The Rest Is History 103. The Norse Sagas
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Sep 30, 2021 
Join Dr. Eleanor Barraclough, a Viking history expert from Durham University, as she navigates the fascinating world of Norse sagas. Discover how the Vikings established their unique society in Iceland and their adventurous explorations to America. Unearth the complexities of their transition to Christianity, the significant role of sagas in preserving culture, and the intriguing supernatural elements within these narratives. Delve into the rich tapestry of Viking life and learn how their stories shaped history.
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Early Settlers
- Irish monks (papar) may have settled Iceland before the Vikings, seeking solitude for religious practices.
- They left when the Vikings arrived, disliking the "heathens".
Settler DNA
- Many settlers in Iceland had British Isles origins, especially women.
- This is evident in modern Icelandic DNA, with more Norwegian male DNA and British Isles female DNA.
Irish Princess Slave
- One saga tells of an Irish princess, Melkorka, brought to Iceland as a slave.
- She pretends to be mute until one day she speaks to her child in Irish.
