The torc, a type of 'neck ring' jewelry, is typically associated with ancient Celtic culture, however historical references indicate that it was also a popular form of jewelry worn by Viking warriors, Viking women and Viking nobility.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 Vikings: 1. Archaeological Findings Archaeological evidence is one of the primary sources indicating the Vikings' use of torcs. Several burial sites across Scandinavia have revealed torcs made from various materials, including gold, silver, and bronze. Birka, Sweden: The Birka graves, dating from the 8th to 10th centuries, have yielded numerous examples of Viking torcs. Notably, the graves of high-status individuals often contained elaborate torcs, indicating their significance as status symbols....

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 a king's escape from attackers, offers a unique glimpse into the social and cultural life of the early medieval Scandinavians.Hnefatafl playing pieces of various shapes have been found in numerous Viking grave sites, made out of everything from wood, to bone, to glass. How to Pronounce Hnefatafl This, like many words that have a Scandinavian origin, are often the subject of a hot debate on pronunciations. Certain words can be...

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, are more than mere companions to Odin; they are extensions of his mind, eyes, and ears across the realms. They would spy for him and magically speak back to him what they saw. To delve into their significance, we turn to the primary historical sources that illuminate their role in Norse lore. Poetic Edda: The Primary Source The Poetic Edda, a collection of Old Norse poems from the 13th century,...

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 a keen eye for opportunity.  But all these things could not have granted them such tremendous success had it not been for the physical prowess it took to win the battles, brave the waves, and carry their treasures home.  Informed people already realize the fantasy depiction of Vikings as hulking barbarians with massive axes (as seen in this image) is not always necessarily realistic, but is there a grain of...

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 all they have seen and heard into his ear. This ability makes Odin the most well-informed of the gods.One of the primary sources detailing Odin's relationship with his ravens is the Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson in the 13th century. In the Prose Edda, there’s a section where Odin himself expresses anxiety over the return of his ravens, saying, "For Huginn I fear lest he come not back, yet...

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 of Viking raids, tracing their footsteps across Europe and beyond.   England: One of the primary targets of Viking raids, England suffered repeated incursions by Norse warriors from the late 8th century onwards. Places such as Lindisfarne in Northumbria (793 AD) and Jarrow (794 AD) were among the earliest targets, followed by attacks on major cities like York and London. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a primary source from the period, provides...

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 (Celtic) holy night of Samhain (pronounced ‘SAH-win’). To many, Halloween is actually about Samhain, and to the pagan Celts of that time, Samhain marked the transition between winter and summer, and it was believed that on that night, the barrier between the natural and spirit worlds was razor-thin and in flux. On that night, people in Ireland, Scotland, Brittany, Wales, and beyond would make offerings and sacrifices to appease the spirits,...

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 initiating the Viking Age itself (more on this later). But how did these marriages occur, and what was a Viking wedding like? Marriage in the Viking Age: Who, When, Where, and Why? According to numerous sagas, when a Viking decided to start a family, he discussed options with his parents, brothers, or friends. In pre-modern times, marrying for love was the luxury of the poor, so most Vikings of the...

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 adventurers played a significant role in Norse society and mythology, leaving a lasting mark on Viking culture. This article delves into the fascinating history of the cats that sailed alongside the Norse Vikings.

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 ended (mid-11th century), Europe was a much different land. Kingdoms were consolidating. Rulers were becoming more powerful, institutions were becoming more organized, and they were no longer soft targets. Warfare was changing, with the shield wall gradually becoming far less important than mounted knights and archers. Scandinavia changed from a land of petty warlords to strong kingdoms in the style of the rest of Europe. To the east, the hybrid...