TALES OF THE VIKINGS

Here is an episode of "Tales of The Vikings" starring Jerome Courtland. This show was first telecast on September 8, 1959 and ran through June 2, 1960. The series was produced by Kirk Douglas' production company, Brynaprod
In this Viking tale, tensions rise after a hunting trip when Leif, son of King Firebeard, confronts Modolf for mistreating his prized horse. Later, Modolf is found dead, and Thrand accuses Leif of murder, demanding blood money. A Viking trial, or "lotting," is held, where witnesses claim Leif threatened and shot Modolf. Though Leif insists he only intended to warn him, he is found guilty and sentenced to pay a fine. Refusing to admit guilt, Leif is banished for three winters. While in hiding, Leif uncovers proof that Modolf was killed not by an arrow but by an axe blow. He presents the evidence before the king and the court, clearing his name. Thrand is revealed as dishonorable and is outlawed. The tale ends with Leif preparing to return to sea, his honor restored.



00:00– Vikings spend winters hunting; a mix of danger and light-heartedness.
1:03 – A dispute over a wager leads to a demand for payment; tensions rise among the group.
1:55 – Thrand is dishonored and left on foot; Leif asserts dominance.
2:24 – Thrand is mocked again; a bewitched horse is discussed.
2:55 – A wolf with a silver coat, seen as an omen, is tracked.
3:50 – Grim believes the wolf is a witch wolf; Leif decides to pursue it.
4:06 – Leif confronts a man for riding his horse without permission.
5:10 – Modolf is found dead, apparently killed by an arrow.
6:03 – Hunters return with news of a deadly encounter with the witch wolf.
6:49 – Thrand arrives to accuse Leif of killing Modolf and demands blood money.
7:38 – A lotting (Viking trial) is ordered by King Firebeard.
8:26 – Judges are selected and instructed to remain impartial.
9:14 – Witnesses testify against Leif, claiming he threatened and shot Modolf.
10:58 – Leif defends himself, claiming he only meant to warn Modolf and beat him.
12:02 – Leif is judged guilty of Modolf’s death but not murder; owes blood money.
13:18 – Leif refuses to pay; Firebeard banishes him for three winters.
14:45 – Leif, now an outlaw, seeks refuge with a woman who vows to protect him.
16:12 – The woman is warned not to harbor Leif but remains defiant.
19:07 – Thrand arrives searching for Leif, offering bribes for information.
21:26 – Leif’s allies argue for his innocence; Firebeard reopens the case.
22:15 – Leif questions witnesses, revealing that Modolf’s real cause of death was an axe wound.
23:31 – Modolf's corpse proves Leif’s innocence; Thrand is declared dishonored and outlawed.
24:52 – Leif prepares to go Viking again, parting with his ally.
25:31 – Narration ends the story with praise for Viking courage and legacy.