Tainted Wells

Authors

  • Magnus Trembath University of Manitoba

Keywords:

Creative Works

Abstract

Tainted Wells is a humorous short story set in Viking Age Iceland, following sixteen-year-old Haskel and his friends as they set out to confront Angi, a troublesome outlaw whose mischief soon proves more dangerous—and more supernatural—than expected. Blending adventure, folklore, exaggerated heroism and irreverent humour, the story plays with elements familiar from Icelandic saga and oral storytelling traditions, including fate, outlaws, supernatural encounters, boasting and the testing of young heroes.

The story was written for the Icelandic Goodman Grant as an opportunity to explore a more lighthearted form of creative writing alongside a larger work in progress. While retaining the author’s established style, Tainted Wells engages playfully with the history and traditions of Icelandic storytelling, using humour and youthful adventure to reimagine familiar cultural and literary motifs for a contemporary audience.

Author Biography

  • Magnus Trembath, University of Manitoba

    Magnus is a Winnipeg author who likes to read and write nothing but fantasy. Outside writing, he loves to climb, bike, practice piano and play with his cat, Rykkúla. Magnus has always felt a strong connection with history and believes there is plenty of inspiration for stories from real history and the myths from those times. His favourite time periods are Ancient Rome, the Viking Age and early medieval Europe, but he hopes one day to expand his knowledge and writing to more cultures in the future.

     

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Published

08.09.2026

Issue

Vol. 76 (2026): Icelandic Connection

Section

Creative Works

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Magnus Trembath

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