The Icelandic Roots Podcast

Tuberculosis in Iceland: Hælið Museum, the Romantic Disease and Björk of Course!

Our guest is María Pálsdóttir who operates the Hælið Museum - a sanatorium turned museum highlighting Iceland's fight against Tuberculosis.
TB, a persistent scourge, has haunted humanity for millennia, leaving its mark on countless lives, societies, and even driving medical advancements.
 
This episode dives into the past and present of tuberculosis in Iceland. We explore why tuberculosis was once known as the "Romantic Disease" and how it has impacted society through culture, healthcare, and even fashion!
We'll discuss her work, and Björk of course.
 
We hope you enjoy this truly fascinating journey through Iceland's fight against the "Great White Plague" and discover stories of hope, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.
 
For more information, watch Icelandic Roots Webinar on Destination Hælið: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6uQnujl3T0&t=2820s 

Exploring East Iceland with Dog Sledding, Hiking, & Abandoned Farms

Hjördís Hilmarsdóttir is a passionate traveller, hiker, genealogy enthusiast, and dog breeder. With Icelandic Roots, Hjördís brings her excitement for recording diverse information in the database and correcting errors in Icelandic-language texts.
 
In this episode, Hjördís shares her love for the Egilsstaðir region and all of East Iceland - spanning from Seyðisfjörður to Vopnafjörður!
Inspired by the breathtaking landscapes, she has dedicated herself to documenting hiking trails and natural areas, from iconic destinations like Hengifoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls, to lesser-known hidden gems.
Hjördís also introduces her Siberian huskies, some of the only sled dogs of their kind in all of Iceland!
 
Delve into Hjördís's fascination with the stories of farms abandoned during the Askja eruption and the North American emigration years. Through her well known documentary work, she sheds light on these historical narratives and their enduring significance.
We also discussed the Wilderness Centre in East Iceland - a place that embodies the deep connections between nature and the human experience in Iceland.
 
Enjoy this journey through the wonders of East Iceland, guided by the passion and expertise of Hjördís Hilmarsdóttir.
 
Link to the East Iceland Abandoned Farms Documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4Tb8SqS6BU&t=1389s
 

Unraveling an 8-Generation Family Ghost Genealogy - Pastor on Bibles & Icelandic Heritage

Doreen Borgfjord McFarlane Canadian/American pastor and author, brings her passion for Icelandic heritage to the podcast. As a descendant of immigrants she is a passionate genealogist and a trained opera singer with a PhD in bible studies.
Doreen's family history fuels her writings, including her book "Leirarskotta, Icelandic Girl Ghost."
 
In this captivating episode, Doreen introduces us to the intriguing concept of 'Ghost Genealogy,' recounting her personal quest to unravel the mystery of a family ghost that has lingered for eight generations.
Through her evocative storytelling, she seamlessly intertwines her Icelandic Roots, writing inspirations, and global adventures, uncovering unexpected connections and themes across cultures and histories (including some surprises like China).
Moreover, Doreen delves into her recent article featured on the Icelandic Roots blog, exploring the significance of Icelandic bibles in the immigration to North America and how their swift translation into Icelandic may have played a crucial role in preserving the Icelandic language.
 
Draugasögur fyrir góðar stundir!
 
Read Doreen's Blog on the history of Icelandic Bibles: https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/bibles-in-the-icelandic-immigration-to-north-america-part-two

How to Approach the Icelandic Sagas - Insights into Origins, History & Legacy

Jason Doctor is an American of Icelandic descent, a public policy professor at USC with a PhD in psychology.
As Public Outreach Director at Icelandic Roots, he promotes Icelandic heritage through education and events.
 
In this conversation, Jason shares his unique approach to delving into the Icelandic sagas - timeless literary treasures that offer profound insights into history and human nature.
 
Drawing from his extensive immersion into the sagas, Jason provides valuable tips and tricks for navigating these legendary books, offering fresh perspectives on sagas like Njal's Saga, Saga of the Volsungs, Egil's Saga, and the Vinland sagas.
 
Whether you're an Icelandic literary enthusiast or a newcomer to this fascinating realm, this episode promises to deepen your understanding and appreciation of these timeless tales.
 
Journey with us through history, mythology, and the human psyche, as we unravel the mysteries of the Icelandic sagas together! 
 
"Fate guides all, both gods and men."  
-Gunnar of Hlíðarendi quote from Njal's saga which reflects the belief in a predetermined destiny that permeates many sagas - the fatalism that Jason refers to in the podcast.
 
Here's one of Jason's article's about the Vinland Sagas:
https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/the-vinland-sagas