Grab yourself an eggnog because it's time for an early Christmas present - the 40th episode of Viking Story! Did I realize that during recording? No I did not! Nevertheless... When can you expect the sequel to Bloodsword Saga? How can one find the Hamlet/Amleð comparison book from St. Clair Publications that I helped co-write? What is the story behind Stein "The Strong" and his debilitating headaches? The answers to these questions and more in this bonus Christmas episode! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com My Bloodsword Saga novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it and the (H)amlet(H) comparative piece by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs My academic historical fiction novel is also available on Amazon as an e-book or for purchase on the St. Clair Publications website as a paperback: https://stclairpublications.com/shop/ols/categories/alan-laycock-fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org And finally, a special thank you to whoever gave my Bloodsword Saga novel a 5-star review on Amazon. You are a very kind person because every positive review helps people find the book better, and on a personal note it makes me feel like you must have enjoyed my work. May you all have a wonderful 2024!

In this bonus episode I welcome Martyn Whittock, the author of "American Vikings - How the Norse sailed into the lands and imaginations of America" to the podcast. During our discussion Martyn gives a preview of the types of topics/themes covered in his latest book, ranging from the Norse discovery of North America and their subsequent activity in the New World in the centuries that followed to the perception of Vikings in America today, including their importance to American cultural identity and the use (and often misuse) of their image in modern politics. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com If you are interested in purchasing Martyn Whittock's book, available from November 7th, 2023, then the following links may be helpful: Pegasus Books USA: http://pegasusbooks.com/books/american-vikings-9781639365357-hardcover Simon and Schuster (the distributor's page): https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/American-Vikings/Martyn-Whittock/9781639365357 Amazon (UK) link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/American-Vikings-Sailed-Imaginations-America/dp/1639365354 My novel "Bloodsword Saga" is currently also available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs Head on over to St. Clair Publications, the publishing house behind my novel, by visiting https://stclairpublications.com Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

Many people have heard of Shakespeare's greatest tragic hero, Hamlet, but surprisingly few have taken an interest in his actual origins, which date back to over half a millennium before Shakespeare's time. In this episode I speak with St. Clair Publications' own Spencer St. Clair to discuss a collaboration that we are working on together, namely, a book that is tentatively titled "(H)amlet(h)" and which compares/contrasts the earliest known sources of "Amlóðasaga," featuring the proto-Hamlet character of Amleth, with Shakespeare's famous play "The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark." Strap yourself in and get ready to learn more about Hamlet/Amleth and the famous Danish historian, Saxo Grammaticus, and Saxo's most famous work, a complete history of Denmark called the "Gesta Danorum." Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com My novel "Bloodsword Saga" is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of books and authors. Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

In the final episode of Season 5 we take a look at the lengths I went to in order to bring you a detailed description in my Viking novel of what burning alive feels like. I also discuss whether or not this will be the final season of Viking Story and I thank my wonderful listeners for their continued support. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com My novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of books and authors. Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

It's time for the very first interview in Viking Story history! Get to know Spencer St. Clair from St. Clair Publications, the publishing house behind my Viking novel. In our interview you'll find out what went behind bringing my book to print and how Spencer St. Clair successfully navigated the uniquely challenging ideas that I brought to the table. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of books and authors. If you'd like to reach out to Spencer St. Clair personally then he is available at: spencer.stclairpublications@gmail.com My novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

Meet your sexy (?) new host and also the main character from my novel, Bloodsword Saga: Fear The North What makes Bloodsword likeable and, perhaps even more importantly, very unlikeable at the same time? All of these answers and more as I struggle to make it through the entire episode! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of books and authors. My novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

What makes my novel unique/different/special? Why are there so many Unique Selling Points (USPs) in my book? All of these answers and more! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com My novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of books and authors. Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

What is "Academic Historical Fiction" anyway? Why did I create a whole new book genre and what inspired me to do so? Listen to find out as I go off on a tangent about Tim Horton and Dustin Byfuglien! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of books and authors. Finally, my novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

My book, powered by you, my faithful listeners, has finally been published! Find my book on Amazon by searching for my name, "Alan Laycock-Fuchs." Weirdly, this podcast will also come up when you search my name (I had forgotten that you could listen via Amazon!) In this episode I'll also introduce you to the publishing house behind my book, called St. Clair Publications, and if you listen all the way until the very end there's also an Easter Egg Outtake for all of you to enjoy! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Head on over to St. Clair Publications by visiting https://stclairpublications.com to learn more about them and their amazing collection of books and authors. Finally, my novel is currently available on Amazon and you can find it by searching my name: Alan Laycock-Fuchs Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

As we wrap-up Season 4 all eyes turn towards Season 5 as I focus on the publication of my Viking novel. I want to personally thank all of my listeners once again for their valued support. This is a completely DIY podcast and so to achieve the success that it has has been truly amazing. Thank you! Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

A deep dive (?) into my own history and also a look at some of the behind-the-scenes goings-on with regards to this podcast. What was the original name of this podcast? What is the story behind the cover art? And who is SaturDave? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Want to check out my brother's show? Then tune into 88.7 The Bay on Saturdays at noon EST or online at: https://muskokaradio.com Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

The best Viking-themed tv show (in my opinion) is revealed and it may not be one you are familiar with. What makes this series better than Vikings and Vikings Valhalla and who was Uhtred of Bebbanburg? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

My second choice for best Viking-themed tv show is revealed, but how close was it to actually being my number one? What makes this Norwegian fantasy drama so good and who are the Norwegian "Brat Pack"? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

The #3 ranked Vikings-themed tv show is reviewed and I share some of my own personal stories that relate to the series. A few questions are also discussed, such as: Did the Vikings really use sun stones and sun compasses? Did surviving on your own in the wilderness make you a legendary Viking? And is Game of Thrones more historically accurate than the Vikings tv show? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

It's the start of another new season and I start by thanking my loyal listeners and welcoming all of the new ones. So... a few updates in regards to my publication journey... a deal has been signed and the journey is fast coming to its conclusion! Learn about a few of the details so far in going to print and also receive a preview of the season ahead. Want to start your own podcast with the simplest editing and hosting tools and also support this podcast in the process? Then sign up for Alitu using my referral link: https://alitu.com?fp_ref=alan93 As always, don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

Season 3 has come nearly as fast as it has gone. Almost as if it was riding Slepnir. In the final episode of the season I give a quick overview of my publishing journey to date, plus I talk a little about my private life and various trials and trublations I have edured. However, on the plus side, there will be a Season 4 so stay subscribed to recieve those episodes the second they drop (sometime in 2023). Until then, don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

The last day of the week (or at least the last day that concerns Norse Gods) is the association of Frigg to Friday. This episode also takes a look at the scholarly debate as to whether or not Frigg and Freyja were at one time one and the same. But in order to look at them in the same light they are first seperated into two and reviewed individually in their own rights. So who was Frigg, besides the wife of Oðin? Is there enough source material to even know? And who was Freyja? Did she represent someone from a distant time, who infultrated another culture and caused discord? And is the God Oðr (Freyja's husband) really just a poor man's Oðin? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

In this episode we take a closer look at arguably one of the most famous Norse Gods of all time, even rivaling his father's (Oðin's) fame; today the focus is on the God associated with the day of the week we know as Thursday - Þor! Was Þor actually more popular than Oðin during the Viking age? What did he represent and how was he viewed in comparison to the other Norse Gods? What has modern culture got wrong about Þor? And what does he have to do with Santa Claus and Irish Pubs? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

Known as the "All Father," Oðin is perhaps the most important God of the Viking people. Or was he? In this special episode I take a closer look at one of the most famous Gods of the Norse pantheon. But where did it all begin for Oðin? How does it all end? What did he represent and what is he associated with? And what does a modern-day shirt and skirt have to do with Norse migration patterns and the evolution of the Norse language in general? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com I should probably also add here that the App I was unfortunately unable to remember during recording, but nevertheless tried to reference, is simply called "Havamal." So a shout-out to its creators! Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org

Focusing on the Norse God associated with the day of the week known as Tuesday, I take a look at Týr and his place in the pantheon of Norse Gods. Was Týr at one point a more important God than Oðin? How did the Vikings invoke Týr? Were human sacrifices ever made in his honour? All of these answers and more. Don’t forget to rate, review, and help spread the word! You can reach me via e-mail at: vikingstoryfaq@outlook.com Music rights courtesy of: https://freemusicarchive.org