New Visiting Professor at the UHI Institute for Northern Studies Publishes New Translation of the Orkneyinga Saga

The University of the Highlands and Islands Institute for Northern Studies is delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Judith Jesch as Visiting Professor to the expanding team of research staff at the institute.

Professor Jesch has extensive research experience in the general and cultural history of the Viking Age, focusing on Scandinavia and areas settled by Scandinavians. She possesses a broad knowledge of interdisciplinary approaches and is particularly interested in research topics embracing orality and literacy, migration, diaspora, and cultural memory. Additionally, she has conducted research on the wider history, literature, and culture of Norway and Scandinavian Scotland.

Judith's research centres on the relationships among language, texts, and contexts during the Viking Age and in medieval Scandinavia. She particularly focuses on runic inscriptions, skaldic verse, and historical sagas. In addition, Judith explores topics related to orality and literacy, geography, migration and diaspora, and Scandinavian interactions with the British Isles.

Professor Jesch joins the institute at an exciting time following the release of her new book, ‘The Saga of the Earls of Orkney’, published by Birlinn Books. In this work, she presents a fresh and accessible translation of the renowned Orkneyinga Saga. The book offers an intriguing account of the history of the Earldom of Orkney and chronicles the adventures, feuds, and battles of influential Norsemen during the first three centuries of the earldom.

The Saga also offers unique insights into the culture and daily life in northern Scotland during the height of the Viking expansion. Set in a recognisable landscape, it references features, sites, and even buildings that are still visible today.

This new translation of the manuscripts of the Saga employs an innovative approach to present medieval sources to non-specialist audiences. It highlights textual variations that affect interpretation and closely reflects the saga's style and language, making it ideal for both research and reading aloud. This resource is essential, detailed, and up-to-date, catering to academics and general readers interested in learning more about Viking and Norse Scotland.

Professor Alex Sanmark, Acting Director at UHI Institute for Northern Studies, commented,” We are thrilled that Professor Judith Jesch has accepted our offer of Visiting Professor at the UHI Institute for Northern Studies. Her areas of expertise dovetail perfectly with the Institute's current and planned research strategy, and her expertise will greatly enhance our students' learning experience. Welcome, Judith.”

Professor Jesch said, “'I have followed with interest the work of UHI's Institute for Northern Studies since it began as a Centre for Nordic Studies in 2007 and have been lucky enough to attend several of its annual conferences. The Institute does important work on the history, culture and heritage of the northern parts of Scotland and, especially interesting to me, on their Scandinavian links. The Institute's international reach through its track record of remote teaching and online seminars is an attractive aspect of its work and it is a privilege to become more involved in this as Visiting Professor.”

 Signed copies of ‘The Saga of the Earls of Orkney are available from The Orcadian Bookshop