The Viking sagas are full of powerful warriors who called themselves kings as they raided across Europe. Written centuries after the fact by Christian authors looking back at a now-foreign pagan world, the accounts of many legendary Vikings are more myth than history. When these larger-than-life characters are reimagined for modern audiences through shows like…
If, like me, you are a fan of Old Norse symbols, then you have probably come across the “Web of Wyrd” described as a Viking symbol linked with ideas of fate and destiny. However, if you search for examples of the Web of Wyrd symbol from the Viking Age, you will be disappointed. The Web…
While the Vikings are often portrayed as brutal warriors, they were also innovators, with advanced ship technology, weapons, and craftsmanship. It should be no surprise that they developed techniques to bring down large sea mammals, which were highly valued as sources of protein and oil. However, most of what we know about Viking Age whale…
As well as being warriors that terrified and raided their neighbors, the Vikings had a rich culture with elaborate religious beliefs, sophisticated literature, stunning art, and, of course, traditional music. Our knowledge of Viking age music, like our knowledge of the traditional music of many cultures, is limited. We do not really have any idea…
Any Viking enthusiast will be familiar with the Marvel film Thor: Ragnarok and the idea that Ragnarok is the story of the end of the world in Norse mythology. But Marvel takes significant liberties for the sake of entertainment and the continuity of their timeline. What really happens in the story of Ragnarok, and why…
Today, Norway is famous for its distinctive medieval wooden stave churches. These were once constructed throughout the Viking world as they transitioned from the Old Norse religion to Christianity. Elements of the Old Norse religion found their way into these new houses of worship. Stave Church Construction These churches are named stave churches because they…
If you follow Viking Age archaeology, you will have seen recent stories about the discovery of over 3,000 silver coins in Norway, representing the country’s largest silver hoard. It is only one of several important Viking Era archaeological finds from across Norway made in the last 12 months. See our 2024 update here. The Morstad…
The god Tyr is always listed as among the most important Viking deities in the surviving sources. For example, he is one of the 12 gods enthroned in high seats in the Skáldskaparmál. Despite that, Tyr is rarely mentioned in the surviving sources and we know very little about him. His name, Tyr, simply means…
According to the sagas, an enormous army of Vikings, assembled and led by the sons of Ragnar Lodbrok, attacked England in 865 to avenge their father’s death at the hands of King Aella of Northumbria. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle called this the “Great Heathen Army,” which was larger than any previous invading force. The Viking army…
The Viking world was full of symbols, many of which have become popular designs for Viking tattoos (I may have one or two). Understanding what common surviving symbols meant to the Vikings and how they were used is a bit like putting together an historical puzzle. We look at archaeological evidence, surviving art, and often…