E16: Kings of Norway I | Eric Bloodaxe (930–934 CE)

Sagas w/Shawn - Gods and Kings · Jun 23, 2026 · 50m

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Shawn returns to his non-existent roots and once again discusses gods and kings. Specifically, Eric Bloodaxe, King of Norway (and later Northumbria), who according to the saga sources can trace his ancestry back to the Norse gods Odin, Freyr, and Njörðr.

The discussion begins with the rise of his father, Harald Fairhair, and the world he left behind for his many sons (Eric included). Shawn then follows Eric’s rise as well, while also exploring why his reigns in two separate kingdoms were both so brief. It may have had something to do with everyone’s thoughts…