Nordic Mythology Podcast
A UK-based podcast where an entrepreneur and academics have casual, long-form conversations with experts on Norse history and mythology.
A conversational interview show that bridges the gap between academic Norse studies and the popular enthusiasm for Viking culture. The hosts, an entrepreneur and an archaeologist, bring on specialists to explore topics from ancient runes and manuscript culture to modern controversies in "Nordic Folk" music. The tone is informal and accessible, often feeling like a pub chat with experts, aimed at making complex historical and mythological topics digestible for a general audience.
“The host pairing is unique: a businessman from within the Viking enthusiast community (Farrand) and a credentialed archaeologist (Havgar). This creates a dynamic that is both academically informed and grounded in a fan's perspective, allowing them to tackle both scholarly debates and community controversies with relatable curiosity.”
Who hosts this show
Hosted by Daniel Farrand, the Yorkshire-based founder of Viking-themed retailer Horns of Odin, the podcast was co-founded with Dr. Mathias Nordvig, a Danish professor of Nordic Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder. While Dr. Nordvig has since departed, Farrand continues the show, now frequently joined by co-host Margrethe "Mags" Havgar, a Norwegian archaeologist at the University of Oslo's Museum of Cultural History. They interview scholars, authors, and creators to explore Viking Age history, mythology, and related cultural topics in an accessible, conversational format.
Credentials & credits
- Daniel Farrand: Co-owner of Horns of Odin
- Dr. Mathias Nordvig: PhD in Old Norse mythology, Professor of Nordic Studies at University of Colorado Boulder
- Margrethe Havgar: Archaeologist and PhD research fellow at the Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo
Other ventures
- Daniel Farrand: Horns of Odin (retailer)
- Dr. Mathias Nordvig: Author of academic books and articles on Norse mythology
- Dr. Mathias Nordvig: The Sacred Flame (podcast)
What kind of podcast
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- uk
When new episodes drop
- 01Ep 321 - Nordic Folk Music with Dr Mathias NordvigJun 25, 2026 · 1h 37m
- 02Ep 320 - International Runes with Ema Tennås RimstadJun 18, 2026 · 1h 31m
- 03Ep 319 - I Walk the Isle with Charlie George EveJun 11, 2026 · 1h 30m
- 04Ep 318 - Ancient Music with Kjell BraatanJun 4, 2026 · 1h 14m
- 05Ep 317 - Viking Templars with Pal Berg SvenungsenMay 28, 2026 · 1h 19m
- 06Ep 316 - The Nordic Tattoo Project with Isar OakmundMay 21, 2026 · 1h 11m
- 07Ep 315 - Hidden Histories with Eleanor BarracloughMay 15, 2026 · 1h 09m
- 08Ep 314 - The Volga Bulgars with Thorir Jonsson HrundalMay 7, 2026 · 1h 06m
Notable episodes
- 01Ep 320 - International Runes with Ema Tennås Rimstad
A clear example of the show breaking down a complex academic topic (the relationship between runes and Latin script) for a lay audience.
- 02Ep 319 - I Walk the Isle with Charlie George Eve
Showcases the host's conversational style, blending history discussion with banter about online creator life and regional UK culture.
- 03Ep 321 - Nordic Folk Music with Dr Mathias Nordvig
A good example of the show tackling a contemporary controversy within the community, featuring one of the co-founders as the primary expert.
What you'll be asked on this show
Daniel Farrand often begins interviews with genuine praise for the guest's work before moving into light, personal banter, sometimes about their drink of choice or regional UK background, to build rapport. He frames the main topic with a broad opening question, letting the expert lead. His follow-ups are often simple and direct (e.g., "Why?"), aimed at clarifying complex ideas for the audience and confirming his own understanding. Farrand frequently shares his own experiences to connect with the guest, fostering a relaxed, conversational atmosphere rather than a rigid Q&A.
The show is structured as a long-form, multi-person conversation, often recorded live. Main host Daniel Farrand leads the interviews, with co-host Mags Havgar frequently contributing her own expertise. The format allows for significant conversational tangents and personal anecdotes from all participants.
Questions the host keeps coming back to
10 cataloguedIf you're going on this show as a guest, expect some version of each of these. Each note explains when the host reaches for it.
process
3- Q.01
“Why don't you let people know what we're going to talk about?”
Often hands the floor to the expert guest at the start to frame the day's topic in their own words.
- Q.02
“What was the motivation for doing things that way back then?”
Probes the reasoning and societal context behind historical actions or processes.
- Q.03
“Who was actually doing the writing—the native storytellers or the newcomers?”
Drills down to clarify the specific agents involved in a historical process, like the transmission of stories.
definitions
1- Q.01
“When we say [technical term], what does that actually mean?”
Asks for clear definitions of academic or niche terms to ensure the audience can follow along.
controversy
2- Q.01
“What's the core of this debate and how did it get started?”
Used to get the essential background on a contemporary controversy within the community.
- Q.02
“You seem too reasonable. Surely you get some online hate?”
A lighthearted way to ask guests, particularly online creators, about dealing with negativity and criticism.
industry
1- Q.01
“Who in society was actually able to read and write at this time?”
Seeks to understand the level of literacy and who held knowledge in a given historical period.
origin
1- Q.01
“What was your own education in this like? Did you have a good teacher?”
Explores the guest's personal origin story and what sparked their interest in the subject.
personal
2- Q.01
“What are you drinking?”
Frequently opens with light banter about the guest's beverage to break the ice and establish a casual tone.
- Q.02
“Being from [region], are you a fan of [local reference]?”
Uses specific regional UK references (like local ales) to build rapport with British guests.
Signature segments
- · Self-aware opening Patreon plug
- · Bonus 'Smut' episodes (Viking erotica readings)
- · Opening banter about drinks
Topics covered repeatedly
Who gets booked here
Guests are typically subject matter experts with specific credentials, such as university scholars (philologists, historians), or respected creators within the Nordic/Viking cultural scene like musicians, tattoo artists, and history content creators.
- Dr. Mathias Nordvigon Ep 321 - Nordic Folk Music with Dr Mathias Nordvig
- Ema Tennås Rimstadon Ep 320 - International Runes with Ema Tennås Rimstad
- Charlie George Eveon Ep 319 - I Walk the Isle with Charlie George Eve
- Kjell Braatenon Ep 318 - Ancient Music with Kjell Braatan
- Pål Berg Svenungsenon Ep 317 - Viking Templars with Pal Berg Svenungsen
- Isar Oakmundon Ep 316 - The Nordic Tattoo Project with Isar Oakmund
Where to find this show
Audience & reach
The show is primarily listener-supported via Patreon, which is promoted with a self-aware plug at the beginning of most episodes. Host Daniel Farrand's business, Horns of Odin, is also mentioned as a sponsor.
Subscriber and view counts are pulled live from YouTube and re-verified on a 30-day cycle. Listener estimates for the RSS feed aren't published here unless they're host-verified.
Pitch this show
d•••@•••.comFree: limited reveals · Pro: unlimited reveals + CSV export
You’re only charged when we return a verified hit.
People also ask
- Who are the hosts?
- The primary host is Daniel Farrand, founder of Horns of Odin. He is frequently joined by archaeologist Margrethe 'Mags' Havgar. The podcast was co-founded by Dr. Mathias Nordvig, who also appears as a guest.
- What is the format of the show?
- It's a weekly, long-form interview podcast. The hosts have casual, in-depth conversations with experts on Norse and Viking history, mythology, and culture.
- Is the podcast still active?
- Yes, it releases new episodes on a weekly basis.
- Where can I listen to the podcast?
- The podcast is available on YouTube, Audible, and other major podcast platforms.
- What are the 'Smut' episodes?
- This is a bonus segment for the show's Patreon supporters where the hosts read and humorously comment on amateur Viking-themed erotic fiction.
- What is Horns of Odin?
- Horns of Odin is host Daniel Farrand's business, a UK-based retailer specializing in handmade drinking horns, clothing, mead, and other items inspired by the Viking Age.
Built from the show's public RSS feed, YouTube, the host's own websites, and the cited sources below. Computed and AI-extracted fields are labelled. Facts only — no private info, no fabrication, no transcripts republished.
Sources & how this page was built
This page is AI-assisted, grounded in the public sources cited below, and host-verifiable. We publish facts only; we do not republish transcripts. If anything here is wrong, the host can claim and correct the page above.Model: gemini-2.5-pro · high confidence
- [01]Official Websitenordicmythologypodcast.com
- [02]About Us - Horns of Odinhornsofodin.com
- [03]Mathias Nordvig | University of Colorado Bouldercolorado.edu
- [04]Mathias Nordvig - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- [05]Margrethe Havgar - Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslokhm.uio.no
- [06]Ema Rimstad - University of Oslohf.uio.no
- [07]Nordic Mythology Podcast - YouTubeyoutube.com
Podcasts like Nordic Mythology Podcast
The Arena
The Arena
A daily sports debate show where 3-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and a panel of former pros give unfiltered takes on basketball news.
Sports Yaari
Sports Yaari
A high-cadence Indian sports media channel delivering daily news, reactive analysis, and passionate opinions primarily focused on the Indian national cricket team.
Dear Shandy Podcast
Dear Shandy
A married couple offers comic relief and practical advice on relationships, alongside detailed, analytical recaps of reality dating shows.
Cultaholic Wrestling
Cultaholic Wrestling
A daily news and discussion show from a team of British wrestling journalists known for its blend of candid reporting, community in-jokes, and humor.
Always Irish
Always Irish
A passionate, fan-driven YouTube show covering Notre Dame football recruiting and news with a raw, unfiltered perspective from host John Kennedy.
Pitch Side
Pitch Side
A group of British YouTubers deliver daily, high-energy football commentary through heated debates, live match watchalongs, and game segments.
TMPT of Wrestling Interviews, Shoots, and Podcasts
Hulk Hogan
A veteran wrestling historian gets pro wrestlers to share the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes stories of their careers, focusing on controversies and correcting rumors.
Letts React
Letts React
A married couple reacts to popular anime and television series episode-by-episode, offering analysis, humor, and discussion.