How Orkney became the centre of Viking Age violence

Judith Jesch traces the story of the Scottish archipelago across the Viking Age, as seen through the Old Norse Saga of the Earls of Orkney

Published: May 26, 2026 at 9:03 AM

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For much of the Viking Age, the Orkney archipelago served as a vibrant hub of Norse activity. But these islands were also plagued by violence, not least between the Earls of Orkney themselves, as they vied for control. Speaking to James Osborne about her new translation of the Saga of the Earls of Orkney, Judith Jesch traces these centuries of conflict, and shares her insights into what they tell us about the Norse peoples who lived there.

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Authors

James OsborneSenior content producer

James Osborne is a senior content producer at HistoryExtra

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