Nov
24
Akira Kurosawa’s Ran
The old lion, weary and seeking solace, decides to step down, making way for the ascendancy of his trio of heirs.
1 min read
Sources
I’m knee-deep in research for VIKINGS vs SAMURAI, crafting a world that’ll swallow you whole. And you know what? Research ain’t half bad—it’s a durn good time!
Nov
23
The Wanderer’s Havamal
The Wanderer’s Hávamál features Jackson Crawford's complete, carefully revised English translation of the Old Norse poem Hávamál, newly annotated for this volume, together with facing original Old Norse text sourced directly from the Codex Regius manuscript.
1 min read
Nov
20
Blood, Blades, and Berserkers: The 13th Warrior
Antonio Banderas, our charismatic hero, is Ahmed Ibn Fahdlan, a 10th-century Arab poet who gets himself mixed up in some serious Viking business.
1 min read
Nov
19
Hardcore History 70 – Twilight of the Æsir II
Pagan Viking Sea Kings spend the 10th and 11th centuries morphing into Christian monarchs. But with rulers like Harald Bluetooth and Svein Forkbeard it’s debatable whether things will be any less horrific for Scandinavia’s neighbors.
Nov
01
The Eight Noble Virtues of a Samurai by Shogun’s Castle
The Eight Noble Virtues of a Samurai by Shogun’s Castle is a concept album kissed by medieval Japan and the Samurai code.
1 min read
Nov
01
Raiders Turned Traders: How Vikings Became Cheese Merchants in Medieval Spain
The Vikings pillaged the city and the surrounding areas. Emir Abd ar-Rahman II of Córdoba mobilized and sent a large force against the Vikings under the command of the hajib (chief-minister) Isa ibn Shuhayd.
2 min read
Oct
31
Lost at Sea: The Forgotten Art of Natural Navigation
Although not all their methods are fully understood, evidence that is woven into the sagas suggests a strong understanding of marine life, in addition to astronomical savvy.
2 min read
Oct
24
Samurai Champloo
Join Fuu Kasumi, a clumsy waitress, and samurais Mugen and Jin in a wild ride through Edo Japan, hunting a samurai with a sunflower scent.
1 min read
Oct
21
What Tsuba Ring, Tsuka-maki Wrapping, and Sageo String Are Really For
Let’s talk katana. Ever wondered what all the parts are for? Shogo breaks it down and shows an iaidō kata, so you’ll see it in action.
1 min read
Oct
17
Jomsviking by Amon Amarth
The Jomsvikings set the stage for this album. A young guy, in love but losing her, takes a dark turn. Revenge consumes him. It’s no feel-good tale.
1 min read