The world’s fascination with medieval Scandinavia often begins and ends with the Viking longship. But for scholars, students, and enthusiasts, the reality is infinitely richer. The period from the Viking Age through the late Middle Ages was a time of profound transformation: the shift from Norse paganism to Christianity, the consolidation of kingdoms, the integration into European trade networks, and the creation of a unique literary and legal culture.
This vibrant field of study thrives on collaboration and debate, and its epicenter each year is the international conference circuit. For anyone looking to dive deep into the latest research, connect with leading minds, and experience the pulse of this dynamic discipline, attending a conference in 2024 is essential.
This is your comprehensive guide to navigating the key gatherings where the future of medieval Scandinavian studies is being written.
Part 1: The Flagship Event – The International Saga Conference
The Premier Gathering for Literary and Historical Scholarship
If medieval Scandinavia has a “World Cup,” it is the International Saga Conference. Held every three years in a different location, this prestigious event is the undisputed pinnacle for scholars of Old Norse-Icelandic literature, history, and culture.
- The 2024 Edition: Strasbourg, France
- Dates: Typically in late July or early August (exact dates TBA, but mark your calendar for summer 2024).
- Theme: “The Sagas and the Circumference of the World.” This theme encourages a global perspective, exploring the connections between the Norse world and its neighbors—the Celtic world, the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic Caliphates, and beyond. It’s a call to move beyond insular readings and situate the sagas within the vast tapestry of the medieval world.
- What to Expect:
- A Who’s Who of the Field: You will find the authors of the seminal books and articles you’ve been reading, presenting their latest, often unpublished, research.
- Deep Dives into the Sagas: Sessions will cover everything from new interpretations of Njáls Saga and Heimskringla to analyses of lesser-known fornaldarsögur (legendary sagas) and riddarasögur (chivalric sagas).
- Interdisciplinary Cross-Pollination: The conference naturally blends literary analysis, history, archaeology, philology, and manuscript studies. A single session might include a literary critic, a linguist, and a historian all discussing the same text from different angles.
- Who Should Attend:
- PhD candidates and early-career researchers presenting their work.
- Advanced MA students looking to specialize in the field.
- University professors and established scholars.
- Dedicated enthusiasts with a strong academic background.
Part 2: The Major Multidisciplinary Hub – The International Congress on Medieval Studies
The Biggest Tent in Medieval Studies
Held annually in Kalamazoo, Michigan, “The K’zoo Congress” is the largest medieval studies conference in the world. While not exclusively focused on Scandinavia, it features a robust and highly active contingent of Norse scholars.
- The 2024 Edition: Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
- Dates: May 9-11, 2024.
- Setting: Western Michigan University campus. The atmosphere is famously energetic and slightly chaotic, with thousands of medievalists descending on a college town.
- What to Expect:
- Sheer Volume and Variety: Dozens of sessions specifically dedicated to Old Norse topics, sponsored by the Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Study (SASS) and the Viking Society for Northern Research.
- The “Silent Coffee” Phenomenon: The unofficial networking event where scholars gather, often without speaking, to browse the massive book exhibit—a paradise for bibliophiles.
- A More Accessible Entry Point: The scale means there are sessions for every level of expertise, from highly specialized panels to more general roundtables perfect for those new to the field.
- Who Should Attend:
- North American-based scholars and students (due to location).
- Anyone who wants a broad overview of medieval studies with a strong Scandinavian component.
- Those who thrive in a large, bustling, and incredibly diverse academic environment.
Part 3: The European Counterpart – The International Medieval Congress
The European Centre for Medieval Dialogue
The IMC in Leeds, UK, is Kalamazoo’s European counterpart and a major force in the field. It attracts a global audience and is known for its strong thematic focus.
- The 2024 Edition: Leeds, UK
- Dates: July 1-4, 2024.
- Theme: “Crisis.” This year’s theme is a perfect lens through which to examine medieval Scandinavia. Expect sessions on the climate crisis of the “Little Ice Age,” the political crises of royal successions, the social crisis of the Black Death in Norway, and the religious crisis of conversion.
- What to Expect:
- Thematic Cohesion: The overarching theme allows for fascinating connections between Scandinavia and other regions of Europe.
- High-Quality Sessions: The panels are typically very well-organized and feature leading international scholars.
- A More Formal Atmosphere: Compared to Kalamazoo’s campus vibe, Leeds can feel a bit more corporate and structured, but no less engaging.
- Who Should Attend:
- Scholars interested in placing Scandinavia in a pan-European context.
- Those whose research aligns with the annual theme.
- UK and European-based students and academics.
Part 4: The Regional Specialist – The Society for the Advancement of Scandinavian Study Annual Conference
The Premier North American Forum for Scandinavian Studies
While SASS covers all periods, its annual conference always features a significant number of high-quality sessions on medieval topics.
- The 2024 Edition: Location TBA (Often at a North American University)
- Dates: Typically in the spring (April or May).
- What to Expect:
- A Tight-Knit Community: SASS is smaller than the mega-conferences, fostering a collegial and supportive atmosphere. It’s easier to meet people and have extended conversations.
- Cross-Chronological Insights: Attending a SASS conference allows you to see how medieval studies informs, and is informed by, research on modern Scandinavian politics, literature, and society.
- Focus on the Nordic Region: The scope includes all Nordic countries, allowing for comparative work on, for example, medieval Sweden versus Denmark.
- Who Should Attend:
- Scandinavian studies generalists with a medieval interest.
- Graduate students looking for a welcoming environment to present their first paper.
- Scholars based in North America.
Part 5: A Practical Attendee’s Guide – From Abstract to Afterparty
Navigating an academic conference can be daunting. Here’s how to prepare.
1. For the Aspiring Speaker: Crafting a Winning Abstract
The key to presenting is your abstract—a 250-300 word summary of your proposed paper.
- Have a Clear Argument: Don’t just describe your topic; state your thesis. What new point are you making?
- Be Specific: “I will analyze the depiction of dreams in Laxdæla Saga to argue that they serve as a narrative device for foreshadowing internal conflict, not divine intervention.”
- Follow the Rules: Adhere to the conference’s word count, formatting, and submission deadline precisely.
2. Funding Your Trip: The Art of the Grant Application
Conferences are expensive. Start early.
- University Departments: Apply for travel grants from your own university’s graduate school, history department, or study abroad office.
- Professional Organizations: SASS, the Viking Society, and the Medieval Academy of America offer travel grants and bursaries for student members.
- Crowdfunding: Some early-career scholars have had success with modest GoFundMe campaigns, offering to share their research notes with backers.
3. The Conference Survival Kit:
- Comfortable Shoes: You will walk miles between sessions, hotels, and book exhibits.
- A Portable Charger: Your phone will die from checking schedules and networking on the fly.
- A Refillable Water Bottle and Snacks: Stay hydrated and fueled.
- Business Cards (or a Digital Equivalent): A QR code that links to your LinkedIn profile or academic website is perfectly acceptable. The goal is to make exchanging details seamless.
4. Mastering the Social Code:
- It’s Okay to Introduce Yourself: Find a scholar whose work you admire and say, “Excuse me, Professor X, I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your book on skaldic poetry.” Keep it brief and respectful.
- The Q&A is Your Friend: Asking a thoughtful question after a panel is a fantastic, low-pressure way to engage with a speaker.
- Go to the Social Events: The real connections are often made at the receptions, dinners, and informal pub gatherings. This is where collaborations are born.
Conclusion: Why It Matters More Than Ever
In 2024, attending a conference on medieval Scandinavia is not an arcane academic exercise. It is an act of participating in a vital, evolving conversation about a culture that continues to capture the global imagination.
These conferences are where:
- Myths are Debunked: The simplistic image of the Viking is challenged and replaced with nuanced, evidence-based understanding.
- The Past Informs the Present: We gain perspective on modern issues of migration, cultural contact, environmental change, and identity formation.
- A Community Thrives: A global network of passionate individuals ensures that the rich legacy of medieval Scandinavia—its sagas, its laws, its art, and its people—is preserved, studied, and understood for generations to come.
Whether you present a paper, chair a session, or simply sit in the audience with a notebook, you are contributing to this grand project. So, choose your conference, submit your abstract, book your flight, and prepare to have your understanding of the North Sea world transformed. The mead-hall of modern scholarship awaits. Skål