Sons of Vikings

Viking History

What the Winter Solstice Represents

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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...

Before Columbus: Proof of Vikings in North America

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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...

Norse Hel versus Christian Hell

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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...

Loki’s Unique Family in Norse Mythology

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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...

Evidence of Vikings in North America ...before Columbus

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The tale of Norse exploration in North America, long relegated to the realm of legend and myth, has increasingly come under scrutiny from historians and archaeologists. For decades, evidence has been mounting that the Vikings, under the leadership of Leif Erikson and his peers, did indeed reach the shores of...

Vikings (Rus) and their impact on Ukraine and Russia

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While we fully support Ukraine's independence (and have friends who live there), it is interesting to note that there is a lot of evidence that Russia's origins are directly connected to Ukraine, as well as connections to the Swedish Vikings that once ruled areas of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin (on this subject)...

Does Russia have Swedish Viking roots?

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There is no doubt that Swedish Vikings, known as the Rus of Kiev, once ruled the area now known as Ukraine. But there is also a theory that the original Russian royal family (particularly the Rurikid dynasty) was of Swedish Viking heritage. This theory is supported by a combination of historical texts,...

Where Do Vikings Come From?

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When we think of Vikings, images of fierce warriors, longships cutting through misty waters, and horned helmets (a myth, by the way) often come to mind. But where did these seafaring people originate? The Vikings hail from Scandinavia, a region in Northern Europe that includes modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark....

The Dwarves (and Elves) of Norse Mythology: Makers of Magical Gifts

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Norse mythology, rich with tales of gods, giants, and mystical creatures, is also home to the master artisans of the cosmos: the dwarves and elves. These beings, particularly the dwarves, are credited with forging some of the most powerful and magical items in the mythological world, including weapons, treasures, and...

Viking Destinations in Ireland

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Ireland, with its lush landscapes and ancient lore, is also steeped in Viking history. The Norsemen left an indelible mark on the Emerald Isle, particularly between the 8th and 11th centuries. For those intrigued by Viking history, Ireland offers a treasure trove of museums and historic sites where the echoes...

Who Kills Whom During Ragnarök:

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Ragnarök, the apocalyptic battle in Norse mythology, marks the end of the world and the death of many gods, giants, and creatures. The events of Ragnarök are vividly described in the Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, two of the most important sources of Norse mythology. Below is a detailed list...

Vikings and Torcs

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The torc, a type of 'neck ring' jewelry, is typically associated with ancient Celtic culture, however historical references indicate that it was also a popular form of jewelry worn by Viking warriors, Viking women and Viking nobility. Here’s a look at the evidence supporting the use of torcs among the...

Viking Board Game: Hnefatafl

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The Ancient Game of Hnefatafl Hnefatafl, often referred to as "King's Table," is a fascinating board game that was widely played by the Vikings and other Northern European cultures from as early as the 4th century AD until the arrival of chess in the region. This strategic game, which simulates...

Huginn and Muninn: The Mythical Ravens of Odin

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In Norse mythology, Odin, the one-eyed god known as many different names including the Allfather, stands out as one of the most complex and intriguing deities. Among his many attributes, his association with two ravens, Huginn and Muninn, is particularly fascinating. These ravens, whose names mean "thought" and "memory" respectively,...

How Physically Tough Were Vikings?

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Vikings were a dominant disruptive force in the military, economic, and political world of the Early Middle Ages.  One reason for this was the technological advantage of their dragon ships, which made them more mobile than any of their enemies.  Other reasons included their highly developed warrior ethos, fearlessness, and...

Ravens, Vikings, and Norse Mythology

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Huginn and Muninn The most famous ravens would be Odin's two ravens, Huginn (thought) and Muninn (memory). These two ravens are central figures in Norse mythology, embodying his intellectual and spiritual attributes. These ravens are his eyes and ears, flying across the world to gather information and return to whisper...

Where Did the Vikings Raid?

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The Vikings, famed for their daring raids and seafaring exploits, left a lasting impact on the history and culture of medieval Europe. But where exactly did these Norse warriors launch their raids, and what were the consequences of their actions? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the geographical scope...

Samhain, the original Halloween and Álfablót (the Norse version)

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As many of you know, Halloween was originally known as 'All Hallows' Eve', which falls on October 31, marking the day before All Saints' Day on November 1. Many believe this was yet another holiday purposely created by the Christian church to replace a popular pagan holiday known as the...

Viking Weddings : Norse Traditions, Ideas, Rings, Vows, Dress / Attire

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Marriage was a sacred Norse tradition. For the Vikings, survival and life itself revolved around tightly-knit networks of family and friends. The right marriage was crucial to continuing these relationships into the future and passing on land, wealth, and honor. Some scholars contend that marriage dynamics played a role in...

Cats and Vikings

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When picturing the fierce Norse Vikings, the image of their fearsome longships sailing across treacherous seas often comes to mind. These intrepid seafarers were known for their adventurous spirit. But they were not alone on their voyages. Unbeknownst to many, the Vikings had loyal companions aboard their boats—cats. These feline...

What Happened to the Vikings?

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The Viking Age was a period of intense change in Europe. At the beginning of that time, Europe was a disorganized place of small, fractured kingdoms and weak rulers. Charlemagne was the exception here. But when he died, even his empire proved unstable and vulnerable.   When the Viking Age...

Oldest Runestone Ever Found in Norway

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Photo: Alexis Pantos/KHM, UiO. While excavating a cremation burial site in eastern Norway, archaeologists uncovered a red sandstone boulder bearing a unique inscription. Ongoing research at this Svingerud site revealed that the items this rune stone was buried with date as far back as the first century of the Common Era....

When did Vikings Invade England?

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The first recorded violent contact between Vikings and England was in 789 when a Saxon coastal patrol lost a man in a skirmish with otherwise unidentified Danes. Experts are unsure if this was indeed Viking aggression versus just a misunderstanding at a customs checkpoint. It is widely thought that these...

When was the Viking Age?

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793-1066 AD ...or 750-1050 AD? From the late-8th century to the late 11th century, Vikings shook Europe, upending the status quo, building lasting trade networks, and laying the groundwork for many of today's most prosperous nations. The actual dates of the Viking Age and when is started and when it ended...

What did Vikings eat?

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There was not enough arable land in the Vikings' homeland. So they had to diversify to survive, relying heavily on cattle and livestock and fishing their endless coastlines. According to the sagas and material evidence, the Vikings ate their most important meal in the morning and then had a leisurely...

What did Vikings look like?

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The stereotype of Vikings as tall, jacked people with blonde or red hair and piercing blue eyes was probably true for many of them, but not true for all of them. Science (and common sense) tells us that Vikings came in a wide range of hair colors, eye colors, builds,...

What language did Vikings speak?

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Vikings were united more by language, beliefs, and culture than by national origin. Vikings spoke a language now known as Old Norse, a northern Germanic language and the descendant of Proto-Germanic. Old Norse is a cousin of Old English, so some words, ideas (and letters) are similar to the English...

Where are Vikings from?

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Originally, Vikings came from Scandinavia. That is, the lands that are now Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. These countries came about because of the Vikings. Their changing borders eventually coalesced after bloody struggles between numerous Viking Sea Kings.However, Vikings were people with outward momentum, throughout the Viking Age, they established permanent...

What is a Viking?

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Vikings were maritime traders, raiders, mercenaries, and settlers originally from Scandinavia who took Europe by storm beginning in the Early Middle Ages. They formed a trade network, known as the Northern Arc, stretching from Greenland to the Middle East. They founded and settled in Iceland and Greenland, and there is...

Viking FAQ’s

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Below are links to short answers for the most commonly asked questions on Vikings. These are direct and simple answers on a complicated subject, so they only serve as a starting point for future exploration. We hope you find them helpful. Viking FAQ's: What is a Viking? Where are Vikings from?...

Viking Roots of the Royal Families

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Vikings shaped three centuries of intense cultural, economic, demographic, and political change. Though the world would transform exponentially in the thousand years since the Viking Age (circa A.D. 793-1066), many of the changes the Vikings brought are still with us. These contributions include countries like Norway, Sweden, Denmark, England, and...

Did Vikings Wear Kilts?

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“Did Vikings wear kilts?” is a common Google search. The short answer is ‘no.’ Kilts did not show up until roughly 500 years after the Viking age had ended and  Viking men wore pants (often with leg wraps below the knee). However, did the Vikings (and their descendants) possibly play...

In Defense of the Word ‘Viking’

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During the Early Middle Ages, a dramatic series of explorations, armed migrations, and new trade networks radiated from Scandinavia to forever change the world. The people responsible left marks in language, culture, geography, politics, and law that we still feel today. Broadly, we know them as Vikings, their word for...

Viking Berserker Warriors

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Viking Berserkers Berserkers were battle-frenzied warriors devoted to the god Odin, who fought in a state of complete fury and reckless abandon. Berserkers were said to channel the bear's spirit (or, in the case of the the úlfheðnar, the wolf's spirit) and take on the berserkergangr – the berserker’s rage –...

Amleth: The Real Viking Behind The Northman Movie

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  (and Shakespeare’s Best Play) The Northman is already being hyped by some as "the definitive Viking movie" and the "most accurate Viking film ever made." Director Robert Eggers is well known for his artistic creativity, attention to fine detail, and respect for his source material. His previous movies include...

Dwarves and Elves in Norse Mythology

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Norse mythology has made tremendous contributions to popular folklore and today’s fantasy. Elves and dwarves are but two of these elements that have become ubiquitous. Today, the word “elf” might make people think of Santa’s helpers or Elf on the Shelf or 'The Lord of the Rings’. However, the original elves and...

Vikings and Skiing

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The northern lands the Vikings called home were places of long, frigid winters, creeping glaciers, and howling blizzards. Icebergs and gale-force winds made the maritime routes too dangerous even for the dragon ships in the dark months of the year. In Scandinavia’s dense forests, snowdrifts could swallow a traveler. If...

When England was Part of a Viking Empire

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The Saga of Ragnar Lothbrok refers to London as “the finest city in Scandinavia."  This seems like quite a mistake, considering London is the capital of England and sits on the east coast of Britain.  However for the skalds who composed the old saga, London was indeed in Scandinavia, for...

Historic Arabic Accounts Describing Vikings

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“I have never seen bodies more perfect than theirs. They were like palm trees. They were fair and ruddy. They wear neither coats nor caftans but a garment that hangs on one side and leaves one hand free. Each of them carries an axe, a sword, and a knife and...

Viking Diet: Why you should eat like the Vikings did!

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“I have never seen bodies more perfect than theirs."-Ahmed Ibn Fadlan (Arabian diplomat describing Vikings that he traded with) This article investigates common day to day Viking foods, how and when they liked to eat them, and how Viking nutrition contributed to their success. Nutrition Played a Part in the...

History of Viking Arm Rings / Oath Rings

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Vikings were fascinated by ring shaped jewelry. Men and women wore them on their fingers, wrists, forearms, upper arms, and even around their necks (known as torcs/torques). Some rings were simple circlets. Others were ornate works of art. They were made of iron, silver, copper, bronze, or gold, according to...

Mead

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There is probably no other drink as associated with Vikings as mead! Sure, Vikings drank a wide variety of other drinks such as ales and ciders. Viking chieftains even traded far and wide for fine wine and the precious glasses to serve it in, thus boasting of their wealth and...

Viking History Timeline

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This is a chronology of some of the leading people and events of the Viking Age. It is by no means comprehensive but only offers some sense of structure for this dynamic period in human history. Please note that exact dates are notoriously difficult to pin down during the 'Dark Ages,'...

Viking Tattoos and Body Art

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Editor's Note: While this article focuses on whether or not Vikings wore tattoos, there is no surviving skin artifacts from the Viking age. For the sake of images in this article, we offer some of our own personal favorite, modern day inspirations of Viking related tattoos. Did Vikings have tattoos?...

Viking Hair Styles

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Vikings came from an honor culture where individuals expressed their worth through actions, words, and appearance. Abundant jewelry, clothing, combs, and personal care items recovered by archaeologists show that personal presentation was of great importance in Viking societies. But while the Viking preoccupation with hair and grooming are well established,...

Filthy Barbarians or Dapper Danes?

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Viking Hygiene, Grooming, and Personal Presentation To some, Vikings were nothing but hairy barbarians with tangled beards and deplorable manners. They are pictured at feasts throwing animal bones at each other, still covered in the mud and blood of battle, and the only water that touched them was sea spray....

Amazing Mjölnir Artifacts

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Mjölnir (most common English pronunciation being: "me-owl-neer") was the mighty hammer of Thor, most beloved champion of the Norse gods. Thor used Mjölnir as his primary weapon in protecting humanity and gods alike from sea serpents, giants, ogres, and the forces of chaos. Thor’s role as protector earned him the...

Viking Goddesses

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Frigg was the Queen of the Viking pantheon, the wife of Odin, and the mother of the beloved god, Baldr. However, Freyja – goddess of magic, war, erotic love, and treasure – was probably the more venerated and popular female deity in the Viking Age. Never far from the Viking’s...

Viking Chess

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Note: When you are done reading this article, check out our Viking chess (Hnefatafl) sets and Isle of Lewis chess sets for sale here.   History of Hnefatafl (Tafl) ...and the Isle of Lewis Chess Set. Vikings loved to play games of strategy like dice games and various board games. Game boards and...

Romantic Love in the Viking Age

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When you hear the word ‘Vikings,' an image of hopeless romantics is probably not the first thing that springs to mind. You probably have heard that in the past, most marriages were simply business arrangements between families, and only the poorest people married for love. Some even say that the...