Rebecca Merkelbach
@beccamerkelbach.bsky.social
Doctor of trollology. Saga fangirl. Assistant Prof of Old Norse at Uni Tü. Lefty nerd💚 Powerlifting yoga teaching harpist. She/sie🏳️🌈 #SkandiRetten
Pinned
Hard Times and Trial Approaches: Old Norse-Icelandic Studies Between Precarity and the Future
Dr Rebecca Merkelbach reflects on her keynote speech at the most recent Saga Conference. Held every three years, Saga Con is the most important meeting of Old Norse scholars, bringing together acad…
difficultmedieval.com
My blog post with the ADAM network has now been published. It's about precarity, the future of small subjects, and communal approaches to academic work. I hope it will resonate with some. #IchBinHanna #KleineFaecher #SkandiRetten
difficultmedieval.com/2025/10/23/h...
difficultmedieval.com/2025/10/23/h...
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
Since a decision regarding my and my department’s future is apparently imminent (as in, should happen in the next month or two), I thought this is a good time to repost this. Please keep your fingers crossed for Scandinavian Studies at Tübingen, and for me.
My blog post with the ADAM network has now been published. It's about precarity, the future of small subjects, and communal approaches to academic work. I hope it will resonate with some. #IchBinHanna #KleineFaecher #SkandiRetten
difficultmedieval.com/2025/10/23/h...
difficultmedieval.com/2025/10/23/h...
Hard Times and Trial Approaches: Old Norse-Icelandic Studies Between Precarity and the Future
Dr Rebecca Merkelbach reflects on her keynote speech at the most recent Saga Conference. Held every three years, Saga Con is the most important meeting of Old Norse scholars, bringing together acad…
difficultmedieval.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Since a decision regarding my and my department’s future is apparently imminent (as in, should happen in the next month or two), I thought this is a good time to repost this. Please keep your fingers crossed for Scandinavian Studies at Tübingen, and for me.
Since a decision regarding my and my department’s future is apparently imminent (as in, should happen in the next month or two), I thought this is a good time to repost this. Please keep your fingers crossed for Scandinavian Studies at Tübingen, and for me.
My blog post with the ADAM network has now been published. It's about precarity, the future of small subjects, and communal approaches to academic work. I hope it will resonate with some. #IchBinHanna #KleineFaecher #SkandiRetten
difficultmedieval.com/2025/10/23/h...
difficultmedieval.com/2025/10/23/h...
Hard Times and Trial Approaches: Old Norse-Icelandic Studies Between Precarity and the Future
Dr Rebecca Merkelbach reflects on her keynote speech at the most recent Saga Conference. Held every three years, Saga Con is the most important meeting of Old Norse scholars, bringing together acad…
difficultmedieval.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:02 PM
Since a decision regarding my and my department’s future is apparently imminent (as in, should happen in the next month or two), I thought this is a good time to repost this. Please keep your fingers crossed for Scandinavian Studies at Tübingen, and for me.
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
Empfehle an dieser Stelle einen Blick in die Geschichtsbücher zu den Themen "Asoziale" und "Arbeitsscheue". Ist in der Regel nicht gut geendet.
In Nordhausen werden Bürgergeldempfänger von Beamten geweckt – um zur Arbeit gefahren zu werden. Wer sich weigert, wird sanktioniert. Geht es wirklich nur noch so?
Bürgergeld: Wenn morgens die Truppe mit den Handschellen klingelt
In Nordhausen werden Bürgergeldempfänger von Beamten geweckt – um zur Arbeit gefahren zu werden. Wer sich weigert, wird sanktioniert. Geht es wirklich nur noch so?
www.zeit.de
December 10, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Empfehle an dieser Stelle einen Blick in die Geschichtsbücher zu den Themen "Asoziale" und "Arbeitsscheue". Ist in der Regel nicht gut geendet.
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
UI @haskoliislands.bsky.social offers 2 MA programmes in medieval studies taught in English and specifically designed for international students: Medieval Icelandic Studies & Viking and Medieval Norse Studies
Application deadline: 1 February 2026
Please share with anyone interested!
Application deadline: 1 February 2026
Please share with anyone interested!
December 10, 2025 at 9:46 AM
UI @haskoliislands.bsky.social offers 2 MA programmes in medieval studies taught in English and specifically designed for international students: Medieval Icelandic Studies & Viking and Medieval Norse Studies
Application deadline: 1 February 2026
Please share with anyone interested!
Application deadline: 1 February 2026
Please share with anyone interested!
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
Also:
Die Alten bekommen ein beschissenes Rentenpaket, die Jungen eine beschissene Wehrpflicht, Migranten eine beschissene Asylpolitik, Demokraten kein AfD-Verbotsverfahren, das Klima einen Arschtritt, das Ausland beschissene Sprüche und ich frage mich, woher diese Politikverdrossenheit kommt.
Die Alten bekommen ein beschissenes Rentenpaket, die Jungen eine beschissene Wehrpflicht, Migranten eine beschissene Asylpolitik, Demokraten kein AfD-Verbotsverfahren, das Klima einen Arschtritt, das Ausland beschissene Sprüche und ich frage mich, woher diese Politikverdrossenheit kommt.
December 8, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Also:
Die Alten bekommen ein beschissenes Rentenpaket, die Jungen eine beschissene Wehrpflicht, Migranten eine beschissene Asylpolitik, Demokraten kein AfD-Verbotsverfahren, das Klima einen Arschtritt, das Ausland beschissene Sprüche und ich frage mich, woher diese Politikverdrossenheit kommt.
Die Alten bekommen ein beschissenes Rentenpaket, die Jungen eine beschissene Wehrpflicht, Migranten eine beschissene Asylpolitik, Demokraten kein AfD-Verbotsverfahren, das Klima einen Arschtritt, das Ausland beschissene Sprüche und ich frage mich, woher diese Politikverdrossenheit kommt.
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
these kinds of videos always prompt a certain Pratchett quote in my brain, from Thief of Time
December 8, 2025 at 10:05 AM
these kinds of videos always prompt a certain Pratchett quote in my brain, from Thief of Time
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
✨ #IchBinHanna Wrapped
✨das waren Deine abgelehnten Drittmittelanträge
✨so viele Überstunden hast Du gemacht
✨Deine Top 3 der Momente in denen Deine Arbeit nicht wertgeschätzt wurde
✨schlimmstes Berufungsportal 2025
✨so oft hast Du Dich erfolglos beworben
✨Dein meistgehasstes Gesetz: #WissZeitVG
✨das waren Deine abgelehnten Drittmittelanträge
✨so viele Überstunden hast Du gemacht
✨Deine Top 3 der Momente in denen Deine Arbeit nicht wertgeschätzt wurde
✨schlimmstes Berufungsportal 2025
✨so oft hast Du Dich erfolglos beworben
✨Dein meistgehasstes Gesetz: #WissZeitVG
December 3, 2025 at 6:40 PM
✨ #IchBinHanna Wrapped
✨das waren Deine abgelehnten Drittmittelanträge
✨so viele Überstunden hast Du gemacht
✨Deine Top 3 der Momente in denen Deine Arbeit nicht wertgeschätzt wurde
✨schlimmstes Berufungsportal 2025
✨so oft hast Du Dich erfolglos beworben
✨Dein meistgehasstes Gesetz: #WissZeitVG
✨das waren Deine abgelehnten Drittmittelanträge
✨so viele Überstunden hast Du gemacht
✨Deine Top 3 der Momente in denen Deine Arbeit nicht wertgeschätzt wurde
✨schlimmstes Berufungsportal 2025
✨so oft hast Du Dich erfolglos beworben
✨Dein meistgehasstes Gesetz: #WissZeitVG
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
We're watching the wholesale burning of every scrap of dignity afforded to trans people in the UK, their rights, their medical services, their employment, their place within society, their bodily functions.
It is a disgrace, and a disgusting stain on the government and media of this country.
It is a disgrace, and a disgusting stain on the government and media of this country.
December 3, 2025 at 11:54 AM
We're watching the wholesale burning of every scrap of dignity afforded to trans people in the UK, their rights, their medical services, their employment, their place within society, their bodily functions.
It is a disgrace, and a disgusting stain on the government and media of this country.
It is a disgrace, and a disgusting stain on the government and media of this country.
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
Here’s Judith Butler explaining what this movement is and always was, about five years ago.
December 3, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Here’s Judith Butler explaining what this movement is and always was, about five years ago.
Day 2 of our workshop on transmedia fantasy prequels, sequels and spin-offs. Yesterday I gave my paper on Rings of Power, which seems to have gone ok. The discussion has been great in any case and it's so interesting to hear everyone else's contributions!
December 3, 2025 at 8:57 AM
Day 2 of our workshop on transmedia fantasy prequels, sequels and spin-offs. Yesterday I gave my paper on Rings of Power, which seems to have gone ok. The discussion has been great in any case and it's so interesting to hear everyone else's contributions!
I have a paper. It feels very thin on actual results currently, but we'll see what feedback I'll get tomorrow...
December 1, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I have a paper. It feels very thin on actual results currently, but we'll see what feedback I'll get tomorrow...
‘[The Elves] became obsessed with "fading", a mode in which the changes of time [...] was perceived by them. [...] The chief power of all the rings alike was the prevention or slowing of decay (i.e. change viewed as a regrettable thing)’ (Tolkien, Letter 131).
November 30, 2025 at 5:23 PM
‘[The Elves] became obsessed with "fading", a mode in which the changes of time [...] was perceived by them. [...] The chief power of all the rings alike was the prevention or slowing of decay (i.e. change viewed as a regrettable thing)’ (Tolkien, Letter 131).
Listening to the RoP soundtrack to get me in the mood, I guess? And also so I can comment on it. But it's one of the best parts of the show, so I'm not mad.
November 28, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Listening to the RoP soundtrack to get me in the mood, I guess? And also so I can comment on it. But it's one of the best parts of the show, so I'm not mad.
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
Wir sollten aufhören, es Halluzinationen zu nennen , wenn eine KI-Software uns Bullshit erzählt. Das klingt als könne sie nichts dafür, sei nur kurz geblendet worden oder versehentlich im Drogenrausch. Es sind Lügen. LLMs sind Lügenmaschinen. Ihre Entwickler haben sie als potentielle Lügner gebaut.
November 28, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Wir sollten aufhören, es Halluzinationen zu nennen , wenn eine KI-Software uns Bullshit erzählt. Das klingt als könne sie nichts dafür, sei nur kurz geblendet worden oder versehentlich im Drogenrausch. Es sind Lügen. LLMs sind Lügenmaschinen. Ihre Entwickler haben sie als potentielle Lügner gebaut.
This captures pretty well how I felt about the film
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLhq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLhq...
Honest Trailers | Frankenstein (2025)
YouTube video by Screen Junkies
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 8:37 AM
This captures pretty well how I felt about the film
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLhq...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLhq...
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
OMG a conference on Star Trek and worldbuilding! Can I figure out a way of turning the nerdy footnotes in my book into an actual paper?
The CFP is available in both French and English right here on our website : startrekparis2026.wordpress.com/appel-a-comm...
Appel à communication / Call For Paper
English version. Depuis les soixante ans qui nous sépareront bientôt de sa première diffusion le 8 septembre 1966, Star Trek s’est imposé comme un univers de fiction proliférant, transmédiatique et…
startrekparis2026.wordpress.com
November 27, 2025 at 11:18 AM
OMG a conference on Star Trek and worldbuilding! Can I figure out a way of turning the nerdy footnotes in my book into an actual paper?
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
Es ist wirklich der Wahnsinn wie hier ohne Not eine Überwachungsinfrastruktur autoritärer Tech Bros auf Dauer gestellt wird
#Palantir auf Steroiden? Der Landtag NRW will heute beschließen, dass die Software auch mit KI genutzt werden darf (bisher nicht) – das führt zu noch mehr Intransparenz und Diskriminierungrisiken. Außerdem sollen Echtdaten der Polizei über die Bevölkerung zum Trainieren von KI genutzt werden dürfen.
November 27, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Es ist wirklich der Wahnsinn wie hier ohne Not eine Überwachungsinfrastruktur autoritärer Tech Bros auf Dauer gestellt wird
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
Handing back student work that’s been written by ChatGPT with a 0 followed by the comment “This essay will never stand in authentic wonder before the Beauty of God’s creation.”
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
Even God Is Worried About ChatGPT
Pope Leo XIV told students not to use artificial intelligence for homework, saying that AI ‘won’t stand in authentic wonder before the beauty of God’s creation.’
www.vulture.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Handing back student work that’s been written by ChatGPT with a 0 followed by the comment “This essay will never stand in authentic wonder before the Beauty of God’s creation.”
Oh dear one of the showrunners actually said, "We’re doing what Tolkien wanted." The hubris is staggering.
Starting to work on my next paper, a slightly more fleshed-out version of my thoughts on Rings of Power as prequel (I don't think it is one). I have to make sure that this doesn't turn into a giant rant about how awful I think the show is.
November 25, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Oh dear one of the showrunners actually said, "We’re doing what Tolkien wanted." The hubris is staggering.
Can't wait for this volume to be out, to which I've contributed a little chapter on emotion and generic hybridity in the late Íslendingasögur.
www.brepols.net/products/IS-...
www.brepols.net/products/IS-...
Brepols - New Studies on Emotion in Old Norse Literature
Brepols is an international academic publisher of works in the humanities, with a particular focus in history, archaeology, history of the arts, language and literature, and critical editions of histo...
www.brepols.net
November 25, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Can't wait for this volume to be out, to which I've contributed a little chapter on emotion and generic hybridity in the late Íslendingasögur.
www.brepols.net/products/IS-...
www.brepols.net/products/IS-...
Starting to work on my next paper, a slightly more fleshed-out version of my thoughts on Rings of Power as prequel (I don't think it is one). I have to make sure that this doesn't turn into a giant rant about how awful I think the show is.
November 24, 2025 at 2:07 PM
Starting to work on my next paper, a slightly more fleshed-out version of my thoughts on Rings of Power as prequel (I don't think it is one). I have to make sure that this doesn't turn into a giant rant about how awful I think the show is.
Nach dem Vortrag ist vor dem Vortrag😵💫
November 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Nach dem Vortrag ist vor dem Vortrag😵💫
Reposted by Rebecca Merkelbach
Offener Brief gegen die zunehmende unkritische Nutzung von KI an deutschen Hochschulen und Forschungseinrichtungen - bitte teilen! openletter.earth/gegen-die-un...
Gegen die unkritische Anwendung und Implementierung sog. Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) in der deutschen Wissenschaft und im Hochschulalltag
openletter.earth
November 20, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Offener Brief gegen die zunehmende unkritische Nutzung von KI an deutschen Hochschulen und Forschungseinrichtungen - bitte teilen! openletter.earth/gegen-die-un...
Currently on the first leg of my journey home after an intense and stimulating 2 days at the Gedankenwelten conference in Greifswald. My paper on the interior worlds of Íslendingasögur characters seems to have gone down ok and I look forward to revising it for the volume!
November 22, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Currently on the first leg of my journey home after an intense and stimulating 2 days at the Gedankenwelten conference in Greifswald. My paper on the interior worlds of Íslendingasögur characters seems to have gone down ok and I look forward to revising it for the volume!