Following the death of Rognvald Eysteinsson, the Earldom of Orkney passed to his son, Torf-Einar, one of the most influential early rulers in the islands’ Norse history. Torf-Einar earned his name from his mastery of peat cutting, a vital skill in the treeless Orkney landscape where peat served as the main source of fuel. His […]
Rognvald Eysteinsson, also known as Rognvald the Møre-Earl, was a prominent Viking nobleman of the 9th century, remembered for his role in the Norse expansion across the North Atlantic and for his founding influence on the Earldom of Orkney. A trusted ally and kinsman of King Harald Fairhair of Norway, Rognvald played a key part
The Orkneyinga Saga, written in the early 13th century, is one of the most important sources for the history of the Orkney Islands during the Viking Age. It chronicles the arrival of Norse settlers, the establishment of the earldom, and the often turbulent rule of the early Orkney earls. Among the first and most notable
The Orkneyinga Saga, written in the early 13th century, provides one of the most important historical and literary accounts of the Norse presence in the Northern Isles. It tells the story of how the islands of Orkney and Shetland became a key part of the Viking world, blending history, legend, and oral tradition into a
Njáls Saga, one of the most celebrated Icelandic sagas, does not end with the deaths of Njáll Þorgeirsson and his sons. In the generations that follow, new figures emerge to shape the destiny of Iceland, building upon the legacy of honour, vengeance and law that defined the original tale. The Next Generation continues the story
Following the burning of Njáll Þorgeirsson, his wife Bergþóra, and their family at Bergthorshváll, the saga turns towards themes of vengeance, honour, and the complex pursuit of justice within Icelandic law and society. The event leaves a deep scar on the land and its people, marking one of the most tragic and pivotal moments in
After the tragic burning at Bergthorshváll, where Njáll Þorgeirsson, his wife Bergþóra, and their family were consumed by fire, the saga turns to one final, powerful arc — Kári Sölmundarson’s revenge. Kári, Njáll’s son-in-law and one of the few to escape the flames, becomes the embodiment of vengeance, loyalty, and ultimately, forgiveness. His story closes
The Burning of Njáll is one of the most powerful and tragic episodes in Njáls Saga, one of the great Icelandic sagas from the medieval period. It tells the story of loyalty, revenge and fate, culminating in the destruction of Njáll Þorgeirsson, his family, and his home at Bergþórshvoll. Njáll Þorgeirsson was a wise and
In Njáls Saga, the story of Gunnar Hámundarson’s outlawry and death is one of the most powerful and tragic episodes in all of Icelandic literature. Gunnar of Hlíðarendi is portrayed as a noble and honourable warrior, unmatched in strength, courage, and skill, yet undone by fate, pride, and the rigid codes of honour that defined
As Njáls Saga unfolds, tensions among friends and families begin to deepen, leading to a series of conflicts that shape the course of the story. What begins as small disagreements and wounded pride gradually escalates into blood feuds, betrayal, and tragedy. At the heart of these disputes is the close friendship between Njáll Þorgeirsson, known