Is Everything We Thought We Knew About Vikings Wrong?
The Vikings have become synonymous with bravery, bloodshed, and exploration. But is everything we thought we knew about them wrong? Historians have challenged many long-held beliefs about these legendary Scandinavian warriors — and the truth is surprisingly complex.
What Are the Facts Behind the Viking Mythology?
When most people think of Vikings, images of tall burly warriors raiding, plundering, and pillaging come to mind. The reality, however, is more nuanced than the popular imagination. Vikings were a complex people who lived in Northern Europe for centuries, engaging in trade, religious activities, and exploration.
Here are a few facts you might not know about the Vikings:
• Contrary to popular belief, the Vikings weren’t all raiders. Archeological evidence indicates that Viking men and women were both farmers and tradespeople.
• The origin of the term “Viking” itself is disputed. It may have stemmed from a Germanic word meaning “pirate”, or an old Norse term for “a trader who stayed out at sea.”
• Vikings weren’t confined to Scandinavia. They traveled extensively and settled in other parts of Europe, such as Ireland and Britain.
The misconception that Vikings were predominantly raiders comes from the popular folklore surrounding these people. Many of the stories are sensationalized tales of their raiding expeditions.
Putting Legends to the Test
Despite the fact that Vikings were active traders, raiders, and explorers, much of the popular legend surrounding them is highly romanticized. To get to the truth about the Vikings, we must look beyond the myths.
The Mighty Longship
As Vikings are most remembered for their role as raiders, an important part of their image is their iconic longships. These ships were fast, maneuverable, and enabled them to travel far and wide, taking them as far as North America.
The longships were believed to be made of wood, but archaeological studies have revealed that the vessels were instead built of both wood and animal hide. This was likely done to make them lighter — and therefore faster — and to enable them to navigate rivers.
The Reality of Viking Raids
Vikings were indeed raiders, and they did carry out attacks on coastal settlements. However, their raids were often not as violent and destructive as portrayed in popular culture.
Historians have argued that the purpose of Viking raids was as much to build trade as to plunder. Raids allowed them to acquire valuable goods and resources, enabling them to establish trading networks throughout the region.
Viking Religion and Beliefs
Vikings had a complex religion and set of beliefs that were part of their daily life. The most important figure in their mythology was Odin, the god of warriors, who was revered as the ruler of Asgard, the land of the gods.
The Vikings also believed in a form of fate known as wyrd, wherein the future is predetermined and all events, past and present, are interrelated and all-encompassing.
Finally, the Vikings had a reverence for nature, and believed that it contained supernatural powers. Trees and rocks were thought to have spiritual significance, and animal totems held great importance.
Legacy of Viking Exploration
The Vikings weren’t just warriors and raiders, they were also explorers and sailors. Viking seafarers are credited as the first Europeans to reach North America, centuries before Christopher Columbus.
Their explorations were made possible by their advanced shipbuilding technology, which enabled them to cover vast distances. To this day, Viking ships and navigation tools are studied by modern sailors, who still occasionally use them for the open seas.
The popular mythology of the Vikings suggests that they were barbaric raiders and fierce warriors. However, the truth is more complex. Vikings were indeed raiders, but they were also traders, explorers, and believers in a complex religion — and their legacy still lives on in various forms today.
