ABC Rewind

04 | Saga Land | The story of Egil

ABC Rewind

Show Notes

Broadcaster Richard Fidler and writer Kari Gislason continue their travels across Iceland to tell the ancient Viking sagas; tales of love, war and humanity. In this episode they follow the steps of Egil. He was a killer, a ruthless opportunist but also one of the greatest court poets of the Middle Ages. He travelled far and wide through the Viking world in pursuit of fame and wealth. And yet it was back at his family farm Borg á Mýrum, in Iceland’s mid-west, that he faced his ultimate test, and where he would compose his most moving verse. A thousand years after Egil, Kári and Richard make the return journey to Reykjavik, and receive some unexpected help in the search for Kári’s bloodline.

More from ABC Rewind

Oct 22, 2026

Bondy fronts the courts, putting on the performance of a lifetime, as he’s finally called to answer for his dodgy deals. And despite being declared bankrupt, Alan Bond continues living the high life. He's spotted cruising around Perth in his Rolls-Royce and indulging in lavish lunches. Then, a disgruntled defector in Alan Bond's camp comes forward, who threatens to send Bondy to prison for a very long time. This is the final episode of a 6-part history podcast series from ABC Rewind for Radio National and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Oct 15, 2026

Bondy’s been secretly, and illegally, stashing away money that isn’t his to keep as his empire crumbles, and while Alan Bond’s beating away the creditors trying to bankrupt him, he’s also building a back-up plan. As decades of dirty deals and backroom manoeuvres begin to surface Bondy isn’t just being chased for the billions he owes, criminal investigators are also on his tail and this time he has nowhere to run. This is episode 5 of a 6-part history podcast series from ABC Rewind for Radio National and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Oct 8, 2026

With his hands deep in the West Australian government ‘s coffers, a chance meeting with a man named Tiny could spell the beginning of the end for Alan ‘Bondy’ Bond. The Black Monday stock market crash sends shock waves through the world economy, threatening to turn Bondy’s business empire upside down. With everything on the line, Bond needs to act fast but his recklessness catches the attention of his enemies, who seize the opportunity to bring him down. This is episode 4 of a 6-part history podcast series for ABC Rewind from Radio National and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Oct 1, 2026

Diamonds, mansions and mistresses, Bondy has been living the high life, but his ruthless pursuit of success begins to have devastating consequences for his marriage to Eileen. After his win in the America’s Cup banks lend Bond billions and he’s doing deals with the likes of Donald Trump. But his true character is revealed when he becomes a beer baron and ruins the lives of people on the edge of his empire. This is episode 3 of a 6-part history podcast series from ABC Rewind for Radio National and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Sep 24, 2026

As his yacht crosses the finish line of The America’s Cup and sails into history, the world holds its breath, but does Alan Bond have an ulterior motive when he enters this race? Bondy infuriates the Yanks with his radical boat design and brazen attitude. But combined with a crack crew and heaps of underdog energy, the Aussies' are in Newport Rhode Island to win. This is episode 2 of a 6-part history podcast series from ABC Rewind for Radio National and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

See all episodes →