them but now subtly different names for them but now subtly different names for them but now they're converting the people who still they're converting the people who still they're converting the people who still believe what they used to believe and believe what they used to believe and believe what they used to believe and it's worth noticing if you're a military it's worth noticing if you're a military it's worth noticing if you're a military history fan as I know many of you are history fan as I know many of you are history fan as I know many of you are that in this centuries long religious

that in this centuries long religious that in this centuries long religious war between Christians and Germanic war between Christians and Germanic war between Christians and Germanic pagans only one side's really playing pagans only one side's really playing pagans only one side's really playing offense for centuries really since Rome offense for centuries really since Rome offense for centuries really since Rome you've seen these evangelists go out to you've seen these evangelists go out to you've seen these evangelists go out to convert these Germanic peoples that's convert these Germanic peoples that's convert these Germanic peoples that's how the Germans got converted that's how how the Germans got converted that's how how the Germans got converted that's how the Franks got converted that's how the the Franks got converted that's how the the Franks got converted that's how the Anglo-Saxons got Anglo-Saxons got Anglo-Saxons got converted the other side's not playing converted the other side's not playing converted the other side's not playing offense at all you don't see offense at all you don't see offense at all you don't see Scandinavian or Germanic evangelists Scandinavian or Germanic evangelists Scandinavian or Germanic evangelists going to Christian areas and converting going to Christian areas and converting going to Christian areas and converting Christians to the worship of Thor or Christians to the worship of Thor or Christians to the worship of Thor or Odin and so even if progress slows or Odin and so even if progress slows or Odin and so even if progress slows or even if people backslide it's an even if people backslide it's an even if people backslide it's an inevitable slowly and sometimes not so inevitable slowly and sometimes not so inevitable slowly and sometimes not so slowly movement towards a specific slowly movement towards a specific slowly movement towards a specific specific specific specific outcome and when you're able to get outcome and when you're able to get outcome and when you're able to get people like R to convert when you're people like R to convert when you're people like R to convert when you're able to make deals with Viking Warlords able to make deals with Viking Warlords able to make deals with Viking Warlords and as part of the deal require that and as part of the deal require that and as part of the deal require that they convert to Christianity you are they convert to Christianity you are they convert to Christianity you are creating a long-term solution to a creating a long-term solution to a creating a long-term solution to a long-term problem and let's recall it's long-term problem and let's recall it's long-term problem and let's recall it's easy to say that by 910 911 912 the easy to say that by 910 911 912 the easy to say that by 910 911 912 the European world has been dealing with the European world has been dealing with the European world has been dealing with the Viking problem Viking problem Viking problem for 110 120 years but if you put it in for 110 120 years but if you put it in for 110 120 years but if you put it in terms relating to our own time I mean terms relating to our own time I mean terms relating to our own time I mean imagine we had a problem like that that imagine we had a problem like that that imagine we had a problem like that that had been going on since had been going on since had been going on since 1900 or

1900 or 1900 or 1910 well even in a world that changed 1910 well even in a world that changed 1910 well even in a world that changed more slowly than our current world one more slowly than our current world one more slowly than our current world one would expect us to have created would expect us to have created would expect us to have created countermeasures one would expect that countermeasures one would expect that countermeasures one would expect that our longterm you know policies designed our longterm you know policies designed our longterm you know policies designed to change the circumstances would to change the circumstances would to change the circumstances would finally be bearing fruit and the 900s is finally be bearing fruit and the 900s is finally be bearing fruit and the 900s is an example of that because they're going an example of that because they're going an example of that because they're going to be very different than the 800s to be very different than the 800s to be very different than the 800s especially on the especially on the especially on the continent the different areas will have continent the different areas will have continent the different areas will have different circumstances of course in a different circumstances of course in a different circumstances of course in a place like modern-day Germany it's going place like modern-day Germany it's going place like modern-day Germany it's going to be based on strong leadership really to be based on strong leadership really to be based on strong leadership really I mean they're going to get as we I mean they're going to get as we I mean they're going to get as we mentioned earlier several important mentioned earlier several important mentioned earlier several important Kings Henry the Fowler otter the great Kings Henry the Fowler otter the great Kings Henry the Fowler otter the great uh and they're going to have Knights uh and they're going to have Knights uh and they're going to have Knights Mountain Knights which we spoke about Mountain Knights which we spoke about Mountain Knights which we spoke about earlier which are uh very dangerous to earlier which are uh very dangerous to earlier which are uh very dangerous to the Vikings and most good Viking pirate the Vikings and most good Viking pirate the Vikings and most good Viking pirate Raiders want nothing to do with mounted Raiders want nothing to do with mounted Raiders want nothing to do with mounted Knights not because they couldn't best Knights not because they couldn't best Knights not because they couldn't best them in a one-on-one encounter but them in a one-on-one encounter but them in a one-on-one encounter but because it changes the odds of a pirate because it changes the odds of a pirate because it changes the odds of a pirate expedition you're hoping for an easy expedition you're hoping for an easy expedition you're hoping for an easy score you don't want a life and death score you don't want a life and death score you don't want a life and death struggle every time you go out there to struggle every time you go out there to struggle every time you go out there to try to take what you hope is a bunch of try to take what you hope is a bunch of try to take what you hope is a bunch of peasants Goods or a bunch of peasants Goods or a bunch of peasants Goods or a bunch of monasteries you know relics and you will monasteries you know relics and you will monasteries you know relics and you will still see some Viking attacks in what's still see some Viking attacks in what's still see some Viking attacks in what's now Germany in the 900s but often times now Germany in the 900s but often times now Germany in the 900s but often times on the way home after striking you know on the way home after striking you know on the way home after striking you know targets that weren't ready for them the targets that weren't ready for them the targets that weren't ready for them the Viking Raiders will find themselves Viking Raiders will find themselves Viking Raiders will find themselves encountering Germanic Knights and often encountering Germanic Knights and often encountering Germanic Knights and often lose and sometimes

lose and sometimes lose and sometimes badly and it will be all that the rulers badly and it will be all that the rulers badly and it will be all that the rulers of the Scandinavians in Denmark in of the Scandinavians in Denmark in of the Scandinavians in Denmark in Viking era Denmark can do sometimes to Viking era Denmark can do sometimes to Viking era Denmark can do sometimes to keep the Germanic people from turning keep the Germanic people from turning keep the Germanic people from turning the tables on them and invading Den mark the tables on them and invading Den mark the tables on them and invading Den mark from Germany the sorts of scenes that we from Germany the sorts of scenes that we from Germany the sorts of scenes that we saw in the 800s where Scandinavian saw in the 800s where Scandinavian saw in the 800s where Scandinavian Raiders were stabling their horses Raiders were stabling their horses Raiders were stabling their horses almost almost almost incomprehensibly in the former Royal incomprehensibly in the former Royal incomprehensibly in the former Royal Palace at aan where Charlamagne ruled Palace at aan where Charlamagne ruled Palace at aan where Charlamagne ruled you're not going to see that in the you're not going to see that in the you're not going to see that in the 900s in what's now modern-day France the 900s in what's now modern-day France the 900s in what's now modern-day France the results are similar but the methods a results are similar but the methods a results are similar but the methods a bit different in northern France you're bit different in northern France you're bit different in northern France you're going to see maybe the most famous going to see maybe the most famous going to see maybe the most famous example of feudalism early medieval example of feudalism early medieval example of feudalism early medieval feudalism anywhere you have to be feudalism anywhere you have to be feudalism anywhere you have to be careful with the term feudal because careful with the term feudal because careful with the term feudal because when I was a kid that's my famous phrase when I was a kid that's my famous phrase when I was a kid that's my famous phrase isn't it when I was a kid back in the isn't it when I was a kid back in the isn't it when I was a kid back in the old days um feudalism was considered to old days um feudalism was considered to old days um feudalism was considered to be mostly a early medieval thing now be mostly a early medieval thing now be mostly a early medieval thing now it's considered to be a sort of a it's considered to be a sort of a it's considered to be a sort of a political system and it's applied to all political system and it's applied to all political system and it's applied to all sorts of other systems I mean you'll sorts of other systems I mean you'll sorts of other systems I mean you'll hear the early Aid Persians the ones who hear the early Aid Persians the ones who hear the early Aid Persians the ones who fought uh the Greeks and the Greek and fought uh the Greeks and the Greek and fought uh the Greeks and the Greek and Persian Wars the society that was Persian Wars the society that was Persian Wars the society that was overthrown by Alexander the Great you'll overthrown by Alexander the Great you'll overthrown by Alexander the Great you'll often hear them described as a feudal often hear them described as a feudal often hear them described as a feudal society but the poster child for that society but the poster child for that society but the poster child for that system was in northern France during system was in northern France during system was in northern France during this era where it's not going to just be this era where it's not going to just be this era where it's not going to just be R in Normandy but a bunch of Frankish

R in Normandy but a bunch of Frankish R in Normandy but a bunch of Frankish and later French counts and dukes and and later French counts and dukes and and later French counts and dukes and Lords and Barons who are all going to Lords and Barons who are all going to Lords and Barons who are all going to have their own little piece of the have their own little piece of the have their own little piece of the king's territory they're going to put up king's territory they're going to put up king's territory they're going to put up their own little castles they're going their own little castles they're going their own little castles they're going to have their own little you know group to have their own little you know group to have their own little you know group of knights and retinue and all that sort of knights and retinue and all that sort of knights and retinue and all that sort of stuff and it'll be their job to of stuff and it'll be their job to of stuff and it'll be their job to defend this territory ostensibly for defend this territory ostensibly for defend this territory ostensibly for their ruler uh but sometimes they'll their ruler uh but sometimes they'll their ruler uh but sometimes they'll fight amongst themselves sometimes fight amongst themselves sometimes fight amongst themselves sometimes they'll be rebellious against the king they'll be rebellious against the king they'll be rebellious against the king that's what early medieval feudalism is that's what early medieval feudalism is that's what early medieval feudalism is known for known for known for also but they'll also have mounted also but they'll also have mounted also but they'll also have mounted knights with all of the same advantages knights with all of the same advantages knights with all of the same advantages that that gives the German mounted that that gives the German mounted that that gives the German mounted Knights and they'll also have castles Knights and they'll also have castles Knights and they'll also have castles just like in Germany and the castles just like in Germany and the castles just like in Germany and the castles have a couple of different aspects we have a couple of different aspects we have a couple of different aspects we talked about them in part one a little talked about them in part one a little talked about them in part one a little bit and early in this discussion it's bit and early in this discussion it's bit and early in this discussion it's not just that you have a place where you not just that you have a place where you not just that you have a place where you have defenses so that if the Vikings have defenses so that if the Vikings have defenses so that if the Vikings show up on the horizon unexpectedly show up on the horizon unexpectedly show up on the horizon unexpectedly there's a place that can defend the there's a place that can defend the there's a place that can defend the territory because there'll be a Garrison territory because there'll be a Garrison territory because there'll be a Garrison of soldiers there as well but I was of soldiers there as well but I was of soldiers there as well but I was reading something that brought up an reading something that brought up an reading something that brought up an aspect I hadn't thought about which is aspect I hadn't thought about which is aspect I hadn't thought about which is that when the Vikings sailes appear Over that when the Vikings sailes appear Over that when the Vikings sailes appear Over the Horizon and you have a tiny little the Horizon and you have a tiny little the Horizon and you have a tiny little bit of warning that they're coming if bit of warning that they're coming if bit of warning that they're coming if you're the peasants and the farmers you're the peasants and the farmers you're the peasants and the farmers living in that area that's about to be living in that area that's about to be living in that area that's about to be assaulted by these Viking Pirates you assaulted by these Viking Pirates you assaulted by these Viking Pirates you grab any valuables you have any grab any valuables you have any grab any valuables you have any livestock that you own anything you want livestock that you own anything you want livestock that you own anything you want to keep and you put it in a wagon and

to keep and you put it in a wagon and to keep and you put it in a wagon and you cart it up to the walls of the you cart it up to the walls of the you cart it up to the walls of the castle and you go inside so not only do castle and you go inside so not only do castle and you go inside so not only do the Viking Pirates now have to deal with the Viking Pirates now have to deal with the Viking Pirates now have to deal with a Garrison and walls and all that sort a Garrison and walls and all that sort a Garrison and walls and all that sort of stuff but whatever they were coming of stuff but whatever they were coming of stuff but whatever they were coming to steal might now be Behind the Walls to steal might now be Behind the Walls to steal might now be Behind the Walls that very protective Bastion making the that very protective Bastion making the that very protective Bastion making the entire Affair not just more dangerous entire Affair not just more dangerous entire Affair not just more dangerous for them if they want to try to take for them if they want to try to take for them if they want to try to take stuff but maybe not even all that stuff but maybe not even all that stuff but maybe not even all that valuable which leads us to the Viking valuable which leads us to the Viking valuable which leads us to the Viking age in the age in the age in the 900s in Britain and Ireland Britain and Ireland do not have Ireland Britain and Ireland do not have mounted Knights and I was reading a book mounted Knights and I was reading a book mounted Knights and I was reading a book by author Ian Howard called Fine Fork by author Ian Howard called Fine Fork by author Ian Howard called Fine Fork beards invasions and the Danish conquest beards invasions and the Danish conquest beards invasions and the Danish conquest of England and he said and I'm I hadn't of England and he said and I'm I hadn't of England and he said and I'm I hadn't read it elsewhere but I'm sure it's read it elsewhere but I'm sure it's read it elsewhere but I'm sure it's mentioned elsewhere that that's a very mentioned elsewhere that that's a very mentioned elsewhere that that's a very specific reason that explains why Viking specific reason that explains why Viking specific reason that explains why Viking attacks shifted so strongly away from attacks shifted so strongly away from attacks shifted so strongly away from Germany and France what will be Germany Germany and France what will be Germany Germany and France what will be Germany and France in this era in the 900s and and France in this era in the 900s and and France in this era in the 900s and over to Ireland and Britain if you don't over to Ireland and Britain if you don't over to Ireland and Britain if you don't want to deal with heavily armed mounted want to deal with heavily armed mounted want to deal with heavily armed mounted Knights go to a place where they don't Knights go to a place where they don't Knights go to a place where they don't have that and the English for example have that and the English for example have that and the English for example won't have mounted Knights uh until won't have mounted Knights uh until won't have mounted Knights uh until after the Norman Conquest in 1066 it's after the Norman Conquest in 1066 it's after the Norman Conquest in 1066 it's an army that is mostly infantry some an army that is mostly infantry some an army that is mostly infantry some would suggest all infantry that's would suggest all infantry that's would suggest all infantry that's debatable they do use horses but they

debatable they do use horses but they debatable they do use horses but they use them the same way the Vikings do as use them the same way the Vikings do as use them the same way the Vikings do as mounted infantry right so you use them mounted infantry right so you use them mounted infantry right so you use them to get from place to place but when you to get from place to place but when you to get from place to place but when you want to fight you want to fight you want to fight you Dismount and so in the early 00s you see Dismount and so in the early 00s you see Dismount and so in the early 00s you see the story shifting more towards what's the story shifting more towards what's the story shifting more towards what's going on in Britain but if you are a fan going on in Britain but if you are a fan going on in Britain but if you are a fan of the Vikings you can't help but notice of the Vikings you can't help but notice of the Vikings you can't help but notice that not only are the fortunes of the that not only are the fortunes of the that not only are the fortunes of the Scandinavians being challenged in Scandinavians being challenged in Scandinavians being challenged in Germany and France even without mounted Germany and France even without mounted Germany and France even without mounted Knights they're not having things their Knights they're not having things their Knights they're not having things their way in Ireland or Britain either Winston way in Ireland or Britain either Winston way in Ireland or Britain either Winston Churchill we had quoted him earlier from Churchill we had quoted him earlier from Churchill we had quoted him earlier from from his history of the English-speaking from his history of the English-speaking from his history of the English-speaking peoples and he's so wonderful because he peoples and he's so wonderful because he peoples and he's so wonderful because he supposedly dictated all of the works supposedly dictated all of the works supposedly dictated all of the works that he wrote uh and so they have a real that he wrote uh and so they have a real that he wrote uh and so they have a real sort of a oral feel about them it sounds sort of a oral feel about them it sounds sort of a oral feel about them it sounds a little like a hardcore history uh a little like a hardcore history uh a little like a hardcore history uh conversation and when he talks about conversation and when he talks about conversation and when he talks about Britain for example during Alfred the Britain for example during Alfred the Britain for example during Alfred the Great who died in 899 we spoke of Alfred Great who died in 899 we spoke of Alfred Great who died in 899 we spoke of Alfred he almost sounds like he's narrating his he almost sounds like he's narrating his he almost sounds like he's narrating his own story from the darkest years of 1940 own story from the darkest years of 1940 own story from the darkest years of 1940 in the second world war but then the in the second world war but then the in the second world war but then the story after Alfred also parallels the story after Alfred also parallels the story after Alfred also parallels the story in the second world war where story in the second world war where story in the second world war where Britain survives the darkest times and Britain survives the darkest times and Britain survives the darkest times and begins to crawl out of it and issue begins to crawl out of it and issue begins to crawl out of it and issue payback the reconquest if you will and payback the reconquest if you will and payback the reconquest if you will and Churchill writes

Churchill writes Churchill writes quote Alfred meaning Alfred the Great quote Alfred meaning Alfred the Great quote Alfred meaning Alfred the Great died in died in died in 899 but the struggle with the Vikings 899 but the struggle with the Vikings 899 but the struggle with the Vikings had yet to pass through strangely had yet to pass through strangely had yet to pass through strangely contrasted phases contrasted phases contrasted phases Alfred's blood gave the English a series Alfred's blood gave the English a series Alfred's blood gave the English a series of great rulers and while his of great rulers and while his of great rulers and while his inspiration held Victory did not quit inspiration held Victory did not quit inspiration held Victory did not quit the Christian ranks in his son Edward the Christian ranks in his son Edward the Christian ranks in his son Edward who was immediately acclaimed King the who was immediately acclaimed King the who was immediately acclaimed King the armies had already found a redoutable armies had already found a redoutable armies had already found a redoutable leader end leader end leader end quote if you look at the first 50 years quote if you look at the first 50 years quote if you look at the first 50 years of the 900s you see the equivalent of a of the 900s you see the equivalent of a of the 900s you see the equivalent of a British or English or Anglo-Saxons the British or English or Anglo-Saxons the British or English or Anglo-Saxons the more proper way to put it reconquest of more proper way to put it reconquest of more proper way to put it reconquest of territory that the Vikings had taken territory that the Vikings had taken territory that the Vikings had taken from them during the 800s but it's a bit from them during the 800s but it's a bit from them during the 800s but it's a bit of an EB and flow sort of an of an EB and flow sort of an of an EB and flow sort of an affair by and large the Anglo-Saxons are affair by and large the Anglo-Saxons are affair by and large the Anglo-Saxons are winning think about a boxing match where winning think about a boxing match where winning think about a boxing match where they're getting the rounds handed to they're getting the rounds handed to they're getting the rounds handed to them by the judge's scorecards but them by the judge's scorecards but them by the judge's scorecards but they're still taking damage they're they're still taking damage they're they're still taking damage they're still getting punched they're still still getting punched they're still still getting punched they're still getting knocked to the canvas from time getting knocked to the canvas from time getting knocked to the canvas from time to time and that often happens when new to time and that often happens when new to time and that often happens when new reinforcements arrive from either reinforcements arrive from either reinforcements arrive from either Scandinavia or from the Vikings in Scandinavia or from the Vikings in Scandinavia or from the Vikings in Ireland will turn the tide sometimes Ireland will turn the tide sometimes Ireland will turn the tide sometimes temporarily but eventually the several temporarily but eventually the several temporarily but eventually the several rulers after Alfred the Great and rulers after Alfred the Great and rulers after Alfred the Great and they're blessed with several good ones they're blessed with several good ones they're blessed with several good ones in a row see rulership matters look at in a row see rulership matters look at in a row see rulership matters look at the German kings we mentioned earlier the German kings we mentioned earlier the German kings we mentioned earlier they will slowly grind things back they will slowly grind things back they will slowly grind things back towards a

towards a towards a reconquest Churchill talks about uh reconquest Churchill talks about uh reconquest Churchill talks about uh another battle that eventually the another battle that eventually the another battle that eventually the English gain the victory the Danes are English gain the victory the Danes are English gain the victory the Danes are just like R in Normandy required to just like R in Normandy required to just like R in Normandy required to convert to convert to convert to Christianity and then he talks about Christianity and then he talks about Christianity and then he talks about this treaty being broken and says quote this treaty being broken and says quote this treaty being broken and says quote in 910 this treaty was broken by the in 910 this treaty was broken by the in 910 this treaty was broken by the Danes and the war was renewed in Mera Danes and the war was renewed in Mera Danes and the war was renewed in Mera the main forces of wessix and Kent had the main forces of wessix and Kent had the main forces of wessix and Kent had already been sent by Edward who was with already been sent by Edward who was with already been sent by Edward who was with the fleet to the aid of the mercians and the fleet to the aid of the mercians and the fleet to the aid of the mercians and in heavy fighting at tetan Hall in in heavy fighting at tetan Hall in in heavy fighting at tetan Hall in Staffordshire the Danes were decisively Staffordshire the Danes were decisively Staffordshire the Danes were decisively defeated end quote Now reminder places defeated end quote Now reminder places defeated end quote Now reminder places like wessix and Essex and North Umbria like wessix and Essex and North Umbria like wessix and Essex and North Umbria and East Anglia these are all the places and East Anglia these are all the places and East Anglia these are all the places that had been separate independent that had been separate independent that had been separate independent kingdoms when the Viking age started and kingdoms when the Viking age started and kingdoms when the Viking age started and one of the reasons that Anglo Saxon one of the reasons that Anglo Saxon one of the reasons that Anglo Saxon territory was so vulnerable to the territory was so vulnerable to the territory was so vulnerable to the Vikings was this Vikings was this Vikings was this fragmentation and why so many historians fragmentation and why so many historians fragmentation and why so many historians suggest that the Viking era helped suggest that the Viking era helped suggest that the Viking era helped create the modernday Britain created create the modernday Britain created create the modernday Britain created England out of anglo-saxon territories England out of anglo-saxon territories England out of anglo-saxon territories was because the Vikings Swept Away a lot was because the Vikings Swept Away a lot was because the Vikings Swept Away a lot of those independent territories of those independent territories of those independent territories clearing the way for clearing the way for clearing the way for unification but those places still unification but those places still unification but those places still maintained some semblance of a maintained some semblance of a maintained some semblance of a self-image and an independence places self-image and an independence places self-image and an independence places like Mercia for example Churchill

like Mercia for example Churchill like Mercia for example Churchill continues quote this English victory was continues quote this English victory was continues quote this English victory was a milestone in the long conflict the a milestone in the long conflict the a milestone in the long conflict the Danish armies in North Umbria never Danish armies in North Umbria never Danish armies in North Umbria never recovered from the the battle and the recovered from the the battle and the recovered from the the battle and the Danish Midlands and East Anglia thus lay Danish Midlands and East Anglia thus lay Danish Midlands and East Anglia thus lay open to English Conquest up to this open to English Conquest up to this open to English Conquest up to this point Mera and wests had been the point Mera and wests had been the point Mera and wests had been the Defenders often reduced to the most Defenders often reduced to the most Defenders often reduced to the most Grievous Straits but now the tide had Grievous Straits but now the tide had Grievous Straits but now the tide had turned fear camped with the Danes end turned fear camped with the Danes end turned fear camped with the Danes end quote there's a lot of reasons for this quote there's a lot of reasons for this quote there's a lot of reasons for this one is that all of a sudden the Danish one is that all of a sudden the Danish one is that all of a sudden the Danish settlers in Britain who lived in the settlers in Britain who lived in the settlers in Britain who lived in the North and the east in this area we North and the east in this area we North and the east in this area we talked about earlier the Dane law the talked about earlier the Dane law the talked about earlier the Dane law the the land where the Danish laws the land where the Danish laws the land where the Danish laws predominated they had settled they had predominated they had settled they had predominated they had settled they had Farms they had families and this made Farms they had families and this made Farms they had families and this made them them them vulnerable we had talked earlier about vulnerable we had talked earlier about vulnerable we had talked earlier about how much of an advantage it was to be a how much of an advantage it was to be a how much of an advantage it was to be a pirate Raider from Far Over The Seas pirate Raider from Far Over The Seas pirate Raider from Far Over The Seas where you could hit your opponents take where you could hit your opponents take where you could hit your opponents take their stuff and then run away to a place their stuff and then run away to a place their stuff and then run away to a place where they couldn't get you but if you where they couldn't get you but if you where they couldn't get you but if you settle right next to the people people settle right next to the people people settle right next to the people people you're raiding they can get you and as you're raiding they can get you and as you're raiding they can get you and as Charles Oman the military historian for Charles Oman the military historian for Charles Oman the military historian for more than 100 years ago pointed out by more than 100 years ago pointed out by more than 100 years ago pointed out by this time if the Danes in Britain raided this time if the Danes in Britain raided this time if the Danes in Britain raided their neighbors the their neighbors the their neighbors the English the English hit them right back English the English hit them right back English the English hit them right back what's more whereas once before when what's more whereas once before when what's more whereas once before when these raiding parties arrived in Britain

these raiding parties arrived in Britain these raiding parties arrived in Britain they were unified groups of people the they were unified groups of people the they were unified groups of people the Danes in the British Isles during this Danes in the British Isles during this Danes in the British Isles during this period period period were composed of a bunch of different were composed of a bunch of different were composed of a bunch of different groups of people not United who could be groups of people not United who could be groups of people not United who could be picked off bit by bit and during the picked off bit by bit and during the picked off bit by bit and during the early 900s that's what happens and it early 900s that's what happens and it early 900s that's what happens and it doesn't just happen with these male doesn't just happen with these male doesn't just happen with these male anglosaxon anglosaxon anglosaxon Kings uniquely enough and in an event Kings uniquely enough and in an event Kings uniquely enough and in an event that is sometimes called one of the most that is sometimes called one of the most that is sometimes called one of the most unique in all of early medieval history unique in all of early medieval history unique in all of early medieval history they also are subject to attacks by they also are subject to attacks by they also are subject to attacks by female military rulers female military rulers female military rulers this reconquest of territory from Danish this reconquest of territory from Danish this reconquest of territory from Danish settlers in the British Isles creates a settlers in the British Isles creates a settlers in the British Isles creates a different sort of dynamic than the different sort of dynamic than the different sort of dynamic than the Viking attacks from the 800s my Viking attacks from the 800s my Viking attacks from the 800s my Encyclopedia of military history from Encyclopedia of military history from Encyclopedia of military history from Ernest and Trevor de pu puts it this way Ernest and Trevor de pu puts it this way Ernest and Trevor de pu puts it this way and it's a good way to look at it it and it's a good way to look at it it and it's a good way to look at it it says quote during the 10th Century the says quote during the 10th Century the says quote during the 10th Century the Anglo-Saxon struggle with the Danes was Anglo-Saxon struggle with the Danes was Anglo-Saxon struggle with the Danes was no longer a matter of Viking Raiders no longer a matter of Viking Raiders no longer a matter of Viking Raiders against local inhabitants but rather a against local inhabitants but rather a against local inhabitants but rather a more or less constant war between more or less constant war between more or less constant war between Southern and Northern England end quote Southern and Northern England end quote Southern and Northern England end quote Southern England being the Southern England being the Southern England being the part occupied by the Anglo-Saxon rulers part occupied by the Anglo-Saxon rulers part occupied by the Anglo-Saxon rulers and people the northern part mostly by and people the northern part mostly by and people the northern part mostly by Danish settlers or people who had some Danish settlers or people who had some Danish settlers or people who had some affinity for the Scandinavians and often affinity for the Scandinavians and often affinity for the Scandinavians and often cited with new Vikings that showed up on

cited with new Vikings that showed up on cited with new Vikings that showed up on the shores they're sort of a fifth the shores they're sort of a fifth the shores they're sort of a fifth columnist group in brit and during the 900s after Alfred the and during the 900s after Alfred the Great dies two of his children take the Great dies two of his children take the Great dies two of his children take the lead in starting to push back with the lead in starting to push back with the lead in starting to push back with the eye towards eventually eliminating eye towards eventually eliminating eye towards eventually eliminating entirely that group of fifth entirely that group of fifth entirely that group of fifth columnists one of them is the king that columnists one of them is the king that columnists one of them is the king that Churchill mentioned Edward but the other Churchill mentioned Edward but the other Churchill mentioned Edward but the other is his sister Ethel is his sister Ethel is his sister Ethel fled now eth's an interesting lady fled now eth's an interesting lady fled now eth's an interesting lady because if you watch the Hollywood movie because if you watch the Hollywood movie because if you watch the Hollywood movie movies there's always this bending over movies there's always this bending over movies there's always this bending over backwards to include female characters backwards to include female characters backwards to include female characters where perhaps they didn't actually exist where perhaps they didn't actually exist where perhaps they didn't actually exist or female warriors where perhaps the or female warriors where perhaps the or female warriors where perhaps the evidence for them is very scanty but evidence for them is very scanty but evidence for them is very scanty but that means that when you actually that means that when you actually that means that when you actually encounter real historical figures that encounter real historical figures that encounter real historical figures that live up to all the hype they deserve a live up to all the hype they deserve a live up to all the hype they deserve a little bit more attention and Ethel fled little bit more attention and Ethel fled little bit more attention and Ethel fled is one of those people if you look at is one of those people if you look at is one of those people if you look at statues of her she's often shown bearing statues of her she's often shown bearing statues of her she's often shown bearing a a a weapon and if this were the Hol would weapon and if this were the Hol would weapon and if this were the Hol would movie version of her she would certainly movie version of her she would certainly movie version of her she would certainly be a swashbuckling Robin Hood Type be a swashbuckling Robin Hood Type be a swashbuckling Robin Hood Type character cutting the heads off enemies character cutting the heads off enemies character cutting the heads off enemies dressed in armor and Performing all dressed in armor and Performing all dressed in armor and Performing all sorts of sorts of sorts of acrobatic military Feats but that's not acrobatic military Feats but that's not acrobatic military Feats but that's not the way we should probably see her she the way we should probably see her she the way we should probably see her she is instead a somewhat you know is instead a somewhat you know is instead a somewhat you know anglosaxon version of a Napoleonic anglosaxon version of a Napoleonic anglosaxon version of a Napoleonic figure maybe an inspiring leader of men

figure maybe an inspiring leader of men figure maybe an inspiring leader of men a tactician a strategist a tactician a strategist a tactician a strategist there is what some historians have there is what some historians have there is what some historians have referred to as a conspiracy of Silence referred to as a conspiracy of Silence referred to as a conspiracy of Silence around her and our modern Temptation around her and our modern Temptation around her and our modern Temptation would be to suggest that this conspiracy would be to suggest that this conspiracy would be to suggest that this conspiracy exists because she was a woman and there exists because she was a woman and there exists because she was a woman and there may be some truth to that but an actual may be some truth to that but an actual may be some truth to that but an actual better reason something that is lost in better reason something that is lost in better reason something that is lost in sort of the years that have passed since sort of the years that have passed since sort of the years that have passed since then but would have been very apparent then but would have been very apparent then but would have been very apparent and a lot of historians pointed out it and a lot of historians pointed out it and a lot of historians pointed out it might have more to do with the fact that might have more to do with the fact that might have more to do with the fact that she was known as the lady of the she was known as the lady of the she was known as the lady of the mercians mercians mercians the mercians as we just mentioned meria the mercians as we just mentioned meria the mercians as we just mentioned meria is one of these places that used to be is one of these places that used to be is one of these places that used to be an independent Kingdom before the an independent Kingdom before the an independent Kingdom before the Vikings swept all that away the people Vikings swept all that away the people Vikings swept all that away the people that wrote The Chronicles that have come that wrote The Chronicles that have come that wrote The Chronicles that have come down to us like the Anglo-Saxon down to us like the Anglo-Saxon down to us like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle were working for the kings of Chronicle were working for the kings of Chronicle were working for the kings of wessix and the last thing that they wessix and the last thing that they wessix and the last thing that they wanted was to do anything that inspired wanted was to do anything that inspired wanted was to do anything that inspired what today we would call patriotism what today we would call patriotism what today we would call patriotism amongst these amongst these amongst these formerly you know independent areas like formerly you know independent areas like formerly you know independent areas like North Umbria East Anglia Mera or North Umbria East Anglia Mera or North Umbria East Anglia Mera or separate IST separate IST separate IST Tendencies and a figure that a place Tendencies and a figure that a place Tendencies and a figure that a place like Mercia could rally around to sort like Mercia could rally around to sort like Mercia could rally around to sort of bolster their credentials as an of bolster their credentials as an of bolster their credentials as an independent kingdom is someone like independent kingdom is someone like independent kingdom is someone like ethol ethol ethol fled but along with her brother from fled but along with her brother from fled but along with her brother from about 911 the time that R takes over in about 911 the time that R takes over in about 911 the time that R takes over in Normandy when her husband dies she takes Normandy when her husband dies she takes Normandy when her husband dies she takes over in Mera she and her brother start a over in Mera she and her brother start a over in Mera she and her brother start a two-pronged approach retaking territory

two-pronged approach retaking territory two-pronged approach retaking territory story from the Danes in Anglo-Saxon story from the Danes in Anglo-Saxon story from the Danes in Anglo-Saxon England and they do it in an interesting England and they do it in an interesting England and they do it in an interesting way we had mentioned that with her way we had mentioned that with her way we had mentioned that with her father Alfred that one of the things he father Alfred that one of the things he father Alfred that one of the things he did was to set up these fortified towns did was to set up these fortified towns did was to set up these fortified towns known as burs sometimes very known as burs sometimes very known as burs sometimes very rudimentarily fortified it must be said rudimentarily fortified it must be said rudimentarily fortified it must be said just a ditch around them sometimes or a just a ditch around them sometimes or a just a ditch around them sometimes or a palisade or an earn wall but it's enough palisade or an earn wall but it's enough palisade or an earn wall but it's enough to do the job and what you do is you to do the job and what you do is you to do the job and what you do is you fortify these towns you stash a Garrison fortify these towns you stash a Garrison fortify these towns you stash a Garrison in them so some Defenders and all of a in them so some Defenders and all of a in them so some Defenders and all of a sudden you make life difficult for sudden you make life difficult for sudden you make life difficult for Viking Raiders well she and her brother Viking Raiders well she and her brother Viking Raiders well she and her brother start using these fortified towns in an start using these fortified towns in an start using these fortified towns in an offensive way it's a little like taking offensive way it's a little like taking offensive way it's a little like taking a place and then fortifying what you a place and then fortifying what you a place and then fortifying what you just won in just won in just won in concrete because once you dig the ditch concrete because once you dig the ditch concrete because once you dig the ditch around it put up the palisade Wall put a around it put up the palisade Wall put a around it put up the palisade Wall put a Garrison in there it becomes very hard Garrison in there it becomes very hard Garrison in there it becomes very hard for anyone on the Danish side to retake for anyone on the Danish side to retake for anyone on the Danish side to retake it and over a period of about a decade it and over a period of about a decade it and over a period of about a decade they will fight battles she and her they will fight battles she and her they will fight battles she and her brother take retake towns that used to brother take retake towns that used to brother take retake towns that used to be Anglo-Saxon towns fortify them with be Anglo-Saxon towns fortify them with be Anglo-Saxon towns fortify them with the Burr and very soon you know maybe by the Burr and very soon you know maybe by the Burr and very soon you know maybe by their standards by our standards their their standards by our standards their their standards by our standards their Wars look like they they take place in a Wars look like they they take place in a Wars look like they they take place in a very sort of slow motion way but she and very sort of slow motion way but she and very sort of slow motion way but she and her brother begin to reconquer the her brother begin to reconquer the her brother begin to reconquer the territory and you will have this territory and you will have this territory and you will have this interesting sort of scene where she will interesting sort of scene where she will interesting sort of scene where she will have all of the again Hollywood I'll say

have all of the again Hollywood I'll say have all of the again Hollywood I'll say that a million times because we they've that a million times because we they've that a million times because we they've warped our view of these Scandinavians warped our view of these Scandinavians warped our view of these Scandinavians but you will have this amazing scene but you will have this amazing scene but you will have this amazing scene where you will have these alpha male where you will have these alpha male where you will have these alpha male hairy Barbarian uh types pledging their hairy Barbarian uh types pledging their hairy Barbarian uh types pledging their submission to a woman the lady of the submission to a woman the lady of the submission to a woman the lady of the mercians ethol and she'll kill a bunch mercians ethol and she'll kill a bunch mercians ethol and she'll kill a bunch of them a bunch of Viking yarl and kings of them a bunch of Viking yarl and kings of them a bunch of Viking yarl and kings and Lords uh in these battles not and Lords uh in these battles not and Lords uh in these battles not personally but her armies will and and personally but her armies will and and personally but her armies will and and historian cat jarmin points out that historian cat jarmin points out that historian cat jarmin points out that this is a huge Rarity there's only one this is a huge Rarity there's only one this is a huge Rarity there's only one other woman and Cat jarmin mentions her other woman and Cat jarmin mentions her other woman and Cat jarmin mentions her during the early medieval period where during the early medieval period where during the early medieval period where you can see them commanding troops cat you can see them commanding troops cat you can see them commanding troops cat jarmin talks about her and the other one jarmin talks about her and the other one jarmin talks about her and the other one who's related to Otter the great of who's related to Otter the great of who's related to Otter the great of Germany and she says quote if we look Germany and she says quote if we look Germany and she says quote if we look elsewhere in northern Europe there are elsewhere in northern Europe there are elsewhere in northern Europe there are contemporary examples of women wielding contemporary examples of women wielding contemporary examples of women wielding military power the best known being military power the best known being military power the best known being Athol Lady of the mercians who was the Athol Lady of the mercians who was the Athol Lady of the mercians who was the daughter of Alfred the Great possibly daughter of Alfred the Great possibly daughter of Alfred the Great possibly the only woman from anglosaxon England the only woman from anglosaxon England the only woman from anglosaxon England known to have led military forces known to have led military forces known to have led military forces meanwhile on the continent another woman meanwhile on the continent another woman meanwhile on the continent another woman was in charge of a fight against Vikings was in charge of a fight against Vikings was in charge of a fight against Vikings too gerberga of Saxony the sister of too gerberga of Saxony the sister of too gerberga of Saxony the sister of Otto the of Germany organized the Otto the of Germany organized the Otto the of Germany organized the defense of Leon in northern France in defense of Leon in northern France in defense of Leon in northern France in 945 946 when her husband Louis IV was 945 946 when her husband Louis IV was 945 946 when her husband Louis IV was captured captured captured with both Athol and gerberga have in

with both Athol and gerberga have in with both Athol and gerberga have in common is that they independently LED common is that they independently LED common is that they independently LED forces and attacks and organized forces and attacks and organized forces and attacks and organized defenses in a 10th Century environment defenses in a 10th Century environment defenses in a 10th Century environment which is typically thought of as a time which is typically thought of as a time which is typically thought of as a time when only men could hold power in both when only men could hold power in both when only men could hold power in both cases these women owed their political cases these women owed their political cases these women owed their political position to a family connection but at position to a family connection but at position to a family connection but at the same time both are described as the same time both are described as the same time both are described as well-educated well-educated well-educated intelligent and possessing the ability intelligent and possessing the ability intelligent and possessing the ability to lead military strategy with the to lead military strategy with the to lead military strategy with the support of their contemporary Aries end support of their contemporary Aries end support of their contemporary Aries end quote now there are not a lot of sources quote now there are not a lot of sources quote now there are not a lot of sources as we said talking very much about Ethel as we said talking very much about Ethel as we said talking very much about Ethel fled from the era the Irish Chronicles fled from the era the Irish Chronicles fled from the era the Irish Chronicles refer to her as an angloa the renowned refer to her as an angloa the renowned refer to her as an angloa the renowned Anglo-Saxon Queen but she wasn't a Anglo-Saxon Queen but she wasn't a Anglo-Saxon Queen but she wasn't a queen but in the 12th century the early queen but in the 12th century the early queen but in the 12th century the early English historian William of malmsbury English historian William of malmsbury English historian William of malmsbury makes sure that we don't forget about makes sure that we don't forget about makes sure that we don't forget about Ethel fled and by the way he uses an Ethel fled and by the way he uses an Ethel fled and by the way he uses an interesting term when he describes her interesting term when he describes her interesting term when he describes her he calls her a verago and I had to look he calls her a verago and I had to look he calls her a verago and I had to look it up and apparently the the meaning of it up and apparently the the meaning of it up and apparently the the meaning of the term has changed over time but in the term has changed over time but in the term has changed over time but in the era he was writing it sort of means the era he was writing it sort of means the era he was writing it sort of means a great Soul or a formidable person or a great Soul or a formidable person or a great Soul or a formidable person or maybe a woman who has Tendencies you maybe a woman who has Tendencies you maybe a woman who has Tendencies you normally associate with a man like a war normally associate with a man like a war normally associate with a man like a war leader and William of malmsbury writes leader and William of malmsbury writes leader and William of malmsbury writes quote at the same time we must not quote at the same time we must not quote at the same time we must not Overlook the King's sister ath fled Overlook the King's sister ath fled Overlook the King's sister ath fled Ethel Red's Widow who carried no small Ethel Red's Widow who carried no small Ethel Red's Widow who carried no small weight in party Strife being popular weight in party Strife being popular weight in party Strife being popular with the citizens and a terror to the with the citizens and a terror to the with the citizens and a terror to the enemy she was a woman of great

enemy she was a woman of great enemy she was a woman of great determination who after having determination who after having determination who after having difficulties with the birth of her first difficulties with the birth of her first difficulties with the birth of her first or rather her only child uphor her or rather her only child uphor her or rather her only child uphor her husband's Embraces Ever After declaring husband's Embraces Ever After declaring husband's Embraces Ever After declaring that it was beneath the Dignity of a that it was beneath the Dignity of a that it was beneath the Dignity of a king's daughter to involve herself in king's daughter to involve herself in king's daughter to involve herself in Pleasures which would be followed in Pleasures which would be followed in Pleasures which would be followed in time by such ill effects end quote he's time by such ill effects end quote he's time by such ill effects end quote he's talking about childbirth by the way uh talking about childbirth by the way uh talking about childbirth by the way uh remember that could easily be fatal in remember that could easily be fatal in remember that could easily be fatal in this period and he also Praises her as a this period and he also Praises her as a this period and he also Praises her as a builder of cities but rather than a builder of cities but rather than a builder of cities but rather than a builder of cities what he's really builder of cities what he's really builder of cities what he's really talking about is a fortifier of cities talking about is a fortifier of cities talking about is a fortifier of cities as we said taking these cities and then as we said taking these cities and then as we said taking these cities and then uh creating these fortified towns out of uh creating these fortified towns out of uh creating these fortified towns out of them so he continues quote she was a them so he continues quote she was a them so he continues quote she was a verago a very powerful influence and verago a very powerful influence and verago a very powerful influence and help in her brother's policy and no less help in her brother's policy and no less help in her brother's policy and no less effective as a builder of cities it effective as a builder of cities it effective as a builder of cities it would be hard to say whether it was luck would be hard to say whether it was luck would be hard to say whether it was luck or character that made a woman such a or character that made a woman such a or character that made a woman such a tower of strength for the men of her own tower of strength for the men of her own tower of strength for the men of her own side and such a Terror to the rest end side and such a Terror to the rest end side and such a Terror to the rest end quote eth fled dies in 918 quote eth fled dies in 918 quote eth fled dies in 918 adce and her brother will continue adce and her brother will continue adce and her brother will continue what's been going on the reconquest of what's been going on the reconquest of what's been going on the reconquest of the day law until he dies about six the day law until he dies about six the day law until he dies about six years years years later their successor a guy named athlan later their successor a guy named athlan later their successor a guy named athlan will continue it even more he'll include will continue it even more he'll include will continue it even more he'll include you know fighting the Scots and the you know fighting the Scots and the you know fighting the Scots and the Welsh I mean this is all part of carving Welsh I mean this is all part of carving Welsh I mean this is all part of carving out England and athlan will be by many out England and athlan will be by many out England and athlan will be by many considered the first truly English king considered the first truly English king considered the first truly English king if not him then his

if not him then his if not him then his successor this is all important stuff successor this is all important stuff successor this is all important stuff for British history obviously but also for British history obviously but also for British history obviously but also for the history of peoples who can trace for the history of peoples who can trace for the history of peoples who can trace their at least political DNA back to their at least political DNA back to their at least political DNA back to England and that's anyone who was a part England and that's anyone who was a part England and that's anyone who was a part of the British Empire you think of the of the British Empire you think of the of the British Empire you think of the Canadians the Americans the Australians Canadians the Americans the Australians Canadians the Americans the Australians etc etc I mean this is all part of their etc etc I mean this is all part of their etc etc I mean this is all part of their history which has often made me think history which has often made me think history which has often made me think that this is partly why the Vikings have that this is partly why the Vikings have that this is partly why the Vikings have such a prominent place in the past I such a prominent place in the past I such a prominent place in the past I mean why do we pay more attention to mean why do we pay more attention to mean why do we pay more attention to them than the vizag Goths as we said or them than the vizag Goths as we said or them than the vizag Goths as we said or the ostrogoths you know or the Lombards the ostrogoths you know or the Lombards the ostrogoths you know or the Lombards or any of these other Germanic Barbarian or any of these other Germanic Barbarian or any of these other Germanic Barbarian peoples well because they play a huge peoples well because they play a huge peoples well because they play a huge role in the creation of places like role in the creation of places like role in the creation of places like England and England well has a political England and England well has a political England and England well has a political strand of DNA that goes through a lot of strand of DNA that goes through a lot of strand of DNA that goes through a lot of modern-day modern-day modern-day countries the interesting thing though countries the interesting thing though countries the interesting thing though is that what's going on in places like is that what's going on in places like is that what's going on in places like England during this era is not hugely England during this era is not hugely England during this era is not hugely important in 99% of the respects to life important in 99% of the respects to life important in 99% of the respects to life in Scandinavia to the average pig farmer in Scandinavia to the average pig farmer in Scandinavia to the average pig farmer as Neil price historian who wrote the as Neil price historian who wrote the as Neil price historian who wrote the children of Ashen Elm puts it I mean the children of Ashen Elm puts it I mean the children of Ashen Elm puts it I mean the average pig farmer in Scandinavia isn't average pig farmer in Scandinavia isn't average pig farmer in Scandinavia isn't concerned to wit with these Colonial concerned to wit with these Colonial concerned to wit with these Colonial possessions or these you know possessions or these you know possessions or these you know settlements or these diasporas going on settlements or these diasporas going on settlements or these diasporas going on in the edges of the Viking world right in the edges of the Viking world right in the edges of the Viking world right they're in the lands that Encompass they're in the lands that Encompass they're in the lands that Encompass modern day Denmark Norway or Sweden just modern day Denmark Norway or Sweden just modern day Denmark Norway or Sweden just living their lives right believing the living their lives right believing the living their lives right believing the old ways the old gods and all these old ways the old gods and all these old ways the old gods and all these kinds of things but as we said there is

kinds of things but as we said there is kinds of things but as we said there is cultural transmission going on through cultural transmission going on through cultural transmission going on through all these areas and if you are let's all these areas and if you are let's all these areas and if you are let's just say a very just say a very just say a very conservative conservative conservative traditionalist living in Scandinavia traditionalist living in Scandinavia traditionalist living in Scandinavia standard pig farmer who believes in the standard pig farmer who believes in the standard pig farmer who believes in the old ways the old gods the traditional old ways the old gods the traditional old ways the old gods the traditional culture of your culture of your culture of your ancestors all of a sudden you can't ancestors all of a sudden you can't ancestors all of a sudden you can't can't help but notice by the middle 900s can't help but notice by the middle 900s can't help but notice by the middle 900s that there's a whole lot of new stuff that there's a whole lot of new stuff that there's a whole lot of new stuff infecting your infecting your infecting your community I love the term and I use it community I love the term and I use it community I love the term and I use it all the time and I'm sorry if I overuse all the time and I'm sorry if I overuse all the time and I'm sorry if I overuse the same terms but it's just so the same terms but it's just so the same terms but it's just so wonderful intellectual contagion seeing wonderful intellectual contagion seeing wonderful intellectual contagion seeing ideas and beliefs the same way one would ideas and beliefs the same way one would ideas and beliefs the same way one would see a pathogen that can spread like a see a pathogen that can spread like a see a pathogen that can spread like a disease well it's hard not to notice disease well it's hard not to notice disease well it's hard not to notice that at the exact same time you see Olga that at the exact same time you see Olga that at the exact same time you see Olga in the Eastern Scandinavian areas of the in the Eastern Scandinavian areas of the in the Eastern Scandinavian areas of the roof really beginning to explore roof really beginning to explore roof really beginning to explore Christianity in that neck of the woods Christianity in that neck of the woods Christianity in that neck of the woods you see the same thing happening on the you see the same thing happening on the you see the same thing happening on the opposite side of the Viking World in opposite side of the Viking World in opposite side of the Viking World in places like places like places like England more and more of these Warlords England more and more of these Warlords England more and more of these Warlords converting as parts of arrangements and converting as parts of arrangements and converting as parts of arrangements and Deals and treaties and settlements more Deals and treaties and settlements more Deals and treaties and settlements more and more Scandinavians living away from and more Scandinavians living away from and more Scandinavians living away from the home countries in places like the the home countries in places like the the home countries in places like the day law converting due to exposure to day law converting due to exposure to day law converting due to exposure to Christianity if you actually Zoom out Christianity if you actually Zoom out Christianity if you actually Zoom out and look at how long evangelists have and look at how long evangelists have and look at how long evangelists have been traveling to Scandinavia trying to been traveling to Scandinavia trying to been traveling to Scandinavia trying to convert the people there by the time you convert the people there by the time you convert the people there by the time you reached the middle 900s it's been like

reached the middle 900s it's been like reached the middle 900s it's been like 240 250 years right as far back from 240 250 years right as far back from 240 250 years right as far back from where we are today as the American where we are today as the American where we are today as the American Revolution now it's hard to say how much Revolution now it's hard to say how much Revolution now it's hard to say how much fruit that has borne by this time period fruit that has borne by this time period fruit that has borne by this time period but when you add all the conversions in but when you add all the conversions in but when you add all the conversions in the you know far-flung the you know far-flung the you know far-flung territories to the few people people who territories to the few people people who territories to the few people people who may be these evangelists have converted may be these evangelists have converted may be these evangelists have converted to the few Rebel rulers like Harold to the few Rebel rulers like Harold to the few Rebel rulers like Harold clack that we mentioned from The 820s clack that we mentioned from The 820s clack that we mentioned from The 820s 830s Who converted and then converted 830s Who converted and then converted 830s Who converted and then converted some of his followers to all the slaves some of his followers to all the slaves some of his followers to all the slaves that the Vikings took who were Christian that the Vikings took who were Christian that the Vikings took who were Christian who couldn't help but share their who couldn't help but share their who couldn't help but share their intellectual pathogens with their slave intellectual pathogens with their slave intellectual pathogens with their slave masters and whatnot it's not hard to see masters and whatnot it's not hard to see masters and whatnot it's not hard to see that you're going to have pockets of that you're going to have pockets of that you're going to have pockets of Christianity beginning to pop up in Christianity beginning to pop up in Christianity beginning to pop up in Scandinavia also Denmark may be more Scandinavia also Denmark may be more Scandinavia also Denmark may be more than Norway nor nor way maybe more than than Norway nor nor way maybe more than than Norway nor nor way maybe more than Sweden but it's a Sweden but it's a Sweden but it's a thing and then you look at the political thing and then you look at the political thing and then you look at the political pressure you know we had talked about pressure you know we had talked about pressure you know we had talked about how in the 900s the German Danish how in the 900s the German Danish how in the 900s the German Danish relationship flips from what it was in relationship flips from what it was in relationship flips from what it was in the 800s and all of a sudden the Germans the 800s and all of a sudden the Germans the 800s and all of a sudden the Germans are very dangerous to the Danes and one are very dangerous to the Danes and one are very dangerous to the Danes and one of the things that the Danes kind of do of the things that the Danes kind of do of the things that the Danes kind of do to maybe um lessen the danger of to maybe um lessen the danger of to maybe um lessen the danger of Germanic attacks on them is treat Germanic attacks on them is treat Germanic attacks on them is treat Christianity a little bit more Christianity a little bit more Christianity a little bit more positively all these things together are positively all these things together are positively all these things together are beginning to sort of reach a critical beginning to sort of reach a critical beginning to sort of reach a critical mass by the middle 900s now we should mass by the middle 900s now we should mass by the middle 900s now we should point out that there's something that's point out that there's something that's point out that there's something that's often overlooked when we talk about

often overlooked when we talk about often overlooked when we talk about religion and that's that even when religion and that's that even when religion and that's that even when Nations or rulers decide that they're Nations or rulers decide that they're Nations or rulers decide that they're going to change their faith overnight going to change their faith overnight going to change their faith overnight that's not how people really behave that's not how people really behave that's not how people really behave right people don't change the gods that right people don't change the gods that right people don't change the gods that they believe in the religious practices they believe in the religious practices they believe in the religious practices that they take part in uh the that they take part in uh the that they take part in uh the ancestors faith and and Trad traditional ancestors faith and and Trad traditional ancestors faith and and Trad traditional narratives that they grew up with those narratives that they grew up with those narratives that they grew up with those things don't change overnight so anytime things don't change overnight so anytime things don't change overnight so anytime we talk about a huge relatively Quick we talk about a huge relatively Quick we talk about a huge relatively Quick Change in a religious belief let's not Change in a religious belief let's not Change in a religious belief let's not pretend that that means the people on pretend that that means the people on pretend that that means the people on the ground have all of a sudden shifted the ground have all of a sudden shifted the ground have all of a sudden shifted their faith 180 their faith 180 their faith 180 degrees but it should also be mentioned degrees but it should also be mentioned degrees but it should also be mentioned that the traditional faith of the that the traditional faith of the that the traditional faith of the Scandinavians is not some Orthodox by Scandinavians is not some Orthodox by Scandinavians is not some Orthodox by the book kind of belief system in fact the book kind of belief system in fact the book kind of belief system in fact it's fair to say and this is a little it's fair to say and this is a little it's fair to say and this is a little surprising that experts aren't really surprising that experts aren't really surprising that experts aren't really all that sure what it all that sure what it all that sure what it was and partly the reason this is was and partly the reason this is was and partly the reason this is strange is because there's a neop strange is because there's a neop strange is because there's a neop paganist movement today that is trying paganist movement today that is trying paganist movement today that is trying to sort of resurrect a lot of these to sort of resurrect a lot of these to sort of resurrect a lot of these ideas and reestablish worship of you ideas and reestablish worship of you ideas and reestablish worship of you know the ancient Norse gods for example know the ancient Norse gods for example know the ancient Norse gods for example but who these ancient Norse gods and how but who these ancient Norse gods and how but who these ancient Norse gods and how they were worshiped and what this all they were worshiped and what this all they were worshiped and what this all meant to the practitioners of this faith meant to the practitioners of this faith meant to the practitioners of this faith is up in the air there's a wonderful is up in the air there's a wonderful is up in the air there's a wonderful history book written by a Scandinavian history book written by a Scandinavian history book written by a Scandinavian historian called The Wolf age the historian called The Wolf age the historian called The Wolf age the Vikings the Anglo-Saxons and the battle Vikings the Anglo-Saxons and the battle Vikings the Anglo-Saxons and the battle for the North Sea Empire and I hope I for the North Sea Empire and I hope I for the North Sea Empire and I hope I don't murder this guy's name I looked it

don't murder this guy's name I looked it don't murder this guy's name I looked it up tayah is I think close to the up tayah is I think close to the up tayah is I think close to the pronunciation and he says with all these pronunciation and he says with all these pronunciation and he says with all these other histories that I've been reading other histories that I've been reading other histories that I've been reading say and it's a little bit shocking when say and it's a little bit shocking when say and it's a little bit shocking when you think about how much we pretend we you think about how much we pretend we you think about how much we pretend we know about the know about the know about the Nordic religious beliefs and he says Nordic religious beliefs and he says Nordic religious beliefs and he says quote like all Germanic religion s quote like all Germanic religion s quote like all Germanic religion s pre-christian Nordic worship centered pre-christian Nordic worship centered pre-christian Nordic worship centered around War fertility and the making of around War fertility and the making of around War fertility and the making of sacrifices to powerful Spirits along sacrifices to powerful Spirits along sacrifices to powerful Spirits along with an entire Pantheon of gods above with an entire Pantheon of gods above with an entire Pantheon of gods above all it was Odin Thor and frer who were all it was Odin Thor and frer who were all it was Odin Thor and frer who were worshiped across worshiped across worshiped across Scandinavia the people who practiced the Scandinavia the people who practiced the Scandinavia the people who practiced the ancient religion Left Behind no ancient religion Left Behind no ancient religion Left Behind no Proclamation no tablet inscribed with Proclamation no tablet inscribed with Proclamation no tablet inscribed with Commandments no religious book The Commandments no religious book The Commandments no religious book The depictions of their faith and rituals depictions of their faith and rituals depictions of their faith and rituals were were written down by Christian and were were written down by Christian and were were written down by Christian and Muslim observers who regarded them as Muslim observers who regarded them as Muslim observers who regarded them as lost souls in need of saving or as lost souls in need of saving or as lost souls in need of saving or as frightening and exotic barbarians the frightening and exotic barbarians the frightening and exotic barbarians the lavish and intricate Universe of Gods lavish and intricate Universe of Gods lavish and intricate Universe of Gods and Monsters born of fire and frost in and Monsters born of fire and frost in and Monsters born of fire and frost in the resounding deaths of ganap which the resounding deaths of ganap which the resounding deaths of ganap which Goes Up in Flames in the war Inferno of Goes Up in Flames in the war Inferno of Goes Up in Flames in the war Inferno of Ragnarok has primarily been handed down Ragnarok has primarily been handed down Ragnarok has primarily been handed down to us through the edas poems that were to us through the edas poems that were to us through the edas poems that were first written down in the 1200 hundreds first written down in the 1200 hundreds first written down in the 1200 hundreds in the anonymous poetic Eda and in snor in the anonymous poetic Eda and in snor in the anonymous poetic Eda and in snor sterle's Eda his tribute to scald poetry sterle's Eda his tribute to scald poetry sterle's Eda his tribute to scald poetry and inherited knowledge of the ancient and inherited knowledge of the ancient and inherited knowledge of the ancient forefathers mythological narratives and

forefathers mythological narratives and forefathers mythological narratives and despite both Works he says strikingly despite both Works he says strikingly despite both Works he says strikingly detailed accounts both snor and the detailed accounts both snor and the detailed accounts both snor and the author of The poetic Eda viewed their author of The poetic Eda viewed their author of The poetic Eda viewed their ancestors stories from a great distance ancestors stories from a great distance ancestors stories from a great distance from their own thoroughly christianized from their own thoroughly christianized from their own thoroughly christianized age with a strangers wonderment and age with a strangers wonderment and age with a strangers wonderment and fascination fascination fascination just as we do today end just as we do today end just as we do today end quote in addition to that the Christian quote in addition to that the Christian quote in addition to that the Christian evangelist framings of evangelist framings of evangelist framings of Christianity are often done in a Christianity are often done in a Christianity are often done in a extremely clever fashion and this is extremely clever fashion and this is extremely clever fashion and this is something we discussed at length in something we discussed at length in something we discussed at length in Thor's Angels when we were talking about Thor's Angels when we were talking about Thor's Angels when we were talking about how early Christian evangelists tailored how early Christian evangelists tailored how early Christian evangelists tailored the traditional Christian beliefs to the traditional Christian beliefs to the traditional Christian beliefs to mesh the views of a bunch of Germanic mesh the views of a bunch of Germanic mesh the views of a bunch of Germanic Warriors like Franks and Lombards and Warriors like Franks and Lombards and Warriors like Franks and Lombards and Visigoths and all those people who might Visigoths and all those people who might Visigoths and all those people who might not be all that positively disposed to a not be all that positively disposed to a not be all that positively disposed to a prince of peace from a middle prince of peace from a middle prince of peace from a middle eastern-based religion when they came eastern-based religion when they came eastern-based religion when they came from dark deep forests filled with from dark deep forests filled with from dark deep forests filled with Spirits you know who were involved in Spirits you know who were involved in Spirits you know who were involved in human sacrifice of captive War prisoners human sacrifice of captive War prisoners human sacrifice of captive War prisoners maybe you have to you know modify the maybe you have to you know modify the maybe you have to you know modify the message a bit for the audience and message a bit for the audience and message a bit for the audience and historian Neil price and the children of historian Neil price and the children of historian Neil price and the children of Ash and Elm says that's exactly what Ash and Elm says that's exactly what Ash and Elm says that's exactly what these same evangelists centuries later these same evangelists centuries later these same evangelists centuries later did for the Scandinavian audience that did for the Scandinavian audience that did for the Scandinavian audience that they were trying to interest shall we they were trying to interest shall we they were trying to interest shall we say in this religion when he writes

say in this religion when he writes say in this religion when he writes quote there is a remarkable glimpse of quote there is a remarkable glimpse of quote there is a remarkable glimpse of how this worked in practice through a how this worked in practice through a how this worked in practice through a document known as heland the Savior document known as heland the Savior document known as heland the Savior written in Old Saxon during the first written in Old Saxon during the first written in Old Saxon during the first half of the 9th century it is a half of the 9th century it is a half of the 9th century it is a paraphrase of the gospel for a Germanic paraphrase of the gospel for a Germanic paraphrase of the gospel for a Germanic audience tweaked for their sensibilities audience tweaked for their sensibilities audience tweaked for their sensibilities and pitched almost as a nor Saga though and pitched almost as a nor Saga though and pitched almost as a nor Saga though with Biblical Heroes thus we read of with Biblical Heroes thus we read of with Biblical Heroes thus we read of Jesus's birth in Galilee land his later Jesus's birth in Galilee land his later Jesus's birth in Galilee land his later travels to Jerusalem Berg and how the travels to Jerusalem Berg and how the travels to Jerusalem Berg and how the Lord lives in a great hall in the sky Lord lives in a great hall in the sky Lord lives in a great hall in the sky clearly Valhalla The Lord's Prayer he clearly Valhalla The Lord's Prayer he clearly Valhalla The Lord's Prayer he writes is in quote end quote secret writes is in quote end quote secret writes is in quote end quote secret runes Peter is given commands over the runes Peter is given commands over the runes Peter is given commands over the Gates of Hell or heal with one L and so Gates of Hell or heal with one L and so Gates of Hell or heal with one L and so on Satan's temptation of Christ he on Satan's temptation of Christ he on Satan's temptation of Christ he writes takes place in a Northern writes takes place in a Northern writes takes place in a Northern Wilderness filled with vague forces Wilderness filled with vague forces Wilderness filled with vague forces powerful beings that seem to live among powerful beings that seem to live among powerful beings that seem to live among the trees and one wonders what this the trees and one wonders what this the trees and one wonders what this implies of the traditional Northern implies of the traditional Northern implies of the traditional Northern beliefs that were once known by the beliefs that were once known by the beliefs that were once known by the Christian Christian Christian clerics he continues and think about how clerics he continues and think about how clerics he continues and think about how this tweaks the traditional religion of this tweaks the traditional religion of this tweaks the traditional religion of Peace for a warrior people quote by the Peace for a warrior people quote by the Peace for a warrior people quote by the same token Jesus's disciples were same token Jesus's disciples were same token Jesus's disciples were Warrior companions in quotes framed in Warrior companions in quotes framed in Warrior companions in quotes framed in the language of a warlord's retinue and the language of a warlord's retinue and the language of a warlord's retinue and the Last Supper is the quote end quote the Last Supper is the quote end quote the Last Supper is the quote end quote final me Hall Feast even God he writes

final me Hall Feast even God he writes final me Hall Feast even God he writes is called by the odinic epithets such as is called by the odinic epithets such as is called by the odinic epithets such as victory Chieftain and all ruler this is victory Chieftain and all ruler this is victory Chieftain and all ruler this is the kind of message that was taken into the kind of message that was taken into the kind of message that was taken into Scandinavia by the first missionaries a Scandinavia by the first missionaries a Scandinavia by the first missionaries a doctorine meshed with the ancestral doctorine meshed with the ancestral doctorine meshed with the ancestral stories of the north and following a stories of the north and following a stories of the north and following a model found in many other conversion model found in many other conversion model found in many other conversion histories end quote as we said the histories end quote as we said the histories end quote as we said the conversion histories of the Germanic conversion histories of the Germanic conversion histories of the Germanic people to the south of the Scandinavians people to the south of the Scandinavians people to the south of the Scandinavians who converted before they who converted before they who converted before they did it's interesting to note that this did it's interesting to note that this did it's interesting to note that this tool of blending this new religion that tool of blending this new religion that tool of blending this new religion that evangelists and Christian states are evangelists and Christian states are evangelists and Christian states are trying to spread to the far north isn't trying to spread to the far north isn't trying to spread to the far north isn't just used by those evangelists it may just used by those evangelists it may just used by those evangelists it may have been used have been used have been used by the rulers of the far north as a way by the rulers of the far north as a way by the rulers of the far north as a way to make this transition between the old to make this transition between the old to make this transition between the old belief system and a new belief system belief system and a new belief system belief system and a new belief system more more more palatable or palatable or palatable or more more more seamless take for example the famous seamless take for example the famous seamless take for example the famous yelling Stones put up by one of the yelling Stones put up by one of the yelling Stones put up by one of the first Scandinavian rulers that you first Scandinavian rulers that you first Scandinavian rulers that you really have clear evidence for and how really have clear evidence for and how really have clear evidence for and how weird is that this far into the weird is that this far into the weird is that this far into the so-called Viking age and you're just now so-called Viking age and you're just now so-called Viking age and you're just now getting to the point where you get the getting to the point where you get the getting to the point where you get the Scandinavian side of this story stuff Scandinavian side of this story stuff Scandinavian side of this story stuff from the indigenous peoples themselves from the indigenous peoples themselves from the indigenous peoples themselves as opposed to the people who wrote about

as opposed to the people who wrote about as opposed to the people who wrote about them who hated feared reviled and looked them who hated feared reviled and looked them who hated feared reviled and looked down on them the literary peoples of down on them the literary peoples of down on them the literary peoples of Britain or the continent or Britain or the continent or Britain or the continent or Byzantium King Harold Bluetooth and yes Byzantium King Harold Bluetooth and yes Byzantium King Harold Bluetooth and yes that's what the term Bluetooth was named that's what the term Bluetooth was named that's what the term Bluetooth was named after arises in the mid after arises in the mid after arises in the mid 900s there are all sorts of theories as 900s there are all sorts of theories as 900s there are all sorts of theories as to why he was called bluet tooth to why he was called bluet tooth to why he was called bluet tooth including potentially having a blue or including potentially having a blue or including potentially having a blue or black rotted tooth but I've also read black rotted tooth but I've also read black rotted tooth but I've also read that he may be one of those that he may be one of those that he may be one of those Scandinavians who have the horizontal Scandinavians who have the horizontal Scandinavians who have the horizontal grooves cut into his teeth and then died grooves cut into his teeth and then died grooves cut into his teeth and then died so lots of reasons one might be called so lots of reasons one might be called so lots of reasons one might be called Bluetooth but Harold is Bluetooth but Harold is Bluetooth but Harold is famous and he writes down in stone famous and he writes down in stone famous and he writes down in stone carved into this heavy well it would carved into this heavy well it would carved into this heavy well it would have been seen at the time as a near have been seen at the time as a near have been seen at the time as a near permanent Monument why he should be permanent Monument why he should be permanent Monument why he should be thought of as famous and why he should thought of as famous and why he should thought of as famous and why he should be remembered the yelling Stone which is be remembered the yelling Stone which is be remembered the yelling Stone which is actually pictured the artwork is actually pictured the artwork is actually pictured the artwork is pictured on the Danish passports to this pictured on the Danish passports to this pictured on the Danish passports to this day carried by Danish citizens says day carried by Danish citizens says day carried by Danish citizens says quote King Herold ordered this Monument quote King Herold ordered this Monument quote King Herold ordered this Monument made in memory of gorm his father and in made in memory of gorm his father and in made in memory of gorm his father and in memory of TI his mother that Harold who memory of TI his mother that Harold who memory of TI his mother that Harold who won for himself all of Denmark and

won for himself all of Denmark and won for himself all of Denmark and Norway and made the Danes Norway and made the Danes Norway and made the Danes Christian end Christian end Christian end quote that's quite a claim to fame and quote that's quite a claim to fame and quote that's quite a claim to fame and it is actually arguable but I mean he's it is actually arguable but I mean he's it is actually arguable but I mean he's the one that put up the monument that the one that put up the monument that the one that put up the monument that survived survived survived so he got first crack at how he was so he got first crack at how he was so he got first crack at how he was going to be remembered but Harold going to be remembered but Harold going to be remembered but Harold Bluetooth is one of the most famous Bluetooth is one of the most famous Bluetooth is one of the most famous Scandinavian rulers and not just because Scandinavian rulers and not just because Scandinavian rulers and not just because he supposedly brought Christianity to he supposedly brought Christianity to he supposedly brought Christianity to Denmark but because he is as we said one Denmark but because he is as we said one Denmark but because he is as we said one of the first really of the first really of the first really well-known attested to Scandinavian well-known attested to Scandinavian well-known attested to Scandinavian Kings right this isn't a legendary ruler Kings right this isn't a legendary ruler Kings right this isn't a legendary ruler this is a real guy this is a real guy this is a real guy on this yelling stone is a piece of on this yelling stone is a piece of on this yelling stone is a piece of artwork which used to be painted and now artwork which used to be painted and now artwork which used to be painted and now is weathered to stone color although is weathered to stone color although is weathered to stone color although there are Recreations of what it looked there are Recreations of what it looked there are Recreations of what it looked like painted and on the yelling Stone like painted and on the yelling Stone like painted and on the yelling Stone you can see a figure of you can see a figure of you can see a figure of Christ being crucified but the way that Christ being crucified but the way that Christ being crucified but the way that the figure is shown makes it look the figure is shown makes it look the figure is shown makes it look arguably quite a bit like Odin being arguably quite a bit like Odin being arguably quite a bit like Odin being hung in the tree that he hung him self hung in the tree that he hung him self hung in the tree that he hung him self in so that he could gain wisdom and so in so that he could gain wisdom and so in so that he could gain wisdom and so you have a potential meshing of the old you have a potential meshing of the old you have a potential meshing of the old tradition with the new and maybe Christ tradition with the new and maybe Christ tradition with the new and maybe Christ being portrayed as a kind of Odin likee being portrayed as a kind of Odin likee being portrayed as a kind of Odin likee figure it's arguable experts debate it figure it's arguable experts debate it figure it's arguable experts debate it and people who know a lot more than I do

and people who know a lot more than I do and people who know a lot more than I do about it go back and forth but you can about it go back and forth but you can about it go back and forth but you can see how fascinating it is to see the see how fascinating it is to see the see how fascinating it is to see the early Scandinavian early Scandinavian early Scandinavian Christian artwork infused with some of Christian artwork infused with some of Christian artwork infused with some of the old flavor of the pre-christian the old flavor of the pre-christian the old flavor of the pre-christian times and this is not unusual you see it times and this is not unusual you see it times and this is not unusual you see it in many societies go to Ireland and look in many societies go to Ireland and look in many societies go to Ireland and look at the way the Celtic forms are overlaid at the way the Celtic forms are overlaid at the way the Celtic forms are overlaid with later Christian artwork so it's with later Christian artwork so it's with later Christian artwork so it's it's normal for there to be Regional it's normal for there to be Regional it's normal for there to be Regional variations on this stuff and maybe some variations on this stuff and maybe some variations on this stuff and maybe some of that is intended to you know as we of that is intended to you know as we of that is intended to you know as we said make it easier for the locals to said make it easier for the locals to said make it easier for the locals to sort of latch on to a new religion and sort of latch on to a new religion and sort of latch on to a new religion and connect it to the old I find it connect it to the old I find it connect it to the old I find it interesting also that interesting also that interesting also that the way this is sometimes portrayed the the way this is sometimes portrayed the the way this is sometimes portrayed the conversion process is that the people in conversion process is that the people in conversion process is that the people in Scandinavia are shown sometimes as Scandinavia are shown sometimes as Scandinavia are shown sometimes as having no problem believing in the having no problem believing in the having no problem believing in the Christian God at all their issue Christian God at all their issue Christian God at all their issue sometimes is not quite understanding the sometimes is not quite understanding the sometimes is not quite understanding the exclusivity of monotheism the idea that exclusivity of monotheism the idea that exclusivity of monotheism the idea that you can't just believe in Christ and all you can't just believe in Christ and all you can't just believe in Christ and all those Gods you used to believe in right those Gods you used to believe in right those Gods you used to believe in right when you come from a religion that when you come from a religion that when you come from a religion that believes in a lot of gods seems like you believes in a lot of gods seems like you believes in a lot of gods seems like you should just be able to add another one should just be able to add another one should just be able to add another one but it doesn't work that way with but it doesn't work that way with but it doesn't work that way with monotheism does monotheism does monotheism does it there's a it there's a it there's a wonderful account maybe is a good way to wonderful account maybe is a good way to wonderful account maybe is a good way to put it by a near contemporary named viun

put it by a near contemporary named viun put it by a near contemporary named viun um who wrote a famous book translated um who wrote a famous book translated um who wrote a famous book translated into the English it's called Deeds of into the English it's called Deeds of into the English it's called Deeds of the Saxons and in it he describes the Saxons and in it he describes the Saxons and in it he describes supposedly how Harold Bluetooth is supposedly how Harold Bluetooth is supposedly how Harold Bluetooth is converted and if you you know about the converted and if you you know about the converted and if you you know about the history of the Middle Ages in Europe you history of the Middle Ages in Europe you history of the Middle Ages in Europe you know that there's all these different know that there's all these different know that there's all these different things that they used to do to sort of things that they used to do to sort of things that they used to do to sort of give God a chance to weigh in on things give God a chance to weigh in on things give God a chance to weigh in on things right so you'd have things like trial by right so you'd have things like trial by right so you'd have things like trial by combat where two people who disagreed combat where two people who disagreed combat where two people who disagreed about something could be senten to fight about something could be senten to fight about something could be senten to fight it out and the winner was perceived to it out and the winner was perceived to it out and the winner was perceived to be the one God Favored in other words be the one God Favored in other words be the one God Favored in other words the one telling the truth will win the the one telling the truth will win the the one telling the truth will win the trial by combat therefore God has trial by combat therefore God has trial by combat therefore God has weighed in uh and shown people it's like weighed in uh and shown people it's like weighed in uh and shown people it's like a giant pro-christian a giant pro-christian a giant pro-christian Ouija board type thing and by the way Ouija board type thing and by the way Ouija board type thing and by the way I'm using the Bernard esbach Rock and I'm using the Bernard esbach Rock and I'm using the Bernard esbach Rock and David esbach Rock translation of the David esbach Rock translation of the David esbach Rock translation of the work and in Deeds of the Saxons vidin work and in Deeds of the Saxons vidin work and in Deeds of the Saxons vidin portrays the conversion of Harold portrays the conversion of Harold portrays the conversion of Harold blueooth the same way Herold Bluetooth blueooth the same way Herold Bluetooth blueooth the same way Herold Bluetooth gives God a chance to weigh in on gives God a chance to weigh in on gives God a chance to weigh in on whether or not he's the real God and whether or not he's the real God and whether or not he's the real God and vidkun tells the story thusly written in vidkun tells the story thusly written in vidkun tells the story thusly written in the 900s and says the 900s and says the 900s and says quote in times past the Danes were quote in times past the Danes were quote in times past the Danes were Christians but nevertheless continued to Christians but nevertheless continued to Christians but nevertheless continued to worship idols in their traditional worship idols in their traditional worship idols in their traditional manner but then there was a dispute in manner but then there was a dispute in manner but then there was a dispute in the presence of the king during a feast the presence of the king during a feast the presence of the king during a feast regarding the worshiping of their gods regarding the worshiping of their gods regarding the worshiping of their gods the Danes affirmed that Christ was a God

the Danes affirmed that Christ was a God the Danes affirmed that Christ was a God but they claimed that there were other but they claimed that there were other but they claimed that there were other gods greater Gods who manifested gods greater Gods who manifested gods greater Gods who manifested themselves to people through even more themselves to people through even more themselves to people through even more powerful signs and powerful signs and powerful signs and prodigies against this a certain cleric prodigies against this a certain cleric prodigies against this a certain cleric named Papo who is now a bishop and leads named Papo who is now a bishop and leads named Papo who is now a bishop and leads a religious life proclaimed that there a religious life proclaimed that there a religious life proclaimed that there is one true God the Father along with is one true God the Father along with is one true God the Father along with his only begotten son Jesus Christ and his only begotten son Jesus Christ and his only begotten son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit the images meaning the the Holy Spirit the images meaning the the Holy Spirit the images meaning the images of the Norse gods he proclaimed images of the Norse gods he proclaimed images of the Norse gods he proclaimed were of demons and not Gods King Herold were of demons and not Gods King Herold were of demons and not Gods King Herold who it was said was quick to listen but who it was said was quick to listen but who it was said was quick to listen but slow to speak asked if Papo wished to slow to speak asked if Papo wished to slow to speak asked if Papo wished to demonstrate his Faith through his own demonstrate his Faith through his own demonstrate his Faith through his own person Papo responded without hesitation person Papo responded without hesitation person Papo responded without hesitation that he wished to do so the king then that he wished to do so the king then that he wished to do so the king then ordered that the priest be placed under ordered that the priest be placed under ordered that the priest be placed under guard until the next day when morning guard until the next day when morning guard until the next day when morning came the king ordered that a very heavy came the king ordered that a very heavy came the king ordered that a very heavy piece of iron be heated in the fire he piece of iron be heated in the fire he piece of iron be heated in the fire he then ordered the cleric to carry this then ordered the cleric to carry this then ordered the cleric to carry this glowing iron for his Catholic faith the glowing iron for his Catholic faith the glowing iron for his Catholic faith the Confessor of Christ seized the iron Confessor of Christ seized the iron Confessor of Christ seized the iron without any fear at all and carried it without any fear at all and carried it without any fear at all and carried it as far as the King had ordered the as far as the King had ordered the as far as the King had ordered the priest then showed everyone his unharmed priest then showed everyone his unharmed priest then showed everyone his unharmed hand and gave proof to everyone there of hand and gave proof to everyone there of hand and gave proof to everyone there of his Catholic faith as a result the king his Catholic faith as a result the king his Catholic faith as a result the king became a Christian and decreed that God became a Christian and decreed that God became a Christian and decreed that God Alone was to be worshiped he ordered all Alone was to be worshiped he ordered all Alone was to be worshiped he ordered all of his subjects to reject idols and gave of his subjects to reject idols and gave of his subjects to reject idols and gave all due honor to the priest and Servants

all due honor to the priest and Servants all due honor to the priest and Servants of God by these events also he writes of God by these events also he writes of God by these events also he writes are to be ascribed to the virtues and are to be ascribed to the virtues and are to be ascribed to the virtues and Merit of your father by whose efforts Merit of your father by whose efforts Merit of your father by whose efforts the churches in order of priests shined the churches in order of priests shined the churches in order of priests shined forth in these regions end forth in these regions end forth in these regions end quote it's interesting to note that if quote it's interesting to note that if quote it's interesting to note that if you zoom out and you look at the history you zoom out and you look at the history you zoom out and you look at the history of Scandinavia from about of Scandinavia from about of Scandinavia from about 950 to about 1000 or 1010 or 1020 really 950 to about 1000 or 1010 or 1020 really 950 to about 1000 or 1010 or 1020 really a single person's lifetime they go from a single person's lifetime they go from a single person's lifetime they go from basically basically basically being Pagan countries to basically being being Pagan countries to basically being being Pagan countries to basically being Christian countries it is shocking the Christian countries it is shocking the Christian countries it is shocking the speed at which this occurs and it speed at which this occurs and it speed at which this occurs and it wouldn't have happened if the rulers wouldn't have happened if the rulers wouldn't have happened if the rulers themselves didn't convert and then themselves didn't convert and then themselves didn't convert and then Proclaim that everyone else had to Proclaim that everyone else had to Proclaim that everyone else had to convert too that's what the yelling convert too that's what the yelling convert too that's what the yelling Stone talks about made the Danes Stone talks about made the Danes Stone talks about made the Danes Christian didn't asked them to become Christian didn't asked them to become Christian didn't asked them to become Christian didn't encourage them to Christian didn't encourage them to Christian didn't encourage them to become Christian made them Christian but become Christian made them Christian but become Christian made them Christian but as Viking historian from the University as Viking historian from the University as Viking historian from the University of Nottingham Judith Yen points out of Nottingham Judith Yen points out of Nottingham Judith Yen points out there is a difference between conversion there is a difference between conversion there is a difference between conversion which can be done overnight by decree which can be done overnight by decree which can be done overnight by decree and and and christianization which can take christianization which can take christianization which can take centuries Judith yench makes another centuries Judith yench makes another centuries Judith yench makes another distinction that's very interesting a distinction that's very interesting a distinction that's very interesting a distinction between religion and myth distinction between religion and myth distinction between religion and myth and where one ends and the other begins and where one ends and the other begins and where one ends and the other begins I mean for example if a people like the

I mean for example if a people like the I mean for example if a people like the Scandinavians convert to Christianity Scandinavians convert to Christianity Scandinavians convert to Christianity does that mean they can't believe in does that mean they can't believe in does that mean they can't believe in things like dwarves and elves and trolls things like dwarves and elves and trolls things like dwarves and elves and trolls anymore more can they still believe in anymore more can they still believe in anymore more can they still believe in the female spirit that supposedly the female spirit that supposedly the female spirit that supposedly inhabits all of us I mean how much of inhabits all of us I mean how much of inhabits all of us I mean how much of the old folklore do they give up the old folklore do they give up the old folklore do they give up also another thing worth pointing out is also another thing worth pointing out is also another thing worth pointing out is that even if the rulers and the rulers that even if the rulers and the rulers that even if the rulers and the rulers retinues and the people that are vassel retinues and the people that are vassel retinues and the people that are vassel to the rulers convert to Christianity so to the rulers convert to Christianity so to the rulers convert to Christianity so as we said by about the 10 hundreds mid as we said by about the 10 hundreds mid as we said by about the 10 hundreds mid 10000s certainly officially those kinds 10000s certainly officially those kinds 10000s certainly officially those kinds of people have in all the Scandinavian of people have in all the Scandinavian of people have in all the Scandinavian countries doesn't mean there still countries doesn't mean there still countries doesn't mean there still aren't temples and out of the way places aren't temples and out of the way places aren't temples and out of the way places still having the old blood sacrifices still having the old blood sacrifices still having the old blood sacrifices they're going to have those in the out they're going to have those in the out they're going to have those in the out of the way uh territories of Sweden into of the way uh territories of Sweden into of the way uh territories of Sweden into the the the 1100s so it's a process in addition it's 1100s so it's a process in addition it's 1100s so it's a process in addition it's not necessarily being treated the same not necessarily being treated the same not necessarily being treated the same way that for example Charlamagne treated way that for example Charlamagne treated way that for example Charlamagne treated conversion 150 years before this time conversion 150 years before this time conversion 150 years before this time period where if you recall as we said in period where if you recall as we said in period where if you recall as we said in part one of this story he was cutting part one of this story he was cutting part one of this story he was cutting the heads off Saxons who had the the heads off Saxons who had the the heads off Saxons who had the audacity to eat during a fast day I mean audacity to eat during a fast day I mean audacity to eat during a fast day I mean it was it was it was Draconian when Iceland converts by Draconian when Iceland converts by Draconian when Iceland converts by Democratic decision by the way in 1000 Democratic decision by the way in 1000 Democratic decision by the way in 1000 they agree to keep some of the Heathen they agree to keep some of the Heathen they agree to keep some of the Heathen practices going for a while and sort of practices going for a while and sort of practices going for a while and sort of let them Wither on the vine rather than let them Wither on the vine rather than let them Wither on the vine rather than get rid of them overnight for example get rid of them overnight for example get rid of them overnight for example they decree that you can still uh have they decree that you can still uh have they decree that you can still uh have the practice of infanticide right the practice of infanticide right the practice of infanticide right exposing unwanted children continue just

exposing unwanted children continue just exposing unwanted children continue just do it in private right they also say you do it in private right they also say you do it in private right they also say you can continue to eat horse flesh just do can continue to eat horse flesh just do can continue to eat horse flesh just do it in private let that die out I didn't it in private let that die out I didn't it in private let that die out I didn't even know shows you what I know I didn't even know shows you what I know I didn't even know shows you what I know I didn't even know that eating horse flesh was even know that eating horse flesh was even know that eating horse flesh was against the Christian religion at this against the Christian religion at this against the Christian religion at this time period but it was a big deal and time period but it was a big deal and time period but it was a big deal and you can see it was a big deal when you you can see it was a big deal when you you can see it was a big deal when you look at how Norway gets into the look at how Norway gets into the look at how Norway gets into the conversion process during this same time conversion process during this same time conversion process during this same time period now let's zoom out for a minute period now let's zoom out for a minute period now let's zoom out for a minute and realize that one of the things we and realize that one of the things we and realize that one of the things we get from being able to finally see some get from being able to finally see some get from being able to finally see some history in Scandinavia that you can sort history in Scandinavia that you can sort history in Scandinavia that you can sort of rely upon during Harold bluet tooth's of rely upon during Harold bluet tooth's of rely upon during Harold bluet tooth's time is that you get a window into what time is that you get a window into what time is that you get a window into what it must have been like before history it must have been like before history it must have been like before history sort of pulls the veil off what's going sort of pulls the veil off what's going sort of pulls the veil off what's going on archaeology has always hinted at this on archaeology has always hinted at this on archaeology has always hinted at this so have the old sagas and whatnot but so have the old sagas and whatnot but so have the old sagas and whatnot but the fighting amongst peoples within the fighting amongst peoples within the fighting amongst peoples within Sweden Denmark and Norway and between Sweden Denmark and Norway and between Sweden Denmark and Norway and between Sweden Denmark and Norway we should also Sweden Denmark and Norway we should also Sweden Denmark and Norway we should also include Finland in this to some degree include Finland in this to some degree include Finland in this to some degree has been going on from time in Memorial has been going on from time in Memorial has been going on from time in Memorial probably and when the herald Bluetooth probably and when the herald Bluetooth probably and when the herald Bluetooth era sort of um you know shines the light era sort of um you know shines the light era sort of um you know shines the light on what's going on in Scandinavia we see on what's going on in Scandinavia we see on what's going on in Scandinavia we see it still going on so when the yelling it still going on so when the yelling it still going on so when the yelling Stone says that Harold you know unites Stone says that Harold you know unites Stone says that Harold you know unites Denmark and Norway well you might ask Denmark and Norway well you might ask Denmark and Norway well you might ask yourself what the heck is Harold doing yourself what the heck is Harold doing yourself what the heck is Harold doing in Norway right what does he have to do in Norway right what does he have to do in Norway right what does he have to do with Norway now we should say and we with Norway now we should say and we with Norway now we should say and we have already but let's remind ourselves have already but let's remind ourselves have already but let's remind ourselves that the borders of the modern that the borders of the modern that the borders of the modern Scandinavian countries are not the Scandinavian countries are not the Scandinavian countries are not the borders back in this time Denmark in air borders back in this time Denmark in air borders back in this time Denmark in air quotes controls parts of Southern Sweden quotes controls parts of Southern Sweden quotes controls parts of Southern Sweden they have um the rulers of parts of

they have um the rulers of parts of they have um the rulers of parts of Norway which is not a unified country as Norway which is not a unified country as Norway which is not a unified country as vassal so it's it's hard to get your vassal so it's it's hard to get your vassal so it's it's hard to get your mind around what's more mind around what's more mind around what's more we had talked about the great legendary we had talked about the great legendary we had talked about the great legendary leader Harold fine hair Harold Fair leader Harold fine hair Harold Fair leader Harold fine hair Harold Fair Harold hafir who supposedly legendarily Harold hafir who supposedly legendarily Harold hafir who supposedly legendarily uh United Norway well when he dies as we uh United Norway well when he dies as we uh United Norway well when he dies as we said his kids begin to tear things apart said his kids begin to tear things apart said his kids begin to tear things apart and fight each other I mean I'm looking and fight each other I mean I'm looking and fight each other I mean I'm looking at you Eric blood ax one of the most at you Eric blood ax one of the most at you Eric blood ax one of the most vicious Vikings of all time vicious Vikings of all time vicious Vikings of all time supposedly they're killing each other supposedly they're killing each other supposedly they're killing each other they're setting their Mead Halls on fire they're setting their Mead Halls on fire they're setting their Mead Halls on fire and burning them and their retinues up I and burning them and their retinues up I and burning them and their retinues up I mean it's it's horrible stuff mean it's it's horrible stuff mean it's it's horrible stuff but there's one of Harold Fair hair's but there's one of Harold Fair hair's but there's one of Harold Fair hair's kids who is safely ensconced away from kids who is safely ensconced away from kids who is safely ensconced away from all this violence he's in all this violence he's in all this violence he's in England and I say allegedly because once England and I say allegedly because once England and I say allegedly because once again we have to rely on the sagas for again we have to rely on the sagas for again we have to rely on the sagas for this to a degree so hard to parse how this to a degree so hard to parse how this to a degree so hard to parse how much of this is real and how much of it much of this is real and how much of it much of this is real and how much of it isn't but but there's one of Harold fine isn't but but there's one of Harold fine isn't but but there's one of Harold fine hair's sons in the court of athlan king hair's sons in the court of athlan king hair's sons in the court of athlan king of well let's call it England at this of well let's call it England at this of well let's call it England at this time period time period time period in his uh book on the sagas the Hees in his uh book on the sagas the Hees in his uh book on the sagas the Hees kringler snor steron has the story of kringler snor steron has the story of kringler snor steron has the story of this guy and I must say right off the this guy and I must say right off the this guy and I must say right off the bat um it's wonderfully refreshing that bat um it's wonderfully refreshing that bat um it's wonderfully refreshing that he doesn't have the same name as he doesn't have the same name as he doesn't have the same name as everyone else because by the time we get everyone else because by the time we get everyone else because by the time we get to where we are in this story you must to where we are in this story you must to where we are in this story you must feel like I do that the Norse needed a feel like I do that the Norse needed a feel like I do that the Norse needed a bigger book of potential baby names to bigger book of potential baby names to bigger book of potential baby names to choose from cuz there's far too many

choose from cuz there's far too many choose from cuz there's far too many Harolds and Erics and olafs and it Harolds and Erics and olafs and it Harolds and Erics and olafs and it becomes very confusing so whenever you becomes very confusing so whenever you becomes very confusing so whenever you run into a Hol or an Ivar or anything run into a Hol or an Ivar or anything run into a Hol or an Ivar or anything like that it's a pleasant surprise in like that it's a pleasant surprise in like that it's a pleasant surprise in this case the son of Harold fine hair this case the son of Harold fine hair this case the son of Harold fine hair who is in England during this time who is in England during this time who is in England during this time period's name is hack on ha a KO n is period's name is hack on ha a KO n is period's name is hack on ha a KO n is the way it's usually written and if you the way it's usually written and if you the way it's usually written and if you believe snor Steris and sagas he is the believe snor Steris and sagas he is the believe snor Steris and sagas he is the Foster son of Ethan because Ethan was Foster son of Ethan because Ethan was Foster son of Ethan because Ethan was tricked into accepting tricked into accepting tricked into accepting him but that doesn't mean he wasn't him but that doesn't mean he wasn't him but that doesn't mean he wasn't happy with the result snor lon's happy with the result snor lon's happy with the result snor lon's comments on the Young Life of haakon who comments on the Young Life of haakon who comments on the Young Life of haakon who will eventually be known as haakon the will eventually be known as haakon the will eventually be known as haakon the good say this quote King eelan had good say this quote King eelan had good say this quote King eelan had haakon christened and taught him the haakon christened and taught him the haakon christened and taught him the right faith and good habits and all kind right faith and good habits and all kind right faith and good habits and all kind of learning and manners he loved him of learning and manners he loved him of learning and manners he loved him much more than he did his own kin and so much more than he did his own kin and so much more than he did his own kin and so did everyone who knew the boy he was did everyone who knew the boy he was did everyone who knew the boy he was afterwards called athelstan's Foster son afterwards called athelstan's Foster son afterwards called athelstan's Foster son he was the greatest in sports bigger and he was the greatest in sports bigger and he was the greatest in sports bigger and stronger and more hand handsome than any stronger and more hand handsome than any stronger and more hand handsome than any other he was wise of fair speech and a other he was wise of fair speech and a other he was wise of fair speech and a good Christian King athlan gave hack a good Christian King athlan gave hack a good Christian King athlan gave hack a sword of which the hilt and grip were of sword of which the hilt and grip were of sword of which the hilt and grip were of gold but the blade was even better and gold but the blade was even better and gold but the blade was even better and with it hack on cleaved a millstone to with it hack on cleaved a millstone to with it hack on cleaved a millstone to the eye and it was afterwards called the the eye and it was afterwards called the the eye and it was afterwards called the Kern bit or Millstone biter it was the Kern bit or Millstone biter it was the Kern bit or Millstone biter it was the best sword that ever came to Norway hack best sword that ever came to Norway hack best sword that ever came to Norway hack had it till his death day end

had it till his death day end had it till his death day end quote there are a couple of things that quote there are a couple of things that quote there are a couple of things that pop into my mind when I read that the pop into my mind when I read that the pop into my mind when I read that the first is is that konbit is like sort of first is is that konbit is like sort of first is is that konbit is like sort of a Norwegian version of X Caliber in my a Norwegian version of X Caliber in my a Norwegian version of X Caliber in my mind and I'm fascinated by how swords mind and I'm fascinated by how swords mind and I'm fascinated by how swords acquire these sorts of lineages or acquire these sorts of lineages or acquire these sorts of lineages or almost like magic qualities by the way almost like magic qualities by the way almost like magic qualities by the way if you don't know what a millstone is if you don't know what a millstone is if you don't know what a millstone is it's like a wagon wheel siiz Stone used it's like a wagon wheel siiz Stone used it's like a wagon wheel siiz Stone used to grind grain and it's basically when to grind grain and it's basically when to grind grain and it's basically when he says it Cleaves it to the eye this is he says it Cleaves it to the eye this is he says it Cleaves it to the eye this is a guy who then took a sword and cut a a guy who then took a sword and cut a a guy who then took a sword and cut a piece of stone the size of maybe a wagon piece of stone the size of maybe a wagon piece of stone the size of maybe a wagon wheel to the wheel to the wheel to the midsection kbit very interesting right midsection kbit very interesting right midsection kbit very interesting right um it is interesting to me too that um it is interesting to me too that um it is interesting to me too that swords can acquire this sort of Soul if swords can acquire this sort of Soul if swords can acquire this sort of Soul if you will or personality in a way that you will or personality in a way that you will or personality in a way that things like Firearms never quite did and things like Firearms never quite did and things like Firearms never quite did and it's not a Scandinavian thing look at it's not a Scandinavian thing look at it's not a Scandinavian thing look at the way the Japanese for example do the the way the Japanese for example do the the way the Japanese for example do the same thing with their swords right hand same thing with their swords right hand same thing with their swords right hand them down from generation to generation them down from generation to generation them down from generation to generation have ancient lineages and all I can have ancient lineages and all I can have ancient lineages and all I can figure is because of the speed at which figure is because of the speed at which figure is because of the speed at which technology changes in the Firearms era technology changes in the Firearms era technology changes in the Firearms era you wouldn't want an ancient gun right you wouldn't want an ancient gun right you wouldn't want an ancient gun right you wouldn't want to try to fight your you wouldn't want to try to fight your you wouldn't want to try to fight your enemies with a you know musket from the enemies with a you know musket from the enemies with a you know musket from the Daniel Boone era in the 1950s or the Daniel Boone era in the 1950s or the Daniel Boone era in the 1950s or the 1960s right using an M16 instead whereas 1960s right using an M16 instead whereas 1960s right using an M16 instead whereas good old Kern bit would have been useful good old Kern bit would have been useful good old Kern bit would have been useful 200 300 years after the time period 200 300 years after the time period 200 300 years after the time period where um you know athlan gave it to him where um you know athlan gave it to him where um you know athlan gave it to him just like it would have been useful 200

just like it would have been useful 200 just like it would have been useful 200 or 300 years before for that or 300 years before for that or 300 years before for that period the other thing that comes to period the other thing that comes to period the other thing that comes to mind and when you read snor steres and mind and when you read snor steres and mind and when you read snor steres and you get any of his works that have you get any of his works that have you get any of his works that have illustrations in it you can't help but illustrations in it you can't help but illustrations in it you can't help but notice it it's the extreme contrast notice it it's the extreme contrast notice it it's the extreme contrast between those illustrations and the between those illustrations and the between those illustrations and the Hollywood Trope of the Vikings now I had Hollywood Trope of the Vikings now I had Hollywood Trope of the Vikings now I had to look up when the illustrations were to look up when the illustrations were to look up when the illustrations were penned but they were penned in 1899 penned but they were penned in 1899 penned but they were penned in 1899 right so very modern but not quite you right so very modern but not quite you right so very modern but not quite you know Hollywood modern and they portray know Hollywood modern and they portray know Hollywood modern and they portray all of these figures as far less all of these figures as far less all of these figures as far less barbaric than the way the Hollywood barbaric than the way the Hollywood barbaric than the way the Hollywood Trope has us see them right there fire Trope has us see them right there fire Trope has us see them right there fire breathing Berserkers you know who look breathing Berserkers you know who look breathing Berserkers you know who look like they belong um in a heavy metal like they belong um in a heavy metal like they belong um in a heavy metal Rock concert I mean there's a whole Rock concert I mean there's a whole Rock concert I mean there's a whole bunch of of tropes involved in the bunch of of tropes involved in the bunch of of tropes involved in the Hollywood view of these things that make Hollywood view of these things that make Hollywood view of these things that make the Vikings seem almost like you the Vikings seem almost like you the Vikings seem almost like you couldn't live next to them and the monks couldn't live next to them and the monks couldn't live next to them and the monks didn't help right the the monks always didn't help right the the monks always didn't help right the the monks always portray these Heathen Pagan types as you portray these Heathen Pagan types as you portray these Heathen Pagan types as you know One Step Above animals sometimes know One Step Above animals sometimes know One Step Above animals sometimes but the snor and illustrations make them but the snor and illustrations make them but the snor and illustrations make them look very much like say the English in look very much like say the English in look very much like say the English in Ethel's Court might have looked in other Ethel's Court might have looked in other Ethel's Court might have looked in other words normal people clean well-dressed words normal people clean well-dressed words normal people clean well-dressed when they're not going to war in their when they're not going to war in their when they're not going to war in their armor and stuff they wear nice clothes armor and stuff they wear nice clothes armor and stuff they wear nice clothes they look like you know typical Early they look like you know typical Early they look like you know typical Early Middle Ages type people right Middle Ages type people right Middle Ages type people right respectable types and in fact if athlan respectable types and in fact if athlan respectable types and in fact if athlan can raise hack on Harold feh hair's son can raise hack on Harold feh hair's son can raise hack on Harold feh hair's son in his court as a Christian basically

in his court as a Christian basically in his court as a Christian basically being IND distinguishable from an being IND distinguishable from an being IND distinguishable from an English Anglo Anglo-Saxon person and English Anglo Anglo-Saxon person and English Anglo Anglo-Saxon person and then send him back to then send him back to then send him back to Norway well he's got to be enough like Norway well he's got to be enough like Norway well he's got to be enough like those people if they're to accept him as those people if they're to accept him as those people if they're to accept him as a king doesn't he have to be that way a king doesn't he have to be that way a king doesn't he have to be that way because that's what Ethel Stan does because that's what Ethel Stan does because that's what Ethel Stan does because after Harold feh hair dies and because after Harold feh hair dies and because after Harold feh hair dies and his kids start going to war with each his kids start going to war with each his kids start going to war with each other basically and tearing things apart other basically and tearing things apart other basically and tearing things apart Eric bloodx supposedly takes control for Eric bloodx supposedly takes control for Eric bloodx supposedly takes control for a couple of years but so angers a couple of years but so angers a couple of years but so angers everybody that he causes problems and everybody that he causes problems and everybody that he causes problems and they want a new king and well loone they want a new king and well loone they want a new king and well loone behold there's one sort of exiled in behold there's one sort of exiled in behold there's one sort of exiled in England just ready to return the Return England just ready to return the Return England just ready to return the Return of the King at the right time athlan of the King at the right time athlan of the King at the right time athlan supposedly gives him boats and followers supposedly gives him boats and followers supposedly gives him boats and followers and monks and sends haakon over to the and monks and sends haakon over to the and monks and sends haakon over to the land of his birth that he did not grow land of his birth that he did not grow land of his birth that he did not grow up in so that he can become the king up in so that he can become the king up in so that he can become the king there and oh yeah when he arrives he's a there and oh yeah when he arrives he's a there and oh yeah when he arrives he's a Christian now hack on the good and Christian now hack on the good and Christian now hack on the good and Harold Bluetooth are contemporaries Harold Bluetooth are contemporaries Harold Bluetooth are contemporaries basically and in fact they're going to basically and in fact they're going to basically and in fact they're going to fight each other so what you see is all fight each other so what you see is all fight each other so what you see is all of this Christianity coming to Norway of this Christianity coming to Norway of this Christianity coming to Norway and Denmark especially all in a very and Denmark especially all in a very and Denmark especially all in a very short period of time and all in a very short period of time and all in a very short period of time and all in a very strong way right amongst strong way right amongst strong way right amongst rulers but whereas Harold Bluetooth is rulers but whereas Harold Bluetooth is rulers but whereas Harold Bluetooth is so powerful and so scary and has the so powerful and so scary and has the so powerful and so scary and has the support of so many Nobles that he can support of so many Nobles that he can support of so many Nobles that he can sort of enforce his will when it comes sort of enforce his will when it comes sort of enforce his will when it comes to Christianity haakon has a harder time to Christianity haakon has a harder time to Christianity haakon has a harder time and this is where you can see that you and this is where you can see that you and this is where you can see that you have to kind of be careful how you have to kind of be careful how you have to kind of be careful how you impose a new religion on people not

impose a new religion on people not impose a new religion on people not necessarily because they're opposed to necessarily because they're opposed to necessarily because they're opposed to changing their beliefs if they believe changing their beliefs if they believe changing their beliefs if they believe in the new God but they're worried about in the new God but they're worried about in the new God but they're worried about pissing off the old pissing off the old pissing off the old gods this is the part we often forget gods this is the part we often forget gods this is the part we often forget what happens if you believe that the what happens if you believe that the what happens if you believe that the gods control things like the Harvest and gods control things like the Harvest and gods control things like the Harvest and the health of your family members and the health of your family members and the health of your family members and everything like that and then things go everything like that and then things go everything like that and then things go bad with that right if you have a bad bad with that right if you have a bad bad with that right if you have a bad Harvest all of a sudden and you just Harvest all of a sudden and you just Harvest all of a sudden and you just threw out the old gods and your king is threw out the old gods and your king is threw out the old gods and your king is trying to push in a new god well what do trying to push in a new god well what do trying to push in a new god well what do you think that might be from in other you think that might be from in other you think that might be from in other words these have two people what did we words these have two people what did we words these have two people what did we say earlier when we were talking about say earlier when we were talking about say earlier when we were talking about if magic is real or if you think magic if magic is real or if you think magic if magic is real or if you think magic is real if the Tinkerbell effect is real is real if the Tinkerbell effect is real is real if the Tinkerbell effect is real well if you think that God's control well if you think that God's control well if you think that God's control things like the Harvest and a new God is things like the Harvest and a new God is things like the Harvest and a new God is brought in and all of a sudden you have brought in and all of a sudden you have brought in and all of a sudden you have a lot of bad harvests what a lot of bad harvests what a lot of bad harvests what then I love the way uh Gwen Jones in his then I love the way uh Gwen Jones in his then I love the way uh Gwen Jones in his famous late 1960s work a of the Vikings famous late 1960s work a of the Vikings famous late 1960s work a of the Vikings sort of portrays this time period not as sort of portrays this time period not as sort of portrays this time period not as a struggle between um Scandinavians who a struggle between um Scandinavians who a struggle between um Scandinavians who want to be Christians and Scandinavians want to be Christians and Scandinavians want to be Christians and Scandinavians who want to be pagans but against the who want to be pagans but against the who want to be pagans but against the Christian God and the Norse pantheon Christian God and the Norse pantheon Christian God and the Norse pantheon themselves and at one point he's talking themselves and at one point he's talking themselves and at one point he's talking about how in order to Forstall the about how in order to Forstall the about how in order to Forstall the Christian conversion in a place like Christian conversion in a place like Christian conversion in a place like Norway the iser the Norse pantheon has Norway the iser the Norse pantheon has Norway the iser the Norse pantheon has tools to fight back and Jones writes tools to fight back and Jones writes tools to fight back and Jones writes quote quote quote men could do little except Grumble and

men could do little except Grumble and men could do little except Grumble and hope for a change but the AER defended hope for a change but the AER defended hope for a change but the AER defended themselves with bad harvests bad fishing themselves with bad harvests bad fishing themselves with bad harvests bad fishing bad weather the snow lay through bad weather the snow lay through bad weather the snow lay through Midsummer and cows stayed in Stall as Midsummer and cows stayed in Stall as Midsummer and cows stayed in Stall as North among the laps which may be a North among the laps which may be a North among the laps which may be a poetic way of saying that the all poetic way of saying that the all poetic way of saying that the all important farmer class felt itself important farmer class felt itself important farmer class felt itself pinched and alienated end quote this is pinched and alienated end quote this is pinched and alienated end quote this is the other problem trying to disentangle the other problem trying to disentangle the other problem trying to disentangle Christian conversion from an actual Christian conversion from an actual Christian conversion from an actual belief level from the power politics of belief level from the power politics of belief level from the power politics of the day and everything else going on is the day and everything else going on is the day and everything else going on is very difficult and in fact when you read very difficult and in fact when you read very difficult and in fact when you read the sagas you can see how often the the sagas you can see how often the the sagas you can see how often the Kings here whether it's Herold Bluetooth Kings here whether it's Herold Bluetooth Kings here whether it's Herold Bluetooth or others will see people's reticence to or others will see people's reticence to or others will see people's reticence to convert to Christianity as a personal convert to Christianity as a personal convert to Christianity as a personal attack on their Authority right because attack on their Authority right because attack on their Authority right because partly they're converting to partly they're converting to partly they're converting to Christianity because it enhances their Christianity because it enhances their Christianity because it enhances their Authority right the Christian hierarchy Authority right the Christian hierarchy Authority right the Christian hierarchy the power hierarchy has them at the you the power hierarchy has them at the you the power hierarchy has them at the you know tip of the pyramid know tip of the pyramid know tip of the pyramid and if people don't want to convert to and if people don't want to convert to and if people don't want to convert to Christianity maybe it's because they Christianity maybe it's because they Christianity maybe it's because they want to you know keep their Petty king want to you know keep their Petty king want to you know keep their Petty king or Petty Chief in power for themselves or Petty Chief in power for themselves or Petty Chief in power for themselves so all of these things weave into a kind so all of these things weave into a kind so all of these things weave into a kind of a tangled rope and it's tough to of a tangled rope and it's tough to of a tangled rope and it's tough to disentangle True belief from disentangle True belief from disentangle True belief from geopolitical realities from Power geopolitical realities from Power geopolitical realities from Power politics and all this other politics and all this other politics and all this other stuff there's a real transactional stuff there's a real transactional stuff there's a real transactional nature to a lot of the ancient and nature to a lot of the ancient and nature to a lot of the ancient and medieval beliefs with gods that you medieval beliefs with gods that you medieval beliefs with gods that you don't see as much anymore I mean of don't see as much anymore I mean of don't see as much anymore I mean of course you still do but not like in the course you still do but not like in the course you still do but not like in the days when you almost have people sort of days when you almost have people sort of days when you almost have people sort of weighing the different deities against

weighing the different deities against weighing the different deities against each other and basically saying you know each other and basically saying you know each other and basically saying you know what have you done for me lately right what have you done for me lately right what have you done for me lately right this is a this is a question of you know this is a this is a question of you know this is a this is a question of you know who's been on my side most recently I who's been on my side most recently I who's been on my side most recently I mean take for example the famous story mean take for example the famous story mean take for example the famous story of how uh Constantine the Roman Emperor of how uh Constantine the Roman Emperor of how uh Constantine the Roman Emperor converts to Christianity it's a very converts to Christianity it's a very converts to Christianity it's a very sort of a transactional deal he's about sort of a transactional deal he's about sort of a transactional deal he's about to fight a battle in a civil war and he to fight a battle in a civil war and he to fight a battle in a civil war and he has a dream this is the legend he has a has a dream this is the legend he has a has a dream this is the legend he has a dream where it says if you paint your dream where it says if you paint your dream where it says if you paint your Shields with the Christian symbol you Shields with the Christian symbol you Shields with the Christian symbol you will Triumph tomorrow so he gets up from will Triumph tomorrow so he gets up from will Triumph tomorrow so he gets up from the dream he has all his soldiers paint the dream he has all his soldiers paint the dream he has all his soldiers paint the Cairo on their Shields which was the the Cairo on their Shields which was the the Cairo on their Shields which was the symbol before uh the cross became so symbol before uh the cross became so symbol before uh the cross became so viewed as the symbol of Christianity and viewed as the symbol of Christianity and viewed as the symbol of Christianity and of course lo and behold he wins the of course lo and behold he wins the of course lo and behold he wins the battle boom so he's going to become a battle boom so he's going to become a battle boom so he's going to become a Christian he Christianity is going to Christian he Christianity is going to Christian he Christianity is going to start to become a an established start to become a an established start to become a an established religion in Rome and if that dream religion in Rome and if that dream religion in Rome and if that dream really happened think about what an really happened think about what an really happened think about what an effect on future history that had but effect on future history that had but effect on future history that had but there's a lot of this in this world too there's a lot of this in this world too there's a lot of this in this world too where it's all about you know what God where it's all about you know what God where it's all about you know what God has done something for me lately and has done something for me lately and has done something for me lately and when a guy like Harold Bluetooth watches when a guy like Harold Bluetooth watches when a guy like Harold Bluetooth watches a guy like Papo supposedly lift a a guy like Papo supposedly lift a a guy like Papo supposedly lift a glowing iron piece of metal and carry it glowing iron piece of metal and carry it glowing iron piece of metal and carry it around and not have blisters he's not around and not have blisters he's not around and not have blisters he's not converting to Christianity so he can get converting to Christianity so he can get converting to Christianity so he can get into heaven he's converting to into heaven he's converting to into heaven he's converting to Christianity because who wants to not Christianity because who wants to not Christianity because who wants to not have the God on their side right do you have the God on their side right do you have the God on their side right do you really want to be going into battle and really want to be going into battle and really want to be going into battle and trying to conquer things and have God trying to conquer things and have God trying to conquer things and have God mad at you I love the way the Mongols mad at you I love the way the Mongols mad at you I love the way the Mongols supposedly hand handled all this we supposedly hand handled all this we supposedly hand handled all this we talked about it in the Mongol show where talked about it in the Mongol show where talked about it in the Mongol show where they left all of the religions of the

they left all of the religions of the they left all of the religions of the people they conquered intact but people they conquered intact but people they conquered intact but supposedly just required them to pray supposedly just required them to pray supposedly just required them to pray for the con's health figuring that they for the con's health figuring that they for the con's health figuring that they were hedging their bets right they were hedging their bets right they were hedging their bets right they didn't know which religion was true and didn't know which religion was true and didn't know which religion was true and which God was real but if everybody was which God was real but if everybody was which God was real but if everybody was praying for the Khan's Health then the praying for the Khan's Health then the praying for the Khan's Health then the real God was getting the message real God was getting the message real God was getting the message somehow but you will even see after this somehow but you will even see after this somehow but you will even see after this period attempts to almost woo the period attempts to almost woo the period attempts to almost woo the Scandinavians who convert to Scandinavians who convert to Scandinavians who convert to Christianity back to the old ways and Christianity back to the old ways and Christianity back to the old ways and it's all transactional right come back it's all transactional right come back it's all transactional right come back and believe in me and I'll save you from and believe in me and I'll save you from and believe in me and I'll save you from this problem or come back and believe in this problem or come back and believe in this problem or come back and believe in me and I'll help you out with this thing me and I'll help you out with this thing me and I'll help you out with this thing you're having to deal with I mean it's you're having to deal with I mean it's you're having to deal with I mean it's very like we said transactional they're very like we said transactional they're very like we said transactional they're not thinking about getting into heaven not thinking about getting into heaven not thinking about getting into heaven when they die as much as they're when they die as much as they're when they die as much as they're thinking about who can help me the most thinking about who can help me the most thinking about who can help me the most While I'm Alive University of Oslo historian John Alive University of Oslo historian John Vidar sigon and his book Scandinavia in Vidar sigon and his book Scandinavia in Vidar sigon and his book Scandinavia in the age of the Vikings points out that the age of the Vikings points out that the age of the Vikings points out that this this this transactional attitude applies when it transactional attitude applies when it transactional attitude applies when it comes to Scandinavian Nobles and Kings comes to Scandinavian Nobles and Kings comes to Scandinavian Nobles and Kings to other kings and other Chieftains so to other kings and other Chieftains so to other kings and other Chieftains so why not to the gods they have unstable why not to the gods they have unstable why not to the gods they have unstable relationships with all of these entities relationships with all of these entities relationships with all of these entities he says and then he says quote to their he says and then he says quote to their he says and then he says quote to their way of thinking if another more powerful way of thinking if another more powerful way of thinking if another more powerful God existed who could offer better God existed who could offer better God existed who could offer better protection and help then the Norse gods protection and help then the Norse gods protection and help then the Norse gods had failed and it was therefore had failed and it was therefore had failed and it was therefore necessary to change sides and begin necessary to change sides and begin necessary to change sides and begin worshiping the new God in this case the

worshiping the new God in this case the worshiping the new God in this case the Christian God end Christian God end Christian God end quote now it's possible that this was a quote now it's possible that this was a quote now it's possible that this was a foreign concept to a guy like hack on foreign concept to a guy like hack on foreign concept to a guy like hack on the good right viewing religion in a the good right viewing religion in a the good right viewing religion in a transactional sense because after all transactional sense because after all transactional sense because after all hack on the good was as far as Norway hack on the good was as far as Norway hack on the good was as far as Norway was concerned foreign himself right was concerned foreign himself right was concerned foreign himself right allegedly raised in England allegedly allegedly raised in England allegedly allegedly raised in England allegedly the you know Foster son of the king of the you know Foster son of the king of the you know Foster son of the king of England so he may have viewed religion England so he may have viewed religion England so he may have viewed religion in a much more Anglo-Saxon or English in a much more Anglo-Saxon or English in a much more Anglo-Saxon or English way than the way a viking Scandinavian way than the way a viking Scandinavian way than the way a viking Scandinavian might have viewed might have viewed might have viewed it when he returns to rule Norway he it when he returns to rule Norway he it when he returns to rule Norway he lacks the traditional you know alliances lacks the traditional you know alliances lacks the traditional you know alliances with power the Nexus of authority the with power the Nexus of authority the with power the Nexus of authority the the personal Partnerships and the personal Partnerships and the personal Partnerships and relationships your average Scandinavian relationships your average Scandinavian relationships your average Scandinavian would have developed over a lifetime would have developed over a lifetime would have developed over a lifetime that allows them to rule effectively so that allows them to rule effectively so that allows them to rule effectively so he's like an American president who's he's like an American president who's he's like an American president who's from one political party that has to from one political party that has to from one political party that has to somehow rule with a congress dominated somehow rule with a congress dominated somehow rule with a congress dominated by the other political party right so by the other political party right so by the other political party right so he's from the Christian political party he's from the Christian political party he's from the Christian political party his Congress are a bunch of Odin his Congress are a bunch of Odin his Congress are a bunch of Odin worshippers and he'll have to make worshippers and he'll have to make worshippers and he'll have to make religious concessions during his Reign religious concessions during his Reign religious concessions during his Reign so there might be some compromises with so there might be some compromises with so there might be some compromises with paganism or if you believe some of the paganism or if you believe some of the paganism or if you believe some of the sources maybe even a full-blown relapse sources maybe even a full-blown relapse sources maybe even a full-blown relapse into paganism but he's doing something into paganism but he's doing something into paganism but he's doing something right cuz hack on the good is going to right cuz hack on the good is going to right cuz hack on the good is going to rule in Norway for almost 30 years which rule in Norway for almost 30 years which rule in Norway for almost 30 years which is an amazing is an amazing is an amazing feat he will win a bunch of battles feat he will win a bunch of battles feat he will win a bunch of battles during this time the last one that he during this time the last one that he during this time the last one that he will fight will be in either 960 or 961

will fight will be in either 960 or 961 will fight will be in either 960 or 961 it's called The Battle of fit jar and it it's called The Battle of fit jar and it it's called The Battle of fit jar and it will be against his own nephews or will be against his own nephews or will be against his own nephews or probably half nephews of course this is probably half nephews of course this is probably half nephews of course this is not unusual right when you are involved not unusual right when you are involved not unusual right when you are involved in kingship and blue blood matters the in kingship and blue blood matters the in kingship and blue blood matters the only people that have blue blood are only people that have blue blood are only people that have blue blood are likely be related to you and that's why likely be related to you and that's why likely be related to you and that's why when you watch the carolingians descend when you watch the carolingians descend when you watch the carolingians descend into fratricidal madness it's always into fratricidal madness it's always into fratricidal madness it's always brother against brother or Uncle against brother against brother or Uncle against brother against brother or Uncle against nephew and it's the same in the nephew and it's the same in the nephew and it's the same in the Scandinavian Royal Scandinavian Royal Scandinavian Royal situation the battle fit jar between situation the battle fit jar between situation the battle fit jar between hack on the good and his half- nephews hack on the good and his half- nephews hack on the good and his half- nephews ends with hack on the good winning the ends with hack on the good winning the ends with hack on the good winning the battle but losing the war and he will be battle but losing the war and he will be battle but losing the war and he will be famously um hit by an arrow in either famously um hit by an arrow in either famously um hit by an arrow in either the arm or the shoulder and medicine the arm or the shoulder and medicine the arm or the shoulder and medicine being what it is in the Early Middle being what it is in the Early Middle being what it is in the Early Middle Ages this is often a mortal wound and in Ages this is often a mortal wound and in Ages this is often a mortal wound and in hack's case it is and it kills him he hack's case it is and it kills him he hack's case it is and it kills him he bleeds out and the people that take over bleeds out and the people that take over bleeds out and the people that take over from him are these half nephews now a from him are these half nephews now a from him are these half nephews now a little on their background just because little on their background just because little on their background just because it's not confusing enough yet they are it's not confusing enough yet they are it's not confusing enough yet they are allegedly the sons of Eric bloodx Eric allegedly the sons of Eric bloodx Eric allegedly the sons of Eric bloodx Eric blax is allegedly the son of our friend blax is allegedly the son of our friend blax is allegedly the son of our friend Harold Fair Harold fine hair Harold Harold Fair Harold fine hair Harold Harold Fair Harold fine hair Harold hairfair loofah mophead whatever you hairfair loofah mophead whatever you hairfair loofah mophead whatever you want to call him who is quickly becoming want to call him who is quickly becoming want to call him who is quickly becoming the equivalent of the Fountain Head of the equivalent of the Fountain Head of the equivalent of the Fountain Head of blue blooded in Norwegian Royal history blue blooded in Norwegian Royal history blue blooded in Norwegian Royal history so if you want to rule Norway you kind so if you want to rule Norway you kind so if you want to rule Norway you kind of have to tie yourself to him just to of have to tie yourself to him just to of have to tie yourself to him just to confuse everyone one more degree um

confuse everyone one more degree um confuse everyone one more degree um they're also the full nephews apparently they're also the full nephews apparently they're also the full nephews apparently of our friend in Denmark Herold of our friend in Denmark Herold of our friend in Denmark Herold Bluetooth so all these people are Bluetooth so all these people are Bluetooth so all these people are related the guy who gets the Lion Share related the guy who gets the Lion Share related the guy who gets the Lion Share of Norway after winning the Battle of of Norway after winning the Battle of of Norway after winning the Battle of fit jar or really losing the battle of fit jar or really losing the battle of fit jar or really losing the battle of fit jar but killing hack on the good is fit jar but killing hack on the good is fit jar but killing hack on the good is also named har haral his name is Harold also named har haral his name is Harold also named har haral his name is Harold grey cloak and Harold greyc is well he's grey cloak and Harold greyc is well he's grey cloak and Harold greyc is well he's notable because he's going to take the notable because he's going to take the notable because he's going to take the conversion process in a little bit of a conversion process in a little bit of a conversion process in a little bit of a different direction than hack on the different direction than hack on the different direction than hack on the good he's not going to settle for sort good he's not going to settle for sort good he's not going to settle for sort of a compromise with paganism he's going of a compromise with paganism he's going of a compromise with paganism he's going to try to dominate the pagans and take to try to dominate the pagans and take to try to dominate the pagans and take an almost charlam Manan armed an almost charlam Manan armed an almost charlam Manan armed Evangelistic approach to converting the Evangelistic approach to converting the Evangelistic approach to converting the Heathen he's going to do so at the point Heathen he's going to do so at the point Heathen he's going to do so at the point of a sword you're going to convert or of a sword you're going to convert or of a sword you're going to convert or you're going to you're going to you're going to die during his Reign he will kill a die during his Reign he will kill a die during his Reign he will kill a bunch of minor Chieftains and absorb bunch of minor Chieftains and absorb bunch of minor Chieftains and absorb their their their [Music] [Music] [Music] territories he will have a falling out territories he will have a falling out territories he will have a falling out with his uncle Harold Bluetooth and in with his uncle Harold Bluetooth and in with his uncle Harold Bluetooth and in 970 Harold Bluetooth somehow lures 970 Harold Bluetooth somehow lures 970 Harold Bluetooth somehow lures Harold greyc to Denmark and has him Harold greyc to Denmark and has him Harold greyc to Denmark and has him whacked he's either killed by Harold whacked he's either killed by Harold whacked he's either killed by Harold Bluetooth himself he's either killed by Bluetooth himself he's either killed by Bluetooth himself he's either killed by an assassin of heral Bluetooth or he's an assassin of heral Bluetooth or he's an assassin of heral Bluetooth or he's killed by an ally of Herald Bluetooth killed by an ally of Herald Bluetooth killed by an ally of Herald Bluetooth but Herold Bluetooth will then put a but Herold Bluetooth will then put a but Herold Bluetooth will then put a compliant yarl on the throne that had compliant yarl on the throne that had compliant yarl on the throne that had been formerly occupied by the guy he been formerly occupied by the guy he been formerly occupied by the guy he just whacked and he will rule through just whacked and he will rule through just whacked and he will rule through him which probably accounts for how a

him which probably accounts for how a him which probably accounts for how a heral Bluetooth can say on the yelling heral Bluetooth can say on the yelling heral Bluetooth can say on the yelling stone that he ruled Denmark and Norway stone that he ruled Denmark and Norway stone that he ruled Denmark and Norway even if it's a bit of an even if it's a bit of an even if it's a bit of an exaggeration hopefully Harold Bluetooth exaggeration hopefully Harold Bluetooth exaggeration hopefully Harold Bluetooth is enjoying his time on the throne is enjoying his time on the throne is enjoying his time on the throne because the next Generation that is by because the next Generation that is by because the next Generation that is by 970 toddling around around on the long 970 toddling around around on the long 970 toddling around around on the long house floor is going to be the ones that house floor is going to be the ones that house floor is going to be the ones that take him out and a bunch of other people take him out and a bunch of other people take him out and a bunch of other people too it's an amazing generation of too it's an amazing generation of too it's an amazing generation of Scandinavian leaders one of whom will be Scandinavian leaders one of whom will be Scandinavian leaders one of whom will be called the most spectacular Viking of called the most spectacular Viking of called the most spectacular Viking of his age by historian Gwen Jones another his age by historian Gwen Jones another his age by historian Gwen Jones another who will be the guy who topples Harold who will be the guy who topples Harold who will be the guy who topples Harold Bluetooth that'll be his own son a guy Bluetooth that'll be his own son a guy Bluetooth that'll be his own son a guy named sine Sven Swain take your pick named sine Sven Swain take your pick named sine Sven Swain take your pick forkbeard and the other one the most forkbeard and the other one the most forkbeard and the other one the most spectac Viking of his age is a guy known spectac Viking of his age is a guy known spectac Viking of his age is a guy known as Olaf as Olaf as Olaf trivison this is all part of let's call trivison this is all part of let's call trivison this is all part of let's call it the class of 960s the people born in it the class of 960s the people born in it the class of 960s the people born in the 960s who by the 970s are starting to the 960s who by the 970s are starting to the 960s who by the 970s are starting to grow up and by the 980s are making their grow up and by the 980s are making their grow up and by the 980s are making their presence presence presence known Olaf is famous for his youth he's known Olaf is famous for his youth he's known Olaf is famous for his youth he's he's running for his life before he can he's running for his life before he can he's running for his life before he can even probably speak his mother moving even probably speak his mother moving even probably speak his mother moving him around in various places to keep him him around in various places to keep him him around in various places to keep him alive he gets sold into slavery he ends alive he gets sold into slavery he ends alive he gets sold into slavery he ends up fighting in the retinue of you know up fighting in the retinue of you know up fighting in the retinue of you know king or Prince Vladimir in in the king or Prince Vladimir in in the king or Prince Vladimir in in the territory of the Russ he'll end up in territory of the Russ he'll end up in territory of the Russ he'll end up in Iceland for a while and then he'll Iceland for a while and then he'll Iceland for a while and then he'll famously end up in England when the famously end up in England when the famously end up in England when the second so-called second Viking age hits

second so-called second Viking age hits second so-called second Viking age hits in England so we need to switch over in England so we need to switch over in England so we need to switch over there for a minute to show where all of there for a minute to show where all of there for a minute to show where all of the money is going to come from that the money is going to come from that the money is going to come from that allows guys like Olaf Trigon and span allows guys like Olaf Trigon and span allows guys like Olaf Trigon and span forkbeard to do what they're going to do forkbeard to do what they're going to do forkbeard to do what they're going to do back in in back in in back in in Scandinavia because by about the Scandinavia because by about the Scandinavia because by about the 980s England has had a nice respite from 980s England has had a nice respite from 980s England has had a nice respite from Viking attacks for almost 30 years it's Viking attacks for almost 30 years it's Viking attacks for almost 30 years it's the longest break they've had since the the longest break they've had since the the longest break they've had since the Viking attacks first started in fact one Viking attacks first started in fact one Viking attacks first started in fact one of their kings is going to be called of their kings is going to be called of their kings is going to be called Edgar the peaceful because there's no Edgar the peaceful because there's no Edgar the peaceful because there's no Viking attacks during his Reign at all Viking attacks during his Reign at all Viking attacks during his Reign at all sounds great maybe you if you were in sounds great maybe you if you were in sounds great maybe you if you were in England you would be forgiven for England you would be forgiven for England you would be forgiven for thinking that the Viking age is over thinking that the Viking age is over thinking that the Viking age is over until it starts again and what's until it starts again and what's until it starts again and what's interesting is when I was growing up interesting is when I was growing up interesting is when I was growing up reading mid 20th century history they reading mid 20th century history they reading mid 20th century history they did not blame the second Viking age in did not blame the second Viking age in did not blame the second Viking age in England on the Viking rulers they blamed England on the Viking rulers they blamed England on the Viking rulers they blamed it on the English ruler they're going to famously have ruler they're going to famously have what a guy like Winston Churchill what a guy like Winston Churchill what a guy like Winston Churchill probably would have described as a loser probably would have described as a loser probably would have described as a loser getting the Throne of England and he's a getting the Throne of England and he's a getting the Throne of England and he's a guy who gets blamed by people like guy who gets blamed by people like guy who gets blamed by people like Churchill for everything bad that Churchill for everything bad that Churchill for everything bad that happens afterwards but remember for a happens afterwards but remember for a happens afterwards but remember for a guy like Churchill is firmly in the camp guy like Churchill is firmly in the camp guy like Churchill is firmly in the camp of those people who believe in what's of those people who believe in what's of those people who believe in what's known as the great man theory of History known as the great man theory of History known as the great man theory of History right doesn't take Trends and forces right doesn't take Trends and forces right doesn't take Trends and forces into account doesn't take geography into account doesn't take geography into account doesn't take geography doesn't take doesn't take doesn't take environment he blames

environment he blames environment he blames rulers and Churchill amongst many other rulers and Churchill amongst many other rulers and Churchill amongst many other people look at the people from Alfred people look at the people from Alfred people look at the people from Alfred the Great's time on and see a bunch of the Great's time on and see a bunch of the Great's time on and see a bunch of really strong rulers right the reason really strong rulers right the reason really strong rulers right the reason there's no Viking attacks is because you there's no Viking attacks is because you there's no Viking attacks is because you have these August figures you know have these August figures you know have these August figures you know leading Britain into Pro prosperity and leading Britain into Pro prosperity and leading Britain into Pro prosperity and peacefulness and and the era of peacefulness and and the era of peacefulness and and the era of greatness and then all of a sudden the greatness and then all of a sudden the greatness and then all of a sudden the lottery of monarchy comes up Snake Eyes lottery of monarchy comes up Snake Eyes lottery of monarchy comes up Snake Eyes with a guy like Ethel red the with a guy like Ethel red the with a guy like Ethel red the unready and listen to how Churchill unready and listen to how Churchill unready and listen to how Churchill describes this poor figure who takes describes this poor figure who takes describes this poor figure who takes control of Britain in the late control of Britain in the late control of Britain in the late 970s this is from Winston Churchill's 970s this is from Winston Churchill's 970s this is from Winston Churchill's history of the English-speaking peoples history of the English-speaking peoples history of the English-speaking peoples quote it must have seemed to quote it must have seemed to quote it must have seemed to contemporaries that with the Magnificent contemporaries that with the Magnificent contemporaries that with the Magnificent coronation at bath in 97 3 on which all coronation at bath in 97 3 on which all coronation at bath in 97 3 on which all coronation orders since have been based coronation orders since have been based coronation orders since have been based the seal was set on the unity of the the seal was set on the unity of the the seal was set on the unity of the realm everywhere the courts are sitting realm everywhere the courts are sitting realm everywhere the courts are sitting regularly in Shire and burrow and hund regularly in Shire and burrow and hund regularly in Shire and burrow and hund there is one coinage and one system of there is one coinage and one system of there is one coinage and one system of weights and measures the Arts of weights and measures the Arts of weights and measures the Arts of building and decoration are Reviving building and decoration are Reviving building and decoration are Reviving learning begins to flourish again in the learning begins to flourish again in the learning begins to flourish again in the church there is a literary language a church there is a literary language a church there is a literary language a King's English which all educated men King's English which all educated men King's English which all educated men write civilization has been restored to write civilization has been restored to write civilization has been restored to the island but now he writes the the island but now he writes the the island but now he writes the political fabric which nurtured it was political fabric which nurtured it was political fabric which nurtured it was about to be overthrown hitherto strong about to be overthrown hitherto strong about to be overthrown hitherto strong men armed had kept the house now a child men armed had kept the house now a child men armed had kept the house now a child a weakling a vacillator a faithless Fess

a weakling a vacillator a faithless Fess a weakling a vacillator a faithless Fess creature succeeded to the warrior creature succeeded to the warrior creature succeeded to the warrior Throne 25 years of Peace lapped the Throne 25 years of Peace lapped the Throne 25 years of Peace lapped the island and the English so magnificent in island and the English so magnificent in island and the English so magnificent in stress and danger so Invincible under stress and danger so Invincible under stress and danger so Invincible under Valiant leadership relaxed under its Valiant leadership relaxed under its Valiant leadership relaxed under its softening influences we have reached the softening influences we have reached the softening influences we have reached the days of Eed the unready end days of Eed the unready end days of Eed the unready end quote now poor Ethel red the unready may quote now poor Ethel red the unready may quote now poor Ethel red the unready may be getting a bad rap here and anytime be getting a bad rap here and anytime be getting a bad rap here and anytime you see such a vifer denunciation of you see such a vifer denunciation of you see such a vifer denunciation of someone's reputation you're just someone's reputation you're just someone's reputation you're just inviting later historians to sort of inviting later historians to sort of inviting later historians to sort of play Devil's Advocate and 21st century play Devil's Advocate and 21st century play Devil's Advocate and 21st century historians have been quite a bit more historians have been quite a bit more historians have been quite a bit more gentle with Ethel red the unready than gentle with Ethel red the unready than gentle with Ethel red the unready than mid 20th century historians were mid 20th century historians were mid 20th century historians were a guy like chill and his ilk would a guy like chill and his ilk would a guy like chill and his ilk would suggest that the reason the Viking raids suggest that the reason the Viking raids suggest that the reason the Viking raids Begin Again during Ethel Red's Reign is Begin Again during Ethel Red's Reign is Begin Again during Ethel Red's Reign is because they can smell fear and they can because they can smell fear and they can because they can smell fear and they can sense disorder and poor leadership which sense disorder and poor leadership which sense disorder and poor leadership which is not untrue but there's a lot of other is not untrue but there's a lot of other is not untrue but there's a lot of other reasons why the raids could start up reasons why the raids could start up reasons why the raids could start up again in the 980s partly because the again in the 980s partly because the again in the 980s partly because the English have become English have become English have become rich fabulously wealthy they may be the rich fabulously wealthy they may be the rich fabulously wealthy they may be the richest Kingdom in all of Western Europe richest Kingdom in all of Western Europe richest Kingdom in all of Western Europe during during this time period for all during during this time period for all during during this time period for all those reasons Churchill just mentioned those reasons Churchill just mentioned those reasons Churchill just mentioned first of all they're a unified realm first of all they're a unified realm first of all they're a unified realm they've got a new coinage and minting they've got a new coinage and minting they've got a new coinage and minting they're exporting lots of raw materials they're exporting lots of raw materials they're exporting lots of raw materials and getting gold and silver in return and getting gold and silver in return and getting gold and silver in return they've reorganized the structure of the they've reorganized the structure of the they've reorganized the structure of the realm it's a fabulously wealthy place

realm it's a fabulously wealthy place realm it's a fabulously wealthy place and that's going to attract criminal and that's going to attract criminal and that's going to attract criminal Pirates all by itself isn't it and E red Pirates all by itself isn't it and E red Pirates all by itself isn't it and E red comes to the throne in the 970s he's a comes to the throne in the 970s he's a comes to the throne in the 970s he's a young guy 13 14 years old by about the young guy 13 14 years old by about the young guy 13 14 years old by about the 980s the Viking Sals start appearing on 980s the Viking Sals start appearing on 980s the Viking Sals start appearing on the horizon again and it's been 30 years the horizon again and it's been 30 years the horizon again and it's been 30 years or so since the last attacks but or so since the last attacks but or so since the last attacks but historian Mark Morris pointed out historian Mark Morris pointed out historian Mark Morris pointed out something I didn't realize he said that something I didn't realize he said that something I didn't realize he said that the attacks that had happened previously the attacks that had happened previously the attacks that had happened previously you know 40 50 60 years ago had all come you know 40 50 60 years ago had all come you know 40 50 60 years ago had all come from relatively nearby Ireland the orne from relatively nearby Ireland the orne from relatively nearby Ireland the orne islands places where Vikings were sort islands places where Vikings were sort islands places where Vikings were sort of based near the British Isles he says of based near the British Isles he says of based near the British Isles he says that in the 980s these are the first that in the 980s these are the first that in the 980s these are the first attacks that come directly from attacks that come directly from attacks that come directly from Scandinavia in like a hundred years Scandinavia in like a hundred years Scandinavia in like a hundred years it starts off with seven ships here it starts off with seven ships here it starts off with seven ships here three ships there although according to three ships there although according to three ships there although according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle those small the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle those small the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle those small numbers of ships managed to do quite a numbers of ships managed to do quite a numbers of ships managed to do quite a bit of damage there may be something bit of damage there may be something bit of damage there may be something larger in the late 980s but then in 991 larger in the late 980s but then in 991 larger in the late 980s but then in 991 there's an there's an there's an exponential explosion in the number of exponential explosion in the number of exponential explosion in the number of ships that show up 991 almost 100 long ships that show up 991 almost 100 long ships that show up 991 almost 100 long ships appear off the eastern coast of ships appear off the eastern coast of ships appear off the eastern coast of Britain LED according to the anglosaxon Britain LED according to the anglosaxon Britain LED according to the anglosaxon chronicle by a guy name chronicle by a guy name chronicle by a guy name Olaf now as we've talked about Olaf's Olaf now as we've talked about Olaf's Olaf now as we've talked about Olaf's pretty common name during this period pretty common name during this period pretty common name during this period and the best historians in the business and the best historians in the business and the best historians in the business are split over whether this is some Olaf are split over whether this is some Olaf are split over whether this is some Olaf we're not aware of or whether it's Olaf we're not aware of or whether it's Olaf we're not aware of or whether it's Olaf Trigon right the guy who will become Trigon right the guy who will become Trigon right the guy who will become Olaf I first of Norway the guy that Gwen

Olaf I first of Norway the guy that Gwen Olaf I first of Norway the guy that Gwen Jones referred to as the most Jones referred to as the most Jones referred to as the most spectacular Viking of his spectacular Viking of his spectacular Viking of his age it's really hard though if you want age it's really hard though if you want age it's really hard though if you want to try to connect the dots on you know to try to connect the dots on you know to try to connect the dots on you know where any of these great Viking figures where any of these great Viking figures where any of these great Viking figures are any given time you know nail down are any given time you know nail down are any given time you know nail down their location really difficult to do I their location really difficult to do I their location really difficult to do I mean Spain forkbeard is a perfect mean Spain forkbeard is a perfect mean Spain forkbeard is a perfect example overthrows his father Herold example overthrows his father Herold example overthrows his father Herold Bluetooth in the late 980s and Bluetooth Bluetooth in the late 980s and Bluetooth Bluetooth in the late 980s and Bluetooth dies is he in Denmark after that some dies is he in Denmark after that some dies is he in Denmark after that some people think so others say that the king people think so others say that the king people think so others say that the king of Sweden comes over rules Denmark for a of Sweden comes over rules Denmark for a of Sweden comes over rules Denmark for a while and Spain goes elsewhere where we while and Spain goes elsewhere where we while and Spain goes elsewhere where we don't know so is this Olaf Trigon in 991 don't know so is this Olaf Trigon in 991 don't know so is this Olaf Trigon in 991 could be but the Viking Fleet of almost 100 be but the Viking Fleet of almost 100 long ships raids a little bit along the long ships raids a little bit along the long ships raids a little bit along the eastern coast of the Anglo-Saxon realm eastern coast of the Anglo-Saxon realm eastern coast of the Anglo-Saxon realm before putting into an island off the before putting into an island off the before putting into an island off the coast which is what they normally did coast which is what they normally did coast which is what they normally did right you drag your long ships up on the right you drag your long ships up on the right you drag your long ships up on the sand you muster your troops you fortify sand you muster your troops you fortify sand you muster your troops you fortify the little island and then you use that the little island and then you use that the little island and then you use that as a jumping off point for raids and in as a jumping off point for raids and in as a jumping off point for raids and in 991 they take this little island over 991 they take this little island over 991 they take this little island over and they're looking to attack a town and they're looking to attack a town and they're looking to attack a town called Malden when the Anglo Saxons called Malden when the Anglo Saxons called Malden when the Anglo Saxons confront them on the confront them on the confront them on the coast a force of locally coast a force of locally coast a force of locally raised troops to fight the Scandinavian raised troops to fight the Scandinavian raised troops to fight the Scandinavian Raiders and this will result in one of Raiders and this will result in one of Raiders and this will result in one of the most famous battles of the period the most famous battles of the period the most famous battles of the period the 991 Battle of Malden it's called and the 991 Battle of Malden it's called and the 991 Battle of Malden it's called and the guy who confronts the Scandinavian the guy who confronts the Scandinavian the guy who confronts the Scandinavian Raiders this large Fleet and no one Raiders this large Fleet and no one Raiders this large Fleet and no one knows the numbers I've read from 2,000

knows the numbers I've read from 2,000 knows the numbers I've read from 2,000 to 4,000 Vikings which is of course a to 4,000 Vikings which is of course a to 4,000 Vikings which is of course a huge discrepancy and 4,000 troops would huge discrepancy and 4,000 troops would huge discrepancy and 4,000 troops would have meant nothing to the Chinese in have meant nothing to the Chinese in have meant nothing to the Chinese in this period or the Indians or the this period or the Indians or the this period or the Indians or the byzantines or the Arabs but 4,000 byzantines or the Arabs but 4,000 byzantines or the Arabs but 4,000 Vikings in you know early medieval Vikings in you know early medieval Vikings in you know early medieval western Europe is a lot of Vikings western Europe is a lot of Vikings western Europe is a lot of Vikings they're confronted by a nobleman he's they're confronted by a nobleman he's they're confronted by a nobleman he's sometimes referred to as an Earl he was sometimes referred to as an Earl he was sometimes referred to as an Earl he was certainly an alderman he's got the certainly an alderman he's got the certainly an alderman he's got the wonderful Anglo-Saxon old Germanic style wonderful Anglo-Saxon old Germanic style wonderful Anglo-Saxon old Germanic style name of breath Noth maybe 60 years old name of breath Noth maybe 60 years old name of breath Noth maybe 60 years old shows up with his personal retinue of shows up with his personal retinue of shows up with his personal retinue of THS and as we had talked about earlier THS and as we had talked about earlier THS and as we had talked about earlier in part one we dealt extensively with in part one we dealt extensively with in part one we dealt extensively with the military situation and an the military situation and an the military situation and an Anglo-Saxon thing is in some ways nearly Anglo-Saxon thing is in some ways nearly Anglo-Saxon thing is in some ways nearly indistinguishable from a high ranking indistinguishable from a high ranking indistinguishable from a high ranking Viking Warrior we called them first Viking Warrior we called them first Viking Warrior we called them first string players like a sporting analogy string players like a sporting analogy string players like a sporting analogy and the first stringers on both sides and the first stringers on both sides and the first stringers on both sides are comparable it's the second stringers are comparable it's the second stringers are comparable it's the second stringers where the Viking warriors have a real where the Viking warriors have a real where the Viking warriors have a real advantage over the British well English advantage over the British well English advantage over the British well English is the more proper term obviously during is the more proper term obviously during is the more proper term obviously during this time period Anglo Saxon maybe even this time period Anglo Saxon maybe even this time period Anglo Saxon maybe even is the proper term but breth has raised is the proper term but breth has raised is the proper term but breth has raised what the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle refers to what the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle refers to what the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle refers to as the as the as the people the feared is the other word that people the feared is the other word that people the feared is the other word that you'll see used and historians sometimes you'll see used and historians sometimes you'll see used and historians sometimes divide the feared into What's called the divide the feared into What's called the divide the feared into What's called the select feared which is the better select feared which is the better select feared which is the better equipped um more formidable version of equipped um more formidable version of equipped um more formidable version of the people and the great fear which is the people and the great fear which is the people and the great fear which is the guys who harvest the wheat in the the guys who harvest the wheat in the the guys who harvest the wheat in the field but this is a second string that

field but this is a second string that field but this is a second string that is nowhere near as good as the Viking is nowhere near as good as the Viking is nowhere near as good as the Viking Warrior second string because the Viking Warrior second string because the Viking Warrior second string because the Viking Warrior second string has shown up here Warrior second string has shown up here Warrior second string has shown up here to fight they expect to fight they plan to fight they expect to fight they plan to fight they expect to fight they plan to fight they've probably fought before to fight they've probably fought before to fight they've probably fought before and they probably have better equipment and they probably have better equipment and they probably have better equipment and they adhere to a religious belief at and they adhere to a religious belief at and they adhere to a religious belief at least those ones who are not yet least those ones who are not yet least those ones who are not yet Christian and come from a culture that Christian and come from a culture that Christian and come from a culture that exalts the idea of fighting and they're exalts the idea of fighting and they're exalts the idea of fighting and they're going to have combat with a bunch of going to have combat with a bunch of going to have combat with a bunch of people from a culture that amongst the people from a culture that amongst the people from a culture that amongst the the farmer class doesn't I mean the fs the farmer class doesn't I mean the fs the farmer class doesn't I mean the fs exalt fighting that's their job but they exalt fighting that's their job but they exalt fighting that's their job but they feared these are the guys who Harvest feared these are the guys who Harvest feared these are the guys who Harvest you know the the wheat right so it's a you know the the wheat right so it's a you know the the wheat right so it's a different group of different group of different group of people the numbers again are unknown uh people the numbers again are unknown uh people the numbers again are unknown uh some suggest that they're equal to the some suggest that they're equal to the some suggest that they're equal to the Viking numbers some suggest that they Viking numbers some suggest that they Viking numbers some suggest that they are less than the Viking numbers no one are less than the Viking numbers no one are less than the Viking numbers no one suggests that I've read that the suggests that I've read that the suggests that I've read that the Anglo-Saxons here outnumber the Viking Anglo-Saxons here outnumber the Viking Anglo-Saxons here outnumber the Viking Force but what that means is bre noth's Force but what that means is bre noth's Force but what that means is bre noth's best troops are as good as the ones he's best troops are as good as the ones he's best troops are as good as the ones he's facing but his other troops are are far facing but his other troops are are far facing but his other troops are are far inferior there is a poem that's famous inferior there is a poem that's famous inferior there is a poem that's famous and that's helped make this battle and that's helped make this battle and that's helped make this battle famous that was composed historians famous that was composed historians famous that was composed historians think not that long after the event it's think not that long after the event it's think not that long after the event it's also called usually the Battle of also called usually the Battle of also called usually the Battle of Malden it is not written as a historical Malden it is not written as a historical Malden it is not written as a historical document there's lots of things in it document there's lots of things in it document there's lots of things in it that that that are trying to send messages or evoke are trying to send messages or evoke are trying to send messages or evoke certain feelings that have nothing to do certain feelings that have nothing to do certain feelings that have nothing to do with you know facts but there are with you know facts but there are with you know facts but there are historical elements you can probably historical elements you can probably historical elements you can probably tease out of it and that historians have tease out of it and that historians have tease out of it and that historians have to help get a sense of things one thing

to help get a sense of things one thing to help get a sense of things one thing is that and if you believe it this is that and if you believe it this is that and if you believe it this breath Noth has to sort of explain to breath Noth has to sort of explain to breath Noth has to sort of explain to some of these militia troops would be a some of these militia troops would be a some of these militia troops would be a good way to describe them how to do the good way to describe them how to do the good way to describe them how to do the most basic sorts of things how to hold most basic sorts of things how to hold most basic sorts of things how to hold your Shield how to stand next to the guy your Shield how to stand next to the guy your Shield how to stand next to the guy next to you I mean if you're about to next to you I mean if you're about to next to you I mean if you're about to fight a bunch of Viking warriors who fight a bunch of Viking warriors who fight a bunch of Viking warriors who know how to fight with a bunch of guys know how to fight with a bunch of guys know how to fight with a bunch of guys that you have to show how to hold their that you have to show how to hold their that you have to show how to hold their Shield an hour before they're going to Shield an hour before they're going to Shield an hour before they're going to fight these guys well you can see how fight these guys well you can see how fight these guys well you can see how that might be a that might be a that might be a problem there's an interesting aspect to problem there's an interesting aspect to problem there's an interesting aspect to militia troops and we had mentioned in militia troops and we had mentioned in militia troops and we had mentioned in part one of this show that you could part one of this show that you could part one of this show that you could probably classify most armies in human probably classify most armies in human probably classify most armies in human history as militia armies right with the history as militia armies right with the history as militia armies right with the people who are armed right you just arm people who are armed right you just arm people who are armed right you just arm the the locals and they go out there and the the locals and they go out there and the the locals and they go out there and fight militia armies tend to get better fight militia armies tend to get better fight militia armies tend to get better over time the early Roman Republican over time the early Roman Republican over time the early Roman Republican Legions were militia armies and they Legions were militia armies and they Legions were militia armies and they famously would start wars not doing very famously would start wars not doing very famously would start wars not doing very well and then the longer the war went on well and then the longer the war went on well and then the longer the war went on they got better and better but these are they got better and better but these are they got better and better but these are people this feared who fight only when people this feared who fight only when people this feared who fight only when needed and they have to get back to the needed and they have to get back to the needed and they have to get back to the the fields before too long cuz otherwise the fields before too long cuz otherwise the fields before too long cuz otherwise you face a famine if they're not there you face a famine if they're not there you face a famine if they're not there to harvest the wheat so they never have to harvest the wheat so they never have to harvest the wheat so they never have time to get really good there's also a time to get really good there's also a time to get really good there's also a difference between militia armies difference between militia armies difference between militia armies fighting in the age of missile weapons fighting in the age of missile weapons fighting in the age of missile weapons being the dominant sort of weapon versus being the dominant sort of weapon versus being the dominant sort of weapon versus the kind of fighting that they're going the kind of fighting that they're going the kind of fighting that they're going to do at the Battle of Malden many to do at the Battle of Malden many to do at the Battle of Malden many countries the United States is a perfect countries the United States is a perfect countries the United States is a perfect example celebrate our early militias

example celebrate our early militias example celebrate our early militias right we had a group of people known as right we had a group of people known as right we had a group of people known as the Minutemen in Revol ution AR War the Minutemen in Revol ution AR War the Minutemen in Revol ution AR War American history guys who would keep a American history guys who would keep a American history guys who would keep a musket over the fireplace and if a guy musket over the fireplace and if a guy musket over the fireplace and if a guy like Paul River and he probably didn't like Paul River and he probably didn't like Paul River and he probably didn't do this quite the way it was suggested do this quite the way it was suggested do this quite the way it was suggested but if he sits up there in the you know but if he sits up there in the you know but if he sits up there in the you know North Church Tower and says the British North Church Tower and says the British North Church Tower and says the British are coming the British are coming are coming the British are coming are coming the British are coming everybody grabs the musket off the you everybody grabs the musket off the you everybody grabs the musket off the you know mantle of the fireplace runs out know mantle of the fireplace runs out know mantle of the fireplace runs out into the field lines up next to your into the field lines up next to your into the field lines up next to your neighbor and shoots at the Red Coats 50 neighbor and shoots at the Red Coats 50 neighbor and shoots at the Red Coats 50 or 100 yards away with a musket that is or 100 yards away with a musket that is or 100 yards away with a musket that is a very different thing to what the fear a very different thing to what the fear a very different thing to what the fear has to do against the Vikings there is has to do against the Vikings there is has to do against the Vikings there is no countering a musket ball in the air I no countering a musket ball in the air I no countering a musket ball in the air I mean one of the reasons that people used mean one of the reasons that people used mean one of the reasons that people used crossbows in an era where a longbow was crossbows in an era where a longbow was crossbows in an era where a longbow was a much better weapon is it takes a long a much better weapon is it takes a long a much better weapon is it takes a long time to learn how to use a longbow well time to learn how to use a longbow well time to learn how to use a longbow well you can teach a person how to use a you can teach a person how to use a you can teach a person how to use a crossbow in an afternoon and there's no crossbow in an afternoon and there's no crossbow in an afternoon and there's no defense right you can't these aren't defense right you can't these aren't defense right you can't these aren't like movies with Shaolin priests who are like movies with Shaolin priests who are like movies with Shaolin priests who are who are knocking away arrows and who are knocking away arrows and who are knocking away arrows and quarrels with their hands you shoot them quarrels with their hands you shoot them quarrels with their hands you shoot them they're in they're in they're in trouble but this is like fighting trouble but this is like fighting trouble but this is like fighting somebody in an MMA fight if you have to somebody in an MMA fight if you have to somebody in an MMA fight if you have to walk up as a member of the fur and you walk up as a member of the fur and you walk up as a member of the fur and you know launch your spear at a viking from know launch your spear at a viking from know launch your spear at a viking from close range well they can counter that close range well they can counter that close range well they can counter that can't they they can Parry it they can can't they they can Parry it they can can't they they can Parry it they can duck there's acrobatics there's moves duck there's acrobatics there's moves duck there's acrobatics there's moves there's counter moves it's a very there's counter moves it's a very there's counter moves it's a very different sort of different sort of different sort of situation you're going into your first situation you're going into your first situation you're going into your first MMA fight and you're fighting people who MMA fight and you're fighting people who MMA fight and you're fighting people who are experienced in the octagon it's a are experienced in the octagon it's a are experienced in the octagon it's a whole different story and it is very

whole different story and it is very whole different story and it is very scary and very intimidating scary and very intimidating scary and very intimidating and um the historian I was reading and um the historian I was reading and um the historian I was reading toriia in his book The Wolf age points toriia in his book The Wolf age points toriia in his book The Wolf age points out that according to the Anglo-Saxon out that according to the Anglo-Saxon out that according to the Anglo-Saxon chronical before some of these battles chronical before some of these battles chronical before some of these battles that the Anglo-Saxons fought with the that the Anglo-Saxons fought with the that the Anglo-Saxons fought with the Vikings some of the leaders Vikings some of the leaders Vikings some of the leaders were vomiting and the implication is were vomiting and the implication is were vomiting and the implication is they're vomiting because they're they're vomiting because they're they're vomiting because they're scared and in the wolf age tayia writes scared and in the wolf age tayia writes scared and in the wolf age tayia writes quote the nervous tension during the quote the nervous tension during the quote the nervous tension during the preparations could be unbearable this is preparations could be unbearable this is preparations could be unbearable this is something never disclosed in the heroic something never disclosed in the heroic something never disclosed in the heroic scalc poems but which shines through in scalc poems but which shines through in scalc poems but which shines through in the more downto Earth Anglo-Saxon the more downto Earth Anglo-Saxon the more downto Earth Anglo-Saxon sources in the tense and oppressive sources in the tense and oppressive sources in the tense and oppressive atmosphere before battle the men found atmosphere before battle the men found atmosphere before battle the men found an outlet for their anxiety through an outlet for their anxiety through an outlet for their anxiety through aggressive and obscene shouting wild aggressive and obscene shouting wild aggressive and obscene shouting wild battle cries he writes and primitive battle cries he writes and primitive battle cries he writes and primitive howling could be heard across the plain howling could be heard across the plain howling could be heard across the plain as the men of both sides shook their as the men of both sides shook their as the men of both sides shook their Quivers and raised their Spears to the Quivers and raised their Spears to the Quivers and raised their Spears to the sky the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells of sky the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells of sky the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle tells of an alderman who who had led an Army in a an alderman who who had led an Army in a an alderman who who had led an Army in a previous fight against the Danes who previous fight against the Danes who previous fight against the Danes who were so nervous before the battle that were so nervous before the battle that were so nervous before the battle that he began to vomit in front of his men he began to vomit in front of his men he began to vomit in front of his men his people consequently refused to fight his people consequently refused to fight his people consequently refused to fight and the Army then disbanded end and the Army then disbanded end and the Army then disbanded end quote I actually went up and looked up quote I actually went up and looked up quote I actually went up and looked up that entry in my copy of the Anglo-Saxon that entry in my copy of the Anglo-Saxon that entry in my copy of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Chronicle and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Chronicle and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle makes it sound like that guy was faking makes it sound like that guy was faking makes it sound like that guy was faking it CU he was working with the Vikings so it CU he was working with the Vikings so it CU he was working with the Vikings so you never know but the thing to remember you never know but the thing to remember you never know but the thing to remember when these two sides come to grips at

when these two sides come to grips at when these two sides come to grips at the batttle of Malden is that they're the batttle of Malden is that they're the batttle of Malden is that they're basically very similar armies in terms basically very similar armies in terms basically very similar armies in terms of how they fight they're armed of how they fight they're armed of how they fight they're armed basically the same they're armored basically the same they're armored basically the same they're armored basically the same their numbers are basically the same their numbers are basically the same their numbers are probably close there is no Cavalry on probably close there is no Cavalry on probably close there is no Cavalry on either side there is no complicated either side there is no complicated either side there is no complicated tactical Maneuvers involved and we had tactical Maneuvers involved and we had tactical Maneuvers involved and we had said in part one that when all of those said in part one that when all of those said in part one that when all of those factors are equal whatever factors that factors are equal whatever factors that factors are equal whatever factors that differentiate between the two forces are differentiate between the two forces are differentiate between the two forces are left are exalted so if one side is much left are exalted so if one side is much left are exalted so if one side is much more experienced than the other or has more experienced than the other or has more experienced than the other or has much higher morale these become much higher morale these become much higher morale these become determining determining determining factors and if breett Noth commanding factors and if breett Noth commanding factors and if breett Noth commanding the Anglo-Saxons literally has to tell the Anglo-Saxons literally has to tell the Anglo-Saxons literally has to tell his people how to hold their shields in his people how to hold their shields in his people how to hold their shields in the hour before they're expected to do the hour before they're expected to do the hour before they're expected to do so that's not a good sign in addition so that's not a good sign in addition so that's not a good sign in addition there is as we said earlier this there is as we said earlier this there is as we said earlier this tendency in this time tendency in this time tendency in this time period for the people who win these period for the people who win these period for the people who win these battles to be the de side that doesn't battles to be the de side that doesn't battles to be the de side that doesn't run run run away if you look at runic inscriptions away if you look at runic inscriptions away if you look at runic inscriptions on a lot of run stones in Scandinavia on a lot of run stones in Scandinavia on a lot of run stones in Scandinavia during this period when they're trying during this period when they're trying during this period when they're trying to exalt the reputation of a warrior to exalt the reputation of a warrior to exalt the reputation of a warrior they will say he fled not he didn't run they will say he fled not he didn't run they will say he fled not he didn't run away and if one side runs away before away and if one side runs away before away and if one side runs away before the other side does that becomes the the other side does that becomes the the other side does that becomes the determining reason the battle's lost and determining reason the battle's lost and determining reason the battle's lost and the reason it matters in these battles the reason it matters in these battles the reason it matters in these battles is because that's what's going to happen is because that's what's going to happen is because that's what's going to happen so often in these battles

so often in these battles so often in these battles and the people that run away first are and the people that run away first are and the people that run away first are usually going to be the second stringers usually going to be the second stringers usually going to be the second stringers on the Anglo-Saxon on the Anglo-Saxon on the Anglo-Saxon side according to the poem The Battle of side according to the poem The Battle of side according to the poem The Battle of Malden things start off with a viking Malden things start off with a viking Malden things start off with a viking Herald showing up and basically saying Herald showing up and basically saying Herald showing up and basically saying to the English or the Anglo-Saxons to the English or the Anglo-Saxons to the English or the Anglo-Saxons whichever term is more proper during whichever term is more proper during whichever term is more proper during this time period we're in a sort of a this time period we're in a sort of a this time period we're in a sort of a transition period he basically says to transition period he basically says to transition period he basically says to them listen I bring the message for the them listen I bring the message for the them listen I bring the message for the from the Viking guys and this is what from the Viking guys and this is what from the Viking guys and this is what they need to let you live and from the they need to let you live and from the they need to let you live and from the Battle of Malden the poem written soon Battle of Malden the poem written soon Battle of Malden the poem written soon after the affair I'm using a translation after the affair I'm using a translation after the affair I'm using a translation I found online that I really like from I found online that I really like from I found online that I really like from Dr Aaron K Dr Aaron K Dr Aaron K Hoster and from the middle of the piece Hoster and from the middle of the piece Hoster and from the middle of the piece he talks about the heral showing up and he talks about the heral showing up and he talks about the heral showing up and says quote then one stood on the shore says quote then one stood on the shore says quote then one stood on the shore sternly calling out a viking heral sternly calling out a viking heral sternly calling out a viking heral conversing in many words he delivered in conversing in many words he delivered in conversing in many words he delivered in a VA the message of the brim Sailors to a VA the message of the brim Sailors to a VA the message of the brim Sailors to that nobleman where he stood on the that nobleman where he stood on the that nobleman where he stood on the riverbank end quote and he's talking riverbank end quote and he's talking riverbank end quote and he's talking about breth right the commander of the about breth right the commander of the about breth right the commander of the Anglo-Saxons the Herold says quote they Anglo-Saxons the Herold says quote they Anglo-Saxons the Herold says quote they have sent me to you the Hardy seamen have sent me to you the Hardy seamen have sent me to you the Hardy seamen they bid you to be informed that you they bid you to be informed that you they bid you to be informed that you must quickly send rings in exchange for must quickly send rings in exchange for must quickly send rings in exchange for protection rings by the way means wealth protection rings by the way means wealth protection rings by the way means wealth and it would be better for you to buy and it would be better for you to buy and it would be better for you to buy off with tribute this storm of Spears off with tribute this storm of Spears off with tribute this storm of Spears otherwise we should deal in such a hard otherwise we should deal in such a hard otherwise we should deal in such a hard battle we needn't destroy ourselves if battle we needn't destroy ourselves if battle we needn't destroy ourselves if you are sufficiently rich we wish to you are sufficiently rich we wish to you are sufficiently rich we wish to establish a safeguard in exchange for

establish a safeguard in exchange for establish a safeguard in exchange for gold if you decide this you who are most gold if you decide this you who are most gold if you decide this you who are most powerful here and you wish to Ransom powerful here and you wish to Ransom powerful here and you wish to Ransom your people and give to the seam men your people and give to the seam men your people and give to the seam men according to their own discretion money according to their own discretion money according to their own discretion money in exchange for peace and take a truce in exchange for peace and take a truce in exchange for peace and take a truce at our hands we will go back to our at our hands we will go back to our at our hands we will go back to our ships with our payment and sail away ships with our payment and sail away ships with our payment and sail away holding the peace with you end holding the peace with you end holding the peace with you end quote that's not why this breath no is quote that's not why this breath no is quote that's not why this breath no is here though his job is to confront these here though his job is to confront these here though his job is to confront these people and the PO has him saying quote people and the PO has him saying quote people and the PO has him saying quote breth spoke back raising up his shield breth spoke back raising up his shield breth spoke back raising up his shield waving his slender spear speaking in waving his slender spear speaking in waving his slender spear speaking in words angry and Resolute giving them words angry and Resolute giving them words angry and Resolute giving them answer now he's speaking quote have you answer now he's speaking quote have you answer now he's speaking quote have you heard sailor what these people say they heard sailor what these people say they heard sailor what these people say they wish to give you Spears as tribute the wish to give you Spears as tribute the wish to give you Spears as tribute the poisonous points and ancient swords this poisonous points and ancient swords this poisonous points and ancient swords this tackle of War will do you no good in tackle of War will do you no good in tackle of War will do you no good in battle heral of the brim men deliver battle heral of the brim men deliver battle heral of the brim men deliver this again say unto to your people a this again say unto to your people a this again say unto to your people a more unpleasant report here stands with more unpleasant report here stands with more unpleasant report here stands with his troops a renowned Earl who wishes to his troops a renowned Earl who wishes to his troops a renowned Earl who wishes to defend this Homeland the country of Eed defend this Homeland the country of Eed defend this Homeland the country of Eed my own Lord and his citizens and my own Lord and his citizens and my own Lord and his citizens and territory the heathens Shall Perish in territory the heathens Shall Perish in territory the heathens Shall Perish in battle it seems a humiliation to let you battle it seems a humiliation to let you battle it seems a humiliation to let you go to your ships with our Treasures go to your ships with our Treasures go to your ships with our Treasures unfought now you have come thus far into unfought now you have come thus far into unfought now you have come thus far into our country you must not get our gold so our country you must not get our gold so our country you must not get our gold so softly points and edges must reconcile softly points and edges must reconcile softly points and edges must reconcile us first a Grim War playing before we us first a Grim War playing before we us first a Grim War playing before we give you any tribute end

give you any tribute end give you any tribute end quote so what happens in the battle is quote so what happens in the battle is quote so what happens in the battle is very interesting the island that the very interesting the island that the very interesting the island that the Scandinavians the Danes here have camped Scandinavians the Danes here have camped Scandinavians the Danes here have camped out on is connected to the mainland by a out on is connected to the mainland by a out on is connected to the mainland by a small narrow Causeway right a path and small narrow Causeway right a path and small narrow Causeway right a path and this path is submerged except at low this path is submerged except at low this path is submerged except at low tide so at low tide it appears and the tide so at low tide it appears and the tide so at low tide it appears and the Scandinavians cross but they're only you Scandinavians cross but they're only you Scandinavians cross but they're only you know a narrow width in which to cross know a narrow width in which to cross know a narrow width in which to cross and there's several anglosaxon THS and there's several anglosaxon THS and there's several anglosaxon THS blocking the way and they're able to blocking the way and they're able to blocking the way and they're able to keep the Vikings pinned up on this small keep the Vikings pinned up on this small keep the Vikings pinned up on this small island so the Vikings say to the island so the Vikings say to the island so the Vikings say to the Anglo-Saxons let us have free passage Anglo-Saxons let us have free passage Anglo-Saxons let us have free passage across this path and let us set up across this path and let us set up across this path and let us set up fairly on the other side and then we'll fairly on the other side and then we'll fairly on the other side and then we'll have a battle and see who's better now have a battle and see who's better now have a battle and see who's better now think about this for a minute imagine think about this for a minute imagine think about this for a minute imagine the Spartans at the famous battle of the Spartans at the famous battle of the Spartans at the famous battle of thermopolymerization in in ancient Greek history the whole in in ancient Greek history the whole point was to choose a place where you point was to choose a place where you point was to choose a place where you could hold off a giant army with a small could hold off a giant army with a small could hold off a giant army with a small number of quality troops imagine the number of quality troops imagine the number of quality troops imagine the Persians saying to the Spartans this Persians saying to the Spartans this Persians saying to the Spartans this isn't fair you're able to block up our isn't fair you're able to block up our isn't fair you're able to block up our whole Army in this little past let's go whole Army in this little past let's go whole Army in this little past let's go out into a big field where we could both out into a big field where we could both out into a big field where we could both line up and settle at mono am mono right line up and settle at mono am mono right line up and settle at mono am mono right you know manto man the Spartans would you know manto man the Spartans would you know manto man the Spartans would laugh and say the reason we're here is laugh and say the reason we're here is laugh and say the reason we're here is we chose this spot because it's so we chose this spot because it's so we chose this spot because it's so narrow so what do you think the narrow so what do you think the narrow so what do you think the anglosaxon Earl or Alderman says to the anglosaxon Earl or Alderman says to the anglosaxon Earl or Alderman says to the Viking request that you let us set up Viking request that you let us set up Viking request that you let us set up fair and square on the other side he

fair and square on the other side he fair and square on the other side he says says says okay now the poem chastises Him for this okay now the poem chastises Him for this okay now the poem chastises Him for this and suggests that it's his overweening and suggests that it's his overweening and suggests that it's his overweening pride but there are other ways to look pride but there are other ways to look pride but there are other ways to look at this first of all in the Germanic at this first of all in the Germanic at this first of all in the Germanic tradition of warfare in the Early Middle tradition of warfare in the Early Middle tradition of warfare in the Early Middle Ages or what used to be called the Dark Ages or what used to be called the Dark Ages or what used to be called the Dark Ages they kind of do things this way the Ages they kind of do things this way the Ages they kind of do things this way the Vikings actually are supposed to fight Vikings actually are supposed to fight Vikings actually are supposed to fight some battles on what's called a Hazel some battles on what's called a Hazel some battles on what's called a Hazel field where they mark off the boundaries field where they mark off the boundaries field where they mark off the boundaries in advance so imagine it looking like a in advance so imagine it looking like a in advance so imagine it looking like a sporting event a football game or a sporting event a football game or a sporting event a football game or a soccer match where there's out of- soccer match where there's out of- soccer match where there's out of- bounds lines can't go out of bounds go bounds lines can't go out of bounds go bounds lines can't go out of bounds go out of bounds you can't come back onto out of bounds you can't come back onto out of bounds you can't come back onto the battlefield I mean that sounds crazy the battlefield I mean that sounds crazy the battlefield I mean that sounds crazy doesn't it but they fought that way and doesn't it but they fought that way and doesn't it but they fought that way and so it could have that factoring into the so it could have that factoring into the so it could have that factoring into the question of why breath Noth would allow question of why breath Noth would allow question of why breath Noth would allow the Vikings you know to to sort of set the Vikings you know to to sort of set the Vikings you know to to sort of set up free and clear and then we fight it up free and clear and then we fight it up free and clear and then we fight it out there's another theory too and that out there's another theory too and that out there's another theory too and that is that his job is to stop this hundred is that his job is to stop this hundred is that his job is to stop this hundred Longboat Fleet from going and raiding Longboat Fleet from going and raiding Longboat Fleet from going and raiding and killing and kidnapping local people and killing and kidnapping local people and killing and kidnapping local people right he's the Lord he's supposed to do right he's the Lord he's supposed to do right he's the Lord he's supposed to do this and if he doesn't fight them here this and if he doesn't fight them here this and if he doesn't fight them here if he says oh I'm not going to let you if he says oh I'm not going to let you if he says oh I'm not going to let you cross and they go fine then we're cross and they go fine then we're cross and they go fine then we're leaving well then they're gone they're leaving well then they're gone they're leaving well then they're gone they're going and doing all the things your job going and doing all the things your job going and doing all the things your job is to prevent them from doing so maybe is to prevent them from doing so maybe is to prevent them from doing so maybe better that you take your chances here better that you take your chances here better that you take your chances here and fight and fight and fight them but it doesn't go well and famously them but it doesn't go well and famously them but it doesn't go well and famously breath Noth and his loyal retainers will breath Noth and his loyal retainers will breath Noth and his loyal retainers will get chopped up dying to a man while some get chopped up dying to a man while some get chopped up dying to a man while some people flee the battle and the whole people flee the battle and the whole people flee the battle and the whole thing falls thing falls thing falls apart the Battle of Malden is

apart the Battle of Malden is apart the Battle of Malden is inexplicably decisive and I say inexplicably decisive and I say inexplicably decisive and I say inexplicably because as a modern person inexplicably because as a modern person inexplicably because as a modern person looking back on this it shouldn't have looking back on this it shouldn't have looking back on this it shouldn't have been so important right a locally raised been so important right a locally raised been so important right a locally raised Force commanded by a local you know Force commanded by a local you know Force commanded by a local you know Alderman with the local you know farmer Alderman with the local you know farmer Alderman with the local you know farmer class of people is defeated by Danish class of people is defeated by Danish class of people is defeated by Danish Raiders but we just got done talking Raiders but we just got done talking Raiders but we just got done talking about a prosperous un ified a populist about a prosperous un ified a populist about a prosperous un ified a populist realm Anglo-Saxon England is so go raise realm Anglo-Saxon England is so go raise realm Anglo-Saxon England is so go raise another Force right but this is part of another Force right but this is part of another Force right but this is part of what separates us from the people of the what separates us from the people of the what separates us from the people of the past what's that wonderful quote that past what's that wonderful quote that past what's that wonderful quote that you know the past is like another you know the past is like another you know the past is like another country they do things differently there country they do things differently there country they do things differently there when you look at why you're defeated when you look at why you're defeated when you look at why you're defeated modern people might come up with all modern people might come up with all modern people might come up with all kinds of theories you know there might kinds of theories you know there might kinds of theories you know there might not be any sort of unified ideas why a not be any sort of unified ideas why a not be any sort of unified ideas why a defeat happen some people might say well defeat happen some people might say well defeat happen some people might say well you know bad generalship others might you know bad generalship others might you know bad generalship others might say well the way that the military was say well the way that the military was say well the way that the military was organized in this case was ineffective organized in this case was ineffective organized in this case was ineffective in these circumstances others might say in these circumstances others might say in these circumstances others might say well you know bad reconnaissance bad well you know bad reconnaissance bad well you know bad reconnaissance bad information the troops on the ground information the troops on the ground information the troops on the ground were weary or overextended or you know were weary or overextended or you know were weary or overextended or you know inexperience there might be all kinds of inexperience there might be all kinds of inexperience there might be all kinds of reasons another reason you know with a reasons another reason you know with a reasons another reason you know with a segment in the modern world might segment in the modern world might segment in the modern world might actually look at it from a religious actually look at it from a religious actually look at it from a religious Viewpoint and say well you know Viewpoint and say well you know Viewpoint and say well you know everything happens because God wants it everything happens because God wants it everything happens because God wants it to happen that way and if we lost this to happen that way and if we lost this to happen that way and if we lost this battle it's because God wanted it that battle it's because God wanted it that battle it's because God wanted it that way right that might be a segment of the way right that might be a segment of the way right that might be a segment of the population too the difference between population too the difference between population too the difference between the now and the then though is in the the now and the then though is in the the now and the then though is in the Early Middle Ages the segment of the

Early Middle Ages the segment of the Early Middle Ages the segment of the population that would adopt that last population that would adopt that last population that would adopt that last reason for the loss right the the loss reason for the loss right the the loss reason for the loss right the the loss happened because God wanted it that way happened because God wanted it that way happened because God wanted it that way is going to be the overwhelming majority is going to be the overwhelming majority is going to be the overwhelming majority of of of people and that's a little hard for people and that's a little hard for people and that's a little hard for Western audiences now to get your mind Western audiences now to get your mind Western audiences now to get your mind around because think about how you around because think about how you around because think about how you diagram a military defeat right how you diagram a military defeat right how you diagram a military defeat right how you decide the defeat occurred determines decide the defeat occurred determines decide the defeat occurred determines what you're going to do to see that it what you're going to do to see that it what you're going to do to see that it doesn't happen again right if it's a bad doesn't happen again right if it's a bad doesn't happen again right if it's a bad General that caused the loss you get rid General that caused the loss you get rid General that caused the loss you get rid of the general the organization is the of the general the organization is the of the general the organization is the key issue that led to the defeat will key issue that led to the defeat will key issue that led to the defeat will you reorganize things but if God being you reorganize things but if God being you reorganize things but if God being angry with you is the reason you lost angry with you is the reason you lost angry with you is the reason you lost well then what you do to make sure you well then what you do to make sure you well then what you do to make sure you don't lose again is going to be a don't lose again is going to be a don't lose again is going to be a solution that's based in solution that's based in solution that's based in religion historian mark religion historian mark religion historian mark Morris in his book the Anglo-Saxons a Morris in his book the Anglo-Saxons a Morris in his book the Anglo-Saxons a history of the beginnings of England history of the beginnings of England history of the beginnings of England talks about the Battle of Malden and the talks about the Battle of Malden and the talks about the Battle of Malden and the loss there and how devastating it was loss there and how devastating it was loss there and how devastating it was and why it was so devastating and he and why it was so devastating and he and why it was so devastating and he writes quote defeat at Malden was a writes quote defeat at Malden was a writes quote defeat at Malden was a devastating blow to the English as much devastating blow to the English as much devastating blow to the English as much psychological as physical ever since the psychological as physical ever since the psychological as physical ever since the days of King Alfred their identity had days of King Alfred their identity had days of King Alfred their identity had been defined by military success against been defined by military success against been defined by military success against the Danes the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was the Danes the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was the Danes the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was a celebration of over A Century of a celebration of over A Century of a celebration of over A Century of Victories by Ethel Red's illustrious Victories by Ethel Red's illustrious Victories by Ethel Red's illustrious forebears and the King had recently forebears and the King had recently forebears and the King had recently reminded every one of those earlier reminded every one of those earlier reminded every one of those earlier glories by naming his firstborn son

glories by naming his firstborn son glories by naming his firstborn son Ethan the church Morris writes had been Ethan the church Morris writes had been Ethan the church Morris writes had been telling Englishmen that their success telling Englishmen that their success telling Englishmen that their success was due not to their prowess but due to was due not to their prowess but due to was due not to their prowess but due to their piety especially when it was their piety especially when it was their piety especially when it was expressed in the support of monastic expressed in the support of monastic expressed in the support of monastic reform things had improved greatly in reform things had improved greatly in reform things had improved greatly in King Edgar's Reign according to the King Edgar's Reign according to the King Edgar's Reign according to the chronicle chronicle chronicle because now quoting the chronicle quote because now quoting the chronicle quote because now quoting the chronicle quote he exalted God's praise far and wide and he exalted God's praise far and wide and he exalted God's praise far and wide and loved God's law end quot Morris loved God's law end quot Morris loved God's law end quot Morris continues the slaughter at Malden continues the slaughter at Malden continues the slaughter at Malden shattered that self-confidence and shattered that self-confidence and shattered that self-confidence and raised the troubling question of why God raised the troubling question of why God raised the troubling question of why God had allowed it to happen end had allowed it to happen end had allowed it to happen end quote now Ethel read the unready doesn't quote now Ethel read the unready doesn't quote now Ethel read the unready doesn't refer to the fact that he was unprepared refer to the fact that he was unprepared refer to the fact that he was unprepared it actually means that he was Ill it actually means that he was Ill it actually means that he was Ill counseled and Morris says it's a bit of counseled and Morris says it's a bit of counseled and Morris says it's a bit of a pun because Eed means Noble councel so a pun because Eed means Noble councel so a pun because Eed means Noble councel so his nickname kind of turns that on its his nickname kind of turns that on its his nickname kind of turns that on its head he's Noble counseled who's ill head he's Noble counseled who's ill head he's Noble counseled who's ill counseled and the counsel he receives counseled and the counsel he receives counseled and the counsel he receives after the battle of Malden is he should after the battle of Malden is he should after the battle of Malden is he should give these Danish Raiders what they give these Danish Raiders what they give these Danish Raiders what they asked for before the battle right what asked for before the battle right what asked for before the battle right what their heral said give us rings so Ethel their heral said give us rings so Ethel their heral said give us rings so Ethel red gives them the Rings which is the red gives them the Rings which is the red gives them the Rings which is the wealth and in this case it's 10,000 lb wealth and in this case it's 10,000 lb wealth and in this case it's 10,000 lb of of of silver this is considered to be the silver this is considered to be the silver this is considered to be the first of Ethel Red's payments that will first of Ethel Red's payments that will first of Ethel Red's payments that will eventually be called eventually be called eventually be called Danel and there is ample precedent

Danel and there is ample precedent Danel and there is ample precedent throughout the entire history of the throughout the entire history of the throughout the entire history of the Viking era for paying Vikings to leave Viking era for paying Vikings to leave Viking era for paying Vikings to leave you alone the problem that Ethel Red's you alone the problem that Ethel Red's you alone the problem that Ethel Red's going to have is that those earlier going to have is that those earlier going to have is that those earlier payments were always connected to trying payments were always connected to trying payments were always connected to trying to gain some time some breathing room to to gain some time some breathing room to to gain some time some breathing room to come up with a better solution so you come up with a better solution so you come up with a better solution so you didn't have to pay them forever eth didn't have to pay them forever eth didn't have to pay them forever eth Red's 10,000 lb of silver which seems Red's 10,000 lb of silver which seems Red's 10,000 lb of silver which seems like a lot of money in 991 992 is going like a lot of money in 991 992 is going like a lot of money in 991 992 is going to seem like nothing compared to the to seem like nothing compared to the to seem like nothing compared to the ever increasing amounts of money he's ever increasing amounts of money he's ever increasing amounts of money he's going to have to pay these people to going to have to pay these people to going to have to pay these people to leave his people alone to not kill Rob leave his people alone to not kill Rob leave his people alone to not kill Rob or kidnap his or kidnap his or kidnap his citizens in the middle 20th century heck citizens in the middle 20th century heck citizens in the middle 20th century heck even in the Middle Ages the critics of even in the Middle Ages the critics of even in the Middle Ages the critics of eth red suggested he had no better plan eth red suggested he had no better plan eth red suggested he had no better plan than to just keep paying people off but than to just keep paying people off but than to just keep paying people off but more modern historians point out Ethel more modern historians point out Ethel more modern historians point out Ethel red did try to do other things tried to red did try to do other things tried to red did try to do other things tried to build a couple of fleets a couple of build a couple of fleets a couple of build a couple of fleets a couple of times those fell through tried to solve times those fell through tried to solve times those fell through tried to solve the problem apparently with God and deal the problem apparently with God and deal the problem apparently with God and deal with some sorts of Reform and and tried with some sorts of Reform and and tried with some sorts of Reform and and tried to fix circumstances so that if God felt to fix circumstances so that if God felt to fix circumstances so that if God felt like the English needed to be punished like the English needed to be punished like the English needed to be punished maybe he wouldn't feel that they needed maybe he wouldn't feel that they needed maybe he wouldn't feel that they needed to be punished in the next battle that to be punished in the next battle that to be punished in the next battle that didn't didn't didn't work but giving the 10,000 lb of silver work but giving the 10,000 lb of silver work but giving the 10,000 lb of silver when he did in 991 when he did in 991 when he did in 991 992 is like putting out an open for 992 is like putting out an open for 992 is like putting out an open for business sign for pirates in the business sign for pirates in the business sign for pirates in the northern World it turns England into a northern World it turns England into a northern World it turns England into a kind of a Vortex a Whirlpool sucking in kind of a Vortex a Whirlpool sucking in kind of a Vortex a Whirlpool sucking in opportunists from the entire Viking

opportunists from the entire Viking opportunists from the entire Viking world and Beyond right there's a reason world and Beyond right there's a reason world and Beyond right there's a reason that you don't negotiate with terrorists that you don't negotiate with terrorists that you don't negotiate with terrorists supposedly right or you don't pay supposedly right or you don't pay supposedly right or you don't pay hostage takers to get the hostages back hostage takers to get the hostages back hostage takers to get the hostages back because you encourage more hostage because you encourage more hostage because you encourage more hostage taking and by by well 993 994 995 a taking and by by well 993 994 995 a taking and by by well 993 994 995 a couple of years after the battle of couple of years after the battle of couple of years after the battle of Malden the Anglo-Saxon realm is sucking Malden the Anglo-Saxon realm is sucking Malden the Anglo-Saxon realm is sucking in opportunists from not just Denmark in opportunists from not just Denmark in opportunists from not just Denmark and Norway and Sweden but people who and Norway and Sweden but people who and Norway and Sweden but people who aren't Scandinavian at all Kelts Frans aren't Scandinavian at all Kelts Frans aren't Scandinavian at all Kelts Frans Slavs even Russ adventurers from Eastern Slavs even Russ adventurers from Eastern Slavs even Russ adventurers from Eastern Europe I mean these armies operating in Europe I mean these armies operating in Europe I mean these armies operating in England after the battle of malen are England after the battle of malen are England after the battle of malen are multinational multiethnic forces and multinational multiethnic forces and multinational multiethnic forces and what they have in common is they're what they have in common is they're what they have in common is they're there to get some of the money that's there to get some of the money that's there to get some of the money that's being doled out to people you know to being doled out to people you know to being doled out to people you know to get them to stop doing exactly what get them to stop doing exactly what get them to stop doing exactly what they're they're they're doing it even sucks in some of the doing it even sucks in some of the doing it even sucks in some of the greatest Scandinavians of the age what greatest Scandinavians of the age what greatest Scandinavians of the age what do we call them the class of 960 I mean do we call them the class of 960 I mean do we call them the class of 960 I mean if Olaf trivison wasn't commanding at if Olaf trivison wasn't commanding at if Olaf trivison wasn't commanding at the Battle of Malden he's certainly the Battle of Malden he's certainly the Battle of Malden he's certainly there not that long afterwards and most there not that long afterwards and most there not that long afterwards and most historians believe that the money and historians believe that the money and historians believe that the money and the opportunity and the open for the opportunity and the open for the opportunity and the open for business sign for pirates you know the business sign for pirates you know the business sign for pirates you know the vortex sucks in Spain forkbeard from vortex sucks in Spain forkbeard from vortex sucks in Spain forkbeard from Denmark also and these two guys are Denmark also and these two guys are Denmark also and these two guys are operating together in England in the operating together in England in the operating together in England in the early 990s in a way that sort of reminds early 990s in a way that sort of reminds early 990s in a way that sort of reminds you of like a couple of action figures you of like a couple of action figures you of like a couple of action figures in an adventure movie together right in an adventure movie together right in an adventure movie together right Sylvester Stallone could play one of

Sylvester Stallone could play one of Sylvester Stallone could play one of these guys Arnold Schwarzenegger could these guys Arnold Schwarzenegger could these guys Arnold Schwarzenegger could play the other they're operating play the other they're operating play the other they're operating together they know each other one of the together they know each other one of the together they know each other one of the ideas that Ethel red apparently has to ideas that Ethel red apparently has to ideas that Ethel red apparently has to try to you know come up to some sort of try to you know come up to some sort of try to you know come up to some sort of long-term solution for this issue is to long-term solution for this issue is to long-term solution for this issue is to try to co-opt at least one of these guys try to co-opt at least one of these guys try to co-opt at least one of these guys and use him against the others and the and use him against the others and the and use him against the others and the one he chooses to co-opt apparently is one he chooses to co-opt apparently is one he chooses to co-opt apparently is Olaf trivison in like Olaf trivison in like Olaf trivison in like 994 Ethel red pays him even more money I 994 Ethel red pays him even more money I 994 Ethel red pays him even more money I mean it's more than double the 10,000 mean it's more than double the 10,000 mean it's more than double the 10,000 pounds of silver he treats him royally pounds of silver he treats him royally pounds of silver he treats him royally has him come to a meeting and he has him come to a meeting and he has him come to a meeting and he basically tries to do with Olaf basically tries to do with Olaf basically tries to do with Olaf according to a lot of the historians I according to a lot of the historians I according to a lot of the historians I was reading what the you know the realm was reading what the you know the realm was reading what the you know the realm in what's now modern-day France did with in what's now modern-day France did with in what's now modern-day France did with r right who created Normandy turn the r right who created Normandy turn the r right who created Normandy turn the poachers into gamekeepers if you don't poachers into gamekeepers if you don't poachers into gamekeepers if you don't have an army that can resist the have an army that can resist the have an army that can resist the Scandinavians buy one and Ethel red Scandinavians buy one and Ethel red Scandinavians buy one and Ethel red tries to buy Olaf and use him his troops tries to buy Olaf and use him his troops tries to buy Olaf and use him his troops and his Fleet to protect England from and his Fleet to protect England from and his Fleet to protect England from other people like him and of course as other people like him and of course as other people like him and of course as is usual with this sort of a deal he's is usual with this sort of a deal he's is usual with this sort of a deal he's supposed to convert to Christianity as supposed to convert to Christianity as supposed to convert to Christianity as part of the arrangement but most sources part of the arrangement but most sources part of the arrangement but most sources believe Olaf already was Christian so believe Olaf already was Christian so believe Olaf already was Christian so this may be like a second this may be like a second this may be like a second baptism and part of the deal is that baptism and part of the deal is that baptism and part of the deal is that Olaf will not come back to England as a Olaf will not come back to England as a Olaf will not come back to England as a hostile and he apparently keeps this hostile and he apparently keeps this hostile and he apparently keeps this deal and in fact his troops may stay to deal and in fact his troops may stay to deal and in fact his troops may stay to fight for Ethel red and the Anglo-Saxons

fight for Ethel red and the Anglo-Saxons fight for Ethel red and the Anglo-Saxons in England but Olaf leaves in like in England but Olaf leaves in like in England but Olaf leaves in like 995 goes back to Norway apparently 995 goes back to Norway apparently 995 goes back to Norway apparently converts a bunch of this money he made converts a bunch of this money he made converts a bunch of this money he made you know in England when the open for you know in England when the open for you know in England when the open for business for pirates sign was out hires business for pirates sign was out hires business for pirates sign was out hires mercenaries and troops goes back to mercenaries and troops goes back to mercenaries and troops goes back to Norway and takes over there and becomes Norway and takes over there and becomes Norway and takes over there and becomes the king of Norway in like the king of Norway in like the king of Norway in like 995 and when he does he does so as a 995 and when he does he does so as a 995 and when he does he does so as a Christian and as somebody who is not Christian and as somebody who is not Christian and as somebody who is not going to allow the people of Norway the going to allow the people of Norway the going to allow the people of Norway the option of continuing to worship the old option of continuing to worship the old option of continuing to worship the old gods right he's not going to like hack gods right he's not going to like hack gods right he's not going to like hack on the good on the good on the good ask them or hope that they convert to ask them or hope that they convert to ask them or hope that they convert to Christianity he's going to act more like Christianity he's going to act more like Christianity he's going to act more like the the the predecessor Harold greoak right the guy predecessor Harold greoak right the guy predecessor Harold greoak right the guy who started to try to convert Norway by who started to try to convert Norway by who started to try to convert Norway by force before Herold Bluetooth killed him force before Herold Bluetooth killed him force before Herold Bluetooth killed him well he comes back to Norway and follows well he comes back to Norway and follows well he comes back to Norway and follows that strategy on that strategy on that strategy on steroids if you read the sagas of snor steroids if you read the sagas of snor steroids if you read the sagas of snor steron and I use the earling Monson steron and I use the earling Monson steron and I use the earling Monson translation as I've said uh before and translation as I've said uh before and translation as I've said uh before and remember snor is writing several hundred remember snor is writing several hundred remember snor is writing several hundred years later but he's utilizing oral years later but he's utilizing oral years later but he's utilizing oral histories um poems sagas all kinds of histories um poems sagas all kinds of histories um poems sagas all kinds of things that he knows by heart and some things that he knows by heart and some things that he knows by heart and some of those things may have been locked in of those things may have been locked in of those things may have been locked in verse in a way that prevents the verse in a way that prevents the verse in a way that prevents the telephone game sort of phenomenon from

telephone game sort of phenomenon from telephone game sort of phenomenon from destroying the information right so if destroying the information right so if destroying the information right so if you have a rap song and everything in it you have a rap song and everything in it you have a rap song and everything in it Rhymes you can't change some of the Rhymes you can't change some of the Rhymes you can't change some of the words without the Rhymes being ruined so words without the Rhymes being ruined so words without the Rhymes being ruined so maybe snor had some of that going for maybe snor had some of that going for maybe snor had some of that going for him but if you read the heimes kringler him but if you read the heimes kringler him but if you read the heimes kringler his most famous work the chapter on Olaf his most famous work the chapter on Olaf his most famous work the chapter on Olaf Trigon who will become known as Olaf the Trigon who will become known as Olaf the Trigon who will become known as Olaf the first in Norwegian history is maybe the first in Norwegian history is maybe the first in Norwegian history is maybe the best chapter in the whole work the best best chapter in the whole work the best best chapter in the whole work the best Saga in the in the entire Hees kringla Saga in the in the entire Hees kringla Saga in the in the entire Hees kringla cuz trigon's an amazing guy first of all cuz trigon's an amazing guy first of all cuz trigon's an amazing guy first of all let's start with him what he's like I let's start with him what he's like I let's start with him what he's like I mean we already talked about the fact mean we already talked about the fact mean we already talked about the fact that he's all over the Viking world he that he's all over the Viking world he that he's all over the Viking world he seems to go from one end of it to seems to go from one end of it to seems to go from one end of it to another his mother was moving him around another his mother was moving him around another his mother was moving him around when he was a little kid to keep him when he was a little kid to keep him when he was a little kid to keep him alive he was taken into slavery as we alive he was taken into slavery as we alive he was taken into slavery as we said at one point in his life but he's a said at one point in his life but he's a said at one point in his life but he's a physical specimen according to snor if physical specimen according to snor if physical specimen according to snor if there was a an Olympics with a category there was a an Olympics with a category there was a an Olympics with a category for Vikings he would be a Gold Medal for Vikings he would be a Gold Medal for Vikings he would be a Gold Medal winner he has this quality that you'll winner he has this quality that you'll winner he has this quality that you'll see other um unbelievably athletic see other um unbelievably athletic see other um unbelievably athletic formidable Vikings are also supposed to formidable Vikings are also supposed to formidable Vikings are also supposed to be able to do this but only the best he be able to do this but only the best he be able to do this but only the best he can apparently throw a spear with his can apparently throw a spear with his can apparently throw a spear with his left hand and his right hand left hand and his right hand left hand and his right hand simultaneously accurate L and with great simultaneously accurate L and with great simultaneously accurate L and with great power so he's like a repeating rifle for power so he's like a repeating rifle for power so he's like a repeating rifle for spear throwing and you win the gold spear throwing and you win the gold spear throwing and you win the gold medal at the Viking Olympics just for medal at the Viking Olympics just for medal at the Viking Olympics just for that he also is supposed to have one of that he also is supposed to have one of that he also is supposed to have one of the great tempers of all time and the the great tempers of all time and the the great tempers of all time and the thing about reading snor sagas is thing about reading snor sagas is thing about reading snor sagas is they're almost too perfect there're so they're almost too perfect there're so they're almost too perfect there're so much like Greek tragedies you know where

much like Greek tragedies you know where much like Greek tragedies you know where the cause and effect in this guy's life the cause and effect in this guy's life the cause and effect in this guy's life adds up so perfectly to his fate right adds up so perfectly to his fate right adds up so perfectly to his fate right it looks like a Lego like construction it looks like a Lego like construction it looks like a Lego like construction and you know the wrathful temper and the and you know the wrathful temper and the and you know the wrathful temper and the various things that he does so you know various things that he does so you know various things that he does so you know 1 plus one equals 2 leads to the outcome 1 plus one equals 2 leads to the outcome 1 plus one equals 2 leads to the outcome of his fate and sort of the the object of his fate and sort of the the object of his fate and sort of the the object lesson there it's like a Greek tragedy lesson there it's like a Greek tragedy lesson there it's like a Greek tragedy where the lead character is like where the lead character is like where the lead character is like Achilles and he's got a tragic flaw that Achilles and he's got a tragic flaw that Achilles and he's got a tragic flaw that eventually sinks him eventually sinks him eventually sinks him literally but in this case Olaf goes literally but in this case Olaf goes literally but in this case Olaf goes back to Norway and begins to convert the back to Norway and begins to convert the back to Norway and begins to convert the locals through violence and just as with locals through violence and just as with locals through violence and just as with all these other people you can't figure all these other people you can't figure all these other people you can't figure out how much of this is because he is a out how much of this is because he is a out how much of this is because he is a fervently believing Christian and how fervently believing Christian and how fervently believing Christian and how much of this is connected to the fact much of this is connected to the fact much of this is connected to the fact that Christianity supports a powerful that Christianity supports a powerful that Christianity supports a powerful kingship and he wants to be a powerful kingship and he wants to be a powerful kingship and he wants to be a powerful King so you can't figure out where one King so you can't figure out where one King so you can't figure out where one of these motivations ends and the other of these motivations ends and the other of these motivations ends and the other begins it does seem like when people begins it does seem like when people begins it does seem like when people won't convert to Christianity Olaf takes won't convert to Christianity Olaf takes won't convert to Christianity Olaf takes it personally like you don't want me to it personally like you don't want me to it personally like you don't want me to be the king and people suffer be the king and people suffer be the king and people suffer accordingly the story that snor tells of accordingly the story that snor tells of accordingly the story that snor tells of the kinds of suffering that Olaf the kinds of suffering that Olaf the kinds of suffering that Olaf inflicts upon these people are inflicts upon these people are inflicts upon these people are Draconian I mean the first thing that he Draconian I mean the first thing that he Draconian I mean the first thing that he does is he goes after all these people does is he goes after all these people does is he goes after all these people who sort of live in the magical world of who sort of live in the magical world of who sort of live in the magical world of the Norse reality right we talked about the Norse reality right we talked about the Norse reality right we talked about elves and dwarves and trolls and magic elves and dwarves and trolls and magic elves and dwarves and trolls and magic and all these kinds of things Olaf goes and all these kinds of things Olaf goes and all these kinds of things Olaf goes after these guys goes after Wizards snor

after these guys goes after Wizards snor after these guys goes after Wizards snor says and magicians and people that are says and magicians and people that are says and magicians and people that are called troll wise meaning you know called troll wise meaning you know called troll wise meaning you know people that are wise about troll and people that are wise about troll and people that are wise about troll and things like that I mean one story is things like that I mean one story is things like that I mean one story is that he he invites a bunch of them to a that he he invites a bunch of them to a that he he invites a bunch of them to a big Feast gets them all drunk and then big Feast gets them all drunk and then big Feast gets them all drunk and then burns the building down where he's he's burns the building down where he's he's burns the building down where he's he's hosting the hosting the hosting the feast he takes a bunch of these feast he takes a bunch of these feast he takes a bunch of these magicians that he finds and he Stakes magicians that he finds and he Stakes magicians that he finds and he Stakes them down in the sand off the coast of them down in the sand off the coast of them down in the sand off the coast of an island where at low tide uh the an island where at low tide uh the an island where at low tide uh the island appears you stake him down at low island appears you stake him down at low island appears you stake him down at low tide and wait for the tide to come in tide and wait for the tide to come in tide and wait for the tide to come in and drown them he has some people torn and drown them he has some people torn and drown them he has some people torn apart by dogs he has people thrown apart by dogs he has people thrown apart by dogs he has people thrown thrown off of high places snor tells a thrown off of high places snor tells a thrown off of high places snor tells a story of one guy that he uh had who story of one guy that he uh had who story of one guy that he uh had who wouldn't convert to Christianity so he wouldn't convert to Christianity so he wouldn't convert to Christianity so he had his underlings bring a bowl filled had his underlings bring a bowl filled had his underlings bring a bowl filled with glowing coals in and place the Bowl with glowing coals in and place the Bowl with glowing coals in and place the Bowl on this guy's stomach until his stomach on this guy's stomach until his stomach on this guy's stomach until his stomach exploded he sentenced another guy who exploded he sentenced another guy who exploded he sentenced another guy who wouldn't convert to Christianity to have wouldn't convert to Christianity to have wouldn't convert to Christianity to have his eyes ripped out so the handlers who his eyes ripped out so the handlers who his eyes ripped out so the handlers who were supposed to do this ripped out his were supposed to do this ripped out his were supposed to do this ripped out his first eye and the the victim handled it first eye and the the victim handled it first eye and the the victim handled it so well it intimidated the you know the so well it intimidated the you know the so well it intimidated the you know the Executioner guys who wouldn't rip the Executioner guys who wouldn't rip the Executioner guys who wouldn't rip the second one out they just didn't know how second one out they just didn't know how second one out they just didn't know how to handle a dude like to handle a dude like to handle a dude like that the most famous of the stories that the most famous of the stories that the most famous of the stories connected with Olaf though and what he connected with Olaf though and what he connected with Olaf though and what he did to people who wouldn't convert to did to people who wouldn't convert to did to people who wouldn't convert to Christianity involves the snake incident Christianity involves the snake incident Christianity involves the snake incident where he had one of these people um where he had one of these people um where he had one of these people um brought to him he had his mouth Pride brought to him he had his mouth Pride brought to him he had his mouth Pride open and they put like little sticks or open and they put like little sticks or open and they put like little sticks or something in the mouth to keep the guy

something in the mouth to keep the guy something in the mouth to keep the guy from closing his mouth and they put like from closing his mouth and they put like from closing his mouth and they put like a funnel type object in his mouth stuck a funnel type object in his mouth stuck a funnel type object in his mouth stuck a snake in one hand and burn the tail of a snake in one hand and burn the tail of a snake in one hand and burn the tail of the snake so the snake would Slither the snake so the snake would Slither the snake so the snake would Slither down this guy's throat into his stomach down this guy's throat into his stomach down this guy's throat into his stomach and the guy died as the snake tries to and the guy died as the snake tries to and the guy died as the snake tries to you know bite his way out of the guy's you know bite his way out of the guy's you know bite his way out of the guy's side Olaf is also someone who goes to side Olaf is also someone who goes to side Olaf is also someone who goes to the various temples dedicated to the the various temples dedicated to the the various temples dedicated to the traditional Germanic Gods right the traditional Germanic Gods right the traditional Germanic Gods right the AER and he visits one in sn's Saga where AER and he visits one in sn's Saga where AER and he visits one in sn's Saga where he goes to the temple and the local show he goes to the temple and the local show he goes to the temple and the local show up including the guy whose job is to up including the guy whose job is to up including the guy whose job is to sort of run and guard the temple and sort of run and guard the temple and sort of run and guard the temple and they show up out there and they they show up out there and they they show up out there and they basically beg Olaf to allow them to basically beg Olaf to allow them to basically beg Olaf to allow them to continue the ancient practices right to continue the ancient practices right to continue the ancient practices right to to continue to uphold the law is the way to continue to uphold the law is the way to continue to uphold the law is the way it's described and Olaf and his men it's described and Olaf and his men it's described and Olaf and his men listen to this pleading and turn around listen to this pleading and turn around listen to this pleading and turn around and in the temple are all these statues and in the temple are all these statues and in the temple are all these statues right Idols the the Christian Church right Idols the the Christian Church right Idols the the Christian Church would refer to them a statue of Thor a would refer to them a statue of Thor a would refer to them a statue of Thor a statue of Odin the statue of Frey or all statue of Odin the statue of Frey or all statue of Odin the statue of Frey or all the guys and Olaf Trigon takes his the guys and Olaf Trigon takes his the guys and Olaf Trigon takes his weapon and destroys the statue of Thor weapon and destroys the statue of Thor weapon and destroys the statue of Thor and his men then begin to destroy the and his men then begin to destroy the and his men then begin to destroy the statues of the other gods you can statues of the other gods you can statues of the other gods you can imagine how this must have horrified the imagine how this must have horrified the imagine how this must have horrified the faithful right the guy whose job it is faithful right the guy whose job it is faithful right the guy whose job it is to defend the temple is watching his new to defend the temple is watching his new to defend the temple is watching his new king destroy all the king destroy all the king destroy all the gods what's interesting about this gods what's interesting about this gods what's interesting about this though is there's a meaning to this it's though is there's a meaning to this it's though is there's a meaning to this it's sort of the reverse in a weird way of sort of the reverse in a weird way of sort of the reverse in a weird way of the story of how Harold Bluetooth in the story of how Harold Bluetooth in the story of how Harold Bluetooth in Denmark converts to Christianity

Denmark converts to Christianity Denmark converts to Christianity remember that one where the monk Papo remember that one where the monk Papo remember that one where the monk Papo agrees to carry the glowing you know agrees to carry the glowing you know agrees to carry the glowing you know piece of iron in his hands and the piece of iron in his hands and the piece of iron in his hands and the Christian God protects his hands from Christian God protects his hands from Christian God protects his hands from being burned this is like a weird Twist being burned this is like a weird Twist being burned this is like a weird Twist on that where Olaf trivison destroys the on that where Olaf trivison destroys the on that where Olaf trivison destroys the images of the Norse gods and nothing images of the Norse gods and nothing images of the Norse gods and nothing happens to him right what does that say happens to him right what does that say happens to him right what does that say to the followers when they watch you to the followers when they watch you to the followers when they watch you know Thor allow his statue to be know Thor allow his statue to be know Thor allow his statue to be destroyed and does nothing and then Olaf destroyed and does nothing and then Olaf destroyed and does nothing and then Olaf and his men kill the guy whose job it is and his men kill the guy whose job it is and his men kill the guy whose job it is to guard this Temple and and we're told to guard this Temple and and we're told to guard this Temple and and we're told that all the other men who showed up to that all the other men who showed up to that all the other men who showed up to defend Thor and Odin and the traditional defend Thor and Odin and the traditional defend Thor and Odin and the traditional ways and the law and they're all armed ways and the law and they're all armed ways and the law and they're all armed by the way meekly submit to Olaf at that by the way meekly submit to Olaf at that by the way meekly submit to Olaf at that point so you have this guy who's out point so you have this guy who's out point so you have this guy who's out there converting by force and there converting by force and there converting by force and intimidating the locals and there's a intimidating the locals and there's a intimidating the locals and there's a wonderful story snor tells it it may be wonderful story snor tells it it may be wonderful story snor tells it it may be my favorite story in the entire Saga but my favorite story in the entire Saga but my favorite story in the entire Saga but it sounds like the Norse gods if they it sounds like the Norse gods if they it sounds like the Norse gods if they didn't deal with Olaf the moment that didn't deal with Olaf the moment that didn't deal with Olaf the moment that he's destroying their stat choose decide he's destroying their stat choose decide he's destroying their stat choose decide to deal with him later their own way and to deal with him later their own way and to deal with him later their own way and snor tells the story and says that Olaf snor tells the story and says that Olaf snor tells the story and says that Olaf is holding a feast and everybody's is holding a feast and everybody's is holding a feast and everybody's having a good time and there's a man in having a good time and there's a man in having a good time and there's a man in the corner an old guy one eye a Gandalf the corner an old guy one eye a Gandalf the corner an old guy one eye a Gandalf style hat and he starts talking and style hat and he starts talking and style hat and he starts talking and regaling the room with spellbinding regaling the room with spellbinding regaling the room with spellbinding Tales he seems to know everything he can

Tales he seems to know everything he can Tales he seems to know everything he can tell you about things that happened long tell you about things that happened long tell you about things that happened long ago he can tell you you know who's ago he can tell you you know who's ago he can tell you you know who's buried under that great ancient mound in buried under that great ancient mound in buried under that great ancient mound in the distance and tell you all about him the distance and tell you all about him the distance and tell you all about him and when the party breaks up Olaf has and when the party breaks up Olaf has and when the party breaks up Olaf has this guy come with him to a private room this guy come with him to a private room this guy come with him to a private room and they talk and he's he can't stop and they talk and he's he can't stop and they talk and he's he can't stop talking to the guy he's so interesting talking to the guy he's so interesting talking to the guy he's so interesting and eventually Olaf's adviser has to say and eventually Olaf's adviser has to say and eventually Olaf's adviser has to say to the king listen you got to go to bed to the king listen you got to go to bed to the king listen you got to go to bed can't stay up all night talking to this can't stay up all night talking to this can't stay up all night talking to this guy you have to go to bed so he goes to guy you have to go to bed so he goes to guy you have to go to bed so he goes to bed and snor says he wakes up the next bed and snor says he wakes up the next bed and snor says he wakes up the next morning and says what happened to that morning and says what happened to that morning and says what happened to that guy and it turns out that after Olaf guy and it turns out that after Olaf guy and it turns out that after Olaf went to sleep this old old guy with the went to sleep this old old guy with the went to sleep this old old guy with the one eye and the hat went to the cooks one eye and the hat went to the cooks one eye and the hat went to the cooks who are preparing the next night's meal who are preparing the next night's meal who are preparing the next night's meal for the king and said to the cooks you for the king and said to the cooks you for the king and said to the cooks you can't give the king this food this way can't give the king this food this way can't give the king this food this way this isn't fit for a ruler like him and this isn't fit for a ruler like him and this isn't fit for a ruler like him and supposedly gives the cooks some really supposedly gives the cooks some really supposedly gives the cooks some really you know a couple of big slabs of good you know a couple of big slabs of good you know a couple of big slabs of good meat and says put this in the stew or meat and says put this in the stew or meat and says put this in the stew or whatever they're making and when Olaf whatever they're making and when Olaf whatever they're making and when Olaf hears that you can almost feel like the hears that you can almost feel like the hears that you can almost feel like the hair on the back of his neck must have hair on the back of his neck must have hair on the back of his neck must have stood up and he told the cooks to throw stood up and he told the cooks to throw stood up and he told the cooks to throw all out waste it all is what snor steron all out waste it all is what snor steron all out waste it all is what snor steron says he said because he thought that says he said because he thought that says he said because he thought that this was Odin and that Odin was going to this was Odin and that Odin was going to this was Odin and that Odin was going to poison him and this was how Odin gets poison him and this was how Odin gets poison him and this was how Odin gets back for all the things that Olaf was back for all the things that Olaf was back for all the things that Olaf was doing to the people that worshiped him doing to the people that worshiped him doing to the people that worshiped him and his son Thor and all the other gods and his son Thor and all the other gods and his son Thor and all the other gods in the pantheon of the in the pantheon of the in the pantheon of the iser surprisingly though it's not going iser surprisingly though it's not going iser surprisingly though it's not going to be the pagan gods though if you

to be the pagan gods though if you to be the pagan gods though if you believe snor steron that are responsible believe snor steron that are responsible believe snor steron that are responsible for Olaf trigon's fate but it's going to for Olaf trigon's fate but it's going to for Olaf trigon's fate but it's going to be another powerful Pagan who lives in be another powerful Pagan who lives in be another powerful Pagan who lives in the here and now her name is sigd the Hy the here and now her name is sigd the Hy the here and now her name is sigd the Hy sometimes called sigd the proud or sigd sometimes called sigd the proud or sigd sometimes called sigd the proud or sigd the strong snor steron says she's the the strong snor steron says she's the the strong snor steron says she's the queen of Sweden historians aren't sure queen of Sweden historians aren't sure queen of Sweden historians aren't sure she even she even she even existed and if she did she may not have existed and if she did she may not have existed and if she did she may not have been Scandinavian at all she may have been Scandinavian at all she may have been Scandinavian at all she may have been Slavic polish specifically so she's been Slavic polish specifically so she's been Slavic polish specifically so she's a rather hard to pin down a rather hard to pin down a rather hard to pin down figure she's also linked to the royal figure she's also linked to the royal figure she's also linked to the royal families of Sweden Norway and Denmark it families of Sweden Norway and Denmark it families of Sweden Norway and Denmark it seems like everyone wants to marry this seems like everyone wants to marry this seems like everyone wants to marry this woman or woman or woman or has the story that snor tells involves has the story that snor tells involves has the story that snor tells involves the moment that Olaf right the king of the moment that Olaf right the king of the moment that Olaf right the king of Norway now decides he wants to marry her Norway now decides he wants to marry her Norway now decides he wants to marry her and she seems good with it for a while and she seems good with it for a while and she seems good with it for a while until a huge sticking point develops in until a huge sticking point develops in until a huge sticking point develops in the relationship ship and snor steron the relationship ship and snor steron the relationship ship and snor steron describes it and I'm going to take the describes it and I'm going to take the describes it and I'm going to take the these and THS and those kinds of things these and THS and those kinds of things these and THS and those kinds of things out of my translation and just you know out of my translation and just you know out of my translation and just you know make it more the vernacular and put you make it more the vernacular and put you make it more the vernacular and put you and he and things like that in place but and he and things like that in place but and he and things like that in place but snor steron tells of Olaf and sigrid's snor steron tells of Olaf and sigrid's snor steron tells of Olaf and sigrid's conversations about getting married and conversations about getting married and conversations about getting married and how Olaf's temper gets the best of him how Olaf's temper gets the best of him how Olaf's temper gets the best of him in a way that might lead to his eventual in a way that might lead to his eventual in a way that might lead to his eventual fate and ster listen writes

fate and ster listen writes fate and ster listen writes quote early in the spring King Olaf went quote early in the spring King Olaf went quote early in the spring King Olaf went East to kingella to meet Queen sigd and East to kingella to meet Queen sigd and East to kingella to meet Queen sigd and when they met they spoke about the when they met they spoke about the when they met they spoke about the matter which had been discussed during matter which had been discussed during matter which had been discussed during the winter that they should be married the winter that they should be married the winter that they should be married and things were progressing well then and things were progressing well then and things were progressing well then King Olaf said that sigd should be King Olaf said that sigd should be King Olaf said that sigd should be baptized and take the true Faith she baptized and take the true Faith she baptized and take the true Faith she answered I will not go from the faith answered I will not go from the faith answered I will not go from the faith I've had before and my Kinsmen before me I've had before and my Kinsmen before me I've had before and my Kinsmen before me I will not say anything against you if I will not say anything against you if I will not say anything against you if you believe in the god that pleases you you believe in the god that pleases you you believe in the god that pleases you King Olaf snor says was very wroth King Olaf snor says was very wroth King Olaf snor says was very wroth meaning wrathful and answered hastily meaning wrathful and answered hastily meaning wrathful and answered hastily why should I wed you you Heathen why should I wed you you Heathen why should I wed you you Heathen and he struck her in the face with the and he struck her in the face with the and he struck her in the face with the glove he was holding in his hand after glove he was holding in his hand after glove he was holding in his hand after that he stood up and she likewise and that he stood up and she likewise and that he stood up and she likewise and sigd said this may well be your death sigd said this may well be your death sigd said this may well be your death and quote I've read other and quote I've read other and quote I've read other translations where she says you may have translations where she says you may have translations where she says you may have just killed yourself just killed yourself just killed yourself I read one that said you're I read one that said you're I read one that said you're finished but he has finished but he has finished but he has destroyed the images of whole pantheons destroyed the images of whole pantheons destroyed the images of whole pantheons of of of gods but according to sn's history this gods but according to sn's history this gods but according to sn's history this is where he messed with the wrong Pagan is where he messed with the wrong Pagan is where he messed with the wrong Pagan sigd the strong has powerful friends and sigd the strong has powerful friends and sigd the strong has powerful friends and Olaf's going to find Olaf's going to find Olaf's going to find out what it means when your wrathful out what it means when your wrathful out what it means when your wrathful anger makes enemies of

anger makes enemies of anger makes enemies of everyone now it seems everyone now it seems everyone now it seems incomprehensible that Olaf trivas incomprehensible that Olaf trivas incomprehensible that Olaf trivas wouldn't know that he was going to have wouldn't know that he was going to have wouldn't know that he was going to have all these enemies right when you're all these enemies right when you're all these enemies right when you're ripping people's eyes out and drowning ripping people's eyes out and drowning ripping people's eyes out and drowning troll wise Wizards and putting glowing troll wise Wizards and putting glowing troll wise Wizards and putting glowing coals on people's stomachs until they coals on people's stomachs until they coals on people's stomachs until they explode and destroying the statues of explode and destroying the statues of explode and destroying the statues of their gods I mean you're going to make their gods I mean you're going to make their gods I mean you're going to make enemies enemies enemies right but there are so many different right but there are so many different right but there are so many different ways that Olaf seem seems to be pissing ways that Olaf seem seems to be pissing ways that Olaf seem seems to be pissing people off that he seems to have a people off that he seems to have a people off that he seems to have a natural gift for it and he may be natural gift for it and he may be natural gift for it and he may be even being exploited by sort of a puppet even being exploited by sort of a puppet even being exploited by sort of a puppet master here right I mean Ethel R the master here right I mean Ethel R the master here right I mean Ethel R the unready the king of England May unready the king of England May unready the king of England May deliberately be trying to get these deliberately be trying to get these deliberately be trying to get these Scandinavian rulers angry with each Scandinavian rulers angry with each Scandinavian rulers angry with each other because if they're mad at each other because if they're mad at each other because if they're mad at each other and fighting amongst themselves other and fighting amongst themselves other and fighting amongst themselves well then they're less focused on well then they're less focused on well then they're less focused on fighting him right so one of the fighting him right so one of the fighting him right so one of the theories here is that eth read the theories here is that eth read the theories here is that eth read the unready liely tries to pay Olaf to kind unready liely tries to pay Olaf to kind unready liely tries to pay Olaf to kind of get mad and fight Spain forkbeard of get mad and fight Spain forkbeard of get mad and fight Spain forkbeard right so get sliced alone mad at Arnold right so get sliced alone mad at Arnold right so get sliced alone mad at Arnold Schwarzenegger get them at each other's Schwarzenegger get them at each other's Schwarzenegger get them at each other's throats so that might be one throats so that might be one throats so that might be one reason then as we said Olaf is pissing reason then as we said Olaf is pissing reason then as we said Olaf is pissing everybody off at home by being such a everybody off at home by being such a everybody off at home by being such a rough ruler that's another reason when rough ruler that's another reason when rough ruler that's another reason when he goes back to Norway he starts he goes back to Norway he starts he goes back to Norway he starts asserting control and authority over the asserting control and authority over the asserting control and authority over the parts of Norway that are traditionally parts of Norway that are traditionally parts of Norway that are traditionally claimed by the Danish King who in this claimed by the Danish King who in this claimed by the Danish King who in this case is now Spain forkbeard so that's case is now Spain forkbeard so that's case is now Spain forkbeard so that's not going to make him friendly with his not going to make him friendly with his not going to make him friendly with his old action hero old action hero old action hero buddy and then there's the

buddy and then there's the buddy and then there's the wonderful personal relationship aspect wonderful personal relationship aspect wonderful personal relationship aspect to this which you know is the most to this which you know is the most to this which you know is the most interesting from a Storyteller interesting from a Storyteller interesting from a Storyteller standpoint and it's not all made up I standpoint and it's not all made up I standpoint and it's not all made up I mean you're not trying to create mean you're not trying to create mean you're not trying to create something where there's a soap opera something where there's a soap opera something where there's a soap opera element to it that element exists all element to it that element exists all element to it that element exists all throughout history in the premodern age throughout history in the premodern age throughout history in the premodern age when royal families composed of people when royal families composed of people when royal families composed of people who thought they had blue blood and they who thought they had blue blood and they who thought they had blue blood and they intermarried with other royal families intermarried with other royal families intermarried with other royal families as a way to cement diplomatic as a way to cement diplomatic as a way to cement diplomatic relationships with each other which relationships with each other which relationships with each other which happens all over the world we look at happens all over the world we look at happens all over the world we look at the biblical era you know the times of the biblical era you know the times of the biblical era you know the times of Assyria and ancient Egypt and Babylonia Assyria and ancient Egypt and Babylonia Assyria and ancient Egypt and Babylonia all those places happened in China all those places happened in China all those places happened in China happened all over the world right you happened all over the world right you happened all over the world right you marry the King's sister to the king of marry the King's sister to the king of marry the King's sister to the king of another country and then we're buddies another country and then we're buddies another country and then we're buddies and brothers and all these kinds of and brothers and all these kinds of and brothers and all these kinds of things but this is what supposedly things but this is what supposedly things but this is what supposedly happens in Scandinavia now we have to happens in Scandinavia now we have to happens in Scandinavia now we have to make our disclaimers here because it all make our disclaimers here because it all make our disclaimers here because it all requires that Sig the h be a real person requires that Sig the h be a real person requires that Sig the h be a real person and she may not and she may not and she may not be now she also might be this as we said be now she also might be this as we said be now she also might be this as we said Slavic princess who is sometimes known Slavic princess who is sometimes known Slavic princess who is sometimes known as gild but it's also some historians as gild but it's also some historians as gild but it's also some historians think that gild and sigaret are the same think that gild and sigaret are the same think that gild and sigaret are the same person so this is how complicated they person so this is how complicated they person so this is how complicated they can get but if we assume that the sagas can get but if we assume that the sagas can get but if we assume that the sagas are correct and a lot of historians are are correct and a lot of historians are are correct and a lot of historians are willing to buy this there just isn't willing to buy this there just isn't willing to buy this there just isn't proof and that sigaret is real and that proof and that sigaret is real and that proof and that sigaret is real and that her life is real well Sig the hoty sigid her life is real well Sig the hoty sigid her life is real well Sig the hoty sigid the strong Sig she got a lot of names the strong Sig she got a lot of names the strong Sig she got a lot of names she is the axis upon which this whole

she is the axis upon which this whole she is the axis upon which this whole story story story revolves because when Olaf trivison revolves because when Olaf trivison revolves because when Olaf trivison decides he wants to marry her before he decides he wants to marry her before he decides he wants to marry her before he slaps her in the face she's already been slaps her in the face she's already been slaps her in the face she's already been the queen of Sweden and already married the queen of Sweden and already married the queen of Sweden and already married to the king of Sweden and has become the to the king of Sweden and has become the to the king of Sweden and has become the mother of the next king of mother of the next king of mother of the next king of Sweden when our Sylvester Stallone Sweden when our Sylvester Stallone Sweden when our Sylvester Stallone character slaps her in the face she ends character slaps her in the face she ends character slaps her in the face she ends up going and marrying our Arnold up going and marrying our Arnold up going and marrying our Arnold schwarzen character and becomes schwarzen character and becomes schwarzen character and becomes the wife of Spain forkbeard in the wife of Spain forkbeard in the wife of Spain forkbeard in Denmark while already being the mother Denmark while already being the mother Denmark while already being the mother of the new king of Sweden his name is of the new king of Sweden his name is of the new king of Sweden his name is and it's going to be shocking Olaf last and it's going to be shocking Olaf last and it's going to be shocking Olaf last name an English-speaking person would name an English-speaking person would name an English-speaking person would probably pronounce Scot cunning but if probably pronounce Scot cunning but if probably pronounce Scot cunning but if you listen to a Swede pronounce it it you listen to a Swede pronounce it it you listen to a Swede pronounce it it becomes the almost unpronouncable in becomes the almost unpronouncable in becomes the almost unpronouncable in English word h or English word h or English word h or Hunning so now you have this woman who Hunning so now you have this woman who Hunning so now you have this woman who hates Olaf's guts who may have said by hates Olaf's guts who may have said by hates Olaf's guts who may have said by slapping him he's basically forfeited slapping him he's basically forfeited slapping him he's basically forfeited his life and now she's connected to two his life and now she's connected to two his life and now she's connected to two of the people you know the king of of the people you know the king of of the people you know the king of Sweden and the king of Denmark who can Sweden and the king of Denmark who can Sweden and the king of Denmark who can make that promise a make that promise a make that promise a reality to make it even more wonderfully reality to make it even more wonderfully reality to make it even more wonderfully family oriented sounds like Olaf trivas family oriented sounds like Olaf trivas family oriented sounds like Olaf trivas in Norway when he can't marry Sig the in Norway when he can't marry Sig the in Norway when he can't marry Sig the hottie instead marries s for beard hottie instead marries s for beard hottie instead marries s for beard sister who is mad at her brother and my sister who is mad at her brother and my sister who is mad at her brother and my mother used to say that the missing 50% mother used to say that the missing 50% mother used to say that the missing 50% of the human population that is not

of the human population that is not of the human population that is not present in the most of human present in the most of human present in the most of human geopolitical history females are still a geopolitical history females are still a geopolitical history females are still a part of the story they're just acting in part of the story they're just acting in part of the story they're just acting in ways that don't get into the history ways that don't get into the history ways that don't get into the history books as much they're exerting their books as much they're exerting their books as much they're exerting their influence behind the scenes through a influence behind the scenes through a influence behind the scenes through a lot of the powerful people who do make lot of the powerful people who do make lot of the powerful people who do make the history books and According to snor the history books and According to snor the history books and According to snor steron which is not the greatest source steron which is not the greatest source steron which is not the greatest source of all time but the women in the story of all time but the women in the story of all time but the women in the story are driving everything and Olaf trigon's are driving everything and Olaf trigon's are driving everything and Olaf trigon's wife right Spain forkbeard sister is wife right Spain forkbeard sister is wife right Spain forkbeard sister is basically pushing him into war against basically pushing him into war against basically pushing him into war against her brother and sigd the hottie the now her brother and sigd the hottie the now her brother and sigd the hottie the now angry at her former angry at her former angry at her former Suitor and now married to the king of Suitor and now married to the king of Suitor and now married to the king of Denmark is pushing her husband to go Denmark is pushing her husband to go Denmark is pushing her husband to go after the guy who slapped her and is after the guy who slapped her and is after the guy who slapped her and is willing to sort of influence her son the willing to sort of influence her son the willing to sort of influence her son the king of Sweden to come along and help king of Sweden to come along and help king of Sweden to come along and help this is wonderful stuff from a this is wonderful stuff from a this is wonderful stuff from a storytelling point of view I mean if storytelling point of view I mean if storytelling point of view I mean if we're just sticking with the story I we're just sticking with the story I we're just sticking with the story I should probably mention one of my should probably mention one of my should probably mention one of my favorite cigar the hottie stories is favorite cigar the hottie stories is favorite cigar the hottie stories is when a bunch of people she thought when a bunch of people she thought when a bunch of people she thought weren't worth her time were trying to weren't worth her time were trying to weren't worth her time were trying to marry her right she wants to marry kings marry her right she wants to marry kings marry her right she wants to marry kings of Denmark Kings of Norway Kings of of Denmark Kings of Norway Kings of of Denmark Kings of Norway Kings of Sweden and she gets all these Petty Sweden and she gets all these Petty Sweden and she gets all these Petty Kings trying to marry her um snor steron Kings trying to marry her um snor steron Kings trying to marry her um snor steron says she eventually invites them all to says she eventually invites them all to says she eventually invites them all to come and sort of woo her at the same come and sort of woo her at the same come and sort of woo her at the same time all these people she thinks are time all these people she thinks are time all these people she thinks are beneath her she gets them all into one beneath her she gets them all into one beneath her she gets them all into one building at kind of like a feasting building at kind of like a feasting building at kind of like a feasting situation and then you know this is a situation and then you know this is a situation and then you know this is a very traditional Viking era way to kill very traditional Viking era way to kill very traditional Viking era way to kill people burns the building down and kills people burns the building down and kills people burns the building down and kills them all and then basically wipes her them all and then basically wipes her them all and then basically wipes her hands and says well that ought to keep

hands and says well that ought to keep hands and says well that ought to keep these Petty Kings from trying to become these Petty Kings from trying to become these Petty Kings from trying to become my my my husbands but when she marries people she husbands but when she marries people she husbands but when she marries people she marries the kings of Scandinavian marries the kings of Scandinavian marries the kings of Scandinavian countries and then she pushes them into countries and then she pushes them into countries and then she pushes them into these sorts of conflicts that put a sort these sorts of conflicts that put a sort these sorts of conflicts that put a sort of a personal relationship sort of touch of a personal relationship sort of touch of a personal relationship sort of touch on on on geopolitical you know occurrences and in geopolitical you know occurrences and in geopolitical you know occurrences and in the year 1000 traditionally she has her the year 1000 traditionally she has her the year 1000 traditionally she has her son the king of Sweden and her husband son the king of Sweden and her husband son the king of Sweden and her husband the king of Denmark Ally with some Earls the king of Denmark Ally with some Earls the king of Denmark Ally with some Earls in Norway that are also unhappy with in Norway that are also unhappy with in Norway that are also unhappy with Olaf trivas and those three or four Olaf trivas and those three or four Olaf trivas and those three or four entities in a in a circumstance that is entities in a in a circumstance that is entities in a in a circumstance that is not well understood known or recorded not well understood known or recorded not well understood known or recorded all you can say is they all you can say is they all you can say is they somehow Ambush Olaf trivas and his Fleet somehow Ambush Olaf trivas and his Fleet somehow Ambush Olaf trivas and his Fleet at sea somewhere in the Baltic and no at sea somewhere in the Baltic and no at sea somewhere in the Baltic and no one knows where the battle is known as one knows where the battle is known as one knows where the battle is known as the Battle of spa the Battle of SW the Battle of spa the Battle of SW the Battle of spa the Battle of SW Battle of spold there's a notot a lot of Battle of spold there's a notot a lot of Battle of spold there's a notot a lot of different ways you can pronounce this different ways you can pronounce this different ways you can pronounce this thing it is probably the most famous thing it is probably the most famous thing it is probably the most famous Viking sea Battle in all history if Viking sea Battle in all history if Viking sea Battle in all history if indeed we even refer to it as Viking indeed we even refer to it as Viking indeed we even refer to it as Viking because interestingly enough the king of because interestingly enough the king of because interestingly enough the king of Sweden who is leading part of the fleet Sweden who is leading part of the fleet Sweden who is leading part of the fleet the king of Denmark who is leading the king of Denmark who is leading the king of Denmark who is leading another part of the fleet and the king another part of the fleet and the king another part of the fleet and the king of Norway who is leading the fleet that of Norway who is leading the fleet that of Norway who is leading the fleet that they are fighting are all Christian by they are fighting are all Christian by they are fighting are all Christian by this time this time this time period also it seems like Olaf Trigon period also it seems like Olaf Trigon period also it seems like Olaf Trigon the king of Norway's Fleet is heavily

the king of Norway's Fleet is heavily the king of Norway's Fleet is heavily outnumbered multiple different outnumbered multiple different outnumbered multiple different Traditions agree that he has like 11 Traditions agree that he has like 11 Traditions agree that he has like 11 ships the Traditions all disagree on how ships the Traditions all disagree on how ships the Traditions all disagree on how many his enemies have but it is multiple many his enemies have but it is multiple many his enemies have but it is multiple times that 80 90 110 130 he is woefully times that 80 90 110 130 he is woefully times that 80 90 110 130 he is woefully outnumbered he has made maybe the outnumbered he has made maybe the outnumbered he has made maybe the greatest certainly the most famous greatest certainly the most famous greatest certainly the most famous Viking ship with him it's called The Viking ship with him it's called The Viking ship with him it's called The Long serpent in Long serpent in Long serpent in English it's a beautiful ship um lots of English it's a beautiful ship um lots of English it's a beautiful ship um lots of ores lots of people on board and this ores lots of people on board and this ores lots of people on board and this battle of spa that happens involves the battle of spa that happens involves the battle of spa that happens involves the traditional Viking approach to these traditional Viking approach to these traditional Viking approach to these Naval battles which is both sides sort Naval battles which is both sides sort Naval battles which is both sides sort of strapped these ships alongside each of strapped these ships alongside each of strapped these ships alongside each other with the biggest ships in the other with the biggest ships in the other with the biggest ships in the middle and then gets rid of the masts middle and then gets rid of the masts middle and then gets rid of the masts and all the things that would impede and all the things that would impede and all the things that would impede movement between these ships that are movement between these ships that are movement between these ships that are now strapped and and attached to each now strapped and and attached to each now strapped and and attached to each other and they create big fighting other and they create big fighting other and they create big fighting platforms and then have as close to a platforms and then have as close to a platforms and then have as close to a land battle as they can have on these land battle as they can have on these land battle as they can have on these floating Fort like floating Fort like floating Fort like platforms and the Battle of spala is platforms and the Battle of spala is platforms and the Battle of spala is supposed to be a hard fought Affair even supposed to be a hard fought Affair even supposed to be a hard fought Affair even though it's so one-sided and at the very though it's so one-sided and at the very though it's so one-sided and at the very end of it it's like a movie where the end of it it's like a movie where the end of it it's like a movie where the enemies of Olaf trivas have taken all enemies of Olaf trivas have taken all enemies of Olaf trivas have taken all the other boats by storm and then as the other boats by storm and then as the other boats by storm and then as they take each one they cut them apart they take each one they cut them apart they take each one they cut them apart and have them floating away and the last and have them floating away and the last and have them floating away and the last great battle is happening aboard the

great battle is happening aboard the great battle is happening aboard the long serpent the biggest of these ships long serpent the biggest of these ships long serpent the biggest of these ships and Olaf Trigon is fighting with his men and Olaf Trigon is fighting with his men and Olaf Trigon is fighting with his men and they're getting overwhelmed from all and they're getting overwhelmed from all and they're getting overwhelmed from all sides and eventually they're down to sides and eventually they're down to sides and eventually they're down to like the last few people and Olaf Trigon like the last few people and Olaf Trigon like the last few people and Olaf Trigon is supposed to be one of the last to be is supposed to be one of the last to be is supposed to be one of the last to be alive on the ship and before they can alive on the ship and before they can alive on the ship and before they can capture and kill him he turns around you capture and kill him he turns around you capture and kill him he turns around you know he's fought all the way from like know he's fought all the way from like know he's fought all the way from like the front of the ship to the very end the front of the ship to the very end the front of the ship to the very end the stern he turns around and in full the stern he turns around and in full the stern he turns around and in full armor dives off the back of the ship and armor dives off the back of the ship and armor dives off the back of the ship and sinks into the sinks into the sinks into the water well this is a spectacularly water well this is a spectacularly water well this is a spectacularly cinematic death for a pagan Viking cinematic death for a pagan Viking cinematic death for a pagan Viking ruler if you are making a movie that ruler if you are making a movie that ruler if you are making a movie that contains Vikings it is a mortal sin in contains Vikings it is a mortal sin in contains Vikings it is a mortal sin in this time in place for a Christian and this time in place for a Christian and this time in place for a Christian and it is a reminder that this period around it is a reminder that this period around it is a reminder that this period around 1000 when the pivotal Battle of swal or 1000 when the pivotal Battle of swal or 1000 when the pivotal Battle of swal or spold or swolder or swolder whichever spold or swolder or swolder whichever spold or swolder or swolder whichever pronunciation you prefer happens between pronunciation you prefer happens between pronunciation you prefer happens between the earlier era of Thor and Odin and the earlier era of Thor and Odin and the earlier era of Thor and Odin and blood sacrifices and the era to come blood sacrifices and the era to come blood sacrifices and the era to come where the so-called white Christ is the where the so-called white Christ is the where the so-called white Christ is the focus of worship and focus of worship and focus of worship and devotion and maybe a god like Olaf is devotion and maybe a god like Olaf is devotion and maybe a god like Olaf is given a sort of Eternal get your soul given a sort of Eternal get your soul given a sort of Eternal get your soul out of jail free card because he was out of jail free card because he was out of jail free card because he was born in one system and died in another born in one system and died in another born in one system and died in another there certainly must have been some there certainly must have been some there certainly must have been some great satisfaction in being able to deny

great satisfaction in being able to deny great satisfaction in being able to deny your former action hero buddy the your former action hero buddy the your former action hero buddy the pleasure of separating your head from pleasure of separating your head from pleasure of separating your head from your body but this person that Gwen your body but this person that Gwen your body but this person that Gwen Jones called as we said the greatest Jones called as we said the greatest Jones called as we said the greatest most spectacular Viking of his age is most spectacular Viking of his age is most spectacular Viking of his age is able to gain that reputation after able to gain that reputation after able to gain that reputation after ruling Norway for a mere 5 years I mean ruling Norway for a mere 5 years I mean ruling Norway for a mere 5 years I mean you get to become Olaf the first of you get to become Olaf the first of you get to become Olaf the first of Norway when you're on the throne for Norway when you're on the throne for Norway when you're on the throne for such a short period of time that's quite such a short period of time that's quite such a short period of time that's quite an accomplishment I also like another an accomplishment I also like another an accomplishment I also like another phrase Gwen Jones sort of wrote the phrase Gwen Jones sort of wrote the phrase Gwen Jones sort of wrote the Epitaph of Olaf trivon and he said in Epitaph of Olaf trivon and he said in Epitaph of Olaf trivon and he said in his day in place he was Christ's best his day in place he was Christ's best his day in place he was Christ's best Hatchet Hatchet Hatchet Man the problem was is that he gets axed Man the problem was is that he gets axed Man the problem was is that he gets axed by a guy who probably after this battle by a guy who probably after this battle by a guy who probably after this battle in 1000 becomes the most powerful in 1000 becomes the most powerful in 1000 becomes the most powerful Scandinavian ruler up until this time in Scandinavian ruler up until this time in Scandinavian ruler up until this time in history sane forkbeard after the battle history sane forkbeard after the battle history sane forkbeard after the battle of swal Will Rule all of Denmark he will of swal Will Rule all of Denmark he will of swal Will Rule all of Denmark he will have recovered the Danish areas that are have recovered the Danish areas that are have recovered the Danish areas that are traditionally ruled by Danish Kings in traditionally ruled by Danish Kings in traditionally ruled by Danish Kings in southern Sweden and in Norway he is southern Sweden and in Norway he is southern Sweden and in Norway he is probably the father-in-law of the new probably the father-in-law of the new probably the father-in-law of the new and relatively young king of Sweden and and relatively young king of Sweden and and relatively young king of Sweden and he has put in charge of the parts of he has put in charge of the parts of he has put in charge of the parts of Norway he doesn't rule directly a couple Norway he doesn't rule directly a couple Norway he doesn't rule directly a couple of vassel rulers this is a very of vassel rulers this is a very of vassel rulers this is a very dangerous very powerful Scandinavian dangerous very powerful Scandinavian dangerous very powerful Scandinavian ruler that you do not want to ruler that you do not want to ruler that you do not want to antagonize unless you have a reputation antagonize unless you have a reputation antagonize unless you have a reputation for not making good decisions or not for not making good decisions or not for not making good decisions or not having Good Counsel and that's

having Good Counsel and that's having Good Counsel and that's specifically what the name Ethel R the specifically what the name Ethel R the specifically what the name Ethel R the unready refers unready refers unready refers to and a mere two years after the battle to and a mere two years after the battle to and a mere two years after the battle of spold or swolder or swolder or SW of spold or swolder or swolder or SW of spold or swolder or swolder or SW Ethel red the unready manages to make Ethel red the unready manages to make Ethel red the unready manages to make make a permanent enemy of Spain make a permanent enemy of Spain make a permanent enemy of Spain forkbeard by killing his forkbeard by killing his forkbeard by killing his relatives or maybe I should say probably relatives or maybe I should say probably relatives or maybe I should say probably killing his relatives or if not killing killing his relatives or if not killing killing his relatives or if not killing his relatives then killing the relatives his relatives then killing the relatives his relatives then killing the relatives of people who would then demand of people who would then demand of people who would then demand satisfaction from their King in the year satisfaction from their King in the year satisfaction from their King in the year 10:02 on November 13th eth read the 10:02 on November 13th eth read the 10:02 on November 13th eth read the unready puts into play a simultaneous unready puts into play a simultaneous unready puts into play a simultaneous Mass contract hit on all the Danes in Mass contract hit on all the Danes in Mass contract hit on all the Danes in Britain well that's the way the Britain well that's the way the Britain well that's the way the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describes it it Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describes it it Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describes it it was also the way the histories generally was also the way the histories generally was also the way the histories generally treated it when I was younger right treated it when I was younger right treated it when I was younger right killed all the Danes in killed all the Danes in killed all the Danes in Britain modern historians think that Britain modern historians think that Britain modern historians think that that would have been an impossibility that would have been an impossibility that would have been an impossibility what did we say Neil price suggested what did we say Neil price suggested what did we say Neil price suggested there might have been before this period there might have been before this period there might have been before this period 50,000 Danes living in the British aisle 50,000 Danes living in the British aisle 50,000 Danes living in the British aisle so that's a form of genocide and ethnic so that's a form of genocide and ethnic so that's a form of genocide and ethnic cleansing that would seem to be beyond cleansing that would seem to be beyond cleansing that would seem to be beyond the abilities of the Anglo-Saxons at the abilities of the Anglo-Saxons at the abilities of the Anglo-Saxons at this time in place but it does seem this time in place but it does seem this time in place but it does seem clear that what he did do was issue clear that what he did do was issue clear that what he did do was issue secret orders to his followers that at secret orders to his followers that at secret orders to his followers that at the same time they were all to go after

the same time they were all to go after the same time they were all to go after the Danish mercenaries living nearby the Danish mercenaries living nearby the Danish mercenaries living nearby them and wipe them them and wipe them them and wipe them out this is something that a couple of out this is something that a couple of out this is something that a couple of years later Ethel read the unready would years later Ethel read the unready would years later Ethel read the unready would take pride in and refer to as a most take pride in and refer to as a most take pride in and refer to as a most just just just extermination the problem is is that he extermination the problem is is that he extermination the problem is is that he either killed directly close relatives either killed directly close relatives either killed directly close relatives of Spain forkbeard in what's known as of Spain forkbeard in what's known as of Spain forkbeard in what's known as the St Bryce's Day Massacre or he killed the St Bryce's Day Massacre or he killed the St Bryce's Day Massacre or he killed enough close People to People close to enough close People to People close to enough close People to People close to Spain forkbeard that they demanded Spain forkbeard that they demanded Spain forkbeard that they demanded satisfaction from their satisfaction from their satisfaction from their King if you recall when Olaf trivison King if you recall when Olaf trivison King if you recall when Olaf trivison left England and made a deal with eth re left England and made a deal with eth re left England and made a deal with eth re the unready he was supposed to convert the unready he was supposed to convert the unready he was supposed to convert to Christianity if he hadn't already and to Christianity if he hadn't already and to Christianity if he hadn't already and not come back to Britain as a hostile not come back to Britain as a hostile not come back to Britain as a hostile which he didn't he went to Norway and which he didn't he went to Norway and which he didn't he went to Norway and became the king there but he left behind became the king there but he left behind became the king there but he left behind Fighters right the people who were you Fighters right the people who were you Fighters right the people who were you know the Marauders that he led in know the Marauders that he led in know the Marauders that he led in Britain and they were going to turn into Britain and they were going to turn into Britain and they were going to turn into guys who were mercenaries fighting for guys who were mercenaries fighting for guys who were mercenaries fighting for the king of England and protecting the king of England and protecting the king of England and protecting England from other Vikings like England from other Vikings like England from other Vikings like themselves but that deal didn't last for themselves but that deal didn't last for themselves but that deal didn't last for very long there's a lot of different very long there's a lot of different very long there's a lot of different historical theories on this the one I historical theories on this the one I historical theories on this the one I like is that the people who made the like is that the people who made the like is that the people who made the original deal were paid off in the Dan original deal were paid off in the Dan original deal were paid off in the Dan geld right the the huge amounts of geld right the the huge amounts of geld right the the huge amounts of silver that the English king gave them silver that the English king gave them silver that the English king gave them to be nice play nice and defend the to be nice play nice and defend the to be nice play nice and defend the kingdom that those guys slowly but

kingdom that those guys slowly but kingdom that those guys slowly but surely drifted away some probably went surely drifted away some probably went surely drifted away some probably went home some probably sought other home some probably sought other home some probably sought other Adventures elsewhere and in the mean Adventures elsewhere and in the mean Adventures elsewhere and in the mean time lots of new people are arriving time lots of new people are arriving time lots of new people are arriving right adventurers Scandinavians Slavs right adventurers Scandinavians Slavs right adventurers Scandinavians Slavs Kelts Fri and others who hadn't been Kelts Fri and others who hadn't been Kelts Fri and others who hadn't been part of the original deal right they part of the original deal right they part of the original deal right they didn't sign the original contract they didn't sign the original contract they didn't sign the original contract they didn't get any of the original danuel didn't get any of the original danuel didn't get any of the original danuel and after a while guys like that don't and after a while guys like that don't and after a while guys like that don't feel like they have to honor the deal feel like they have to honor the deal feel like they have to honor the deal since they weren't the beneficiaries and since they weren't the beneficiaries and since they weren't the beneficiaries and so according to the Anglo-Saxon so according to the Anglo-Saxon so according to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle these mercenaries who are Chronicle these mercenaries who are Chronicle these mercenaries who are supposed to protect the realm start supposed to protect the realm start supposed to protect the realm start raiding the realm and burning Villages raiding the realm and burning Villages raiding the realm and burning Villages and cities and after a while if you're and cities and after a while if you're and cities and after a while if you're the king and you thought you paid these the king and you thought you paid these the king and you thought you paid these people to protect the realm you might people to protect the realm you might people to protect the realm you might feel as as though you know the deal was feel as as though you know the deal was feel as as though you know the deal was off too but by killing all these people off too but by killing all these people off too but by killing all these people instead of ridding himself from one instead of ridding himself from one instead of ridding himself from one problem he creates the circumstances of problem he creates the circumstances of problem he creates the circumstances of a much greater problem he makes Spain a much greater problem he makes Spain a much greater problem he makes Spain forkbeard angry and like the Arnold forkbeard angry and like the Arnold forkbeard angry and like the Arnold Schwarzenegger character in The Schwarzenegger character in The Schwarzenegger character in The Terminator films Spain forkbeard had Terminator films Spain forkbeard had Terminator films Spain forkbeard had left England gone back to Scandinavia left England gone back to Scandinavia left England gone back to Scandinavia and was ruling there but now has a and was ruling there but now has a and was ruling there but now has a reason to tell the king of England I'll reason to tell the king of England I'll reason to tell the king of England I'll be be be back and the traditional story which may back and the traditional story which may back and the traditional story which may or may not be true is that the people or may not be true is that the people or may not be true is that the people killed at the St Bryce's Day Massacre killed at the St Bryce's Day Massacre killed at the St Bryce's Day Massacre included the sister and brother-in-laws included the sister and brother-in-laws included the sister and brother-in-laws Fain forkbeard writing a couple hundred

Fain forkbeard writing a couple hundred Fain forkbeard writing a couple hundred years later the famous medieval years later the famous medieval years later the famous medieval historian William of malmsbury says that historian William of malmsbury says that historian William of malmsbury says that the sister of Swain forkbeard was named the sister of Swain forkbeard was named the sister of Swain forkbeard was named gunhild the brother-in-law was a gunhild the brother-in-law was a gunhild the brother-in-law was a mercenary Viking leader named palig and mercenary Viking leader named palig and mercenary Viking leader named palig and malmsbury writes malmsbury writes malmsbury writes quote gunhild who was a woman of some quote gunhild who was a woman of some quote gunhild who was a woman of some beauty and much character had come to beauty and much character had come to beauty and much character had come to England with her husband the powerful yl England with her husband the powerful yl England with her husband the powerful yl pag adopted Christianity and offered pag adopted Christianity and offered pag adopted Christianity and offered herself as a hostage for peace with the herself as a hostage for peace with the herself as a hostage for peace with the Danes edric which is one of Ethel Red's Danes edric which is one of Ethel Red's Danes edric which is one of Ethel Red's officials in his disastrous Fury had officials in his disastrous Fury had officials in his disastrous Fury had ordered her to be beheaded with the ordered her to be beheaded with the ordered her to be beheaded with the other Danes though she declared plainly other Danes though she declared plainly other Danes though she declared plainly that the shedding of her blood would that the shedding of her blood would that the shedding of her blood would cost England dear and for her part she cost England dear and for her part she cost England dear and for her part she faced death with presence of mind she faced death with presence of mind she faced death with presence of mind she never grew pale at the prospect nor did never grew pale at the prospect nor did never grew pale at the prospect nor did she change expression after death even she change expression after death even she change expression after death even when her body was drained of blood when her body was drained of blood when her body was drained of blood though her husband had been killed though her husband had been killed though her husband had been killed before her eyes and her son a very before her eyes and her son a very before her eyes and her son a very likely child pierced by four likely child pierced by four likely child pierced by four lances end lances end lances end quote they have found bodies historic quote they have found bodies historic quote they have found bodies historic and archaeologists who they believe were and archaeologists who they believe were and archaeologists who they believe were probably from the St Bryce's Day probably from the St Bryce's Day probably from the St Bryce's Day Massacre although it's impossible to Massacre although it's impossible to Massacre although it's impossible to know you can do isotope testing which know you can do isotope testing which know you can do isotope testing which shows that these people were raised in shows that these people were raised in shows that these people were raised in an environment like Scandinavia but that an environment like Scandinavia but that an environment like Scandinavia but that doesn't tell you if they were specific

doesn't tell you if they were specific doesn't tell you if they were specific victims of the St bry's Day Massacre but victims of the St bry's Day Massacre but victims of the St bry's Day Massacre but they found bodies that had been burned they found bodies that had been burned they found bodies that had been burned bodies that were obviously uh the result bodies that were obviously uh the result bodies that were obviously uh the result of mob violence and uh with wounds all of mob violence and uh with wounds all of mob violence and uh with wounds all in the back like they were trying to in the back like they were trying to in the back like they were trying to escape and they found bodies where the escape and they found bodies where the escape and they found bodies where the heads have been cut off from the front heads have been cut off from the front heads have been cut off from the front which is a very unusual way to behead which is a very unusual way to behead which is a very unusual way to behead someone if you look at the way the Saudi someone if you look at the way the Saudi someone if you look at the way the Saudi Arabians behead prisoners today in Arabians behead prisoners today in Arabians behead prisoners today in executions or the way the Japanese did executions or the way the Japanese did executions or the way the Japanese did in the second world war beheading in the second world war beheading in the second world war beheading someone from the rear is the standard someone from the rear is the standard someone from the rear is the standard way it's done so one can ask the way it's done so one can ask the way it's done so one can ask the question why you would find figures who question why you would find figures who question why you would find figures who had been beheaded facing The Sword and had been beheaded facing The Sword and had been beheaded facing The Sword and there's an interesting Scandinavian Saga there's an interesting Scandinavian Saga there's an interesting Scandinavian Saga that gives an account that might explain that gives an account that might explain that gives an account that might explain it in his book Northman the Viking Saga it in his book Northman the Viking Saga it in his book Northman the Viking Saga historian John Haywood quotes this Saga historian John Haywood quotes this Saga historian John Haywood quotes this Saga as an possible explanation why some of as an possible explanation why some of as an possible explanation why some of the victims that they think might have the victims that they think might have the victims that they think might have been from the St Bryce's Day Massacre been from the St Bryce's Day Massacre been from the St Bryce's Day Massacre might have been executed from the front might have been executed from the front might have been executed from the front and He suggests that it's something like and He suggests that it's something like and He suggests that it's something like a possible la last request on the part a possible la last request on the part a possible la last request on the part of The Condemned right a chance for one of The Condemned right a chance for one of The Condemned right a chance for one final opportunity to final opportunity to final opportunity to display their display their display their bravery and he writes quote the method bravery and he writes quote the method bravery and he writes quote the method used to kill these men was described in used to kill these men was described in used to kill these men was described in the 13th century Saga of the yams the 13th century Saga of the yams the 13th century Saga of the yams Vikings about a semi-legendary band of

Vikings about a semi-legendary band of Vikings about a semi-legendary band of elite Vikings said to have been founded elite Vikings said to have been founded elite Vikings said to have been founded by Harold that would be Harold Bluetooth by Harold that would be Harold Bluetooth by Harold that would be Harold Bluetooth a yams Viking who was about to be a yams Viking who was about to be a yams Viking who was about to be executed was asked what he thought about executed was asked what he thought about executed was asked what he thought about dying he said I think well of death as dying he said I think well of death as dying he said I think well of death as do all of us but I am not minded to be do all of us but I am not minded to be do all of us but I am not minded to be slaughtered like a sheep and would slaughtered like a sheep and would slaughtered like a sheep and would rather face the blow you Hue into my rather face the blow you Hue into my rather face the blow you Hue into my face and watch closely if I Flinch they face and watch closely if I Flinch they face and watch closely if I Flinch they did what he asked for and let him face did what he asked for and let him face did what he asked for and let him face the blow the Executioner stepped in the blow the Executioner stepped in the blow the Executioner stepped in front of him and hued into his face and front of him and hued into his face and front of him and hued into his face and he did not flinch a wit except that his he did not flinch a wit except that his he did not flinch a wit except that his eyes closed when death came up upon Him eyes closed when death came up upon Him eyes closed when death came up upon Him end end end quote there are no reliable figures for quote there are no reliable figures for quote there are no reliable figures for how many Danes were killed in the how many Danes were killed in the how many Danes were killed in the November 13th 1002 St Bryce's Day November 13th 1002 St Bryce's Day November 13th 1002 St Bryce's Day Massacre they'll continue to find Graves Massacre they'll continue to find Graves Massacre they'll continue to find Graves and this number may get more secure over and this number may get more secure over and this number may get more secure over time but as I said in the mid 20th time but as I said in the mid 20th time but as I said in the mid 20th century when a lot of historians were century when a lot of historians were century when a lot of historians were taking the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle at face taking the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle at face taking the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle at face value right killed all the Danes you value right killed all the Danes you value right killed all the Danes you would have been talking about an ethnic would have been talking about an ethnic would have been talking about an ethnic cleansing genocide type Affair that cleansing genocide type Affair that cleansing genocide type Affair that would have killed tens of thousands of would have killed tens of thousands of would have killed tens of thousands of people that seems far too many now I've people that seems far too many now I've people that seems far too many now I've seen low numbers I think Ian Howard seen low numbers I think Ian Howard seen low numbers I think Ian Howard haded at a couple of hundred maybe I haded at a couple of hundred maybe I haded at a couple of hundred maybe I think if we suggest it's the majority of think if we suggest it's the majority of think if we suggest it's the majority of mercenaries working for King Ethel read mercenaries working for King Ethel read mercenaries working for King Ethel read the unready we're probably talking maybe the unready we're probably talking maybe the unready we're probably talking maybe two or 3 thousand people which is a ton two or 3 thousand people which is a ton two or 3 thousand people which is a ton and in this day and age that would and in this day and age that would and in this day and age that would probably mean that tons of people in probably mean that tons of people in probably mean that tons of people in Denmark would have had loved ones or

Denmark would have had loved ones or Denmark would have had loved ones or people they knew be victimized by this people they knew be victimized by this people they knew be victimized by this and whether or not Kings Fain forkbeard and whether or not Kings Fain forkbeard and whether or not Kings Fain forkbeard right the most powerful King in right the most powerful King in right the most powerful King in Scandinavia at this time period had Scandinavia at this time period had Scandinavia at this time period had close relatives among the victims or close relatives among the victims or close relatives among the victims or whether or not as the king of the Danes whether or not as the king of the Danes whether or not as the king of the Danes he just had a responsibility to avenge he just had a responsibility to avenge he just had a responsibility to avenge the family members of some of his the family members of some of his the family members of some of his subjects or whether or not neither of subjects or whether or not neither of subjects or whether or not neither of those things were true and it just those things were true and it just those things were true and it just becomes a wonderful excuse to go back becomes a wonderful excuse to go back becomes a wonderful excuse to go back and attack the realm of ethod the and attack the realm of ethod the and attack the realm of ethod the unready which he'd been doing for 20 unready which he'd been doing for 20 unready which he'd been doing for 20 years already by this time period we years already by this time period we years already by this time period we don't know but you can say that the don't know but you can say that the don't know but you can say that the Scandinavian fleets were back and the Scandinavian fleets were back and the Scandinavian fleets were back and the Vikings were back burning England towns Vikings were back burning England towns Vikings were back burning England towns the year of the St Bryce's Day Massacre the year of the St Bryce's Day Massacre the year of the St Bryce's Day Massacre right 10:02 they're already back 10:03 right 10:02 they're already back 10:03 right 10:02 they're already back 10:03 they're back in force 10:04 10:05 every they're back in force 10:04 10:05 every they're back in force 10:04 10:05 every year 10:05 is a weird year because well year 10:05 is a weird year because well year 10:05 is a weird year because well probably made worse by the Viking probably made worse by the Viking probably made worse by the Viking attacks but there's massive crop attacks but there's massive crop attacks but there's massive crop failures there is a terrible famine in failures there is a terrible famine in failures there is a terrible famine in England uh the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle England uh the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle England uh the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says it is the worst famine that anyone says it is the worst famine that anyone says it is the worst famine that anyone can remember and it is so bad that the can remember and it is so bad that the can remember and it is so bad that the Scandinavians actually have to leave Scandinavians actually have to leave Scandinavians actually have to leave England and go back home to find food England and go back home to find food England and go back home to find food which means for the first time in like which means for the first time in like which means for the first time in like nine years they're spared Viking attacks nine years they're spared Viking attacks nine years they're spared Viking attacks but then in 10:06 Spain's forces are but then in 10:06 Spain's forces are but then in 10:06 Spain's forces are back and in 1007 and in 10:09 What's back and in 1007 and in 10:09 What's back and in 1007 and in 10:09 What's Happening Here is you're going from the Happening Here is you're going from the Happening Here is you're going from the most prosperous maybe wealthy Kingdom in most prosperous maybe wealthy Kingdom in most prosperous maybe wealthy Kingdom in Western Europe to something far lower on Western Europe to something far lower on Western Europe to something far lower on the economic scale England is bleeding

the economic scale England is bleeding the economic scale England is bleeding out year after year and it's a out year after year and it's a out year after year and it's a multi-pronged sort of attack on them I multi-pronged sort of attack on them I multi-pronged sort of attack on them I mean first of all you have defeats in mean first of all you have defeats in mean first of all you have defeats in the field right which means you lose the field right which means you lose the field right which means you lose soldiers and people and then after the soldiers and people and then after the soldiers and people and then after the Scandinavians defeat you in battle they Scandinavians defeat you in battle they Scandinavians defeat you in battle they burn your towns and they loot your burn your towns and they loot your burn your towns and they loot your Villages right that costs including the Villages right that costs including the Villages right that costs including the rebuilding costs all during this period rebuilding costs all during this period rebuilding costs all during this period Scandinavian fleets start interdicting Scandinavian fleets start interdicting Scandinavian fleets start interdicting and begin to control the Seaborn trade and begin to control the Seaborn trade and begin to control the Seaborn trade that goes from England to the continent that goes from England to the continent that goes from England to the continent a lot of English wealth is because they a lot of English wealth is because they a lot of English wealth is because they send wool from England over to the send wool from England over to the send wool from England over to the continent to be turned into claw continent to be turned into claw continent to be turned into claw all of a sudden the Vikings sees control all of a sudden the Vikings sees control all of a sudden the Vikings sees control of that and are getting a piece of that of that and are getting a piece of that of that and are getting a piece of that action and they are extracting straight action and they are extracting straight action and they are extracting straight up cash from this wealthy realm we told up cash from this wealthy realm we told up cash from this wealthy realm we told you about the 10,000 pounds of silver you about the 10,000 pounds of silver you about the 10,000 pounds of silver that they collect in 991 to keep the that they collect in 991 to keep the that they collect in 991 to keep the piece but that extraordinary amount of piece but that extraordinary amount of piece but that extraordinary amount of money just turns out to be the first money just turns out to be the first money just turns out to be the first payment in an ever increasing amount of payment in an ever increasing amount of payment in an ever increasing amount of money that seems to buy less and less money that seems to buy less and less money that seems to buy less and less for the English crown but they seem to for the English crown but they seem to for the English crown but they seem to have fewer and fewer options other than have fewer and fewer options other than have fewer and fewer options other than to pay it the 10,000 lb of silver in 991 to pay it the 10,000 lb of silver in 991 to pay it the 10,000 lb of silver in 991 is followed by a 166,000 lb of silver a is followed by a 166,000 lb of silver a is followed by a 166,000 lb of silver a mere three years later to keep the mere three years later to keep the mere three years later to keep the peace in 10:02 which is8 years after peace in 10:02 which is8 years after peace in 10:02 which is8 years after that they need 24,000 from the English that they need 24,000 from the English that they need 24,000 from the English crown if the Vikings are going to keep crown if the Vikings are going to keep crown if the Vikings are going to keep from savaging the realm and in 1007

from savaging the realm and in 1007 from savaging the realm and in 1007 Spain Fork Beard's forces require 36,000 Spain Fork Beard's forces require 36,000 Spain Fork Beard's forces require 36,000 lb pound of silver to keep from raiding lb pound of silver to keep from raiding lb pound of silver to keep from raiding the realm Winston Churchill says this is the realm Winston Churchill says this is the realm Winston Churchill says this is the equivalent of three or four years of the equivalent of three or four years of the equivalent of three or four years of the national income of the the national income of the the national income of the realm that number will eventually reach realm that number will eventually reach realm that number will eventually reach 48,000 PBS of silver in 48,000 PBS of silver in 48,000 PBS of silver in 1012 and the way that this is collected 1012 and the way that this is collected 1012 and the way that this is collected is fascinating too and the numbers of is fascinating too and the numbers of is fascinating too and the numbers of carts and wagons required to cart 48,000 carts and wagons required to cart 48,000 carts and wagons required to cart 48,000 pounds of silver to the Vikings who are pounds of silver to the Vikings who are pounds of silver to the Vikings who are going to count and collect it well let's going to count and collect it well let's going to count and collect it well let's just say that is in and of itself a feat just say that is in and of itself a feat just say that is in and of itself a feat for early medieval states to for early medieval states to for early medieval states to do after paying Swain forkbeard the do after paying Swain forkbeard the do after paying Swain forkbeard the 36,000 PBS of silver in 10:07 Ethel read 36,000 PBS of silver in 10:07 Ethel read 36,000 PBS of silver in 10:07 Ethel read the unready and his advisers decide they the unready and his advisers decide they the unready and his advisers decide they have to try something else a national have to try something else a national have to try something else a national effort to raise an army and a Navy that effort to raise an army and a Navy that effort to raise an army and a Navy that can defeat these people because you can defeat these people because you can defeat these people because you can't keep bleeding out like this and can't keep bleeding out like this and can't keep bleeding out like this and survive as a state right so a concerted survive as a state right so a concerted survive as a state right so a concerted effort involving pretty much everyone effort involving pretty much everyone effort involving pretty much everyone from the lowest to the highest in from the lowest to the highest in from the lowest to the highest in England is made I love the way in his England is made I love the way in his England is made I love the way in his book The Wolf age historian Toria book The Wolf age historian Toria book The Wolf age historian Toria describes it it gives you a sense of describes it it gives you a sense of describes it it gives you a sense of this National effort and this attitude this National effort and this attitude this National effort and this attitude that enough is enough and if we don't

that enough is enough and if we don't that enough is enough and if we don't make a stand here there'll be nothing make a stand here there'll be nothing make a stand here there'll be nothing left to the kingdom the Locust will have left to the kingdom the Locust will have left to the kingdom the Locust will have picked it clean and the blood will be picked it clean and the blood will be picked it clean and the blood will be drained from the corpse and Shia writes drained from the corpse and Shia writes drained from the corpse and Shia writes quote ether Red's Machinery of power set quote ether Red's Machinery of power set quote ether Red's Machinery of power set in motion what in all likelihood was the in motion what in all likelihood was the in motion what in all likelihood was the most intense mobilization of armed most intense mobilization of armed most intense mobilization of armed forces to be seen in England since the forces to be seen in England since the forces to be seen in England since the days of the Romans these coordinated days of the Romans these coordinated days of the Romans these coordinated efforts are an impressive testimony to efforts are an impressive testimony to efforts are an impressive testimony to the authority and organizational skill the authority and organizational skill the authority and organizational skill of the Anglo-Saxon Crown under the of the Anglo-Saxon Crown under the of the Anglo-Saxon Crown under the supervision of aldermen and Bishops supervision of aldermen and Bishops supervision of aldermen and Bishops thousands of subjects all across England thousands of subjects all across England thousands of subjects all across England men women and children the free and men women and children the free and men women and children the free and enslaved peasants and Merchants were set enslaved peasants and Merchants were set enslaved peasants and Merchants were set to work Fellers cut down and delimed to work Fellers cut down and delimed to work Fellers cut down and delimed thousands of trees in England's forests thousands of trees in England's forests thousands of trees in England's forests men and animals transported the logs to men and animals transported the logs to men and animals transported the logs to the coasts where the ship Builders the coasts where the ship Builders the coasts where the ship Builders constructed a number of new large constructed a number of new large constructed a number of new large warships and smaller Cutters in great warships and smaller Cutters in great warships and smaller Cutters in great Haste The crowns old ships were repaired Haste The crowns old ships were repaired Haste The crowns old ships were repaired women spun thread women spun thread women spun thread which the sail makers used to make sails which the sail makers used to make sails which the sail makers used to make sails Farmers cultivated hemp which the Rope Farmers cultivated hemp which the Rope Farmers cultivated hemp which the Rope makers used to make rope The Ore makers makers used to make rope The Ore makers makers used to make rope The Ore makers hacked and cut out ores blacksmiths hacked and cut out ores blacksmiths hacked and cut out ores blacksmiths forged nails and parts for all kinds of forged nails and parts for all kinds of forged nails and parts for all kinds of equipment including swords Shield bosses equipment including swords Shield bosses equipment including swords Shield bosses spearheads arrow heads Axe Heads helmets spearheads arrow heads Axe Heads helmets spearheads arrow heads Axe Heads helmets and breastplates in a kingdom still and breastplates in a kingdom still and breastplates in a kingdom still shaken from the Famine of just a few shaken from the Famine of just a few shaken from the Famine of just a few years earlier great volumes of butter

years earlier great volumes of butter years earlier great volumes of butter grain bread and dried and salted fish grain bread and dried and salted fish grain bread and dried and salted fish and meat were collected and stored end and meat were collected and stored end and meat were collected and stored end quote now if this had been an Alfred the quote now if this had been an Alfred the quote now if this had been an Alfred the Great type figure or maybe Winston Great type figure or maybe Winston Great type figure or maybe Winston Churchill would say a figure like Churchill would say a figure like Churchill would say a figure like himself you might have the making here himself you might have the making here himself you might have the making here for the kind of response to the for the kind of response to the for the kind of response to the Scandinavian raids that would return Scandinavian raids that would return Scandinavian raids that would return England to a state of peace or security England to a state of peace or security England to a state of peace or security but this is how a guy like eth red the but this is how a guy like eth red the but this is how a guy like eth red the unready gets the reputation he has unready gets the reputation he has unready gets the reputation he has because England goes to all this trouble because England goes to all this trouble because England goes to all this trouble to build this Fleet and it's stationed to build this Fleet and it's stationed to build this Fleet and it's stationed off the shore something like 200 ships off the shore something like 200 ships off the shore something like 200 ships and then you get to see one of the other and then you get to see one of the other and then you get to see one of the other aspects that Ethel Ry and rd's realm is aspects that Ethel Ry and rd's realm is aspects that Ethel Ry and rd's realm is known for the fact that his top advisers known for the fact that his top advisers known for the fact that his top advisers and Main men in the kingdom are and Main men in the kingdom are and Main men in the kingdom are constantly at each other's throats constantly at each other's throats constantly at each other's throats fighting uh undercutting one another and fighting uh undercutting one another and fighting uh undercutting one another and the fleet is waiting for the Vikings you the fleet is waiting for the Vikings you the fleet is waiting for the Vikings you know they're going to interdict them at know they're going to interdict them at know they're going to interdict them at one of these islands where the Vikings one of these islands where the Vikings one of these islands where the Vikings tend to land and there's a conflict tend to land and there's a conflict tend to land and there's a conflict between a couple of these noblemen and between a couple of these noblemen and between a couple of these noblemen and one of them takes his 20 ships that he's one of them takes his 20 ships that he's one of them takes his 20 ships that he's contributed to the 200 and contributed to the 200 and contributed to the 200 and leaves and after he leaves he goes and leaves and after he leaves he goes and leaves and after he leaves he goes and starts raiding Britain's Coast right his starts raiding Britain's Coast right his starts raiding Britain's Coast right his own country although it might be the own country although it might be the own country although it might be the part of the coast run by the guy he had part of the coast run by the guy he had part of the coast run by the guy he had to fight with so the guy he had to fight to fight with so the guy he had to fight to fight with so the guy he had to fight with takes 80 ships and goes after him with takes 80 ships and goes after him with takes 80 ships and goes after him well a storm arises in the English well a storm arises in the English well a storm arises in the English Channel and blows most of those ships Channel and blows most of those ships Channel and blows most of those ships over destroying them the ones that

over destroying them the ones that over destroying them the ones that aren't destroyed in the storm are pulled aren't destroyed in the storm are pulled aren't destroyed in the storm are pulled up on the beach and ambushed by the guy up on the beach and ambushed by the guy up on the beach and ambushed by the guy who took the 20 ships who then burns who took the 20 ships who then burns who took the 20 ships who then burns them and all of a sudden half the fleet them and all of a sudden half the fleet them and all of a sudden half the fleet that England conducted this entire that England conducted this entire that England conducted this entire National effort for is National effort for is National effort for is gone the king takes his ships and goes gone the king takes his ships and goes gone the king takes his ships and goes back to the tames outside of London and back to the tames outside of London and back to the tames outside of London and essentially this 200 ship Fleet is essentially this 200 ship Fleet is essentially this 200 ship Fleet is extinguished as a force that can resist extinguished as a force that can resist extinguished as a force that can resist the Vikings and is the anglosaxon the Vikings and is the anglosaxon the Vikings and is the anglosaxon chronicle puts it quote talking by the chronicle puts it quote talking by the chronicle puts it quote talking by the way about when the king and the rest of way about when the king and the rest of way about when the king and the rest of the fleet found out that half the fleet the fleet found out that half the fleet the fleet found out that half the fleet was lost in an instant having done no was lost in an instant having done no was lost in an instant having done no damage to the Vikings at all Quote when damage to the Vikings at all Quote when damage to the Vikings at all Quote when this was known to the remaining ships this was known to the remaining ships this was known to the remaining ships where the King was how the others fared where the King was how the others fared where the King was how the others fared it was then as if all were lost the king it was then as if all were lost the king it was then as if all were lost the king went home with the Alderman and the went home with the Alderman and the went home with the Alderman and the nobility and thus lightly did they nobility and thus lightly did they nobility and thus lightly did they forsake the ships wilst the men that forsake the ships wilst the men that forsake the ships wilst the men that were in them rode back to London thus were in them rode back to London thus were in them rode back to London thus lightly did they suffer the labor of all lightly did they suffer the labor of all lightly did they suffer the labor of all the people to be in vain nor was the the people to be in vain nor was the the people to be in vain nor was the terror lessened as all of England hoped terror lessened as all of England hoped terror lessened as all of England hoped when this Naval expedition was thus when this Naval expedition was thus when this Naval expedition was thus ended the chronicle says thus came soon ended the chronicle says thus came soon ended the chronicle says thus came soon after lamus the formidable army of the after lamus the formidable army of the after lamus the formidable army of the enemy end enemy end enemy end quote historian Mark Morris in the quote historian Mark Morris in the quote historian Mark Morris in the Anglo-Saxons a history of the beginnings Anglo-Saxons a history of the beginnings Anglo-Saxons a history of the beginnings of England makes the real salian point of England makes the real salian point of England makes the real salian point when he says that the English had been when he says that the English had been when he says that the English had been bled dry to pay for all these anti

bled dry to pay for all these anti bled dry to pay for all these anti viiking activities and wouldn't have viiking activities and wouldn't have viiking activities and wouldn't have minded the sacrifice so much if it had minded the sacrifice so much if it had minded the sacrifice so much if it had achieved any achieved any achieved any results but he says quote the huge sums results but he says quote the huge sums results but he says quote the huge sums that were raised had been repeatedly that were raised had been repeatedly that were raised had been repeatedly squandered through a combination of squandered through a combination of squandered through a combination of cowardice and incompetence on the part cowardice and incompetence on the part cowardice and incompetence on the part of the king and his of the king and his of the king and his counselors many people he writes May counselors many people he writes May counselors many people he writes May therefore have drawn the conclusion that therefore have drawn the conclusion that therefore have drawn the conclusion that rather than paying endless amounts to rather than paying endless amounts to rather than paying endless amounts to make the Danes go away it might be make the Danes go away it might be make the Danes go away it might be preferable simply to let them take over preferable simply to let them take over preferable simply to let them take over end quote end quote end quote well ideas of letting them take over well ideas of letting them take over well ideas of letting them take over will be put on the back burner for a will be put on the back burner for a will be put on the back burner for a while because the army that shows up in while because the army that shows up in while because the army that shows up in England in England in England in 1009 is led by a particularly nasty 1009 is led by a particularly nasty 1009 is led by a particularly nasty Viking leader named thorkill The Tall Viking leader named thorkill The Tall Viking leader named thorkill The Tall who's also famous and historians have who's also famous and historians have who's also famous and historians have been debating for well forever exactly been debating for well forever exactly been debating for well forever exactly what this guy's motivations were and what this guy's motivations were and what this guy's motivations were and whether he was working for s forkbeard whether he was working for s forkbeard whether he was working for s forkbeard or at Cross purposes for Spain forkbeard or at Cross purposes for Spain forkbeard or at Cross purposes for Spain forkbeard or whether he was originally working for or whether he was originally working for or whether he was originally working for him but then it crossed purposes but him but then it crossed purposes but him but then it crossed purposes but what you can say is that the attacks what you can say is that the attacks what you can say is that the attacks that he leads for a couple of years in that he leads for a couple of years in that he leads for a couple of years in England are amongst the worst that they England are amongst the worst that they England are amongst the worst that they have ever faced in the more than 200 have ever faced in the more than 200 have ever faced in the more than 200 years of Scandinavian attacks on the years of Scandinavian attacks on the years of Scandinavian attacks on the island the killings the kidnappings the island the killings the kidnappings the island the killings the kidnappings the burnings and wiping outs of whole burnings and wiping outs of whole burnings and wiping outs of whole towns is well on the heels of the towns is well on the heels of the towns is well on the heels of the demoralization of you know the fleet

demoralization of you know the fleet demoralization of you know the fleet being being squandered is adding insult being being squandered is adding insult being being squandered is adding insult to injury and it will be thorel the tall to injury and it will be thorel the tall to injury and it will be thorel the tall in 1012 who will receive the 48,000 lbs in 1012 who will receive the 48,000 lbs in 1012 who will receive the 48,000 lbs of silver in order to create a peaceful of silver in order to create a peaceful of silver in order to create a peaceful situation by that time he is one of the situation by that time he is one of the situation by that time he is one of the most reviled and feared figures in most reviled and feared figures in most reviled and feared figures in England which makes what happens as part England which makes what happens as part England which makes what happens as part of the 1012 peace agreement so of the 1012 peace agreement so of the 1012 peace agreement so specifically hard to swallow to isayah specifically hard to swallow to isayah specifically hard to swallow to isayah in the wolf age describes it this way in the wolf age describes it this way in the wolf age describes it this way quote in the summer of 1012 old quote in the summer of 1012 old quote in the summer of 1012 old hostilities were therefore renegotiated hostilities were therefore renegotiated hostilities were therefore renegotiated and new alliances forged in now and new alliances forged in now and new alliances forged in now devastated England in a maneuver that devastated England in a maneuver that devastated England in a maneuver that must have caused quite a stir amongst must have caused quite a stir amongst must have caused quite a stir amongst both Anglo-Saxons and Danes Ethel red both Anglo-Saxons and Danes Ethel red both Anglo-Saxons and Danes Ethel red joined forces with the only man in joined forces with the only man in joined forces with the only man in England able to protect his position England able to protect his position England able to protect his position Thor Kel the tall himself the man who Thor Kel the tall himself the man who Thor Kel the tall himself the man who had led the Danish Army for the past had led the Danish Army for the past had led the Danish Army for the past three years and who had done his utmost three years and who had done his utmost three years and who had done his utmost to destroy Ethel Red's country to murder to destroy Ethel Red's country to murder to destroy Ethel Red's country to murder and ransack his subjects and to fleece and ransack his subjects and to fleece and ransack his subjects and to fleece the king for money Thor Kell had the king for money Thor Kell had the king for money Thor Kell had naturally become a widely renowned and naturally become a widely renowned and naturally become a widely renowned and deeply feared figure in England perhaps deeply feared figure in England perhaps deeply feared figure in England perhaps even as renowned and feared as the man even as renowned and feared as the man even as renowned and feared as the man for whom he had worked Spain forkbeard for whom he had worked Spain forkbeard for whom he had worked Spain forkbeard end end end quote so in 10:12 eth Red's best idea he quote so in 10:12 eth Red's best idea he quote so in 10:12 eth Red's best idea he can come up with to continue to figure can come up with to continue to figure can come up with to continue to figure out how he's going to defend his realm

out how he's going to defend his realm out how he's going to defend his realm from from from Scandinavians is to renew the strategy Scandinavians is to renew the strategy Scandinavians is to renew the strategy that he'd managed to jettison in a that he'd managed to jettison in a that he'd managed to jettison in a genocidal and ethnic cleansing like genocidal and ethnic cleansing like genocidal and ethnic cleansing like fashion back in 1002 to hire fashion back in 1002 to hire fashion back in 1002 to hire Scandinavian mercenaries to do the job Scandinavian mercenaries to do the job Scandinavian mercenaries to do the job this time led by the main Devil Himself this time led by the main Devil Himself this time led by the main Devil Himself who'd wreaked havoc on his realm for the who'd wreaked havoc on his realm for the who'd wreaked havoc on his realm for the past three past three past three years thorel the tall and who must have years thorel the tall and who must have years thorel the tall and who must have once again made the people in his realm once again made the people in his realm once again made the people in his realm shake their heads in befuddlement like shake their heads in befuddlement like shake their heads in befuddlement like not only are we not resisting the enemy not only are we not resisting the enemy not only are we not resisting the enemy now we're hiring and paying the enemy to now we're hiring and paying the enemy to now we're hiring and paying the enemy to protect the very Villages and towns that protect the very Villages and towns that protect the very Villages and towns that he himself had he himself had he himself had burnt there are lots of theories as to burnt there are lots of theories as to burnt there are lots of theories as to how Spain forkbeard back in Denmark how Spain forkbeard back in Denmark how Spain forkbeard back in Denmark viewed all this one theory is that he viewed all this one theory is that he viewed all this one theory is that he was scared that Thor Kel theal was was scared that Thor Kel theal was was scared that Thor Kel theal was making too much money in England you making too much money in England you making too much money in England you know 48,000 lbs of silver will buy you a know 48,000 lbs of silver will buy you a know 48,000 lbs of silver will buy you a lot of mercenaries and history has shown lot of mercenaries and history has shown lot of mercenaries and history has shown that sometimes you know powerful war that sometimes you know powerful war that sometimes you know powerful war leaders take those mercenaries come back leaders take those mercenaries come back leaders take those mercenaries come back to Scandinavia and seize Thrones when to Scandinavia and seize Thrones when to Scandinavia and seize Thrones when they do or it might have been all part they do or it might have been all part they do or it might have been all part of the plan where Thor keld theal was of the plan where Thor keld theal was of the plan where Thor keld theal was laying the groundwork for something to laying the groundwork for something to laying the groundwork for something to happen that in more than 200 years of happen that in more than 200 years of happen that in more than 200 years of Viking attacks in England never could Viking attacks in England never could Viking attacks in England never could have happened before for a Scandinavian have happened before for a Scandinavian have happened before for a Scandinavian ruler to incorporate England into his ruler to incorporate England into his ruler to incorporate England into his realm and the reason it couldn't happen realm and the reason it couldn't happen realm and the reason it couldn't happen before was there was an absolute deal

before was there was an absolute deal before was there was an absolute deal breaker involved in the earlier eras of breaker involved in the earlier eras of breaker involved in the earlier eras of Viking Attacks An impediment that had Viking Attacks An impediment that had Viking Attacks An impediment that had been removed relatively recently there been removed relatively recently there been removed relatively recently there was no way the angl Saxons in England was no way the angl Saxons in England was no way the angl Saxons in England the Christian people were going to stand the Christian people were going to stand the Christian people were going to stand for being ruled by a pagan for being ruled by a pagan for being ruled by a pagan warlord but now the king of Denmark was warlord but now the king of Denmark was warlord but now the king of Denmark was not a pagan warlord he was a Christian not a pagan warlord he was a Christian not a pagan warlord he was a Christian King and this opened up the doors to King and this opened up the doors to King and this opened up the doors to possibilities that had never existed possibilities that had never existed possibilities that had never existed well for the entire time the Viking Wars well for the entire time the Viking Wars well for the entire time the Viking Wars had been going had been going had been going on earlier we had said that you know on earlier we had said that you know on earlier we had said that you know sometimes especially amongst Elite sometimes especially amongst Elite sometimes especially amongst Elite rulers religion has a somewhat rulers religion has a somewhat rulers religion has a somewhat transactional sort of nature to it right transactional sort of nature to it right transactional sort of nature to it right it's not you know what are you going to it's not you know what are you going to it's not you know what are you going to do for my soul when I get to heaven and do for my soul when I get to heaven and do for my soul when I get to heaven and save me it's a little bit more you know save me it's a little bit more you know save me it's a little bit more you know what are you going to do for me in the what are you going to do for me in the what are you going to do for me in the here and now what have you done for me here and now what have you done for me here and now what have you done for me lately we talked about Constantine and lately we talked about Constantine and lately we talked about Constantine and how he had that dream that if you paint how he had that dream that if you paint how he had that dream that if you paint the Christian symbol on the shields of the Christian symbol on the shields of the Christian symbol on the shields of your soul soers in the morning I'll you your soul soers in the morning I'll you your soul soers in the morning I'll you know give you victory in the battle the know give you victory in the battle the know give you victory in the battle the battle of the melian bridge by the way battle of the melian bridge by the way battle of the melian bridge by the way so that's not promising Constantine so that's not promising Constantine so that's not promising Constantine Eternal salvation it's promising a Eternal salvation it's promising a Eternal salvation it's promising a victory in the battle within the next 24 victory in the battle within the next 24 victory in the battle within the next 24 hours that's very transactional there's hours that's very transactional there's hours that's very transactional there's a little bit of that going on here too a little bit of that going on here too a little bit of that going on here too and in his book can the great historian and in his book can the great historian and in his book can the great historian Timothy Bolton sort of lays out what Timothy Bolton sort of lays out what Timothy Bolton sort of lays out what this means for someone who might want to this means for someone who might want to this means for someone who might want to conquer and actually rule a Christian conquer and actually rule a Christian conquer and actually rule a Christian country like angloa in England and he

country like angloa in England and he country like angloa in England and he says quote from the English perspective says quote from the English perspective says quote from the English perspective Spain's Christianity must have set him Spain's Christianity must have set him Spain's Christianity must have set him apart from many previous Viking Raiders apart from many previous Viking Raiders apart from many previous Viking Raiders and may have made him a more palatable and may have made him a more palatable and may have made him a more palatable figure to accept as an Overlord this was figure to accept as an Overlord this was figure to accept as an Overlord this was not an invading Army whose leader could not an invading Army whose leader could not an invading Army whose leader could be baptized and sent home pacified once be baptized and sent home pacified once be baptized and sent home pacified once his men had been defeated or paid off as his men had been defeated or paid off as his men had been defeated or paid off as Alfred had done with Guam in 878 or Alfred had done with Guam in 878 or Alfred had done with Guam in 878 or Ethel red with Olaf trivison in 994 many Ethel red with Olaf trivison in 994 many Ethel red with Olaf trivison in 994 many of the rank and file of the forces must of the rank and file of the forces must of the rank and file of the forces must have retained Pagan beliefs or worshiped have retained Pagan beliefs or worshiped have retained Pagan beliefs or worshiped Christ only as one amongst a Pantheon of Christ only as one amongst a Pantheon of Christ only as one amongst a Pantheon of gods but Spain he writes was gods but Spain he writes was gods but Spain he writes was unequivocally Christian and most unequivocally Christian and most unequivocally Christian and most probably traveled with a retinue that probably traveled with a retinue that probably traveled with a retinue that included chaplain so much of what we can included chaplain so much of what we can included chaplain so much of what we can now know of Spain's Invasion comes from now know of Spain's Invasion comes from now know of Spain's Invasion comes from the partisan voice of the writer of this the partisan voice of the writer of this the partisan voice of the writer of this section of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle who section of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle who section of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle who viewed his arrival as an inversion of viewed his arrival as an inversion of viewed his arrival as an inversion of all that was natural and right and one all that was natural and right and one all that was natural and right and one wonders whether other figures such as wonders whether other figures such as wonders whether other figures such as secular Elite were more comfortable with secular Elite were more comfortable with secular Elite were more comfortable with him end him end him end quote in the summer of 1013 the king of quote in the summer of 1013 the king of quote in the summer of 1013 the king of Denmark Fain forkbeard leading his army Denmark Fain forkbeard leading his army Denmark Fain forkbeard leading his army in person which was hugely unusual in person which was hugely unusual in person which was hugely unusual because normally a king in Scandinavia because normally a king in Scandinavia because normally a king in Scandinavia couldn't risk being away from couldn't risk being away from couldn't risk being away from Scandinavia for long periods of time Scandinavia for long periods of time Scandinavia for long periods of time without you know threats of a rebellion without you know threats of a rebellion without you know threats of a rebellion breaking out but it is a sign of how breaking out but it is a sign of how breaking out but it is a sign of how much things have changed and how much of much things have changed and how much of much things have changed and how much of an organized sort of hierarchical an organized sort of hierarchical an organized sort of hierarchical Christian kingdom this has become that

Christian kingdom this has become that Christian kingdom this has become that just like many other Christian Kings of just like many other Christian Kings of just like many other Christian Kings of what will be the future Middle Ages will what will be the future Middle Ages will what will be the future Middle Ages will do he will lead his army in person and do he will lead his army in person and do he will lead his army in person and it will not be a bunch of scattered War it will not be a bunch of scattered War it will not be a bunch of scattered War bands who make their money off the bands who make their money off the bands who make their money off the individual loot they pillage John individual loot they pillage John individual loot they pillage John Haywood will describe them his troops as Haywood will describe them his troops as Haywood will describe them his troops as employees and Ian Howard will point out employees and Ian Howard will point out employees and Ian Howard will point out that this is not an army that hits and that this is not an army that hits and that this is not an army that hits and runs like a pirate force it is a unified runs like a pirate force it is a unified runs like a pirate force it is a unified core of an army that marches around look core of an army that marches around look core of an army that marches around look for the main force of the enemy so that for the main force of the enemy so that for the main force of the enemy so that it can defeat it in battle and Conquer it can defeat it in battle and Conquer it can defeat it in battle and Conquer Swain forkbeard is leading a fully Swain forkbeard is leading a fully Swain forkbeard is leading a fully medieval Army as he looks for the king medieval Army as he looks for the king medieval Army as he looks for the king of England to become the king of of England to become the king of of England to become the king of England and upon his arrival in 1013 he England and upon his arrival in 1013 he England and upon his arrival in 1013 he does not attack this realm that he hopes does not attack this realm that he hopes does not attack this realm that he hopes to rule he goes up to the north to the to rule he goes up to the north to the to rule he goes up to the north to the areas that used to be dominated by the areas that used to be dominated by the areas that used to be dominated by the Danes or now would be the descendants of Danes or now would be the descendants of Danes or now would be the descendants of Danes where maybe there's a lot of Danes where maybe there's a lot of Danes where maybe there's a lot of sympathy for a Danish King lands and sympathy for a Danish King lands and sympathy for a Danish King lands and gives speeches to cheering crowds gives speeches to cheering crowds gives speeches to cheering crowds promising to bring stability and peace promising to bring stability and peace promising to bring stability and peace to the island and he is hailed where he to the island and he is hailed where he to the island and he is hailed where he lands as the new king of England he's lands as the new king of England he's lands as the new king of England he's brought his son something like 24y old brought his son something like 24y old brought his son something like 24y old Cano with him who he marries to the Cano with him who he marries to the Cano with him who he marries to the daughter of a local nobleman he then daughter of a local nobleman he then daughter of a local nobleman he then advances his forces into another area advances his forces into another area advances his forces into another area known as the five burrows which is also known as the five burrows which is also known as the five burrows which is also part of the Daye law they hail him as

part of the Daye law they hail him as part of the Daye law they hail him as the new rightful ruler and if you are the new rightful ruler and if you are the new rightful ruler and if you are Ethel red in London Behind the Walls of Ethel red in London Behind the Walls of Ethel red in London Behind the Walls of that City protected by the very Viking that City protected by the very Viking that City protected by the very Viking warlord who threatened your regime for warlord who threatened your regime for warlord who threatened your regime for the last three years you must be subtly the last three years you must be subtly the last three years you must be subtly worried about worried about worried about this Spain treats the north gently when this Spain treats the north gently when this Spain treats the north gently when he crosses the traditional dividing line he crosses the traditional dividing line he crosses the traditional dividing line between the North and the rest of the between the North and the rest of the between the North and the rest of the Kingdom his army starts pillaging and Kingdom his army starts pillaging and Kingdom his army starts pillaging and looting in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles looting in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles looting in the Anglo Saxon Chronicles says doing every evil an army can says doing every evil an army can says doing every evil an army can do so those areas start submitting to do so those areas start submitting to do so those areas start submitting to him and declaring that he's the rightful him and declaring that he's the rightful him and declaring that he's the rightful King eventually he attacks London where King eventually he attacks London where King eventually he attacks London where Ethel red is hiding with his mercenaries Ethel red is hiding with his mercenaries Ethel red is hiding with his mercenaries and like almost all the people who have and like almost all the people who have and like almost all the people who have tried to attack London before this time tried to attack London before this time tried to attack London before this time San forkbeard and his forces fail San forkbeard and his forces fail San forkbeard and his forces fail London's not the capital of anglo-saxon London's not the capital of anglo-saxon London's not the capital of anglo-saxon England but it is a very difficult town England but it is a very difficult town England but it is a very difficult town to take and Spain doesn't take it either to take and Spain doesn't take it either to take and Spain doesn't take it either but it is fascinating to notice the but it is fascinating to notice the but it is fascinating to notice the irony of the whole situation as pointed irony of the whole situation as pointed irony of the whole situation as pointed out by tesia in the wolf age when he out by tesia in the wolf age when he out by tesia in the wolf age when he says quote it was a fundamentally absurd says quote it was a fundamentally absurd says quote it was a fundamentally absurd situation a Danish King besieging London situation a Danish King besieging London situation a Danish King besieging London which was being defended by a Danish which was being defended by a Danish which was being defended by a Danish warlord who had himself besieged London warlord who had himself besieged London warlord who had himself besieged London just 3 years earlier end just 3 years earlier end just 3 years earlier end quote when he proves incapable of taking quote when he proves incapable of taking quote when he proves incapable of taking London he simply takes his army West to

London he simply takes his army West to London he simply takes his army West to places like bath and that part of the places like bath and that part of the places like bath and that part of the country and those people submit to him country and those people submit to him country and those people submit to him which essentially means the entire which essentially means the entire which essentially means the entire country except London has declared that country except London has declared that country except London has declared that they're willing to have this Danish they're willing to have this Danish they're willing to have this Danish leader be their King also which leaves leader be their King also which leaves leader be their King also which leaves Ethel red in an untenable situation the Ethel red in an untenable situation the Ethel red in an untenable situation the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says the people of Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says the people of Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says the people of London are becoming nervous that being London are becoming nervous that being London are becoming nervous that being the only people who haven't declared the only people who haven't declared the only people who haven't declared Spain forkbeard their King they're going Spain forkbeard their King they're going Spain forkbeard their King they're going to pay a horrible price when eventually to pay a horrible price when eventually to pay a horrible price when eventually they have to submit to reality and give they have to submit to reality and give they have to submit to reality and give in so by hook or by crook Ethel red in so by hook or by crook Ethel red in so by hook or by crook Ethel red decides he has to leave London and you decides he has to leave London and you decides he has to leave London and you will have this sad spectacle of the will have this sad spectacle of the will have this sad spectacle of the anglosaxon king boarding Viking warships anglosaxon king boarding Viking warships anglosaxon king boarding Viking warships with his retinue of Viking mercenaries with his retinue of Viking mercenaries with his retinue of Viking mercenaries that up until recently were trying to that up until recently were trying to that up until recently were trying to overthrow his realm and were killing his overthrow his realm and were killing his overthrow his realm and were killing his people but now are the only thing people but now are the only thing people but now are the only thing keeping him alive as they leave London keeping him alive as they leave London keeping him alive as they leave London head out to the Sea they will spend a head out to the Sea they will spend a head out to the Sea they will spend a what must have been unbelievably what must have been unbelievably what must have been unbelievably depressing Christmas on the aisle of depressing Christmas on the aisle of depressing Christmas on the aisle of white before heading to Normandy and white before heading to Normandy and white before heading to Normandy and Exile and Spain forkbeard will enter Exile and Spain forkbeard will enter Exile and Spain forkbeard will enter London and be declared the London and be declared the London and be declared the king the Vikings who attacked the king the Vikings who attacked the king the Vikings who attacked the monastery at lindis farar in monastery at lindis farar in monastery at lindis farar in 793 never intended to conquer the island 793 never intended to conquer the island 793 never intended to conquer the island but what an interesting 220 years it's but what an interesting 220 years it's but what an interesting 220 years it's been leading to

been leading to been leading to this and if one wants to take the zoom this and if one wants to take the zoom this and if one wants to take the zoom out long view of things it's interesting out long view of things it's interesting out long view of things it's interesting that these that these that these Scandinavians who started off as Scandinavians who started off as Scandinavians who started off as worshippers of Odin and Thor were worshippers of Odin and Thor were worshippers of Odin and Thor were conquering a regime the Anglo-Saxons conquering a regime the Anglo-Saxons conquering a regime the Anglo-Saxons them were themselves originally them were themselves originally them were themselves originally conquerors of the British Isles who conquerors of the British Isles who conquerors of the British Isles who hailed from Denmark and Northern Germany hailed from Denmark and Northern Germany hailed from Denmark and Northern Germany and that area who were themselves at the and that area who were themselves at the and that area who were themselves at the time worshippers of basically Odin and time worshippers of basically Odin and time worshippers of basically Odin and Thor there's a circular sort of a rhythm Thor there's a circular sort of a rhythm Thor there's a circular sort of a rhythm to history sometimes and it's come full to history sometimes and it's come full to history sometimes and it's come full circle circle circle here Spain here Spain here Spain forkbeard will only rule England for forkbeard will only rule England for forkbeard will only rule England for five weeks before he will mysteriously five weeks before he will mysteriously five weeks before he will mysteriously perhaps one might suggest perhaps one might suggest perhaps one might suggest die he won't even get to make it to his die he won't even get to make it to his die he won't even get to make it to his coronation coronation coronation ceremony there is a ceremony there is a ceremony there is a wonderfully sort of almost retribution wonderfully sort of almost retribution wonderfully sort of almost retribution and religiously romantic sort of an idea and religiously romantic sort of an idea and religiously romantic sort of an idea amongst some that he was killed by a amongst some that he was killed by a amongst some that he was killed by a ghost the ghost of St Edmund a former ghost the ghost of St Edmund a former ghost the ghost of St Edmund a former English king if you remember from part English king if you remember from part English king if you remember from part one of this story that had been martyred one of this story that had been martyred one of this story that had been martyred is the word by Viking ra ERS and was now is the word by Viking ra ERS and was now is the word by Viking ra ERS and was now paying back this Danish King for what he paying back this Danish King for what he paying back this Danish King for what he went through by stabbing him with a went through by stabbing him with a went through by stabbing him with a ghostly Lance and ending his life but

ghostly Lance and ending his life but ghostly Lance and ending his life but Swain was in his 50s when he died and Swain was in his 50s when he died and Swain was in his 50s when he died and could have easily died from natural could have easily died from natural could have easily died from natural causes One account has him crying out causes One account has him crying out causes One account has him crying out the name of his son as he passes the name of his son as he passes the name of his son as he passes away saying away saying away saying Cano Cano there is a postcript to this story and there is a postcript to this story and it starts with it starts with it starts with Cano the son of San forkbeard will Cano the son of San forkbeard will Cano the son of San forkbeard will succeed him and become the king of succeed him and become the king of succeed him and become the king of England but not without a fight against England but not without a fight against England but not without a fight against his father's former his father's former his father's former foes because as my Encyclopedia of foes because as my Encyclopedia of foes because as my Encyclopedia of military history puts it the conflict in military history puts it the conflict in military history puts it the conflict in England during this time period is more England during this time period is more England during this time period is more like a civil war between the North and like a civil war between the North and like a civil war between the North and the South the North being sort of the the South the North being sort of the the South the North being sort of the pro- Danish part of the British Isles in pro- Danish part of the British Isles in pro- Danish part of the British Isles in the South being more the pro the South being more the pro the South being more the pro domestic royal family and after Spain domestic royal family and after Spain domestic royal family and after Spain dies the supporters of eth red ask him dies the supporters of eth red ask him dies the supporters of eth red ask him to come back out of Exile come back to to come back out of Exile come back to to come back out of Exile come back to England if he will only rule them more England if he will only rule them more England if he will only rule them more justly they justly they justly they say I guess he promises to do that say I guess he promises to do that say I guess he promises to do that because he comes back but he's no because he comes back but he's no because he comes back but he's no different they will manage to drive Cano different they will manage to drive Cano different they will manage to drive Cano out of England send him back to out of England send him back to out of England send him back to Scandinavia where he raises another Army Scandinavia where he raises another Army Scandinavia where he raises another Army and in 1016 comes back and there's a lot

and in 1016 comes back and there's a lot and in 1016 comes back and there's a lot of fighting and Ethel red dies and his of fighting and Ethel red dies and his of fighting and Ethel red dies and his son Edmund ironide continues the fight son Edmund ironide continues the fight son Edmund ironide continues the fight fights like five battles with Cano fights like five battles with Cano fights like five battles with Cano before they're just all worn out and before they're just all worn out and before they're just all worn out and they decide to split the British Isles they decide to split the British Isles they decide to split the British Isles together and then in a similar amount of together and then in a similar amount of together and then in a similar amount of time to how long Spain forkbeard got to time to how long Spain forkbeard got to time to how long Spain forkbeard got to rule Edmund Ironside dies too and there rule Edmund Ironside dies too and there rule Edmund Ironside dies too and there was deal between he and Cano that was deal between he and Cano that was deal between he and Cano that whoever died first left the kingdom to whoever died first left the kingdom to whoever died first left the kingdom to the other guy and so Cano's the king the other guy and so Cano's the king the other guy and so Cano's the king there is a rumor would be a good way to there is a rumor would be a good way to there is a rumor would be a good way to put it that Edmund ironside's death was put it that Edmund ironside's death was put it that Edmund ironside's death was not completely natural and one scures not completely natural and one scures not completely natural and one scures sort of report of his assassination sort of report of his assassination sort of report of his assassination occurring From Below as he empties his occurring From Below as he empties his occurring From Below as he empties his bowels into what was basically an ouse bowels into what was basically an ouse bowels into what was basically an ouse but there is no confirmation of this but but there is no confirmation of this but but there is no confirmation of this but the idea that it might not have been a the idea that it might not have been a the idea that it might not have been a natural death isn't very far-fetched at natural death isn't very far-fetched at natural death isn't very far-fetched at all but what this means is Cano becomes all but what this means is Cano becomes all but what this means is Cano becomes the first of what will be called an the first of what will be called an the first of what will be called an Anglo Danish Dynasty he rules a big Anglo Danish Dynasty he rules a big Anglo Danish Dynasty he rules a big chunk of Scandinavia and now England and chunk of Scandinavia and now England and chunk of Scandinavia and now England and remember all these places that the remember all these places that the remember all these places that the Scandinavians have been discovering for Scandinavians have been discovering for Scandinavians have been discovering for a long time now Iceland in the late 900s a long time now Iceland in the late 900s a long time now Iceland in the late 900s add Greenland to that about 1,000 add add Greenland to that about 1,000 add add Greenland to that about 1,000 add parts of the new world it's still parts of the new world it's still parts of the new world it's still unknown which parts but certainly New unknown which parts but certainly New unknown which parts but certainly New Finland Finland Finland also maybe parts of Canada maybe even also maybe parts of Canada maybe even also maybe parts of Canada maybe even the upper Northeast of the United States the upper Northeast of the United States the upper Northeast of the United States all this area was called Vinland by the all this area was called Vinland by the all this area was called Vinland by the Scandinavians and famously the sagas

Scandinavians and famously the sagas Scandinavians and famously the sagas talk about encounters between the talk about encounters between the talk about encounters between the Scandinavian settlers and the indigenous Scandinavian settlers and the indigenous Scandinavian settlers and the indigenous American population they called them American population they called them American population they called them scalings which of course turned out to scalings which of course turned out to scalings which of course turned out to be you know as full of misunderstandings be you know as full of misunderstandings be you know as full of misunderstandings and violence as the later Colombian and violence as the later Colombian and violence as the later Colombian stuff would occur after 1492 stuff would occur after 1492 stuff would occur after 1492 it's probably a bloody Miracle you it's probably a bloody Miracle you it's probably a bloody Miracle you didn't get the other downsides of the didn't get the other downsides of the didn't get the other downsides of the Colombian Exchange with disease Colombian Exchange with disease Colombian Exchange with disease transfers and all that but I've read transfers and all that but I've read transfers and all that but I've read some interesting theories on why that some interesting theories on why that some interesting theories on why that might have been including the fact that might have been including the fact that might have been including the fact that there weren't V very many Viking there weren't V very many Viking there weren't V very many Viking settlers and they were a long way from settlers and they were a long way from settlers and they were a long way from sort of you know where they would catch sort of you know where they would catch sort of you know where they would catch these diseases and spread them but Cano these diseases and spread them but Cano these diseases and spread them but Cano rules a realm which could probably be rules a realm which could probably be rules a realm which could probably be referred to as a sort of a northern referred to as a sort of a northern referred to as a sort of a northern Empire including you know Scandinavia Empire including you know Scandinavia Empire including you know Scandinavia not all of it than most of it um England not all of it than most of it um England not all of it than most of it um England Scotland the islands around them like Scotland the islands around them like Scotland the islands around them like the ornes and the Pharaoh Iceland the ornes and the Pharaoh Iceland the ornes and the Pharaoh Iceland Greenland the parts of the new I mean Greenland the parts of the new I mean Greenland the parts of the new I mean it's it's one of these things where the it's it's one of these things where the it's it's one of these things where the counterfactual could have seen a great counterfactual could have seen a great counterfactual could have seen a great northern Empire lasting a long northern Empire lasting a long northern Empire lasting a long time if you look at a map it looks like time if you look at a map it looks like time if you look at a map it looks like Ireland should be a part of any Ireland should be a part of any Ireland should be a part of any Scandinavian Northern Empire but of Scandinavian Northern Empire but of Scandinavian Northern Empire but of course as we mentioned earlier nowhere course as we mentioned earlier nowhere course as we mentioned earlier nowhere did the Vikings get so sucked into the did the Vikings get so sucked into the did the Vikings get so sucked into the internal politics of a place as the way internal politics of a place as the way internal politics of a place as the way they got sucked into the Irish situation they got sucked into the Irish situation they got sucked into the Irish situation and became the poster children for those and became the poster children for those and became the poster children for those pieces of shrapnel that we mentioned pieces of shrapnel that we mentioned pieces of shrapnel that we mentioned earlier that get grown over and absorbed earlier that get grown over and absorbed earlier that get grown over and absorbed by societies and of course at the 1014 by societies and of course at the 1014 by societies and of course at the 1014 Battle of kantar the Irish High King

Battle of kantar the Irish High King Battle of kantar the Irish High King Brian baru shuts the door on any Brian baru shuts the door on any Brian baru shuts the door on any suggestions that the Vikings will suggestions that the Vikings will suggestions that the Vikings will dominate The Emerald Island included in dominate The Emerald Island included in dominate The Emerald Island included in any larger Scandinavian any larger Scandinavian any larger Scandinavian realm whether you can still call this realm whether you can still call this realm whether you can still call this the Viking age depends on whose opinion the Viking age depends on whose opinion the Viking age depends on whose opinion you want to accept there are multiple you want to accept there are multiple you want to accept there are multiple different end points and lots of different end points and lots of different end points and lots of historians you know ascribe to each of historians you know ascribe to each of historians you know ascribe to each of them there's no right answer those of us them there's no right answer those of us them there's no right answer those of us who come from the uh englishbritish who come from the uh englishbritish who come from the uh englishbritish tradition which is many in America that tradition which is many in America that tradition which is many in America that tradition usually has a very convenient tradition usually has a very convenient tradition usually has a very convenient and cut and dried end date for the and cut and dried end date for the and cut and dried end date for the Viking era and that is Viking era and that is Viking era and that is 1066 in 1066 of course Harold hardrada 1066 in 1066 of course Harold hardrada 1066 in 1066 of course Harold hardrada in League with one of the claimants to in League with one of the claimants to in League with one of the claimants to the throne of England shows up in the the throne of England shows up in the the throne of England shows up in the north of England once again where north of England once again where north of England once again where usually there's quite a bit of Danish usually there's quite a bit of Danish usually there's quite a bit of Danish sympathy land there with the intention sympathy land there with the intention sympathy land there with the intention of taking over the realm are met by the of taking over the realm are met by the of taking over the realm are met by the English king of the day who defeats them English king of the day who defeats them English king of the day who defeats them and kills both Harold hardrada and uh and kills both Harold hardrada and uh and kills both Harold hardrada and uh the other rival claimant to the throne the other rival claimant to the throne the other rival claimant to the throne in a battle that's called The Battle of in a battle that's called The Battle of in a battle that's called The Battle of Stamford Bridge those who know their Stamford Bridge those who know their Stamford Bridge those who know their history know that this same English king history know that this same English king history know that this same English king has to then quickly as fast as he can go has to then quickly as fast as he can go has to then quickly as fast as he can go run down to the opposite end of the run down to the opposite end of the run down to the opposite end of the British Isles to meet another Invasion British Isles to meet another Invasion British Isles to meet another Invasion coming from across the English Channel coming from across the English Channel coming from across the English Channel by a guy named William the bastard who by a guy named William the bastard who by a guy named William the bastard who will eventually be known as William the will eventually be known as William the will eventually be known as William the Conqueror because he will win the battle Conqueror because he will win the battle Conqueror because he will win the battle that happens the Battle of Hastings and that happens the Battle of Hastings and that happens the Battle of Hastings and take over England and lead a beginning

take over England and lead a beginning take over England and lead a beginning of a new era in English History that is of a new era in English History that is of a new era in English History that is once again highlighted by the fact that once again highlighted by the fact that once again highlighted by the fact that this guy is the descendant of this guy is the descendant of this guy is the descendant of Scandinavian Vikings as well Scandinavian Vikings as well Scandinavian Vikings as well he is the leader of Normandy remember he is the leader of Normandy remember he is the leader of Normandy remember what that means land of the northmen what that means land of the northmen what that means land of the northmen he's the direct descendant of R the he's the direct descendant of R the he's the direct descendant of R the pirate king who's given that land and pirate king who's given that land and pirate king who's given that land and told to defend it from people like told to defend it from people like told to defend it from people like himself right the original poacher himself right the original poacher himself right the original poacher promoted to promoted to promoted to gamekeeper and it almost seems like one gamekeeper and it almost seems like one gamekeeper and it almost seems like one way or another England was going to be way or another England was going to be way or another England was going to be ruled by some Scandinavian or ruled by some Scandinavian or ruled by some Scandinavian or Scandinavian offshoot and all these Scandinavian offshoot and all these Scandinavian offshoot and all these battles were just to decide which of battles were just to decide which of battles were just to decide which of those offshoots it was going to be it'll those offshoots it was going to be it'll those offshoots it was going to be it'll be the be the be the Normans I was interested in John Vidar Normans I was interested in John Vidar Normans I was interested in John Vidar sarson's estimation and he says a sarson's estimation and he says a sarson's estimation and he says a completely rough estimation he doesn't completely rough estimation he doesn't completely rough estimation he doesn't want to be tied to this but about how want to be tied to this but about how want to be tied to this but about how many uh Scandinavians had been killed uh many uh Scandinavians had been killed uh many uh Scandinavians had been killed uh raiding and settling and drowning all raiding and settling and drowning all raiding and settling and drowning all during the Viking age and he said the during the Viking age and he said the during the Viking age and he said the very speculation type estimate he came very speculation type estimate he came very speculation type estimate he came up with is about up with is about up with is about 250,000 killed and another 250,000 250,000 killed and another 250,000 250,000 killed and another 250,000 either drowned or settling uh away from either drowned or settling uh away from either drowned or settling uh away from Scandinavia so that you essentially had Scandinavia so that you essentially had Scandinavia so that you essentially had half a million people uh gone from half a million people uh gone from half a million people uh gone from Scandinavian population roles at a time Scandinavian population roles at a time Scandinavian population roles at a time when there were probably a million when there were probably a million when there were probably a million Scandinavians overall and he ties this Scandinavians overall and he ties this Scandinavians overall and he ties this into theories about the exalted status

into theories about the exalted status into theories about the exalted status of women during the Viking era you know of women during the Viking era you know of women during the Viking era you know for example if you don't have a lot of for example if you don't have a lot of for example if you don't have a lot of men folk anymore or if a lot of the men men folk anymore or if a lot of the men men folk anymore or if a lot of the men folk that you have returned to the folk that you have returned to the folk that you have returned to the country forever maimed and crippled from country forever maimed and crippled from country forever maimed and crippled from their Viking Endeavors you have no their Viking Endeavors you have no their Viking Endeavors you have no choice but to take over a lot of the choice but to take over a lot of the choice but to take over a lot of the sorts of tasks men used to handle and he sorts of tasks men used to handle and he sorts of tasks men used to handle and he compared it to how women in both world compared it to how women in both world compared it to how women in both world wars took over a lot of the tasks that wars took over a lot of the tasks that wars took over a lot of the tasks that men had done because the men were all men had done because the men were all men had done because the men were all fighting it's a fascinating Theory but fighting it's a fascinating Theory but fighting it's a fascinating Theory but some of the other end points for the some of the other end points for the some of the other end points for the Viking age are connected to what makes a Viking age are connected to what makes a Viking age are connected to what makes a viking a viking and I'm in the camp of viking a viking and I'm in the camp of viking a viking and I'm in the camp of those who believe those who believe those who believe it has to do with the gods they worship it has to do with the gods they worship it has to do with the gods they worship right because so much of that is right because so much of that is right because so much of that is connected to the motivation for people connected to the motivation for people connected to the motivation for people acting the way they do right A lot of acting the way they do right A lot of acting the way they do right A lot of times you can figure out a lot about a times you can figure out a lot about a times you can figure out a lot about a culture by looking at the gods they culture by looking at the gods they culture by looking at the gods they worship and what those Gods prioritize worship and what those Gods prioritize worship and what those Gods prioritize because people tend to want to please because people tend to want to please because people tend to want to please the deities and if the the deities and if the the deities and if the deities prioritize something like deities prioritize something like deities prioritize something like raiding and fighting and bravery and not raiding and fighting and bravery and not raiding and fighting and bravery and not running away in battle and all those running away in battle and all those running away in battle and all those sorts of things we normally associate sorts of things we normally associate sorts of things we normally associate with the Vikings well then once they with the Vikings well then once they with the Vikings well then once they shift their allegiance from those Gods shift their allegiance from those Gods shift their allegiance from those Gods to other gods they turn into a different to other gods they turn into a different to other gods they turn into a different kind of kind of kind of culture and whereas Spain forkbeard and culture and whereas Spain forkbeard and culture and whereas Spain forkbeard and Cano and these rulers in Scandinavia are Cano and these rulers in Scandinavia are Cano and these rulers in Scandinavia are now all Christian by this time period now all Christian by this time period now all Christian by this time period the people took a lot longer to

the people took a lot longer to the people took a lot longer to convert John vdar sigon had said that convert John vdar sigon had said that convert John vdar sigon had said that the Scandinavian religion was an elite the Scandinavian religion was an elite the Scandinavian religion was an elite religion and required the ruler to act religion and required the ruler to act religion and required the ruler to act as sort of the go between between the as sort of the go between between the as sort of the go between between the people and the you know the gods which people and the you know the gods which people and the you know the gods which means if the leaders have changed their means if the leaders have changed their means if the leaders have changed their allegiance it's like cutting the heads allegiance it's like cutting the heads allegiance it's like cutting the heads off of the faith in a sense the people off of the faith in a sense the people off of the faith in a sense the people no longer have their direct connection no longer have their direct connection no longer have their direct connection to the deities but it still takes a long to the deities but it still takes a long to the deities but it still takes a long time for the ways of traditional folk to time for the ways of traditional folk to time for the ways of traditional folk to be be be altered in Sweden for example the blood altered in Sweden for example the blood altered in Sweden for example the blood sacrifice Temple at opula won't be sacrifice Temple at opula won't be sacrifice Temple at opula won't be repurposed until the mid repurposed until the mid repurposed until the mid 1100s and in his book The children of 1100s and in his book The children of 1100s and in his book The children of Ash and Elm historian Neil price says Ash and Elm historian Neil price says Ash and Elm historian Neil price says many people in Scandinavia still believe many people in Scandinavia still believe many people in Scandinavia still believe in aspects that he called The Invisible in aspects that he called The Invisible in aspects that he called The Invisible population today if not elves and population today if not elves and population today if not elves and dwarves and trolls then maybe still that dwarves and trolls then maybe still that dwarves and trolls then maybe still that feminine aspect to our personalities feminine aspect to our personalities feminine aspect to our personalities that the Scandinavians also believed that the Scandinavians also believed that the Scandinavians also believed in let's not pretend that the gods of in let's not pretend that the gods of in let's not pretend that the gods of the old Scandinavian Germanic Pantheon the old Scandinavian Germanic Pantheon the old Scandinavian Germanic Pantheon didn't attempt to make a comeback didn't attempt to make a comeback didn't attempt to make a comeback remember I compared them to the American remember I compared them to the American remember I compared them to the American Bison right the Buffalo at one time they Bison right the Buffalo at one time they Bison right the Buffalo at one time they used to roam across a huge range of used to roam across a huge range of used to roam across a huge range of territory everything north of the old territory everything north of the old territory everything north of the old Roman Empire for example and by the mid Roman Empire for example and by the mid Roman Empire for example and by the mid 1100s they are confined to small areas 1100s they are confined to small areas 1100s they are confined to small areas around Sweden and some of these around Sweden and some of these around Sweden and some of these outcroppings of Scandinavian settlement

outcroppings of Scandinavian settlement outcroppings of Scandinavian settlement but that doesn't mean they don't but that doesn't mean they don't but that doesn't mean they don't occasionally make contact and try to occasionally make contact and try to occasionally make contact and try to entice some of the people that used to entice some of the people that used to entice some of the people that used to worship them back to the fold I love a worship them back to the fold I love a worship them back to the fold I love a story that uh Scandinavian professor story that uh Scandinavian professor story that uh Scandinavian professor John lindow he's a professor in the John lindow he's a professor in the John lindow he's a professor in the department of Scandinavian in my book it department of Scandinavian in my book it department of Scandinavian in my book it says he's at the University of says he's at the University of says he's at the University of California Berkeley he may or may not California Berkeley he may or may not California Berkeley he may or may not still be but he wrote a book called Old still be but he wrote a book called Old still be but he wrote a book called Old Norse mythology where he quotes from a Norse mythology where he quotes from a Norse mythology where he quotes from a saga where the protagonist who's a saga where the protagonist who's a saga where the protagonist who's a Christian finds himself about to take a Christian finds himself about to take a Christian finds himself about to take a dangerous sea voyage and all of a sudden dangerous sea voyage and all of a sudden dangerous sea voyage and all of a sudden Thor comes to him in a dream Thor's one Thor comes to him in a dream Thor's one Thor comes to him in a dream Thor's one of the gods that sort of protects people of the gods that sort of protects people of the gods that sort of protects people at sea at least until the Christian God at sea at least until the Christian God at sea at least until the Christian God takes over and Thor basically says to takes over and Thor basically says to takes over and Thor basically says to him listen you're about to go on a him listen you're about to go on a him listen you're about to go on a really tough Journey you sure you don't really tough Journey you sure you don't really tough Journey you sure you don't want to rethink this Christian thing and want to rethink this Christian thing and want to rethink this Christian thing and come back to the guy who can protect you come back to the guy who can protect you come back to the guy who can protect you would would would see and lindow says see and lindow says see and lindow says quote shortly after his conversion quote shortly after his conversion quote shortly after his conversion meaning the conversion of this poor meaning the conversion of this poor meaning the conversion of this poor gills guy who is the protagonist Thor gills guy who is the protagonist Thor gills guy who is the protagonist Thor begins to plague his dreams upbring begins to plague his dreams upbring begins to plague his dreams upbring poror gills for abandoning him when poror gills for abandoning him when poror gills for abandoning him when poror gills plans a journey from Iceland poror gills plans a journey from Iceland poror gills plans a journey from Iceland out to Greenland Thor comes to him in a out to Greenland Thor comes to him in a out to Greenland Thor comes to him in a dream now quoting from The Saga he dream now quoting from The Saga he dream now quoting from The Saga he dreamt that a man came to him large and dreamt that a man came to him large and dreamt that a man came to him large and red bearded and said you've decided on a red bearded and said you've decided on a red bearded and said you've decided on a journey and it will be difficult the journey and it will be difficult the journey and it will be difficult the dream man looked huge to him it will go

dream man looked huge to him it will go dream man looked huge to him it will go ill for you he said unless you believe ill for you he said unless you believe ill for you he said unless you believe in me again then I will watch over you in me again then I will watch over you in me again then I will watch over you so orgill said he would never want his so orgill said he would never want his so orgill said he would never want his help again and told him to go away as help again and told him to go away as help again and told him to go away as fast as his legs would take him but my fast as his legs would take him but my fast as his legs would take him but my journey will go as almighty God wills it journey will go as almighty God wills it journey will go as almighty God wills it then he thought that Thor led him to a then he thought that Thor led him to a then he thought that Thor led him to a certain Crag where ocean waves were certain Crag where ocean waves were certain Crag where ocean waves were dashing against the Rocks you will find dashing against the Rocks you will find dashing against the Rocks you will find yourself in such waves and never get out yourself in such waves and never get out yourself in such waves and never get out unless you return to me no said unless you return to me no said unless you return to me no said thorgills go away from me you loathsome thorgills go away from me you loathsome thorgills go away from me you loathsome fiend he will help me who redeemed us fiend he will help me who redeemed us fiend he will help me who redeemed us all with his blood all with his blood all with his blood end end end quote but we talked earlier about the quote but we talked earlier about the quote but we talked earlier about the Tinkerbell effect right this idea that Tinkerbell effect right this idea that Tinkerbell effect right this idea that if a lot of people believe in something if a lot of people believe in something if a lot of people believe in something it has a power even if that's something it has a power even if that's something it has a power even if that's something might not be might not be might not be real there are more things in Heaven and real there are more things in Heaven and real there are more things in Heaven and Earth Horatio that are dreamt of in your Earth Horatio that are dreamt of in your Earth Horatio that are dreamt of in your philosophies philosophies philosophies right the Scandinavians like a lot of right the Scandinavians like a lot of right the Scandinavians like a lot of earlier peoples think about the aans earlier peoples think about the aans earlier peoples think about the aans that Homer talks about in The Iliad that Homer talks about in The Iliad that Homer talks about in The Iliad believe that lasting Fame and your name believe that lasting Fame and your name believe that lasting Fame and your name never being forgotten is the true never being forgotten is the true never being forgotten is the true immortality that's why you do all these immortality that's why you do all these immortality that's why you do all these great Deeds that's why you carve runes great Deeds that's why you carve runes great Deeds that's why you carve runes into Stones so that these people's into Stones so that these people's into Stones so that these people's memory lives on and then they're not memory lives on and then they're not memory lives on and then they're not truly dead they live on truly dead they live on truly dead they live on somewhere I'm going to make the obvious somewhere I'm going to make the obvious somewhere I'm going to make the obvious point that more people know who Thor is

point that more people know who Thor is point that more people know who Thor is today than ever knew about him during today than ever knew about him during today than ever knew about him during all the ages when all the Germanic all the ages when all the Germanic all the ages when all the Germanic peoples everywhere worshiped him if I peoples everywhere worshiped him if I peoples everywhere worshiped him if I estimated that a billion people knew who estimated that a billion people knew who estimated that a billion people knew who Thor was that's more people than existed Thor was that's more people than existed Thor was that's more people than existed in probably all Germanic Pagan existence in probably all Germanic Pagan existence in probably all Germanic Pagan existence added up added up added up together these gods live on in our days together these gods live on in our days together these gods live on in our days of the week mean Tuesday Wednesday of the week mean Tuesday Wednesday of the week mean Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday all named after members Thursday Friday all named after members Thursday Friday all named after members of the AER Thursday is Thor's day that's of the AER Thursday is Thor's day that's of the AER Thursday is Thor's day that's pretty easy isn't pretty easy isn't pretty easy isn't it so by the standards of the people who it so by the standards of the people who it so by the standards of the people who worshiped him Thor has achieved a kind worshiped him Thor has achieved a kind worshiped him Thor has achieved a kind of an of an of an immortality well so far right so long as immortality well so far right so long as immortality well so far right so long as it lasts and maybe if we want to buy in it lasts and maybe if we want to buy in it lasts and maybe if we want to buy in for a minute to the ancient myths or for a minute to the ancient myths or for a minute to the ancient myths or Prophecies of these Germanic Pagan Prophecies of these Germanic Pagan Prophecies of these Germanic Pagan peoples who worshiped a figure like Thor peoples who worshiped a figure like Thor peoples who worshiped a figure like Thor we should be hopeful that he lasts a we should be hopeful that he lasts a we should be hopeful that he lasts a good long time because in the famous good long time because in the famous good long time because in the famous Norse tale that's recounted in the Norse tale that's recounted in the Norse tale that's recounted in the poetic Eda I'm using the Jackson poetic Eda I'm using the Jackson poetic Eda I'm using the Jackson Crawford translation by the way Odin Crawford translation by the way Odin Crawford translation by the way Odin raises a witch from the dead so that he raises a witch from the dead so that he raises a witch from the dead so that he can question her about the beginnings can question her about the beginnings can question her about the beginnings and the end of the world and she tells and the end of the world and she tells and the end of the world and she tells him about how things end the famous him about how things end the famous him about how things end the famous Ragnarok the Twilight of the Gods where Ragnarok the Twilight of the Gods where Ragnarok the Twilight of the Gods where the gods and all the dead people that

the gods and all the dead people that the gods and all the dead people that have been brought into Valhalla come out have been brought into Valhalla come out have been brought into Valhalla come out for the climactic last battle against for the climactic last battle against for the climactic last battle against the Giants and the forces of chaos and the Giants and the forces of chaos and the Giants and the forces of chaos and all the monsters and Loki for example is all the monsters and Loki for example is all the monsters and Loki for example is aboard a ship raised from the depths of aboard a ship raised from the depths of aboard a ship raised from the depths of the ocean constructed from the the ocean constructed from the the ocean constructed from the fingernails of everyone who's ever fingernails of everyone who's ever fingernails of everyone who's ever drowned leading the Giants against the drowned leading the Giants against the drowned leading the Giants against the gods and in this climactic battle that gods and in this climactic battle that gods and in this climactic battle that the witch tells Odin about Odin the witch tells Odin about Odin the witch tells Odin about Odin dies but Odin's not the only one after dies but Odin's not the only one after dies but Odin's not the only one after Odin dies she tells about what happens Odin dies she tells about what happens Odin dies she tells about what happens to his son to his son to his son and then because of what happens to his and then because of what happens to his and then because of what happens to his son what happens to the rest of us and son what happens to the rest of us and son what happens to the rest of us and the witch in The poetic edit tells Odin the witch in The poetic edit tells Odin the witch in The poetic edit tells Odin quote then Thor comes Earth's son Odin's quote then Thor comes Earth's son Odin's quote then Thor comes Earth's son Odin's son to fight the midgard serpent the son to fight the midgard serpent the son to fight the midgard serpent the protector of midgard will kill that protector of midgard will kill that protector of midgard will kill that serpent in his rage but all humankind serpent in his rage but all humankind serpent in his rage but all humankind will die out of the world when Thor will die out of the world when Thor will die out of the world when Thor Falls after only nine steps struck down Falls after only nine steps struck down Falls after only nine steps struck down by the Venom of the honorless serpent by the Venom of the honorless serpent by the Venom of the honorless serpent the sun turns black the Earth sinks into the sun turns black the Earth sinks into the sun turns black the Earth sinks into the sea the bright stars fall out of the the sea the bright stars fall out of the the sea the bright stars fall out of the sky Flames Scorch the leaves of igdrasil sky Flames Scorch the leaves of igdrasil sky Flames Scorch the leaves of igdrasil a great bonfire reaches to the highest a great bonfire reaches to the highest a great bonfire reaches to the highest clouds end clouds end clouds end quot I've heard all sorts of suggestions quot I've heard all sorts of suggestions quot I've heard all sorts of suggestions of both natural and unnatural disasters of both natural and unnatural disasters of both natural and unnatural disasters that might that might that might manifest to create the condition where

manifest to create the condition where manifest to create the condition where that dead witch's prophecy is fulfilled that dead witch's prophecy is fulfilled that dead witch's prophecy is fulfilled everything from climate change to everything from climate change to everything from climate change to nuclear war to an asteroid striking the nuclear war to an asteroid striking the nuclear war to an asteroid striking the planet but if we want to believe that planet but if we want to believe that planet but if we want to believe that dead witch's prophecy to Odin as long as dead witch's prophecy to Odin as long as dead witch's prophecy to Odin as long as Thor continues to exists we're all okay Thor continues to exists we're all okay Thor continues to exists we're all okay if he's really the beneficiary of if he's really the beneficiary of if he's really the beneficiary of something like the Tinkerbell effect and something like the Tinkerbell effect and something like the Tinkerbell effect and as long as he's remembered he continues as long as he's remembered he continues as long as he's remembered he continues to live on then the only way to kill to live on then the only way to kill to live on then the only way to kill Tinkerbell Tinkerbell Tinkerbell is for the people who believe in is for the people who believe in is for the people who believe in Tinkerbell to cease to Tinkerbell to cease to Tinkerbell to cease to exist there's been no Ragnarok no ending exist there's been no Ragnarok no ending exist there's been no Ragnarok no ending of of of things but when dealing with things like things but when dealing with things like things but when dealing with things like Immortals we should remember that they Immortals we should remember that they Immortals we should remember that they operate on very long operate on very long operate on very long timelines to the Norse and the ancient timelines to the Norse and the ancient timelines to the Norse and the ancient Germanic Pagan peoples Ragnarok was an Germanic Pagan peoples Ragnarok was an Germanic Pagan peoples Ragnarok was an event in Humanity's event in Humanity's event in Humanity's future for all we know it still is support us with patreon by going to is support us with patreon by going to patreon.com dancarlin or go to our patreon.com dancarlin or go to our patreon.com dancarlin or go to our donate page at dancarlin.com donate page at dancarlin.com donate page at dancarlin.com dc- donate Wrath of the cons Punic dc- donate Wrath of the cons Punic dc- donate Wrath of the cons Punic nightmares Apache tears and of course nightmares Apache tears and of course nightmares Apache tears and of course ghost of the ostfront just a few of the ghost of the ostfront just a few of the ghost of the ostfront just a few of the classic Hardcore History titles classic Hardcore History titles classic Hardcore History titles available from dancarlin.com every true

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books and it's crazy when we get into books and it's crazy when we get into the last month or month and a half I the last month or month and a half I the last month or month and a half I feel like I'm completely out of touch feel like I'm completely out of touch feel like I'm completely out of touch with you all as we're sort of locked with you all as we're sort of locked with you all as we're sort of locked into the cave so it'll be nice to get into the cave so it'll be nice to get into the cave so it'll be nice to get out of the cave for a while sort of out of the cave for a while sort of out of the cave for a while sort of re-engage with the world until sometime re-engage with the world until sometime re-engage with the world until sometime in mid next year we get shut down into in mid next year we get shut down into in mid next year we get shut down into the cave again hopefully we'll have a the cave again hopefully we'll have a the cave again hopefully we'll have a few hardcore history addendums and some few hardcore history addendums and some few hardcore history addendums and some articles and some other stuff that come articles and some other stuff that come articles and some other stuff that come out in the meantime but as always thank out in the meantime but as always thank out in the meantime but as always thank you for everything everyone you make my you for everything everyone you make my you for everything everyone you make my my entire life possible and I'll never my entire life possible and I'll never my entire life possible and I'll never forget that stay