Saga Brief 29 - Interview with Ármann Jakobsson on Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas

In this very special Saga Brief, we sit down with Ármann Jakobsson (one of our favorite saga scholars) to discuss his latest book, Minor Characters in Icelandic Sagas (Palgrave Macmillan). Following the theme of the book, we dive into the many overlooked and often nameless characters who so often breathe life and meaning into the sagas.

Since we have mentioned Ármann so many times on the podcast, we also take advantage of the opportunity to revisit his extensive bibliography, including The Troll Inside You, A Sense of Belonging: Morkinskinna and Icelandic Identity c. 1220, and his reimagining of the life of Þórólfr bægifótr in Glæsir. 

Of course, it wouldn't be a Saga Brief interview without a little discussion of the sagas and their place in Icelandic culture. And all of this leads to a brief philosophical exploration on the power (and potential peril) of doubt as a driving force in human society. 

All of this and more awaits you (like which great saga character Ármann finds most boring)!

Once you've listened, reach out via our social media and let us know about your favorite minor characters in the sagas we've covered.

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Music Credits:

Introduction –from Icelandic Folk Music: Tröllaslagur

Outro – Ólafur Liljurós