The Vikings are known for their prowess and warriors, so, unsurprisingly, they have been involved in some of the bloodiest battles in history. While the details of how many men were involved and died in battle are often fantastical and speculative, they clearly left behind bloody battlefields. But what are some of the most legendary…
Significant confusion exists between the terms Wicca and Witchcraft, with many people choosing to use them interchangeably. But for those whose lives are embedded in these traditions, they have very different meanings. This article will explore what Wicca is, and how witchcraft exists within Wicca, while also trying to make clear that Wicca is just…
Natal astrology is present in most cultures, from ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean to ancient China and India. While every culture reads the signs differently, they are all based on the belief that where the celestial bodies sit in relation to the Earth when a person is born influences their innate character. We don’t know…
An Introduction to the Norse Sagas The Norse Sagas are legends and histories about the Viking Age that were composed predominantly in Iceland from the late 12th century onwards. Today, more than 40 individual sagas are preserved in a variety of manuscripts. Read on to discover the historical context of the Norse Sagas and a…
The Vikings were one of the most dominant forces in Western Europe from the 9th until the 11th centuries. As well as building strong nations with fertile trading relationships in the East, they raided France and Spain for their riches, set themselves up as lords in England and Ireland, settled Iceland, Greenland, and the Orkney…
Today we imagine the Vikings saying “Skol” when they raised their cups, or drinking horns, during a feast. But what does Skol mean in Old Norse and is that really what the Vikings said? Toasts were a complex social ritual in Viking society that involved much more than just raising a glass. Let’s look at…
In modern Western society, the New Year is often a time to swear oaths or make promises to ourselves about things we intend to do in the new year. While the Vikings did not consider Yule the start of the new year, it was still an important moment when the cold days started to get…
While the Vikings did not celebrate Christmas, the end of the year when the nights were at their longest, darkest, and coldest, was an important time of year. It was marked with a 12-day festival called Yule (or Jul). When Scandinavian countries converted to Christianity, many Yule traditions were transformed into Christmas traditions. We’ve previously…
When Iceland was settled by the Vikings in the 9th century, it was established as a commonwealth of chiefs. They needed to find a way to agree on laws and solve disputes. They did this by establishing an Althing, a national assembly based on smaller regional Things that were common among German tribes for at…
In Norse mythology, the concept of the soul is not a singular, unified entity but a composite of various elements, each with its unique role and characteristics. In fact, the old Norse word for soul, sál, was only created after the Vikings started to convert to Christianity. This article delves into the intricate Norse understanding…