38: The Saga of Thormod Torfaeus

In this episode we explore the life and times of the pioneering Icelandic saga translator, historian, womanizer, drunkard, witch-defender, and murderer Thormod Torfæus (1636-1719). Following him from the miseries and nerdery of his native Iceland, to the jingoistic opulence of the Danish court, and finally to the shores of Norway. A voyage through the utter insanity of Early Modern scholarship. A world of grand claims, lovecraftian grimoires, espionage, crimes against humanity, narwhal-ivory-snorting alchemists, and the meandering chaos of a life that eerily paralleled that of the anti-heroes of ancient Scandinavia. Support Brute Norse: https://linktr.ee/brutenorse Naaljos Ljom: https://naaljosljom.bandcamp.com/ Scattered referenced works and citations: - Bergsveinn Birgisson (2020). Mannen fra middelalderen: Historikeren og morderen Tormod Torfæus. Vigmostad og Bjørke. - King, David (2005). Finding Atlantis: A true story of genius, madness, and an extraordinary quest for a lost world. Harmony. - Torfæus, Tormod (2008-2014). Norges Historie, Vol 1-6. Torgrim Titlestad (ed.) Eide forlag. - Various (2001). Tormod Torfæus: ei innføring. Torgrim Titlestad (ed.). Erling Skjalgssonselskapet.