Stories of Iceland

Two tales about the perils of being left home alone during Yule.

In the 17th century, Iceland was thrown into a panic about witchcraft. My ancestor Einar Nikulásson lived through almost the exact period of the "age of burning" and has gone down in folklore as "Galdrameistari" or "master of sorcery". These stories also implicated his descendants, especially Þórarinn Einarson, Jón Einarsson and Einar Jónsson (the last two are also my ancestors).

This episode explores these stories and the reputations of these real men, earned and unearned.

A long awaited tale with an introduction and preamble about volcanic eruptions

Bobby Fischer was a chess phenomenon, likely to most famous player to ever play the game. He wound up a fugitive who ended his life as an Icelandic citizen. This episode tells the story of Bobby Fischer in Iceland.

Episode fifty is an opportunity to think about the future of the podcast.