Debunking The Brutal Myths About Viking Culture

 Challenging the Myth of Viking Anarchy

Perceptions of the collective group we know as 'Vikings' have changed significantly over the course of history, evolving from romantic figures of exploration and conquest in the 18th and 19th centuries to diverse depictions of ruthless raiders or fearless sailors today. Have happened. Yet, amidst these changing portrayals, stereotypes and stereotypes have taken root, weaving themselves into the fabric of popular culture. In this blog, we embark on a journey to peel back the layers of myths and legends surrounding the Vikings, discovering the complexities of their culture, beliefs and heritage. Join us as we delve into the mysterious world of the Norsemen, challenging preconceptions and uncovering the truth behind the enduring tales of the Viking Age.

Contrary to the portrayal of the Vikings as lawless, savage blood feuds, their society was governed by sophisticated legal systems. Throughout the medieval Nordic world, law was complex and multifaceted, with many law codes emphasizing the importance of law in the creation and maintenance of society. This sentiment still persists today as the motto of the Icelandic Police Force. Notably, Iceland's national parliament, the Althingi, is one of the oldest parliamentary institutions in the world, having been established at Thingvellir ('Assembly Plains') in 930 AD. At the annual Althing meetings held at Law Rock, the appointed Lawspeaker recited the laws from memory, demonstrating the meticulous legal tradition of the Vikings. This rich legal framework underlines the complexity and sophistication of Viking society, challenging misconceptions about their perceived anarchy.

We hate to break it to you but Vikings didn't actually wear horned helmets into battle. This enduring myth probably originated from artistic interpretations and literary works rather than historical accuracy. In fact, Viking helmets were generally made of iron or leather, designed for practicality in battle rather than decorated with elaborate horns.

These helmets were vital to the protection of Viking warriors in battle, providing head protection without the impracticality of protruding horns, which would have caused significant damage in battle.

Contrary to popular belief, the notion that Vikings routinely burned their dead on ships is a myth that we should consider closely. In the pre-Christian era, Viking funeral customs were diverse and included both cremation and traditional burial practices. While cremation was indeed a common method, it usually took place on pyres, followed by the construction of burial mounds over the remains. Ship burials, reserved for the elite, were prestigious affairs that involved the burial of high-status individuals along with their belongings.

However, archaeological evidence, such as the famous Oseberg ship burial, shows that these individuals were not cremated, but rather buried in their ships with grave goods. The primary account often cited as evidence of Viking ship funerals comes from the 10th-century Arab diplomat Ibn Fadlan, who observed a funeral ritual among the "Rus" in Russia.

While the image of fierce Viking warriors dominates the popular imagination, it is important to acknowledge that they co-existed with many other peoples. In addition to the Vikings, medieval Scandinavia was home to the ancestors of the Sami people, known to the Norse as the Finns. These semi-nomadic indigenous groups lived in the far north of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia, engaging in active trade and high-status intermarriage with the Norse. It sheds light on the nuanced cultural landscape of medieval Scandinavia, where many ethnic groups contributed to the region's vibrant history.

Is there anything better than a Viking nickname? Name day Vikings like Ragnar the Hairy-Breeches and Ivar the Boneless stand out as iconic representations of Norse culture. Still, the origins of these nicknames often blur the lines between fact and fiction.

While some of these names, such as Ketil flat-nose and Thorbjorg ship-breasted, may indicate physical characteristics, others are shrouded in mystery, their meanings lost over time.

Interestingly, many well-known Norse surnames did not appear until centuries later, as they became obscure due to typographical errors, mistranslations, and misunderstandings. For example, the adjective "boneless" given to Ivar the Boneless, leader of the Great Heathen Army, has given rise to a number of theories ranging from impotence to exceptional martial skill. However, recent scholarship suggests a less sensational explanation: a misinterpretation of the Latin. Elizabeth Ashman Rowe suggests that the adjective "boneless" originated from the misinterpretation of "exosus" (meaning "disgusting") as "exos" (meaning "boneless").

Not everyone in the medieval Nordic world was a Viking. The term "Viking" originally referred to seafaring Norse explorers and raiders who set out from their Scandinavian homelands to raid, trade, and settle in distant lands. While the Vikings played an important role in shaping medieval history, they were only a portion of the population. In fact, medieval Nordic society was diverse, consisting of farmers, merchants, craftsmen, and many other professions. While some individuals may have been temporarily engaged in Viking activities, most focused on agriculture, commerce, and local governance.

The notion that the Vikings regularly performed a gruesome ritual called "Blood Eagleing" on their enemies is a fascinating myth that would be downright cruel if true. Sadly we had to pour water over the bloody eagle.

The concept of blood eagleing, which involves carving a victim's ribs from their spine and ripping out their lungs to resemble wings, is found primarily in Icelandic sagas and later medieval literature rather than in contemporary accounts of Viking practices. While the Vikings were undoubtedly skilled warriors who used a variety of methods of warfare, there is little archaeological or written evidence to support the widespread occurrence of blood eagleing. This is more likely to be a product of literary exaggeration and sensationalism rather than a common practice among Viking society. Wump womp woooooomp.