Each winter, the word Yule reappears—often treated as a single holiday with a fixed date. Historically, however, Yule was never a one-day event, nor did it have a universally agreed-upon calendar date. What we can say comes from medieval writings, laws, and sagas that give us a partial but meaningful picture of how Yule was understood in the ancient Germanic and Norse world. Yule Before the Vikings Yule did not originate with the Vikings. The festival predates the Viking Age by centuries and belongs to the wider Germanic cultural world of northern Europe. Linguistic evidence alone points to deep roots: the Old Norse Jól, Old English Gēol, and related terms appear across early Germanic languages, indicating a shared midwinter observance...

Every now and then, a customer picks up one of our drinking horns or horn mugs, turns it over in their hands, and with a puzzled look asks:“Is this plastic?” It’s a fair question. Modern synthetic plastics are everywhere, and many people have never handled real horn before. But the answer is both simple and surprisingly deep: No — it’s not plastic. But the very idea behind the word “plastic” ironically comes indirectly from what our ancestors did with animal horns. And that’s where this gets interesting. The Ancient “Plastic” of the Viking Age Long before polyethylene or anything resembling modern plastics existed, people across the world — including the Norse — worked with animal horn as an incredibly versatile...

Fans of Vikings and Vikings: Valhalla have been hungry for more Norse drama, and now their wait is almost over. Amazon Prime Video has greenlit a brand-new series, Bloodaxe, set to bring one of history’s most notorious Viking rulers to life: Eric Haraldsson, better known as Eric Bloodaxe. From the Creator of Vikings The series comes from none other than Michael Hirst, the creator and writer behind Vikings, joined this time by his son, Horatio Hirst. Together, they promise to deliver a fresh standalone story that will capture the grit, passion, and intrigue of the Viking Age while expanding on the saga-style storytelling fans love. Who Was Eric Bloodaxe? Eric Bloodaxe was the son of Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair,...

Thanks for visiting our blog! As a thank-you, enjoy 15% off your first order in our online Viking Shop with the discount code BLOG15.Most people know Vikings raided coastal villages…But did you know they once sailed hundreds of miles inland and laid siege to Paris—twice?The first siege came in 845 AD, when the legendary warrior Ragnar Lothbrok (yes, that Ragnar) led 120 longships up the Seine River with thousands of men. They stormed the city, demanded a ransom, and walked away with over 7,000 pounds of silver. Paris bought its survival—but it wouldn’t be the last time.Fast forward to 885 AD, and the Norse were back—this time in even greater numbers.Up to 30,000 Viking warriors launched a brutal siege that lasted...

Thanks for visiting our blog! As a thank-you, enjoy 15% off your first order in our online Viking Shop with the discount code BLOG15. What the Winter Solstice Represents Symbolism: Death and Rebirth: The solstice is often seen as the "death" of the old year and the "birth" of a new cycle. Hope and Renewal: It signifies a turning point, where the darkness begins to recede and the light returns.   Astronomical Significance: The Winter Solstice occurs when the Earth's axial tilt is farthest from the Sun in the Northern Hemisphere. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. After the solstice, days gradually begin to grow longer, symbolizing the return of light and hope. Origins of Winter...

Thanks for visiting our blog! As a thank-you, enjoy 15% off your first order in our online Viking Shop with the discount code BLOG15.The primary historic evidence supporting Viking presence in North America around 1000 AD is based on archaeological findings, particularly at the site of L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. Here’s a breakdown of the key evidence: 1. L'Anse aux Meadows Site Location: Newfoundland, Canada Description: Excavated in the 1960s, L'Anse aux Meadows is widely accepted as the site of a Viking settlement, dating back to around 1000 AD. Findings: Artifacts: Several artifacts of Norse origin have been found, including: A bronze cloak pin similar to those used by Vikings in Greenland and Iceland. Iron nails and rivets consistent...

Thanks for visiting our blog! As a thank-you, enjoy 15% off your first order in our online Viking Shop with the discount code BLOG15.In Norse mythology, Hel is both a place and a goddess. The goddess Hel, daughter of Loki and the giantess Angrboda, rules over the realm also called Hel (or Helheim) in Niflheim, where many of the dead reside. The term "Hel" itself is cognate with the Old English hell, but Norse Hel and the Christian concept of hell diverge in significant ways. Here are a few points of overlap and distinction: Role and Rulership of the Dead Hel (Norse): Hel is a realm for those who do not die in battle, including those who pass from old age,...

Thanks for visiting our blog! As a thank-you, enjoy 15% off your first order in our online Viking Shop with the discount code BLOG15.A Saga-Based Exploration: Loki, one of the most fascinating figures in Norse mythology, is often remembered for his cunning, shapeshifting abilities, and unpredictable nature. Yet, what makes him even more compelling is his extraordinary and diverse family. From monstrous creatures to gods, Loki’s offspring play pivotal roles in the mythological events, especially during Ragnarök. Alongside his children, his relationship with his wife Sigyn provides a glimpse into a contrasting side of Loki's chaotic existence. Let’s explore Loki’s unique family, focusing on each child and his wife as depicted in historical sources like The Poetic Edda, The Prose Edda,...