The Icelandic Roots Podcast

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

The State of Tourism in Iceland | Living, Working & Travel Tips

Kent Lárus Björnsson is a Western Icelander with a unique perspective.
Born and raised in Gimli, Manitoba (Canada) with deep Icelandic roots, Kent eventually returned to his ancestral homeland.
Now living in Reykjavik, he works at a local school and shares his passion for exploration by offering services as a tour consultant.
We delve into Kent's journey of how he made Iceland his home with all his diverse adventures along the way.
From the recent volcanic eruptions to the future of Icelandic tourism, Kent also offers insightful tips for those contemplating working or living in Iceland.
He's also an experienced traveller outside of Iceland and he shared with us stories of his recent 'round the world trip including some surprising twists like how he ended up as the only English speaker on a Disney train tour of Taiwan! 
More on Kent: https://www.icelandicroots.com/ir-volunteers/kent-l%C3%A1rus-bj%C3%B6rnsson

Cancer Risks: Icelandic Gene Mutation Awareness | Community Advocacy & Heritage Stewardship

Join Curtis Olafson as he sheds light on efforts to raise awareness about a prevalent gene mutation in individuals of Icelandic descent.
 
The CDKN2A mutation significantly increases the risk of melanoma, pancreatic, and other cancers, present in 10-25% of families with multiple melanoma cases and approximately 1 in 1250 Icelanders without a melanoma diagnosis.
Icelandic descendants face heightened susceptibility to these cancers, with many carrying the inherited CDKN2A mutation.
 
Curtis has made it his personal mission to bring awareness to these health concerns.
 
Raised on his Icelandic immigrant grandparents' homestead, Curtis has dedicated more than two decades to preserving Icelandic heritage serving as President of the Icelandic Communities Association.
 
Additionally, he has been recognized for his community service as a state Senator, twice earning the title of “Legislator of the Year” by the North Dakota Township Officers Association.
 
Among other Icelandic stories, we also talk about the Deuce of August Icelandic Celebration, North Dakota's longest-running ethnic festival, now in its 125th year!
 
 
Read the article here:
https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/icelandic-cancer-related-gene-mutation-information
 
The Deuce of August:
https://www.thedeuce.org/

Deacon of Myrká, Stephan G. Stephansson, Poetry, Oral History & Folklore Ghost Tales

Continue our discussion on the essence of art, podcasting, and poetry with Karen Gummo.
Karen shares her "storytelling affirmation" and her ties to Calgary's Leif Erikson Icelandic Club and more tales from her Icelandic travels; intertwining history, myth & legendary locales.
Special to this Podcast, Karen retells the Icelandic Ghost Story of The Deacon of Myrká (Djákninn á Myrká).
The mystical Myrká of Eyjafjörður where the story is set is west of Akureyri (you can find the locations in this story on Icelandic Roots maps).
Our Podcast concludes with information on the life and times of Stephan G. Stephansson (1853–1927), the most well-known Icelandic-Canadian Poet. Born in Skagafjörður, he emigrated to North America and eventually settled in Markerville, Alberta, where he self-educated, wrote, fathered & farmed.
 
Rediscover Western Iceland through storytelling & history.
We hope you enjoy this Podcast & checkout our Blog for more: https://www.icelandicroots.com/post/the-deacon-of-myrk%C3%A1-on-christmas-eve
Following the tradition of oral storytelling & practicing the art of active listening & improvisation listen to our other episodes of The Icelandic Roots Podcast.