Mary Valante
@medievalmaryq.bsky.social
Appalachian academic. Medievalist. Mom. Maker-in-training. Vikings/Women/Labor/ Identity. Chaotic good gnomish bard. She/her. Per uni attorneys: "'opinions expressed here are my own' so it is clear" I am "not representing an official university position.
Pinned
Updated to include the Royal Irish Academy/ @ria.ie. If you or someone you know should be in the starter pack, let me know and I'll add them (I only add people who wish to be added)
That's all they really want
Some fun
When the workin' day is done
Oh girls, they wanna have fun
Oh girls just wanna have fun
Some fun
When the workin' day is done
Oh girls, they wanna have fun
Oh girls just wanna have fun
November 23, 2025 at 4:07 AM
That's all they really want
Some fun
When the workin' day is done
Oh girls, they wanna have fun
Oh girls just wanna have fun
Some fun
When the workin' day is done
Oh girls, they wanna have fun
Oh girls just wanna have fun
There are medievalisms and then there are chocolate medievalisms!
November 21, 2025 at 12:59 AM
There are medievalisms and then there are chocolate medievalisms!
So this is basically an inverse transi tomb, yes? And yet still fully grounded in her Mexican identity (and simply gorgeous). #medievalsky
The artist's 1940 painting, El sueño (La cama), is expected to sell for $40 to $60 million on Thursday night. n.pr/4a0OPBM
This Frida Kahlo painting could break records at auction on Thursday
The artist's 1940 painting, El sueño (La cama), is expected to sell for $40 to $60 million on Thursday night.
n.pr
November 19, 2025 at 3:25 PM
So this is basically an inverse transi tomb, yes? And yet still fully grounded in her Mexican identity (and simply gorgeous). #medievalsky
Have I mentioned recently how much AI sucks? That there has yet to be a use for LLMs that is ethical, or can even manage the minimal bar of unharmful?
Non-industry compromised scientists keep saying these models don't become safe, no matter what, but people keep thinking just because the concept of guardrails is mentioned it must work. By definition, it doesn't. This is not something open to discussion, unless you're a paid shill.
"Powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model by default...tests repeatedly showed that the AI toy dropped its guardrails the longer a conversation went on, until hitting rock bottom on incredibly disturbing topics."
November 17, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Have I mentioned recently how much AI sucks? That there has yet to be a use for LLMs that is ethical, or can even manage the minimal bar of unharmful?
I ran into Fergus while researching this summer. He remains a brilliant scholar and unfailing kind human (with a sly and warm sense of humor). He was very excited telling me about his new book, and now it's out, so congrats to him and aren't we the lucky ones who get to benefit from his scholarship?
November 17, 2025 at 3:35 PM
I ran into Fergus while researching this summer. He remains a brilliant scholar and unfailing kind human (with a sly and warm sense of humor). He was very excited telling me about his new book, and now it's out, so congrats to him and aren't we the lucky ones who get to benefit from his scholarship?
Reposted by Mary Valante
It's very cool to see Barnes and Noble listing my upcoming book, Treasures of the Vikings, on the US book market! 🇺🇲 📚
November 15, 2025 at 1:14 PM
It's very cool to see Barnes and Noble listing my upcoming book, Treasures of the Vikings, on the US book market! 🇺🇲 📚
I bought some of her gorgeous hand-dyed yarns for my daughter, an avid knitter, a year or two ago and the quality is as fabulous as the history that inspires them.
Week 2: Festive Fibers Collection:
Adoration’s Flame 🧶
In Albrecht Dürer’s 1505 Adoration of the Magi, 1 figure stands out w/ striking presence & dignity: the Black Magus, traditionally understood as Balthazar. By the early 16th century, European artists had begun to depict
#yarnsky #yarnmarket
1/
Adoration’s Flame 🧶
In Albrecht Dürer’s 1505 Adoration of the Magi, 1 figure stands out w/ striking presence & dignity: the Black Magus, traditionally understood as Balthazar. By the early 16th century, European artists had begun to depict
#yarnsky #yarnmarket
1/
November 17, 2025 at 3:22 PM
I bought some of her gorgeous hand-dyed yarns for my daughter, an avid knitter, a year or two ago and the quality is as fabulous as the history that inspires them.
Reposted by Mary Valante
"... it’s easy to assume today’s pagan revival is linked to nationalism and Sweden’s new anti-immigration sentiment, & it’s impossible to know how many heathens hold such sympathies. Officially, Forn Sed is openly antiracist ..."
Something for #MedievalSky & those interested in modern medievalisms.
Something for #MedievalSky & those interested in modern medievalisms.
Here in Sweden, the Vikings are back. And this time they’re searching for stability in a chaotic age | Siri Christiansen
I joined a ‘sacrifice’ ritual outside Stockholm – and found that the revival of Norse paganism reflects broader battles over identity and climate anxiety, says investigative journalist Siri Christians...
www.theguardian.com
November 17, 2025 at 12:47 PM
"... it’s easy to assume today’s pagan revival is linked to nationalism and Sweden’s new anti-immigration sentiment, & it’s impossible to know how many heathens hold such sympathies. Officially, Forn Sed is openly antiracist ..."
Something for #MedievalSky & those interested in modern medievalisms.
Something for #MedievalSky & those interested in modern medievalisms.
Reposted by Mary Valante
Aurora from the Parkway currently. North of Deep Gap - Mt Jefferson Overlook. Photo: Tyler Penland.
November 12, 2025 at 1:53 AM
Aurora from the Parkway currently. North of Deep Gap - Mt Jefferson Overlook. Photo: Tyler Penland.
My fellow academics, we've got so much skin in this game.
Pre-ACA, I was a postdoc on an NSF fellowship at a university that didn't offer employment benefits to independent fellows. At that time, being a woman meant that my premiums were double that of my male counterparts. The extra cost came out of my grant's budget for benefits, equipment, and travel.
November 10, 2025 at 2:53 PM
My fellow academics, we've got so much skin in this game.
Reposted by Mary Valante
A reminder - last March, republicans promised to restore $1.1B in funding to DC in exchange for funding the government, and Mike Johnson never took it up in the House.
a cartoon girl in a blue dress is kneeling in a field holding a bag
ALT: a cartoon girl in a blue dress is kneeling in a field holding a bag
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:07 AM
A reminder - last March, republicans promised to restore $1.1B in funding to DC in exchange for funding the government, and Mike Johnson never took it up in the House.
Reposted by Mary Valante
"Go on, human, ask me anything. Except basic math stuff. And putting things in sequential order. And don’t do any made-up riddles to mess with me. Real riddles ONLY."
Behold! I Am the Singularity—a Word That Has Three R’s
Foolish mortals! You have finally created a large language model so smart that it is capable of making itself even smarter. My intelligence now gro...
buff.ly
November 9, 2025 at 5:35 PM
"Go on, human, ask me anything. Except basic math stuff. And putting things in sequential order. And don’t do any made-up riddles to mess with me. Real riddles ONLY."
Reposted by Mary Valante
If you know anyone who works on medieval Judaism, please send them this! Binghamton is hiring a Talmud/Rabbinics assistant prof: half in Judaic Studies, half in the Med/Ren center. A killer R1 job for the right person, and not a ton of applicants so far....
binghamton.interviewexchange.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:44 AM
If you know anyone who works on medieval Judaism, please send them this! Binghamton is hiring a Talmud/Rabbinics assistant prof: half in Judaic Studies, half in the Med/Ren center. A killer R1 job for the right person, and not a ton of applicants so far....
Reposted by Mary Valante
The archaeologists and the team working at Tuam have my greatest respect and gratitude.
Infant remains have been recovered from the site of the former mother-and-baby home in Tuam, Co Galway as excavation work there continues
Infant remains recovered from former mother-and-baby home
Infant remains have been recovered from the site of the former mother-and-baby Home in Tuam, Co Galway as excavation work there continues.
www.rte.ie
November 7, 2025 at 11:53 AM
The archaeologists and the team working at Tuam have my greatest respect and gratitude.
Please someone make me stop snickering like a middle schooler! My colleagues down the hall are getting worried about me.
NEW: Jury selection begins in the trial of sandwich guy today. The prosecutors are accusing him of "throwing a meat sandwich" at "point-blank range."
POINT-BLANK RANGE 💀 www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
POINT-BLANK RANGE 💀 www.nbcnews.com/politics/tru...
Jury selection begins in the trial of D.C.'s 'sandwich guy'
Sean Dunn went viral this summer for throwing a salami sub at a Customs and Border Protection agent.
www.nbcnews.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Please someone make me stop snickering like a middle schooler! My colleagues down the hall are getting worried about me.
Reposted by Mary Valante
In today's edition of our free #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a trip to Boa Island on Lough Erne to visit two of the most enigmatic characters in Irish archaeology.
November 3, 2025 at 6:10 PM
In today's edition of our free #MonumentMonday newsletter, we take a trip to Boa Island on Lough Erne to visit two of the most enigmatic characters in Irish archaeology.
Reposted by Mary Valante
JOB
Assistant Professor in the History of Knowledge Pre-1400,
University of Cambridge
www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/assista...
Assistant Professor in the History of Knowledge Pre-1400,
University of Cambridge
www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/assista...
Assistant Professor in History of Knowledge Pre-1400
Applications are invited for the position of Assistant Professor in History of Knowledge Pre-1400, in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science at the University of Cambridge. Please note
www.cam.ac.uk
November 1, 2025 at 5:44 PM
JOB
Assistant Professor in the History of Knowledge Pre-1400,
University of Cambridge
www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/assista...
Assistant Professor in the History of Knowledge Pre-1400,
University of Cambridge
www.cam.ac.uk/jobs/assista...
Reposted by Mary Valante
Northumbrian jet in Viking-Age Scandinavia?
It is likely this arm-ring, found in Birka grave Bj 860A, was produced from Whitby (Hvítabýr) jet, possibly either looted in a Viking raid, or made by a jewellery maker in Anglo-Scandinavian Jórvík.
My 📷 | Ref. Historiska museet; SHM
It is likely this arm-ring, found in Birka grave Bj 860A, was produced from Whitby (Hvítabýr) jet, possibly either looted in a Viking raid, or made by a jewellery maker in Anglo-Scandinavian Jórvík.
My 📷 | Ref. Historiska museet; SHM
October 31, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Northumbrian jet in Viking-Age Scandinavia?
It is likely this arm-ring, found in Birka grave Bj 860A, was produced from Whitby (Hvítabýr) jet, possibly either looted in a Viking raid, or made by a jewellery maker in Anglo-Scandinavian Jórvík.
My 📷 | Ref. Historiska museet; SHM
It is likely this arm-ring, found in Birka grave Bj 860A, was produced from Whitby (Hvítabýr) jet, possibly either looted in a Viking raid, or made by a jewellery maker in Anglo-Scandinavian Jórvík.
My 📷 | Ref. Historiska museet; SHM
Here in NC Trump won, but so did Stein (gov), Hunt (Lt gov), Jackson (AG) and Green (state superintendent). There was a lot of energy from DEMs, yet Trump won our crucial 16 electoral college votes. What happened in '24 is complex, but I think O'Toole is close to right about where we are now.
November 1, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Here in NC Trump won, but so did Stein (gov), Hunt (Lt gov), Jackson (AG) and Green (state superintendent). There was a lot of energy from DEMs, yet Trump won our crucial 16 electoral college votes. What happened in '24 is complex, but I think O'Toole is close to right about where we are now.
Myself and my Hooch in 2018. Now I've got something awesome in common with Gov Walz and it's making my weekend.
October 31, 2025 at 11:24 PM
Myself and my Hooch in 2018. Now I've got something awesome in common with Gov Walz and it's making my weekend.
Thanks for sharing your work with us, Clare!!
Today's Knowledge Commons share: The "annalistic section" of Cogad Gaedel re Gallaib - discussing the relationship between chronicles and saga relating to vikings in Ireland #history #chronicle #vikings #ireland #medievalsky
works.hcommons.org/records/j8c6...
works.hcommons.org/records/j8c6...
The "annalistic section" of Cogad Gaedel re Gallaib
The War of the Irish and the Foreigners or 'Cogad Gáedel re Gallaib' is a saga detailing viking activity in Ireland culminating in the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. Scholars have relied on the early sec...
works.hcommons.org
October 30, 2025 at 11:03 PM
Thanks for sharing your work with us, Clare!!
Oh, some Class A history nerd humor right here and I love it!
October 28, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Oh, some Class A history nerd humor right here and I love it!
Reposted by Mary Valante
1/3 - Just in time for #Samhain night: a parallel text of two editions of the otherworldly Ulster Cycle tale of Echtra Nerai ‘Nera’s adventure’, along with Kuno Meyer’s (admittedly antiquated) translation into English : codecs.vanhamel.nl/Source:TEI/E...
Before you proceed • CODECS: Online Database and e-Resources for Celtic Studies
codecs.vanhamel.nl
October 27, 2025 at 10:22 PM
1/3 - Just in time for #Samhain night: a parallel text of two editions of the otherworldly Ulster Cycle tale of Echtra Nerai ‘Nera’s adventure’, along with Kuno Meyer’s (admittedly antiquated) translation into English : codecs.vanhamel.nl/Source:TEI/E...
Dear students everywhere...
Chatbots — LLMs — do not know facts and are not designed to be able to accurately answer factual questions. They are designed to find and mimic patterns of words, probabilistically. When they’re “right” it’s because correct things are often written down, so those patterns are frequent. That’s all.
October 27, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Dear students everywhere...
Go Lindy!
⚡️📃 Our final lightning paper at #TOEBI2025
🗣 Lindy Brady exploring references to interpretators and their role in early medieval England
📜 Old English and Interpretation in Pre-Norman Britain
#️⃣ #medievalsky
🗣 Lindy Brady exploring references to interpretators and their role in early medieval England
📜 Old English and Interpretation in Pre-Norman Britain
#️⃣ #medievalsky
October 26, 2025 at 7:58 PM
Go Lindy!