Nordic Spirit Symposium

The 2008 Nordic Spirit symposium highlights the results of recent research and new insights that demonstrate the powerful Viking impact on the British Isles and continental Europe, and its far-reaching influence on North American society to the 19th century. The program will also provide a perspective on Viking Age myth and religion by examining the dramatic meeting of northern paganism and European Christianity.

You are invited to experience this program with distinguished speakers and polished performers, and to share the time-honored spirit of a symposium, blending music, dining and the free exchange of ideas to enhance the pleasure of learning.

Today's program:

“Who Were the Vikings?” and “Avaldsnes, the Seat of Viking Kings”
Marit Synnøve Vea, Project Manager, Avaldsnes Project, Norway

“The Vikings in Ireland”
Anne-Christine Larsen, Director of Exhibitions, The Viking Ship Museum, Roskilde, Denmark

“Viking Age Myth and Religion: Scandinavian Paganism and European Christianity”
John Lindow, Ph.D., Professor of Scandinavian, UC Berkeley

“Emigration and Mythmaking: The Icelanders in North America”
Kirsten Wolf, Ph.D., Torger Thompson Chair, Department of Scandinavian Studies, University of Wisconsin

“Nordic Piano Favorites”
Samuel Skönberg, award-winning pianist/composer, Sweden

Admission is $40, free for students. Please contact Allan Carlson for information and early registration fees.

The Nordic Spirit Symposium is made possible by generous grants from the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation and the Royal Norwegian Consulate General in San Francisco.