Starter Kit: VIKINGS!

[@patrickkenny4709]

Look out it's Frieda Forkbeard come to raid our coastal village!!

[@Kim_Traveling_in_Books]

If you ever find yourself in Reykjavik, Iceland, with a free afternoon, the Settlement Museum is a great way to spend a few hours. It's build around the foundations of an early Norse house (from about 850), and has great information about the daily lives, language, and travels of the people. There's a lot about the landscape of Iceland, too, and how the Norsemen affected it and were affected by it.

[@indialavoyce95]

I did a DNA test to get an idea of my ancestry. I am 93% African- expected, and 7% Scandinavian- I’m still shook...😮 I did not expect that one.. Anyway, now I want to learn about Vikings.

[@abookolive]

I humbly request a starter kit on BIRDS.

[@CherryBlossom84904]

Yes!! I love that idea!

[@Ozgipsy]

Really very good. Thanks.

[@CookieR1272]

I’ve been to Iceland twice and just love the Viking history there.

[@jenniferbrooks]

The Viking Age is one of the great loves of my life and I’m excited to keep my eye out for that National Geographic. Great choices, Steve! I always love your starter kits.

[@BookishNorth]

Thank you for this! I have read a lot about the vikings, but mostly just Scandinavian books. So much more to delve into with this selection of English-language editions.

[@LizSchubert]

I’ve got both The Viking Wars and The North Men out from my library right now... picked them up to use as reference while reading The Half-Drowned King last month. Loving Sagalong and really happy to get a starter kit!

[@jade7398]

This is wonderful, thank you Steve! I did see that movie 13th Warrior several times, and I always liked it.

[@txmatt2112]

I’m glad you did this SK. I’m current watching on Netflix The Last Kingdom. Which is about the Danes invasion of England and King Alfred etc. pretty enjoyable so far. But really excited to find some of your recommendations here.

[@barbarasenteney1011]

I saw The Half Drowned King on book outlet cheap, had no idea it was a Viking Novel, thanks.

[@throughtheenchantedportal6617]

Super Bowl? What Super Bowl? Steve Donoghue is putting on a show tonight!

[@mitchelaxler7656]

A wonderful starter kit. But did you forget--or do you not like--The Long Ships? Beloved in Scandinavia and by all of my sons and their friends.

[@alinamaria3147]

Hi. It would be wonderful to see more videos in the "biography starter kit" series :) What's next after A Biography Starter Kit, Part 1: Antiquity! ? :D

[@CookieR1272]

What did you think of Greenlanders by Jane Smiley? I’ve got the Half Drowned King and just saw the second at BN. Will try them this month.

[@espylacopa]

Thank you.

[@ronxxf]

4 out of 7 days are named after Norse/Germanic Gods. Thursday is Day of Thor, you can look up the others if you care.

[@drawntostories5940]

Have you read (well, of course you have) about the vikings known as Varangians, who travelled all the way through eastern Europe to Miklagård (Constantinople)? I find that story really fascinating! Jackson Crawford's youtube channel is very informative for all things concerning Vikings, I highly recommend that. He has also translated the Poetic Edda and Saga of the Volsungs into English. Also, whatever you may think of Neil Gaiman, his version of Norse mythology would be a nice one for beginners, I know quite a many people who have enjoyed it and who then wanted to delve deeper into the myths. Rather than Stan Lee's Thor, I would recommend the Danish series Valhalla, drawn by Peter Madsen. If it hasn't been translated into English, that's a pity. Not sure if you read manga, but for those who do, I would highly recommend Makoto Yukimura's Vinland Saga. It is set in 11th century Dane-controlled England and has been influenced by, for example, The Saga of Eric the Red and The Saga of the Greenlanders. And of course, many thanks for creating this starter kit! The world needs more Viking enthusiasts.

[@elenamakridina8196]

Thank you so much:)))))

[@michaelfeeney6108]

Vikings intrigue me- thanks Steve! I heard recently that the show ‘Vikings’ was cancelled. The risk of getting into a tv series I guess. I prefer movies for sure.

[@leonardmare8368]

There will be a 20 episode 6th season which will be the last. It is a great series!

[@michaelfeeney6108]

Leonard Mare Thanks for the info! I just looked and yes, it appears it was the person in charge of the show’s decision. I’m glad it wasn’t cancelled without a proper ending.

[@JayShayy]

So Klingons & Vikings, both terrible dinner guests? Nice stealth Star Trek starter-kit! And Marvel Comics! The Viking sound really fascinating. I was aware of the great trouble they gave the coasts of Britain but little else. Once I finish my lackadaisical Italy project they sound like a great people to learn about.

[@TorkilPetimoj]

If you after this want to add a viking adventure novel to your reading list, I might suggest The Long Ships by Frans G Bengtsson. www.nyrb.com/products/the-long-ships?variant=1094932141 The Three Musketeers in viking helmets - in some sense.