Humor in Viking Times

Viking Humor: Comedy in the Myths and Tales of Medieval Iceland,” with Dr. Andrew McGillivary, will explore a selection of myths and tales rooted in the Viking Age. We will focus our attention on several poems from The Poetic Edda and a selection of short tales from the Icelandic sagas. This 55-Plus course is being offered at the University of Winnipeg on six Tuesday afternoons from April 8 to May 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m. The cost is $99. 

During the first half of the course, we delve into comical stories about the pre-Christian gods such as Thor, Odin, Freyja, and Loki as they navigate at-times hilarious situations, whether in their dealings with one another or when encountering paranormal beings such as giants and trolls. During the second part of the course, we turn our attention to the adventures of human protagonists, short narratives of Viking Age Icelandic settlers and travelers who get themselves into – and out of – trouble with powerful chieftains and foreign kings and queens.

Thor’s Adventures: Harbard’s Song, Hymir’s Poem, and Big Troubles in Giantland

The Norse Trickster: Loki’s Quarrel, Thrym’s Poem, and the Birth of Sleipnir

Paranormal Encounters: Giants, Elves, and Dwarves in Old Norse Mythology

Satire in Medieval Iceland: The Saga of the Confederates

Icelanders Abroad in the Viking Age: Hreidar the Simple and Sarcastic Halli

Gift Giving and Good Will: The Tale of Audun from the West Fjords

Even though the Viking Age is well-known for tragedy and violence, this course on Viking Humor reminds us of the value audiences – both then and now – place on laughter and comedy.

Dr. Andrew McGillivray is an associate professor and chair in the Rhetoric, Writing, and Communications Department at the University of Winnipeg. Prior to joining the University of Winnipeg, he completed his PhD at the University of Iceland in the Faculty of Icelandic and Comparative Cultural Studies, writing his doctoral thesis on Old Norse Mythology. His current research focuses on medieval Icelandic literature – origins and reception – as well as contemporary Icelandic culture. At the University of Winnipeg, Dr. McGillivray teaches courses on rhetorical criticism, professional style and editing, and ethnographic research methods.