Medieval Tales

The Saga of Gunnlaug the Worm-Tongue and Raven the Skald
by
Anonymous; Translated by William Morris and Eiríkr Magnússon

The Saga is a tale of love, rivalry, and poetic prowess. Gunnlaug, a skilled, sharp-tongued poet, and (Raven)Hrafn, another talented poet, fall in love with the beautiful Helga the Fair.

Gunnlaug travels Europe, earning fame with his poetry and gifts, while Hrafn remains in Iceland, close to Helga. Gunnlaug returns and declares his love for Helga but she is betrothed to Hrafn. Their rivalry escalates through biting poems, each attempting to belittle the other. Gunnlaug finally challenges Hrafn to a duel to settle the dispute.

The saga explores themes of love, loyalty, fate, and the power of words. It offers a look into Viking culture, honor and customs.

  • (00:00) - Medieval Tales Podcast
  • (00:18) - The Saga of Gunnlaug the Worm-Tongue and Raven the Skald
  • (01:11) - CHAPTER I. Of Thorstein Egilson and his Kin
  • (03:43) - CHAPTER II. Of Thorsteins Dream
  • (08:50) - CHAPTER III. Of the Birth and Fostering of Helga the Fair
  • (13:11) - CHAPTER IV. Of Gunnlaug Worm-tongue and his Kin
  • (17:46) - CHAPTER V. Of Raven and his Kin
  • (19:28) - CHAPTER VI. How Helga was vowed to Gunnlaug, and of Gunnlaug’s faring abroad
  • (27:24) - CHAPTER VII. Of Gunnlaug in the East and the West
  • (36:19) - CHAPTER VIII. Of Gunnlaug in Ireland
  • (41:15) - CHAPTER IX. Of the Quarrel between Gunnlaug and Raven before the Swedish King
  • (45:14) - CHAPTER X. How Raven came home to Iceland, and asked for Helga to Wife
  • (48:12) - CHAPTER XI. Of how Gunnlaug must needs abide away from Iceland
  • (52:14) - CHAPTER XII. Of Gunnlaug’s landing, and how he found Helga wedded to Raven
  • (54:00) - CHAPTER XIII. Of the Winter-Wedding at Skaney, and how Gunnlaug gave the Kings Cloak to Helga
  • (01:00:37) - CHAPTER XIV. Of the Holmgang at the Althing
  • (01:06:34) - CHAPTER XV. How Gunnlaug and Raven agreed to go East to Norway, to try the matter again
  • (01:10:26) - CHAPTER XVI. How the two Foes met and fought at Dingness
  • (01:16:43) - CHAPTER XVII. The News of the Fight brought to Iceland
  • (01:20:22) - CHAPTER XVIII. The Death of Helga the Fair
  • (01:22:26) - Thank you for listening
  • (01:22:34) - Please share the show!
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Illuminating the Dark Ages for the Digital World. Podcast and website dedicated to the medieval era.

What is Medieval Tales?

Step into a world of knights, castles, and epic adventures and immerse yourself in exciting stories, filled with chivalry, honor, and timeless wisdom. From the enchanting realms of Camelot to the treacherous battles of the Crusades, we explore literary masterpieces that transport you to a bygone era.

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