Empire 263. Viking Greenland: Erik The Red & Horny Zombies (Ep 1)
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Jun 11, 2025 
Eleanor Barraclough, a Viking expert and author of "Embers of The Hands," discusses the fascinating Norse settlers in Greenland. She reveals how they adapted their diets beyond fish, relying on seal blubber for survival. Trade with Norway through walrus ivory emerges as a key theme, showcasing their economic ingenuity. Also, the podcast delves into the quirky side of Viking folklore, featuring 'horny zombies' and other eerie tales, blending humor with history in a captivating exploration of Viking life and culture.
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Knighted with Walrus Bone
- Eleanor Barraclough was knighted with a walrus penis bone in Arctic Norway.
- This quirky ritual involved a stuffed walrus head and a certificate from the Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society.
Slavery Fueled Viking Raids
- Viking raids started as hit-and-run operations for portable wealth and status.
- Slavery, including ransoming and selling captives, was a core driver of Viking raids and power.
From Raiding to Conquest
- The Great Heathen Army shifted Viking activity from raiding to conquest and settlement.
- Vikings overwintered and used ships and horses for mobile warfare across Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.