Mother's Little Secret

Icelandic film producer Sigga discovers she is a descendant of Melkorka, a teenage Irish princess sold into slavery in the 10th century. Melkorka is known to Sigga as she features briefly in the ‘Laxdaele Saga’, where she is intriguingly depicted as a character who feigns muteness. Resolving to fill in the gaps in Melkorka’s story, Sigga engages two actors and embarks on a journey from Viking-era Dublin to present day Iceland, uncovering the shocking truth about the Gaelic slave origins of her country. Under the guidance of archaeologists, geneticists and literary experts, Melkorka comes to life and a surprising new history emerges. One which uproots the accepted Viking narrative and points towards silencing, disempowerment and sexual violence against women, which still resonates today.