Fire Giants and a reading list

Fire Giants and a reading list

Author: Frank Docherty February 10, 2023 Duration: 12:49

Muspelheim is a realm in Norse and Germanic mythology and is one of the Nine Worlds that make up the universe. It is located in the south and is often described as the world of fire. The name Muspelheim comes from the Old Norse words "mus" meaning "fire" and "pel" meaning "world".

In Norse and germanic mythology, Muspelheim is the land of the fire giants and was created by the primordial being, Surtr, who was said to have a flaming sword that he used to ignite the world. The realm is inhabited by fire giants, who were known for their ferocity and violence. They were often depicted as enemies of the gods, particularly during the final battle of Ragnarok, where they were said to play a major role in the destruction of the world.

Anglo-Saxon literature refers to the written works produced in England between the 5th and 11th centuries in the Old English language. It is a rich and diverse body of work that provides valuable insight into the culture, beliefs, and values of the Anglo-Saxons.

There are just a few of the many books that are available for those interested in Anglo-Saxon literature and culture. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply a reader, there is a wealth of information available to help you explore and understand the rich heritage of the Anglo-Saxons.


Frank Docherty hosts The Wanderer, a podcast that moves through the deep forests and mead halls of early medieval England. This isn't a dry recitation of dates, but an exploration of how people thought, believed, and told stories. You’ll hear discussions on the foundational myths and local spirits that populated the Anglo-Saxon world, understanding how folklore was woven into daily life. The conversation naturally extends to the complex religious landscape, from the old gods to the coming of Christianity, and how these forces collided and merged. History provides the anchor, examining the society and events that formed the backdrop for everything else. Listening to this podcast feels like uncovering layers of a rich tapestry, where a heroic poem, a pagan ritual, and a historical king might all be connected. Each episode aims to make the distant past feel tangible and relevant, exploring the wisdom and the weirdness of a foundational era. The goal is to provide a thoughtful, nuanced perspective that goes beyond the stereotypes, all while appreciating the haunting beauty of the language and ideas left behind. It’s for anyone curious about the roots of stories and the echoes of a world that still subtly shapes our own.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Wanderer Anglo Saxon History, mythology, Folklore and religion
Podcast Episodes
The Battle of Stamford Bridge [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:10
On 25 September 1066, King Harold Godwinson won a crushing Anglo Saxon victory at Stamford Bridge, destroying the invading Norwegian army of Harald Hardrada and Harold’s own brother Tostig just days before the Norman lan…
The Great Erasure [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:34
THE ANGLO SAXON ERA IS BEING CANCELLEDHave we finally lost our minds? It seems that in the ivory towers of our ‘elite’ universities, history is no longer about facts, evidence, or heritage. It’s about how much of our pas…
Nova England [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:57
Nova Anglia, or “New England,” is a medieval tradition about Anglo Saxon exiles who left England after the Norman Conquest and founded a new homeland in the east, placed near the Black Sea or in Crimea. The story survive…
The Anglo Saxon Scop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:34
Today, we’re walking into an Anglo-Saxon mead hall to meet the storytellers of early medieval England – the men whose voices carried heroes, monsters, and memories through the centuries.The scop is part historian, part m…
The Anglo Saxons and UFOs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:17
The Anglo Saxons lived beneath skies they did not trust. To them, the heavens were alive capable of movement, intention, and warning. Night skies were darker than anything we experience today, and people watched them clo…
The Connection between Anglo Saxon Heathenism and Folk Horror [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:12
Anglo Saxon heathenism the polytheistic beliefs of the Anglo Saxons before Christianisation centred on a sacred, animistic relationship with nature, worship of gods such as Wōden, Thunaer and Frēo, and veneration of sacr…
Two tales of Anglo Saxon mythical creatures [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:00
What Are “Anglo-Saxon Tales”?“Anglo-Saxon” refers to the people who settled in what is now England from roughly the 5th to the 11th centuries (the Angles, the Saxons, the Jutes, etc.)Their tales are the stories, poems, m…
Bonus Episode: The Little People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:32
A Bonus Episode: This episode tells an original story about a brave girl and the mythical little People of the forests.In Anglo-Saxon England, the "little people" referred to supernatural beings like elves and dwarves, w…
Anglo Saxon Religion and Witchcraft [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 6:30
From the 5th to the 11th centuries, Anglo‑Saxon England was shaped by a rich tapestry of religion and magic: early on, villagers and warriors honored a polytheistic pagan pantheon—Wōden, Thunor, Tīw, Frīge—worshipped in…
Anglo Saxon Daily Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:49
Daily life in Anglo-Saxon England, spanning from the 5th to the 11th centuries, was predominantly rural and centred around agriculture. Most people lived in small villages, often comprising fewer than 100 inhabitants, an…