About Me

Dr. Jackson Crawford talks about how he became interested in the subjects he teaches at the University of Colorado, translates for the public, and lectures about on KZbin: Norse language and myth.
Dr. Jackson Crawford is Instructor of Nordic Studies and Nordic Program Coordinator at the University of Colorado Boulder (formerly UC Berkeley and UCLA). He is a historical linguist and an experienced teacher and translator of Old Norse, Modern Icelandic, and Norwegian.
Visit JacksonWCrawford.com (includes a linked list of all videos).
Latest FAQs: • Video (updated Nov. 2018).
Music © I See Hawks in L.A., courtesy of the artist. Visit www.iseehawks.com/
Logos by Elizabeth Porter (snowbringer at gmail).
Jackson Crawford’s Patreon page: / norsebysw
Jackson Crawford’s translation of The Poetic Edda: www.amazon.com...
Audiobook: www.audible.co...
Jackson Crawford’s translation of The Saga of the Volsungs: www.amazon.com...
Audiobook: www.audible.co...

[@LeoPlaw]

Maybe the Colorado Tourism Board should also fund you since you do so much promotion for the state. =)

[@skyboat345]

How lucky are we to have this guy on youtube? :D

[@LisaAnn777]

Mimir himself chose Jackson. To keep the old beleifs alive. He's is the best when it comes to learning what our ancestors believed. We are very lucky to have him.

[@MicheleMarychurch]

You're soooo lovely. I giggle at your breezy 'w's. God bless.

[@jacobberry5138]

Someones twitterpated!

[@misstiffins]

I hope to encourage my daughter the same way the adults in your life encouraged you. It's great to hear how someone excels at such a niche skill!

[@emilbecker8970]

Always wondered about that thanks for the story keep up the good work doc

[@desi3427]

Grandparents are a true gift. My grandfather's last name actually was Anderson funny enough. I miss him every day. Thanks for the video.

[@embracing_spirit]

But wikipedia doesn't say how tall you are!! I was an adjunct teacher, albeit briefly, and I was quite appalled by the lack of income teacher actually provides. It really is an act of love/passion for the subject. Congratulations on your continued success. I hope it just continues to blossom and give back to you as much as you give!!

[@thenordichammer1606]

He looks somewhere between the height of a Frost Giant and a Mountain Giant.

[@macevans3]

Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" was my all-time favorite book as a tween-ager; the first time I read the book I felt "cheated" that the Norse section was so minute. It drove me to check out every book on Norse Mythology (there were not many) from my public library. To this day, that book sits in a place of honor in my library. Btw, if I remember correctly, the only source she references directly is the "Elder Edda".

[@JanCarol11]

Like any Master, you give honor to your "learning lineage." I felt like I was talking to one of my tai chi friends: first there was this interest, sparked by a text, self-taught while inspired by this teacher, which led me to this Master and then to a Grandmaster where I was made who I am today. Honoring your ancestors and teachers (is that in the Havamal? Damn, I need to get more on top of that one, it is goodness). Awesome that you got sparked so young.

[@SacredEagle7115]

Thank you So much Brothrr 🐺💙🤙😎

[@keithrutherford5164]

I've been watching you since around video 20 and still rewatch them a lot this has helped me in learning the language to where I can really enjoy the sagas thank you Dr Crawford I would love to be able to be in one of your classes. Keep up the great work

[@gizmogoose.2486]

I like the way you shaped your beard up. _You look like a Dodge City Gunfighter now !!!_

[@Hypatiaization]

Literally a perfect man, soft spoken to boot 🥾!

[@thenordichammer1606]

I'm just glad you developed this interest. I've learned a lot. I read your Poetic Edda (Excellent) and just got my copy of Two Sagas.

[@candyturner1412]

New *gray* hat? ❤️

[@DRockOvich]

Thank you for sharing with us about yourself.

[@stevemackelprang8472]

Actually rode my bike through Blackhawk and was astounded by the size the brewery at the bottom of the hill, later visited the museum in Morrison on your recommendation, astounding place! .The original ride was Pikes Peak, but I figured as long as I was in the neighborhood... have you visited the Museum near Cleveland Utah? Allosaurus capital of the world.. nice place.

[@Tina06019]

I am grateful that you started Patreon, because I would not feel quite right in enjoying your hard work completely for free. Don’t like being a « freeloader » but I get so annoyed with commercials.

[@muffinland]

Digging through old videos while sweating out a round of the big C. Funny how similar your path towards old norse is to mine: I was a space and weather kid, and inspired by my own great-grandmother who was Acadienne and I adored. Got interested in trying to trace my French family back, which brought me to Normandie, and my tangential interest in early Europeans in Canada tuned me into Vinland. Ended up doing my masters in climate policy (tying in that space and weather kid stuff!) in Norway.

[@MisterTipp]

Please come to Lund University!

[@Ca11mero]

Some stones outside of AF too :D

[@MikeMafiaII]

I would love some Armenian content too! What advice would you give to people who would want to start a similar teaching career?

[@stellanathaniel3198]

He's actually got two videos that touch on that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6TLfGyjo8icnKc and kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWjPeHaGjcRrpMU .

[@MikeMafiaII]

@@stellanathaniel3198 You're a saint, thanks!

[@MikeMafiaII]

@@GPrinceps That's a fair point, even dipping some toes into it so to speak would be nice tho.

[@TheErebusGaming]

I'd never thought about this before, but now I'm curious: I wonder if people like Dr. Crawford are allowed to assign their own books for classes? It seems like it might be a conflict of interest to do so, but I'm not sure how that would work.

[@elfarlaur]

I've got profs who do it. As long as it's relevant.

[@spymen08]

Could you find time as to tell us of faroese a little bit more and and compare it with english and old norse since you have mentioned it only once but faroese is interesting language as well as old norse and so similar in many ways so its interesting to know what you think of that as being the specialist of old norse

[@jellosapiens7261]

How much work have you done on comparative Indo-European linguistics?

[@eliastandel]

The real question is: Houston Texans or Denver Broncos?

[@markcash2]

lol...try Wyoming Cowboys!

[@colmhain]

Luv Ya Blue!

[@creepin9928]

From what I've heard from a few different Scotts, if you have Scottish or Irish DNA you probably have at least a little Scandinavian mixed in there.

[@animistchannel2983]

About you... When the Norns set a course, they see deeper and farther than a man's own image. They care not for what you think you know, for what you think you are. They look across the tangled Forest as a tapestry unto itself, and they draw you a path among its lives that is most fit for the whole. Whatever histories you read, there are always hints at what lies deeper among the roots, that may yet shoot forth into the light. This is not always drawn from the majority of threads of your backstory, yet may make a good story unto itself. There are signs written upon you of elder times and relations than what academic records may reveal. You have a particular manifest trait that links some of your ancestors to old norse explorers, that they received from their own intermingling with the Sami, and from there to the Tungus tribes even as waned the last ice age. Some part of that is evidenced in your recurring interest in what lies behind, beyond, before even the oldest writings you can find. This will never be fulfilled in that way, and always it will incite you. There is a purpose to your work, even if it is not your purpose. Enjoy the weathers that have drawn around you, for they are not of your making and not of your owning. That the winds have blown you where you needed to go all along is not a miracle... it is simply the nature of Nature unfolding, and you alongside. You have been given a place you love and a task you can enjoy doing, and by these alone you may intuit that you have chosen well from among your influences, even without the prognostications of mystics to applaud you. So continue as you are, as you have, as you will, and let yourself fulfill what the course may lead; but stop now and then to drink the mead, and to remember the songs you can remember, for there is a need for a man to draw his own lines, his own courses, his own finds among the paths of the waking and the dead. If these things seem to go where they should, this is not a lack of your own will, but a sign that you have aligned according to the best of your mind. Nature is a harsh mistress, but she also feeds her own as they need. "Serendipity" is too reserved a word. It suggests a kind of accident. This is not luck. This is purpose. The purpose you serve is neither the beginning nor the end or yourself, and neither are you the beginning nor the end of that purpose. You are a boat upon the river, a climber on the mountain, and you have done well to judge sharp within its moods. This requires both skill and fate, and the Norns smile upon you for your recognition of all you have found to be true. This is the real you. Odin discovered some of these things, and he brought them back to the people. Of this, his grandmother only smiled and nodded and sent him back for more. There always is more, and this is the way of the Norns. "This is not philosophy. This is physics." You are never alone.

[@MH-yt8ip]

Could the show you speak of be Last Kingdom?!

[@talkingdog5694]

If you had gone into Paleontology, you could have worn you hat at UCLA and Berzerkeley. Just sayin’.

[@נדב_חומסקי]

Self-taught?!

[@paullaymon5133]

Reading the Bible in English was not that interesting?

[@sarahtara5546]

What's your birth date ? I'm always curious about everyone's astrological potentials.

[@VerbaleMondo]

I'm cancer (the crab, not the illness). I was born on July the 11th.

[@Ravynwulf]

Your a beautiful man Jackson, inside and out...Your beard is very nice, it suits you well.

[@lusomarga]

You studied Old Armenian! That's great to hear since i am Armenian myself. Also, small world: I studied at Mid Sweden University and was once at a presentation of a senior lecturer, Old Norse specialist, Dr. Maths Bertell, who was telling about his teaching sabbatical experience at UC Berkeley. And on one of his presentation photos was a picture of his office that he shared with .....Dr. Jackson Crаwford, as was written on the door!!! I jumped at my seat! Of course i had to ask it was *the* Dr. Jackson Crаwford! It was a great coincidence!: ))

[@stolman2197]

Strangely enough your books drove me here. If you give this up, like I said you could go on the cowboy poetry circuit and do well. Thank you so much for this channel.

[@adamconlon7729]

the back round looks like bob Ross paint it 😮

[@jamessimpson9385]

Good morning Dr Crawford. Thank you for your efforts. They are appreciated.

[@colinp2238]

My introduction to Norse Mythology came almost 60 years ago when I came across the story of Thor, Loki and Thjalfi and their encounter with Utgardr-Loki in the Encyclopedia Britannica. I was completely taken by it and had to learn more. I went to the library with a slip of paper with these words on, Prose Edda Snorri Sturlson but the library did not have it, fortunately the card index revealed that there were some copies available at other libraries (they were Corporation owned by the local Government) and I was able to request one to be transferred. An amazing journey has started that is still ongoing. In 2017 I discovered this channel, and another, that I follow and in my personal collection there are 2 books that I have by a man that I consider to be the latter day Snori Sturlson. I am waiting for the release of the next books and hope that I am still around for a few more.

[@jacobberry5138]

Is that other channel Arith?

[@paulaunger3061]

I was reading that yesterday, in Dr. Tom Birkett’s ‘Norse Myths: Stories Of The Norse Gods and Heroes’. I think it’s my favourite story. It also makes me wonder if ‘Loki’ is a title rather than a name (like Vortigern, if anyone’s familiar with him).

[@FrankStormcatcher]

I can attest to the promotional value - your Poetic Edda and Songs of the Volsungs are on my bookshelf because of your videos.

[@kixonyx2492]

I wish I could have you for a professor. I'm fascinated with the sagas and the culture of the Scandinavian peoples in history. I will settle though for watching your videos and learning this way. Thank you!

[@calvincoolidge8180]

Kelly Marie Greetings from Norway!!

[@ddemaine]

Salve. You've led an interesting life, with its attendant studies. Sort of Colorado's answer to Susie Dent. Nowt wrong with being a 'nerd'... you're the coolest professor I know.

[@patrickwoolery6000]

Never too late to reinvent yourself academically. I went back to school in my 40s. You are not too late to be a paleontologist.

[@balisong46]

Well this explains the raptor claw backscratcher

[@kellybraille]

17:23 Guesses anyone? I was kinda hoping he'd consult on American Gods... (or, as people have posited, perhaps a Vikings spinoff...)

[@MohamedSamir13]

it was American gods

[@PIANOPHUNGUY]

Fred Flintstone rode a dinosaur at the rock quarry!

[@caseygoddard]

The wind seems to pick up every time you mention Norse Sagas...hmmm...

[@thyandyr7369]

You're like the real life version of D.r Daniel Jackson from Stargate SG-1

[@Alaedious]

😍😍😍 Very interesting, as always!

[@gjmiller138]

Your life story is interesting, its always nice to know people on a deeper level. Can tell you had a lot of love and respect for your Grandparents. Oh I know your videos are real, I live in Denver and Central City was a favorite place before the Gambling Industry took over. I love old cemeteries, specially the one in CC at the top of the hill. Love the story the old cemeteries tell.

[@tangotangoromeo]

I would think it'd just be generally interesting to know one's heritage anyway, no matter what.

[@cynthiavickers8099]

Love, love, love your channel! Thanks for all your posts :-)

[@thetradesman7478]

Your in the right area for finding dinosaurs. Paleontology was the field I wanted to go all through elementary and middle school. But life happens. Great video. Thank you

[@thezebulonwilliams]

Dr Crawford I just wanted to say thank you for your content and connecting me with the Norse myths that I love so much. I am listening to your audiobook of the Poetic Edda and I absolutely love it! I’ve been sober for 4 years so I was really stoked to watch your video about that part of your journey. Thanks so much for your work and for sharing your knowledge.

[@Fluegelwolf]

thank you for sharing. I love your videos, always so beautiful and inspiring.

[@valhoundmom]

I am quite certain your Scot/ Irish like my own is probably slightly infused with some Scandinavian, those groups of folks were basically neighbors.

[@The-Random-Hamlet]

He seems like a nice fellow.

[@LadetJahonen]

Hi from Wermland Scandinavia Maybe you told us, but I am uncertain about where you are. Are you in Wyoming or in Colorado there? You are sometimes in Colorado and sometimes in Wyoming. You live in Jackson South of Yellowstone in Wyoming, am I right?

[@mfsperring]

I just got The Poetic Edda audiobook last week. I have another book to finish first but I'm really looking forward to it.

[@PIANOPHUNGUY]

Could you do a video on the influence on the modern languages of Scandinavia (Danish, Norwegian and Swedish) from Platt German, Niederduutsch, Plautdietsch or whatever it is called? You can also include Frisian as well. I've met some Danes in south western Denmark (Soenderjylland/Synnejylland or Nordschleswig for the Germans who used Friis-(Danish last name. That is Friis with another last name to signify that they were of Frisian descent. Also on the island of Bornholm people used a name along with their Danish last name in case the Swedes wanted to lord over them back in the past.

[@TheNorthman429]

Crawford is related to the Boyd clan (Scotland) I have norse heritage. I am related to William Wallace. He fought with my 28th great grandfather robert boyd of kilmarnock.

[@setadriftonfishandchips]

Your Wh pronunciation is kind of archaic. I like it.

[@davidcufc]

You use 'um' as a filler word, just like they did in the Old Norse poems. Seriously though, your videos are great.

[@annwer7950]

If only sleep is not obligatory and we could spend the night instead engrossed in all of our interests. Hvað draumur!

[@stevechappelle2453]

Is the Cowboy Havamal available in print?

[@saatvikam]

It's included in his translation of The Poetic Edda: www.amazon.com/dp/1624663567/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_Y5JCCbBK6BFGW

[@philmace81]

Funny, my family is mostly Scottish and Irish. I did a Y- chromosome test with Family Tree DNA program and it came up with hundreds of more distant connections across the North Sea, then made some more inferential connections and finally found out our name was changed and was originally Gaelic, but of the Donald Clan, which are Norse Gaels, which is why we have so many connections with German and Scandinavians, because they were out viking all over the place

[@Duskbear]

We need a referendum to bring back the full-length intro

[@nicholasspychalski9805]

I have noticed in your last few videos that you have changed the logo. I was curious as to what made you want to change it?

[@Sigyn_Shay]

I just love your videos so much. 🤗

[@dasmysteryman12]

I just want to ask: How is this different from your previous "About Me/FAQ" videos?

[@saatvikam]

Dr. Crawford has redone many of the older videos, as he's gotten better equipment/locations, etc.

[@jasontanner9755]

I bought your audiobook, Waiting on the next.

[@thyandyr7369]

OOOOh more books :D Cool I'll buy.

[@thatdudejames3675]

Could you do a video about writing family terms in runes? Thank you for the awesome content.

[@tonyberg6861]

That Dude James What do you need written in runes? I can perhaps help you out.

[@thatdudejames3675]

I want to get a tattoo honoring my brother.

[@LBelacquax]

PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT BEING CONSULTED ON FROZEN, SIR!!

[@LBelacquax]

I now see that you have indeed shared this story. My apologies, and thank you very much!

[@watcherofthewest8597]

Grandfathers have a special place in a child's life and those lucky enough to have one or two, regardless for how long, are blessed.

[@emilbecker8970]

Huh you like dinosaurs to and wanted to be a paleontologist same with me dinosaurs rule dont know if you read the comments but do you personally like the new interpretation of dinosaurs dr crawford ? I do compared to the way they were portrayed when you grew up

[@bloodyhell574]

Old video but so much respect!

[@eeljn]

When talking about consulting about TV shows there is a spinoff of Vikings due to be released after the series ends next year. That would be great if it would address all of the gross inaccuracies about old Norse life that the show has presented.

[@kevinbooth2043]

Your a Texan it's forever

[@jessiehermit9503]

I was born in Texas. Left when I was 9 months old, but I'm still proud to be connected to Texas. Texans forever.

[@kevinbooth2043]

Texas confirmed

[@paulaunger3061]

Love the mountain backdrops. It feels authentic in two ways: it’s you and where you come from; it’s reminiscent of Scandinavia ❤️

[@reneestedman1753]

Thank you for sharing about your life and interests in such a beautiful place. The wind wants to be a part of your speaking.

[@eliastandel]

So you consulted on a TV show that's about to come out but you can't say anything about it... It's gotta be Game of Thrones, right?

[@ozzy5628]

Why wouldn't it be Vikings?

[@eliastandel]

@@ozzy5628 Because I like Game of Thrones better than Vikings ;-)

[@riccardop.8807]

Why would GoT need an Old Norse specialist?

[@thomaspechey4584]

It's probably American Gods

[@Tina06019]

Thomas Pechey American Gods is the most likely of the three TV shows you all have mentioned. I think Dr. Jackson would probably be most interested in that show.

[@MrDirtythumb]

Great update! Did you ever sit down and wonder why you are what you are and why you think what you think? DNA! Your DNA started 1000's of years ago.I feel that what sings to you has always been in you ...something just shook it awake! Love your work!

[@goldendreams3437]

I WILL BUY YOUR AUDIOBOOKS!