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Episode 4

Martin and Phil explore Norway鈥檚 traditions. Going back in time to a Viking village, the pair experience a pagan ceremony before helping to build a gigantic midsummer bonfire.

Journeying through Norway鈥檚 Unesco fjord landscape, Martin Compston and his pal Phil MacHugh go back in time at Viking Valley, where they discover that the fearsome Norse warriors enjoyed a surprisingly relaxed home life when they returned from their pillaging and fighting. They also learn that Viking traditions and history aren鈥檛 just for the Norwegians. Viking Valley is home to an eclectic global community of people who have been drawn to the Norse way of life.

The lads then rack up some serious mileage as they drive northwards towards 脜lesund, where they witness how modern Norwegians are embracing the old ways. They meet local pagans Sigrid-Annette and Ivan, of the 脜satru religion, and take part in a blessing for the god 脝gir that looks mysteriously like a wedding ceremony.

It's then on to the pretty town of 脜lesund, which was rebuilt after a fire destroyed the wooden buildings in 1904. Ironically, the boys are here to help the local townsfolk build a massive bonfire to celebrate midsummer.

Martin and Phil end this part of their journey with a trek up into the fjords to experience the epic Romsdalen Gondola and its jaw-dropping view across the landscape of the Troll Wall, Europe鈥檚 tallest vertical rock face.

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28 minutes

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Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Martin Compston
Presenter Phil MacHugh
Director Rod Tamime
Series Producer Allanah Langstaff
Executive Producer David Marshall
Production Company Tern Television Productions

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