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Given their bloodthirsty reputation, it can come as somewhat of a surprise that the Vikings were masters of the arts of storytelling and poetry. The sagas and eddas represent one of the most significant collections of writings produced during the medieval period. Although, strictly speaking, the main volumes were written centuries after what is generally accepted as the “Viking period”, it is clear that they were largely based on an oral tradition that stretched far into the past.

The skald (saga poet) was a highly respected figure in Viking society and their role in the preservation and interpretation of myths, legends and oral histories was recognised as vital in reinforcing what it meant to be a “Viking”. The oral histories developed by the skalds were translated into distinctive literary forms that still help to define the heritage of the entire region of Norse influence.

As time passed and more and more people became literate, the stories that had been passed down through the generations from one skald to another began to be written down. Many of these manuscripts were collected and preserved by scholars and, because the church appears to have been sympathetic to the storytelling tradition, frequently by priests and monks. Perhaps because of relative isolation, or perhaps because of the nature of the Icelandic people, the writings retained a very distinctive style and did not adopt the literary affectations of other nations.

The sagas are probably the mostly widely known and read body of Viking literature. They are a complex blend of family stories, heroic adventure and political history told in a style that is designed to be both accessible and entertaining. The sagas reflect their roots in the oral tradition by adopting a linear approach to storytelling.

The influence of skalds, who were frequently employed by a specific family to record and enhance the history of significant family members, is evident in the many family histories that appear in saga form. This is particularly true of the sagas of the Icelanders which form a considerable part of the total collection.

Although most of the sagas are written in the 13th century, the stories they tell happened several centuries before and, consequently, it is difficult to judge how much of the detail of Viking life and culture included in the texts is reflective of the period in which they are set or the period in which they were written.

There is also considerable debate as to the veracity of their content. Some people regard them almost as historical documents and others express the view that they are largely works of imagination. Storytellers will always embellish history, but it must be acknowledged that events described in the sagas, such as the Viking settlement of North America, were considered by many as fictions until archaeological evidence was produced to verify the settlement at L’anse Aux Meadows.

Where the sagas told the stories of families, kings and heroes, the eddas informed the Viking world about their gods and their mythology. The Vikings had an advanced belief system and a very personal relationship with their gods, as evidenced by the earthy and, in some cases, very human qualities ascribed to them in Eddic poetry.

The Elder or 'Poetic Edda' was a collection of Old Norse poetry from a medieval manuscript – the ‘Codex Regius’. The first part of the works deals with Viking mythology from the creation to Ragnarök, the twilight of the gods. The latter part consists of stories of heroes including one of the earliest written versions of the Sigurd legend which was later to feature in Wagner’s ‘Ring Cycle’.

The Younger or 'Prose Edda' is a more academic and yet more accessible work written by the great Icelandic scholar and historian, Snorri Sturluson. It seeks to explain the verse-forms and mythologies of the 'Poetic Edda' while offering a more contemporary interpretation of the work for a 13th-century audience.

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Vikings by Nancy L. Wicker LAST REVIEWED: 26 January 2018 LAST MODIFIED: 31 July 2019 DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780195396584-0079

The Viking Age spans the period from approximately 750 to 1100 CE in the Nordic countries of Denmark , Norway , and Sweden . The name “Viking” is used to refer to the inhabitants of Scandinavia and its colonies during the early medieval period, even though the name originally most likely referred only to sea-pirates from Scandinavia. Much of the research on the Vikings has focused on three great narratives of the Viking Age: expansion through raids, trade, and settlement; the beginnings of political unification of the three Scandinavian nations; and the Christianization of these kingdoms. The Viking incursions into the British Isles began late in the 8th century, and in the 9th century, Vikings pushed farther west to the North Atlantic and North America , south along the coast of the European continent, and east to Russia and the East and beyond, even into Central Asia. By the 12th century, Scandinavia is Christianized and the Viking Age is over. This list of works focuses on Material Culture and the Historical Sources—Western Europe of the Viking Age rather than the medieval literature (12th and 13th centuries) of Scandinavia and Iceland, except for brief mention of Eddic literature that may contain information from earlier times and has been influential for the study of the Vikings.

General Overviews

Numerous overviews of the Viking Age have been written for general and scholarly readers, including a large number by journalists and amateur enthusiasts. Works about the Viking world written in English are abundant, although much of the anglophone literature has a Western bent, focusing on Viking raids and settlement in the British Isles. Many books have the same or very similar titles (e.g., The Viking , The Vikings , The Viking World , The World of the Vikings , A History of the Vikings ), which can become confusing.

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types of viking literature

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types of viking literature

Vikings History: An Overview of Culture and History

vikings history

Vikings history is as extensive as the people it studies. The seafaring Vikings (in Danish, the Vikinger) were a group of people that came from the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. They made an enduring name for themselves in the 8th through the 11th centuries for being tactical warriors, smart traders, and daring explorers. In fact, they arrived in America 1,000 years before Columbus ever did, and archeologists have found some of their remnants scattered as far east as Russia. This is the true story of Vikings history.

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Vikings History: The Viking Age—An Overview

Viking is a verb, not a noun.

When the quiet monks on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne saw the dragon ships approaching, they didn’t know what was coming. They were fully unprepared for the ferocity of the warriors, armed with sword, axe and shield. The attack and plunder of Lindisfarne, a rich and unprotected monastery, echoed throughout the next 300 years of European history. The Viking Age had begun.

Historians use the term the Viking Age to describe the turbulent expansion of the Scandinavian people into Europe and Russia. Beginning in A.D. 793 with the Lindisfarne raid, Norwegians, Swedes and Danes set to raiding. Any unprotected community was a target. Vikings attacked places all along the coasts of Scotland, England, Ireland, France, Italy and inland Russia. They terrorized, plundered, traded, explored and finally settled and farmed all over the lands they encountered.

Who Were the Vikings?

The true Vikings history is fascinating. Simply put, the Vikings were Norwegians, Swedes and Danes, men who were usually farmers, traders, blacksmiths, and craftsmen. For various reasons, they took to raiding towns, churches and monasteries. Many of the places they attacked were on the coasts as they were easiest to reach. With their swift and easily landed ships, the Vikings could quickly swarm over the communities, killing and looting, and just as fast return to their ships and leave. They were gone before any defense or counter-attack could be made.

Strangely enough, for most of the men who went a-viking, it was only part time. When a Viking wasn’t busy farming, planting crops, for instance, they left their farms and went raiding. They often returned in time for harvest in the fall. Raiding was very profitable, however, and many farmers became full time pirates and raiders.

The people called Vikings were also fearless explorers who actually reached North America, making them the first Europeans to discover America. They settled Iceland and tried to colonize Greenland. They were also shrewd and competent traders and merchants. They traded all the goods of the north – furs, amber, iron and timber – for all the goods of the south – silver, gold, silks and spices. And all along the trade routes, the Vikings traded in slaves. Read our articles to explore these aspects of the incredible culture of these intrepid and dangerous men. This is the true story of Vikings history.

Why Scandinavians Left their Homelands

Scholars debate why the Scandinavian people began to go raiding in the late 8th century. Most likely it was a combination of factors that lead to the Vikings setting off in their long boats to raid other communities. We’ll discuss these reasons in articles you’ll find here, explaining why they left their farms and blacksmith forges to first attack and finally settle all over Europe and Russia.

Viking Ships and Navigation

The Vikings’ advanced ships and navigation techniques provided the means and skills for sailing not only over open ocean out of the sight of land but also far up inland rivers into the interior of other countries. Viking ship technology made the fearful Viking raids possible.

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Special ship construction techniques made the long ships and larger dragon ships versatile enough to sail great distances, carry up to 200 men, withstand rough seas while still being light enough to drag over land or carry through portages. Explore with us as we consider Viking ship building and navigation skills. Contemporaries of the Vikings were awed by their ships and sailing skills. Find out why by reading further.

Impact of the Viking Age

The Scandinavians changed the history of Ireland, England, Russia and other European countries. They established new territories in Iceland, Greenland and temporarily, North America. From A.D. 793 to 1066, Vikings raided, traded, challenged, conquered and settled in many lands. Popular movies and novels give you a glimpse into their lives, but usually show only a part of the impact these energetic people had on the known world of the time. Reading here will give you a much better grasp of their impact on other cultures.

Viking Culture

We will explore Viking culture and the structure of their society, the roles of men and women and the daily life of the time. Here you will find articles on women and children in that warrior culture. You’ll discover how they lived, what their homes were like and what they did for fun. Examine their stunning artwork and jewelry, as well as their weaponry and armor. The brave among you can read about a Viking raid from the point of view of the victims. Come with us as we take ship with Vikings to explore the new lands of Iceland and Vinland. We’ll explain Viking ship building and their remarkable navigation skills. Find out what your name would look like in runes, the Viking writing system. Explore with us the mythology and literature of the Viking era.

Vikings History — Why Did the Viking Age Happen?

While the Vikings had the runic alphabet, they didn’t have written history. Thus, we don’t know exactly why the Vikings began raiding in A.D. 793. Scholars have many theories about the reasons why the Scandinavians began leaving home on extensive raids, trading missions, explorations and settlement, which include:

  • population pressures and not enough good farmland
  • too many landless younger sons
  • easy targets of unprotected, wealthy church properties and towns
  • trade imbalances between European Christians and the pagan Vikings
  • competition among chieftains in their native lands
  • the lure of adventure in foreign lands

Population Pressures

Most scholars today agree that the population pressure theory doesn’t hold weight. As the Viking Age raids and trading brought more wealth into Scandinavian, the growing prosperity might have led to greater population growth. But a burgeoning population probably wasn’t a cause of the Viking Age.

Landless Younger Sons

The Vikings practiced primogeniture, which means the eldest son inherits everything and any younger sons nothing. Without land to farm, younger sons would need to find a way to make a living. This theory seems likely at least as one of the factors leading to the Scandinavian expansion into Europe.

Easy Targets

Vikings were not Christians, therefore, they saw no hindrance in attacking ecclesiastical centers such as monasteries. However, even in warfare, Christians did not attack properties of the Church—at least not often—so Church properties were unprotected. No doubt Vikings did see church properties as easy pickings, as the Church had grown very wealthy and usually had more wealth than even kings or merchants.

Trade Imbalances

While in previous times, Scandinavians had traded with Europeans readily, as Europe became more Christian, Christian traders began to refuse to trade with pagans or Muslims. This created problems for the Vikings, and perhaps they saw raids as a way of fixing those problems.

Power Struggles in Viking Lands

The Ynglinga saga, written by Iceland’s Snorri Sturluson, and based on earlier writings of Norwegian skalds, states that when Harald Fairhair brought Norway under his control, many minor chieftains decided to leave rather than live under the king’s rule. It seems likely that this was one of the causative factors of the Viking Age, as Vikings decided to go raiding or settle elsewhere.

Lure of Adventure

Vikings were bold, brave people who no doubt felt the lure of adventure in foreign lands. A strong Norse pagan belief was that each person’s fate was set by the Norns, and that death in battle is not only honorable, but the warrior will be taken to Valhalla by Odin, the god-father. With these beliefs, why not take chance into your hands and go raiding? After the first raid, the profitability would have been obvious to all.

Vikings History — From Pagans to Christians

While Charlemagne “converted” pagans to Christianity by the sword, the conversion of Vikings to Christianity occurred without violence for the most part. In the early Viking Age, Viking traders noted that they suffered losses in trade contracts and deals because the other party was Christian. Christian traders tended to give more business and better deals to other Christians, discriminating against pagans and Muslims. A Viking trader might then wear a cross when he was among Christians only to change it back to his usual Thor’s hammer upon returning home. As long as the Viking trader wasn’t baptized, he could practice both religions, a common practice in Scandinavia for the next few centuries.

At first, the Viking Norse didn’t take to Christianity. They loved their own gods and were content with them. English and Frankish Christian priests and monks had begun missionary tours to the Viking lands from the 700s to 800s. However, the conversion of the Vikings took place over centuries. Even when a Danish or Swedish king became Christian and proclaimed his people were Christian, many still practiced their pagan ways and held to the old gods. By the end of the Viking Age, however, most Vikings had become fully Christian and were baptized and buried in that faith.

While an earlier Danish Viking king, Harald Klak, had been baptized in 826, it wasn’t until King Harald Bluetooth was baptized in 965 that Christianity took a firmer hold in Denmark. Harald Bluetooth raised the Jelling Stone proclaiming that he made all Danes Christian, although the new faith lived side by side with the old for the next few hundred years. Danish Vikings accepted Christianity slowly. By 1110 the first stone cathedral was begun in Denmark’s oldest city of Ribe. It was finished in 1134. By then, most Danes had become Christian.

Although a few earlier kings had adopted Christianity, it wasn’t until 995 when Olaf Tryggvason led a successful revolt against the pagan king Hakkon Jarl that Christianity came to Norway. Olaf Tryggvason became King Olaf I and proceeded to convert Norwegians to Christianity by force. He burned pagan temples and killed Vikings who wouldn’t convert. Through these violent methods, every part of Norway became Christian, at least in name. Various kings’ sagas attribute the Christianization of Iceland and the other Western islands to Olaf’s efforts.

During the later Viking Age, Christianity began making inroads in Sweden, with Episcopal sees being established during the 11th century. Conflict and violence also attended Sweden’s gradual conversion to Christianity, but generally the old and new faith co-existed for many years. Most Swedish Vikings of this time favored a gradual transition to the new religion while continuing some of the old religion’s rituals. By the 12th century, however, Sweden was predominantly Christian.

Vikings History — Society: Men, Women, and Children

Within the male-dominated Viking society, women had a certain amount of personal power, depending on their social status. When Viking men were away from home—raiding, fishing, exploring or on trading missions—women in Viking society took over all the men’s work as well as doing their own. Women were valuable members of the society and it was shameful for a man to harm a woman.

Women’s role was domestic, taking care of the family, preparing food, laundry, milking cows, sheep and goats, making butter and cheeses, preserving food for winter, gardening, cleaning and the most time-consuming task of all, making the family’s clothes. Spinning, carding, weaving, cutting and sewing took a long time. It could take a Viking woman 35 hours to spin enough yarn for a day’s weaving, to give you some idea of how much time it took to make clothing.

Viking women married young—as early as 12 years old. By the age of 20, virtually all men and women were married. Life expectancy was about 50 years, but most died long before reaching 50. Only a few lived to 60.

Marriages were arranged by the parents of the young couple. A marriage was a contract between two families: the groom’s family paid a bride price to bride’s family when the couple was betrothed. At the marriage, the bride’s father paid a dowry. Since both families had a financial investment in the new couple, a marriage was as much a matter for the families as it was for the people involved.

Viking children did not go to school as we know it today. Rather, the boys learned all the men’s work, taught by their fathers, brothers and uncles. Girls worked along with their mothers and aunts learning how to cook, garden, take care of the domestic animals and make clothing. By the time they reached adulthood at 12 to 15, both boys and girls could effectively run a household and a farm .

As is always the case, there were exceptions to these general societal rules of behavior. When the men went to settle Iceland, Greenland and Vinland, women went with them. Vikings settled in England, Ireland and France as families. However, only men went raiding and trading while women stayed home and minded the farm.

Women in Viking society had more power than most other European women of the time. They could divorce their husbands, own some property and sell their own handicrafts. Some women became wealthy landowners. Others participated in trade—scales used for weighing silver used in trade have been found in women’s graves. Even a few weapons were found in female graves, giving the notion that some women were fighters along side of their men. Most women in Viking society, however, lived and worked in the domestic realm of the household .

Vikings History — Norse Mythology

In the world of Norse mythology, we find gods and goddesses, giants, strange and powerful creatures, elves, dwarves and land spirits. It is difficult for a 21st century person to conceive of the worldview of the Vikings, brimming as it was with such a variety of spiritual beings.

Yggdrasil and the Nine Worlds

The center of the Vikings’ cosmos is the ash tree Yggdrasil, growing out of the Well of Urd. Yggdrasil holds the Nine Worlds, home of gods, man and all spiritual beings. The gods live in Asgard and Vanaheim and humans inhabit Midgard. Giants live in Jotunheim, elves in Alfheim and dwarves in Svartalfheim. Another is the primordial world of ice, Niflheim, while Muspelheim is the world of fire. The last world comprises Hel, the land of the dead, ruled by the goddess Hel.

Gods and Goddesses

The gods and goddesses venerated by the Vikings are Odin, Thor, Loki, Baldur, Frigg, Freya, Freyr and Njoror. There are many other gods and goddesses in the Norse pantheon but these received the primary attention in the sagas and eddas.

  • Odin, the allfather, the one-eyed seeker of wisdom, god of magic, war and runes, hung himself on Yggdrasil for nine days and nights to find wisdom, brought the runes to mankind
  • Thor, with his magic hammer Mjolnir, protects mankind and his realm of Midgard, god of warriors
  • Loki, a dangerous half-god, half-giant trickster always wreaking havoc among the gods
  • Baldur, son of Odin and Frigg, a beautiful and gracious god, beloved of all, killed by Loki’s trickery
  • Frigg, wife of Odin, practitioner of magic, goddess of the home, mother of Baldur
  • Freya, feather-cloaked goddess of love and fertility but also of war and death
  • Freyr, her brother, god of farming, agriculture, fertility and prosperity
  • Njoror, powerful god of the sea

Giants, Elves, Dwarves and Land Spirits

Giant is not a good name for these spiritual beings; think of them as devourers, out to destroy order and return the world to primeval chaos. They are the enemies of gods, but also their relatives. Giants are dangerous to mankind, which is why Thor often hunts them. Elves and dwarves appear in the sagas, but are different from what we might picture them to be. Dwarves are miners and smiths and live underground. They are invisible, powerful spiritual beings, not short humans. Elves are also spiritual beings, demi-gods who can mate with mankind and have children with them.

Land spirits inhabit everything on the land—trees, herbs, stones and bodies of water. The land spirits (landvaettir in Old Norse) hold considerable power over the well being of the land and those who live on it. People took care to honor and placate the landvaettir. In the first law of Iceland, Vikings were told to remove the dragon heads from their ships when approaching land so they wouldn’t frighten the land spirits.

Norse mythology is intricate and complex and we’ve presented just the barest bones here. See the resources page for further information on this fascinating aspect of the Vikings’ belief system.

Vikings History—Symbols

Viking symbols play a large role in their iconography, just as they do in all societies. Symbols are cultural shorthand, a sign that conveys layers of meaning about the culture. The pagan Vikings used symbols to represent their gods, beliefs and myths.

Cultural symbols can take any form, such as sounds, gestures, words, pictures and images. Most of the Vikings symbols we know about were carved on runestones, swords, axes and other items precious to the Norse people. The sagas refer to amulets the people wore, such as Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir. In the article on Viking art, we learned that the Vikings loved decorating the items around them, their weapons, bowls, tools and combs. They used their symbols in the decorative arts, in weaving, bone carving and in jewelry.

While some Viking symbols remain mysterious in that we don’t know exactly what they represent, but others have clear meanings. Many Vikings wore Thor’s hammer on thongs around their necks. Jewelry, runestones and valuable weapons were often engraved with the symbols that resonated the most with the Vikings: The Valknut, the Helm of Awe and Thor’s hammer.

The Valknut

In the illustration you can see two Valknut symbols: three interlocking triangles that represent Hrungnir’s heart or the heart of the slain. Hrungnir is a legendary giant, discussed in Snorri Sturluson’s Eddas. The Valknut probably signifies the afterlife. The nine points of the three triangles symbolize the nine worlds of the Vikings, which will be discussed in the section on Norse mythology. The Valknut is representative of Odin, the father God of the Vikings, and his power of life over death. The Valknut is often carved on funerary steles and memorial runestones.

The Helm of Awe

The term aegishjalmr means the helm of awe or terror. The symbol was used most often in magic to induce delusion or forgetfulness. A special form of magic called seior was used to create illusions or to prevent people seeing things as they really are. Thus, this symbol was used to hide someone from his or her pursuers. It is mentioned often in the sagas as being used by women who performed this kind of magic. The Helm of Awe might be engraved onto a goatskin, which was then thrown over the head of the fugitive. Even after the advent of Christianity, belief in the aegishjalmr persisted.

Thor’s Hammer, Mjolnir

Mjolnir means lightning, and Thor’s hammer indicates the god’s power over thunder and lightning. Mjolnir, a magic weapon, always came back to Thor when he threw it. Wearing Thor’s hammer as an amulet of protection was quite common as this was probably the most popular of all the pagan Viking symbols. Even during Christian times, from A.D. 1000 on, Vikings wore Thor’s Mjolnir as well as a cross on a chain or thong around their necks.

Vikings History — Sagas and Stories

Viking culture was rich in stories, tales and poems. Kings, brave heroes, beautiful women, dangerous journeys, battles, fearsome dragons and otherworldly creatures were all subjects of tales told by skalds and everyone else. In the Viking Age, no one wrote them down, but everyone knew them, mostly by heart.

Long winters when people were cooped up inside were fertile soil for these stories of old. For centuries, they were kept alive in the hearts of Scandinavians by storytellers. However, the great literature of the Viking Age was in danger of being completely lost as time went by, old folks died and younger people didn’t remember. Finally, with the advent of Christianity in Iceland, Christian churchmen taught the Icelanders to write. Educated men in Iceland saved all of it, from the poetry to the family legends and feuds, by writing it down. Most importantly, now no one would now forget this rich heritage.

Thanks to men like Snorri Sturluson, an Icelandic writer, a great flowering of Viking Age literature was produced in Iceland in the 13th century. Sturluson himself produced many of these works: Poetic Edda and Prose Edda, books about Norse mythology and heroes, the Heimskringla, a book about the kings of Norway, Scandinavian history and most likely, Egil’s saga. Sturluson was a lawspeaker at Iceland’s Althing, a poet, historian and politician. Most of what we know about the Viking Age comes from these Icelandic collections of poems, tales, sagas and stories.

All of this Norse literature was written in the vernacular, the language of Iceland, which was unusual for medieval times. Latin was used by educated people and was the usual language employed when writing anything from laws to fairy tales. Viking literature in the vernacular is the only other body of writings in the people’s language besides the Irish hero tales.

Of Norse poetry, there are two varieties: skaldic poetry and eddaic poetry. Skalds were the Viking’s poets and wrote complex, compelling verse usually honoring a king or patron. Eddaic poetry was anonymous and could be about anything—its subjects were humorus, scathing, bawdy, romantic, heroic or brusquely insulting.

Sagas are stories, somewhat like historical fiction. While many of the characters and event are real, saga writers took poetic license in describing them. The events themselves took place a few hundred years before, which is why they should be considered fiction, not fact. Sagas are prose, occasionally with poetic stanzas in the text. The subjects are tales of men’s deeds, battles, journeys, feuds and fights. The subjects could be Christian or pagan, realistic or fantastic, tales of giants or saints or heroes or even regular people.

Vikings History — What Did They Eat?

What did Vikings eat? The Vikings farmed crops, grew gardens and raised animals, as is typical of food produced from a feudal economy . They ate what they produced on their farms or what they could hunt, fish or gather. Viking farms were generally small, but large enough to keep the family or extended family well-fed in good years. Their food was seasonal, so they might have a lot of food available to eat at some times of the year and very little to eat at others.

On a typical day at the farm, the family would eat two meals. One, the dagmal , or day meal, was served an hour after rising. The family ate the nattmal or night meal at the end of the working day. For breakfast, the dagmal, the adults might eat a bit of some leftover stew still in the cauldron from the night before, with bread and fruit. The children would have porridge and dried fruit or perhaps buttermilk and bread. The evening meal could be fish or meat, stewed with vegetables. They might also eat some more dried fruit with honey as a sweet treat. Honey was the only sweetener the Vikings knew. Vikings drank ale, mead or buttermilk daily.

Feasts would include the same foods—meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, wild greens, bread and fruit, but in a greater variety than usual meal and more of it. Vikings enjoyed drinking ale and mead at feasts. Mead is a strong, fermented drink made from honey.

Women cooked meats, vegetables and breads over the hearth—an open fire pit in the middle of the hall. A Viking wife either roasted the meat on a spit over the fire or boiled it in a soapstone pot or iron cauldron. Vikings loved rich stews, so often meats, vegetables and wild greens were stewed in the cauldron with water. Breads were baked on flat stones or iron griddles over the fire. Salt and pepper were available to most Vikings while costlier spices were imported and added to the foods of wealthier Vikings.

This of course omits the more exotic foods that Vikings obtained by trade.

Crops and Gardens

Barley and rye were the grains that grew best in the northern climate, along with oats. From these grains, Vikings made beer, bread, stews and porridge. Barley was used mostly for beer, with hops to flavor it. Flatbread was the daily bread of the Vikings. A simple dough was made from ground oats or barley, water was added and then the dough flattened out on a griddle and baked over the fire.

Vikings consumed a variety of vegetables including cabbage, onions, garlic, leeks, turnips, peas and beans. These garden crops were sowed in spring and harvested in late summer and fall. Women and children gathered wild plants and herbs, mostly greens. These wild vegetables included nettles, docks, cresses and lambs-quarters. Vikings also grew some herbs such as dill, parsley, mustard, horseradish and thyme.

What Did Vikings Eat? Meat, Fowl and Fish

Scandinavians raised cows, horses, oxen, goats, pigs, sheep, chickens and ducks. They ate beef, goat, pork, mutton, lamb, chicken and duck and occasionally horsemeat. The chickens and ducks produced eggs, so the Vikings ate their eggs as well as eggs gathered from wild seabirds. . Because most Vikings lived on the coast, they ate all kinds of fish, both ocean-going and freshwater fish. In fact, fish was probably a good 25 percent of their diet. So, in the realm of Vikings history, it would seem they were quite well fed.

Most Viking cows lived long enough to raise a calf and were then slaughtered for meat. Some cows, however, lived to about 10 years old, showing that they were milk cows. While Vikings enjoyed drinking milk, whey and buttermilk, they also used the milk to make other dairy products including cheese, skyr, a soft, yogurt-like cheese, curds and butter. Sour whey was used to preserve cooked meats in the winter.

Fruits and Nuts

Viking farms included apple orchards and such fruit trees as pears and cherries. Wild berries were harvested in the summer, including sloe-berries, lingon berries, strawberries, bilberries and cloud-berries. Walnuts were imported, but hazelnuts grew wild and nuts were a favorite treat.

In summer and fall, Vikings ate well as these were the seasons of plentiful, fresh food. It was important to preserve and store foods for winter and spring, when fresh foods were gone. Fish, fowl and meat were dried, salted or smoked. Vegetables and fruits were dried and stored for winter. Grains were ground and the flour made into bread, which was preserved and stored as well. Even though fresh foods were hard to come by in winter and spring, archeological studies reveal that Vikings didn’t suffer from vitamin or mineral deficiencies.

Vikings History — Explorations and Settlements: Iceland, Greenland and Vinland

When the Vikings burst out of their homelands starting in the 8th century, they raided, fought and settled in many parts of Europe and Russia, but they also took off on voyages of discovery across the Atlantic Ocean. They moved into Scotland and Ireland and most of the Atlantic Islands—Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides. Vikings soon settled in the Faroe Islands as well and later discovered Iceland through a sailing mishap. Over the next two centuries, Viking explorers settled in Iceland, Greenland and Vinland, in what is now Newfoundland. For many, this is where Vikings history begins.

Norwegian Vikings first discovered Iceland. The first was Naddod, who was blown off course sailing from Norway to the Faroe Islands in 861. He called the new island Snowland. Naddod returned to Norway and told people of his discovery. Six years later, Floki Vilgerdarson was the first Viking to set out for Iceland and find it. Floki gave the island its present name of Iceland. However, it wasn’t until 870 that people arrived to settle in Iceland.

When Harald Fairhair strong-armed Norway under his control, many people fled—some settled in Scotland, Ireland, Orkneys and Faroe Islands and Iceland. A Norwegian chieftain, Ingolfur Arnarson brought his family to Iceland in 874, settling on the southwest peninsula in a place he called Reykjavik or Cove of Smoke. Many other families from Norway, Scotland and Ireland followed. The Icelandic sagas and Landnamabok or Book of the Settlements, written 200 years later, describes the early settling of Iceland. For the next 60 years, settlers came and picked out arable land to farm.

Icelanders discovered and settled in Greenland starting in the 980s. Erik the Red, an adventuresome and belligerent man, was exiled from Iceland for killing a man. During his three year-exile, Erik explored the southwest coast of Greenland. When he returned to Iceland, he bragged of the good land he had found, calling it Greenland to attract settlers. Icelanders settled in two main areas, the Eastern Settlement and the Western Settlement.

Farming was difficult, but settlers were able raise livestock and enough grain to feed them. Greenland was able to export furs, wool, sheep, whale blubber and walrus ivory. Due to the advance of the Little Ice Age, however, the colony declined during the 14th century. Life had become too hard, shipping too difficult due t o growing ice. By 1408, all the settlers were gone.

Vinland, North America

A trader named Bjarni Herjolfsson was sailing to Greenland. He was blown off course and sighted lands to the west. He successfully completed his journey to Greenland where he described his accidental find to Leif Ericson, son of Erik the Red. Circa A.D. 1000, Leif and a crew sailed across 1,800 miles across open sea, following Bjarni’s description of his voyage. The Greenlanders made a small settlement in the land they called Vinland. Due to hostile natives that the Vikings called skraelings, the settlement eventually failed.

In the 1960s, a Norse settlement was found at L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland by an archeologist Anne Stine Ingstad and her husband Helge. Whether this is the Viking settlement mentioned in various sagas is still in dispute, but archeology proves the Vikings discovered North America 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

Vikings History — Ships for War and Trade

The technological innovation in Scandinavian ship building gave the Vikings the tactical superiority they needed to raid and subdue most of Europe and Russia during the Viking Age. Viking longships were fast, strong enough to cross open ocean, light enough to carry over portages and easy to maneuver with a shallow draft that allowed beach landings and river navigation. With these ships and the tactics that grew from their use, Vikings successfully raided, traded, conquered and settled all over Europe and parts of Russia. To the Vikings, their ships were symbols of power, capable of transporting them to war, to distant shores and even to the afterlife, as some Vikings were buried in their ships.

The unique design element of Viking ships were the overlapping planks of the hull using the lapstrake or clinker method of shipbuilding. Europeans used the carvel method of boatbuilding, where strakes or planks were fastened onto a skeleton of the ship’s ribs, and the plank edges butted up smooth from seam to seam. In any size or type of Viking ship, Norse ship builders laid the keel first, then added strakes or planks and fitted internal timbers as the last step. Planks were riveted together with strong iron rivets. The overlapping planks made Viking ships lighter and far more flexible than a same-sized carvel built ship.

Vikings used different ships for war and trade. The war ships were longer, shallower and narrower than the big, broad knarr, the boats built for trade and exploration. They also had smaller boats for carrying cargo, fishing and ferrying. The two main types were the longships for war and the knarr for trade and exploration.

Ships built for raids and war had shallow drafts that allowed for landings without the need for a harbor. Bigger-keeled European built ships needed deeper waters and a harbor for landing and unloading. The shallow draft of Viking vessels also permitted river navigation; Vikings could row or sail 100 plus miles inland in order to raid or set up an impregnable base on a river island or harborless ocean island. There they were safe from enemy attacks, even deep within the interior of a country. Longships were also fast, maneuverable and powered by both wind and oars. They were symmetrical and double-ended, which allowed them to reverse direction without turning around. Viking longships had an average speed of 5 to 10 knots, but could reach a peak speed of 15 knots.

Ships built for crossing the Atlantic were deeper, broader and sturdier, with room for people, livestock and tools. Smaller, coastal ships for trading expeditions were built to carry cargos of trade goods and light enough to carry overland. One such ship of the 11th century was 45 feet long, 11 feet broad and could carry 4.6 tons of goods. Trade and exploration ships relied primarily on wind for power and used oars only to maneuver for landings.

Vikings History—Vikings as Traders

Viking traders went west as far as Newfoundland in the New World, and East as far as the Volga River, down to Constantinople. When the Vikings left their homelands in the beginning of the Viking Age in the 790s, they didn’t just go to raid and loot. Many of them set out to discover or open new trade routes, to establish a more secure foundation of future income. In general, the men of Sweden went east to Russia while Norwegians and the Danes went to the west to Ireland and Scotland, England and France. All along the way they traded the goods of the north such as fur, amber, iron and walrus tusks for goods they needed from other places. They also traded in slaves.

Western Trade

Vikings raided, traded and settled all along Europe’s coasts. For 300 years, churches would pray to be spared the “wrath of the Norsemen.” The Vikings were equal opportunity traders and raiders. If they found an unprotected church or monastery, they’d raid. If they came to a well-defended town, they would set up trade. Early in the Viking Age, trade was done by direct barter. Eventually, Viking traders obtained a great deal of trade silver and Arabic coins, which then was used to buy goods.

Vikings established home bases and trade centers in both Dublin, Ireland and York, England. Not only did these towns attract international traders, but many Viking craftsmen settled there. Their workshops produced cups, tableware, glass beads, pottery, drinking glasses, bone and antler combs, leather goods, jewelry, and cloth. Blacksmiths and armor makers produced swords, battle axes, chainmail and armor.

During the Viking Age, Norsemen traded all up and down the coasts of Europe, establishing new homes in many locations. They took over and settled Normandy in France and southern Italy. They settled on all the Atlantic islands, the Orkneys, Shetland, Hebrides, Scilly and Isle of Man. Eventually, these Vikings intermarried and settled in permanently.

Eastern Trade

Vikings had always traded around the Baltic Sea, but in the 8th century, they began to venture into Russia, looking to establish profitable trade routes. The Norsemen, mostly Swedes with some Danes and Norwegians, found they could go south by river routes. The two main trade routes were via the Dnieper River down to the Black Sea and the Volga River route to the Caspian Sea. Vikings established trade centers and towns along the way, notably Novgorod and Kiev. Another trade town was Bulgar, where the Volga Bulgars ran the trade along with the Rus, as these Vikings came to be called.

Vikings took slaves in their raids and after battles. These slaves were always welcomed in the slave markets of Constantinople and Baghdad. During the Viking Age, slave trading was extremely profitable; slaves might be Irish, British, Franks, Slavs or any of the other tribes that came in contact with Vikings.

Vikings fostered close ties with Constantinople, becoming the Varangian guard to the Byzantine emperor. From Constantinople, Baghdad and perhaps even Persia, the Vikings could obtain goods from the Far East. Timber, iron, furs, amber, soapstone, whetstones and slaves were carried south by Viking traders. On return trips to the north, the cargo contained Arabic silver, coins, fabrics, spices, silk, fruit, wine and other goods of the south. By the end of the Viking Age, Norsemen had created a trading empire, covering most of the known world.

Vikings History — Games and Entertainment

Viking games and entertainment occupied the time of these people between conquest raids and trade journeys, and they were quite complicated. While Vikings worked hard, they also played hard. From grave goods and the sagas, we learn that Vikings played board games avidly, carved wooden dolls and toys for their children, played dice and gambled and played rough sports at their feasts and gatherings.

The board game enjoyed most often by Vikings was Hnefatafl, which they took with them to Greenland, Iceland, Scotland, Ireland and Great Britain. Unfortunately, we do not know the rules of the game except that it was a game of strategic skill. Two players of unequal strength engaged in the game. One player was by far the strongest, with the most pieces. His job was to corner the king, who was defending his castle with a much smaller force. A variety of Tafl games existed in many areas, but during the Viking Age, hnefatafl was the most popular. It lasted until the 12th century when chess was introduced into Scandinavia.

Other indoor games including drinking games with man/woman teams. Each team would drink, then boast, tell rhymes and insult the other team. The second team would then try to out-drink and out-insult the first team. The object was to see who could drink the most and remain articulate and witty. After meals, adults might bring out the dice and gamble or they might sing and tell stories.

Outdoor games were greatly popular. Based on Viking warrior skills, there were competitions in archery, wrestling, stone throwing and sword play. Horse fighting was also popular; two stallions would be goaded into fighting. Occasionally mares would be tied up around the field, within the sight and smell of the stallions. The horses would battle until one was killed or ran away.

Vikings engaged in running, swimming, tug-of-war called toga-honk and wrestling. Vikings also played a ball game with stick and ball. It wasn’t uncommon for someone to get hurt or even killed, as Vikings played rough. Women did not participate in these games, but they would gather to watch the men.

Children played with wooden toys their parents carved, or they played ball and also engaged in child versions of adult games. Child-sized replicas of weapons such as swords, shield and spears were found buried with other grave goods.

This picture of Vikings at leisure and play helps to round out the impression of Vikings as raiders and killers, left to us by their victim monks. In their leisure time, Vikings liked to play as much as any other people of the time.

Vikings History — Art

Viking art is emblematic of the surprisingly ornate material culture of the Northerners. Vikings loved elaborate decorations and they decorated many of the things they used: weapons , jewelry, runestones, ship woodwork and even their common, everyday items. They loved abstract and intricate animal designs and multiple interlacing lines. The animals depicted in their art include serpents, horses, wolves, birds and unreal, fantastic animals. As the Viking Age progressed, craftsmen varied the designs and six distinct but overlapping art styles developed. Each style is named for an area where a decorated object was found. We’ll take a look at each of the art styles.

The Oseberg style lasted most of the 9th century and appears in some Viking religious iconography . Its main feature is the gripping beast motif and sinuous animal forms. Paws grip borders, the neck of the creature, other creatures or other parts of its body. The gripping beast must have echoed something in the culture of Viking art as it stood fast for a good 150 years.

The Borre style was named for a set of bridle mounts from a ship burial at Borre, Norway. The Borre overlaps with the Oseberg and the Jelling styles, periods specific to the Viking Age. While the gripping beast remains, the sinuous creature of the Oseberg style now boasts a triangular head, a cat-like face with round eyes and protruding ears. This style appears to be purely Norse with no outside influences. It has appeared in Iceland, Russia, England, which shows Viking art existed wherever they went. Borre was prominent from the end of the 9th century to the middle of the 10th.

The Jelling style appears from the start of the 10th century and continues for about 75 years. Stylistic animals are S-shaped and intertwined, with profiled heads, spiral hips and pigtails. Borre and Jelling overlap and occasionally both are used on the same object.

The Mammem Viking art style emerged from the Jelling style and was prominent in the last half of the 10th century. Almost naturalistic lions and birds are featured as well as serpents and foliate patterns. The name comes from a small ax head from a grave site in Mammem, Denmark. The ax head was carved, then inlayed with silver. On one side of the axe head is a foliate pattern and on the other is a stylized, ribbon-like bird with tendrils on wings and tail.

The first half of the 11th century featured the Ringerike style in Viking art. Lion-shaped beasts still appear as well as plant motifs and foliate patterns. Also during this time, runestones became more prominent and were decorated in the Ringerike fashion. Ringerike animals are exceedingly curvy and thin with almond-shaped eyes and thinner, longer tendrils.

The Urnes style dates from 1050 to the 12th century and gets its name from a stave church in Urnes, Norway. Carved wooden panels reveal sinuous animals interlacing and looping, with long eyes pointed forward. Snakes and plants are also featured. The greyhound-like creature appears to be fighting with a serpent.

Vikings History — Weapons and Armor

There are a few things to keep in mind as you read about Viking weapons and armor. First, free, adult male Vikings were always armed; they hung their weapons by their bed at night, within easy reach. In an honor-based society such as the Vikings, men stood ready to defend their honor and good name at any moment. Feuds and duels were a fact of life in Viking times.

Because iron was hard to dig out of the ground, weapons could be costly. Only the richest Vikings would own the complete set of available weaponry: sword, sax (a short sword), axe, spear, bow and arrows, shield, helmet and chainmail. Poorer Vikings would carry an axe or a spear and a shield. Even the poorest Vikings had access to the ax he used at the farm.

Women, children and slaves in general did not carry weapons, although free women and children carried the knives they used in farm work. Slaves were prohibited from carrying weapons of any type.

The most expensive weapon was the sword, as it took the most iron to make. Rich men owned swords, the most prestigious weapon. Swords were double-edged and about 35 inches long. Most were pattern-welded, which means wrought iron strips and steel were twisted together then hammered into a blade with a hardened edge. Swords were often highly decorated and many had names such as Blood-hungry or Leg-biter. Vikings carried their swords in scabbards, worn over the shoulder and always accessible to the right hand.

Axes and Spears

More Viking men carried axes or spears. Battle axes had long handles, were light, well balanced and deadly. Battle axes had a variety of head shapes with a cutting edge from 3 to 6 inches. Later axe heads were much larger, from 9 to 18 inches long. The long handle allowed the warrior a longer reach in a fight. Axe heads as well as swords were richly decorated. The Mammen axe dated to 971 even had gold and silver inlay.

Spears were probably the most common weapon, taking the least amount of iron to make. They could be thrown or used to thrust at the enemy. Spear heads came in a variety of shapes and sizes from long and thin to spear heads with a wing shape near the shaft. Spear heads were also made of iron and many were decorated. Bows and arrows were also used in battle.

Defensive Weapons

All Viking men would carry a round shield for protection. How rich a Viking was determined his defensive weapons. A rich man might also own chainmail and an iron helmet. Chainmail was difficult to make and no doubt quite expensive. Helmets were basically an iron bowl that protected the head, and many had a nose piece to protect the face. Poorer Vikings without access to chainmail wore thick, padded leather garments which gave some protection from edged weapons.

Viking shields could be up to a meter wide. They were made of wooden boards riveted together with an central hole for a hand grip. Shields were also highly decorated and some were painted with patterns or mythological heroes.

With these simple but effective weapons, Vikings were able to conquer major portions of England, France and Russia. Muscles from hard work and ferocity in battle won Vikings their reputation as feared warriors.

Vikings History — Law and Government: The Thing

During the Viking Age , the Norse had an oral culture and only rune writing existed. However, the Vikings had both law and government even without written law. All free men of the Vikings would gather in their communities to make law and to decide cases in a meeting called a Thing. Each community had its own independent Thing.

Rather than have all disputes settled by duel or family feuds, the Thing was instituted to both write Viking law and to decide cases of disputes within the law. The Thing met at specific, regular times. Each Thing had a law speaker who would recite the law from memory. The law speaker and the local chieftain would judge and settle the cases of dispute they heard, although all free men of the community had a say. Things were most likely dominated by a local, powerful family or families.

At the lowest level were the local, community Things. The community Thing was then represented at the next higher level Thing. In Iceland, disputes and laws were finally settled at the national Thing, or the Althing.

Malefactors who were tried at the Thing and found guilty were either fined, declared semi-outlaw or fully outlawed. To be an outlaw was a dreadful punishment for a Viking. That person was put outside of Viking law, banished from society and his property confiscated. They were to receive no help, no food and no support from anyone. Besides the terrible loneliness, these people could be killed by anyone. They often fled the country and tried to settle in some other location.

Besides the proto-court of the Thing, disputes could also be settled by arbitration, where both parties would agree on an objective third party to judge between them. A dispute could also be settled by the holmgang, or duel, which was fought either to first blood or to death. If the dispute was taken to the Thing, the loser could be subjected to a fine, which would be paid to the injured party or to partial outlawry, which would last for three years or to complete outlawry as described above.

The Thing had both judiciary and legislative powers, but no power to carry out a sentence. The injured party’s family would carry out the sentence. Politics, community decisions and new laws were also functions of the Thing. These meetings generally lasted several days, often with a festive atmosphere. Traders would bring their goods for sale and merchants would set up booths for their wares. Things were held where water was easily obtained, there was grazing for animals and fishing or hunting would provide food for all. Brew masters brought barrels of ale and mead. During the Thing, marriages were arranged, alliances were crafted, news and gossip exchanged and friendships established and renewed.

Vikings History — Life on a Viking Farm

Life on a Viking farm during the age of the  Vikinger  during the eighth to eleventh centuries required lots of hard, constant work. Most Viking farms raised enough crops and animals to sustain everyone who lived on the farm, human and animal. Most Vikings were farmers, a common fact of the medieval era , even if they also traded or fished part of the time. Viking farms were usually small, unless the owner was wealthy. While some farms were isolated, many grouped together in small farming villages.

Below is a list of the animals, crops and vegetables raised on a Viking farm:

  • Geese, Ducks and Chickens

Because winters were so severe in the Scandinavian lands, cattle had to be kept indoors during the winter. This meant that farmers had to grow enough hay to keep their cattle alive during that time.

Besides hay, farmers grew barley, rye and oats. Women tended vegetable gardens, and some Viking farms had apple orchards as well. Plowing, sowing the crops and harvest were all done according to the seasons. Some tasks were year-round: fencing and repairing fences, mucking out animal stalls, gathering wood or dung for fires, making or repairing tools, milking cows and sheep and feeding chickens and ducks. Everyone worked, from toddlers on up. Slaves did the hardest, most backbreaking work.

When Viking men went away on fishing or raiding expeditions, the women ran the farm and did the work. For that reason, women held a certain amount of power in Viking society. Children didn’t go to school; boys learned the tasks of the men and girls learned by helping their mothers. Most Viking men returned from raiding for the harvest and to winter over at their farms.

In summer, cattle and sheep were often driven to higher ground to pasture there for the season. Pigs were often set free to roam and forage in the wild until it was time to round them up and butcher them for the winter. Horses were kept closer to the farm as they were used for farm work and transportation. Dairy cows, sheep and goats also stayed closer to the farm as they had to be milked daily. Vikings appreciated cheeses, butter, buttermilk and whey and valued them more highly than meat.

Unfortunately, we don’t know too much of Viking farming methods. Most farming tools and implements didn’t survive the 1,000 years between then and now. We do know a simple plow called an ard was used to cut grooves through the soil in preparation for sowing. Harvesting the grain required iron sickles and sharp knives for cutting hay.

We also know that Viking farms and villages didn’t stay in the same place. Both farms and villages would shift one hundred meters every generation to take advantage of fresh soils. It wasn’t until the transition to Christianity when Vikings built stone churches that villages remained in the same place.

Vikings History — Eight Interesting Features of the Vikinger

While video games and movies tend to portray Vikings as ruthless savages with oversized helmets and hollow brains, their culture and motives reach far beyond that. The true Vikings history is a little more complicated. The term Viking means, “pirate raid” in the Old Norse language. The people of Scandinavia commonly used the word as a verb to describe a tradition where men would take off in the summers and go “viking.” Contrary to popular belief, the majority of these expeditions did not consist of raiding villages and raping women. Instead, their purpose was usually to discover new land and trade. They even had a  legal system.

Catholic propaganda is responsible for most of the modern misconception about Vikings (they were pagans, not Christian) The church lost several facilities, treasures, and relics to Scandinavian people, so they made it their mission for many years to make them look like wild beasts.

Vikings History- They Didn’t Wear Those Horned Helmets

Pretty much every single Viking costume you have seen in a movie or video game is a lie. These warriors usually went into battle bareheaded. The whole horned-helm idea came about in Victorian times when Vikings were romanticized. Painters began to depict them as glamorous savages with horned helmets; however, nothing found during the Viking Age shows this image to be in the least bit authentic.

Vikings History – They Buried their Dead in Boats

Vikings loved their boats, and the Scandinavian culture was extremely superstitious. It was considered a great honor for a person to be mummified, dressed in finery, and placed to rest in a ship. They believed that these ships would transcend the dead into the afterlife. Distinguished warriors and highborn women were often put to rest in vessels, surrounded by valuable goods and sacrificed slaves.

Vikings History – They Loved to Keep Themselves Clean and Tidy

Several Viking excavations have turned up razors, combs, tweezers, and even ear cleaners. It turns out these savage warriors cared quite a lot about their personal hygiene. Historians also believe that the typical Viking citizen bathed at least once a week, far more than any other European group during that time.

Vikings History – They Liked to Ski for Fun

Vikings history also delves into the Viking’s hobbies. Roughly 6000 years ago, the Scandinavian people developed their own version of skis and used them for hunting, traveling, and entertainment. They even had a god of skiing, who was named Ullr. Kings and high lords indulged in skiing for entertainment, and sometimes had competitions where the best skiers could win prizes.

Vikings History – Viking Women Had Basic Rights

Vikings girls were usually forced to marry around the age of 12 and tend to a household full of kids while their husbands sailed off into awesome adventures. However, when compared to other women during that time, they enjoyed a wide range of freedoms. They had the right to inherit property, file for a divorce, and even reclaim settlements if the marriage failed. In terms of Vikings history, that was the state of women.

Vikings History – They Used Urine to Start Fires

Vikings lived a large part of their lives on the go. Because they did not have lighters, they would collect a tree fungus called touchwood, and boil it for several days in their own urine. After the mixture was done, they would pound it into a felt like substance. The sodium nitrate found in the urine would mix with the touchwood and make the mixture easily combustible, so they could easily start a fire while on the road.

Vikings History – They Took Part in Human Trafficking

Many Viking businessmen made small fortunes by capturing women and young men and then selling them in giant slave markets across the Middle East and Europe. These slaves were usually referred to as thralls, and came from Celtic, Anglo-Saxon and Slavic settlements raided by the Vikings.

Vikings History – Viking Men Often Dyed their Hair

During the Viking Era, having blonde hair was really “in” with the cool crowd. Therefore, brunette Vikings, mostly men, would use a heavily concentrated soap with high levels of lye that would bleach their hair. Historians believe that aside from being part of their culture’s beauty ideal, the bleached hair would also help keep lice away.

That is the story of vikings history.

This article is part of our larger selection of posts about The Vikings. To learn more, click here for our comprehensive guide to The Vikings .

Additional Resources About The Vikings

Viking traders: how exactly did they trade, viking literature: stories, sagas and myths, viking runes and runestones, viking names and naming conventions: how did they work, cite this article.

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Norse Mythology for Smart People

Norse Mythology for Smart People

The 10 best books on the vikings.

While portrayals of the Vikings in the popular imagination and culture often contain a large amount of fantasy and romanticism, there’s a core of historical truth within those fanciful depictions. The Vikings were indeed fearsome warriors, intrepid explorers, proud pagans, and far-traveling merchants. During the Viking Age (roughly 793-1066 AD), these Scandinavians could be found across most of the known world, from the Middle East to the shores of northeastern North America, which they discovered 500 years before Christopher Columbus. They pillaged and plundered throughout Europe, and conquered and ruled most of England. Europeans dreaded few things more than the ever-present possibility of a Viking attack.

But most of the Norse men and women of the period were farmers, craftsmen, housewives, or slaves. Their lives consisted mainly of seemingly endless hard physical labor in a demanding climate and brutal social/political environment. They were as likely to be targets of a raid as they were to be the ones doing the raiding, and other dire misfortunes such as malnutrition and serious illnesses could strike at any moment.

The books on this list (last updated in April of 2019) will immerse you in the fascinating world of the Vikings from the comfort of your armchair, and will help you to separate fact from fiction.

The order of the books in this list runs roughly from the most newbie-friendly to the most advanced. The lower-numbered books aren’t necessarily better than the higher-numbered ones, but the lower-numbered ones are generally more accessible.

If you find this list to be helpful enough that you decide to buy one or more of the books listed here, the best way you can say “thank you” is to buy whatever you decide to buy through the Amazon links provided at the end of each book’s description. When you do, I automatically get a small commission on your purchase with no extra cost or hassle for you whatsoever.

1. The Sea Wolves: A History of the Vikings by Lars Brownworth

For most people, Lars Brownworth’s The Sea Wolves will be the ideal introduction to the historical Vikings. It assumes no prior knowledge, and is written in a highly accessible style. That style is also richly colorful, however, and Brownworth seldom misses an opportunity to convey the information through telling an action-packed story rather than just relaying the bare facts. The book thereby becomes as entertaining as it is educational.

While The Sea Wolves includes some discussion of most aspects of Norse life, its focus is squarely on the Vikings’ tremendous accomplishments as warriors and raiders. If that theme is the one you want to read about above all else – as it is for many people – then The Sea Wolves should suit your needs particularly well. If you’re looking for more about the Scandinavians’ domestic life during the period, or the design of their ships, for example, you should probably supplement this book with another from this list that discusses such aspects in greater depth. Click here to view or buy The Sea Wolves at Amazon.

2. The Age of the Vikings by Anders Winroth

Another top-tier introduction to the subject is Anders Winroth’s The Age of the Vikings . It’s a bit more scholarly than Brownworth’s book. Some readers will appreciate that and others won’t. Nevertheless, it, too, is very accessible, and assumes no prior knowledge on the reader’s part.

Winroth certainly gives the Scandinavians’ military and piratical activities their due, but most of the book is devoted to other aspects of the Viking Age: exploration of far-flung and uninhabited lands, settlements, trade, ships, navigation techniques, political institutions, farming and other domestic activities, religion, poetry and the other arts, and more.

Winroth has a real knack for illuminating a widespread phenomenon by focusing on one particularly telling case study known through archaeology and/or medieval historical reports. This serves to really bring his material to life and to humanize the Vikings in a way that very few other authors have succeeded in doing. Click here to view or buy The Age of the Vikings at Amazon.

3. The Viking World by James Graham-Campbell

James Graham-Campbell’s The Viking World covers much of the same ground as Lars Brownworth’s The Sea Wolves and Anders Winroth’s The Age of the Vikings , presenting a well-rounded overview of the Viking Age for the general reader. It, too, is written in easy-to-understand language and is perfectly newbie-friendly.

But what really sets Graham-Campbell’s offering apart is that just about every single page contains at least one picture that accompanies the text. These range from color photos of archaeological artifacts and landscapes to maps to drawings and diagrams of Norse buildings and technology. Like Winroth’s expertly-chosen case studies, these go a long way toward bringing the Viking Age to life, but in a more directly visual way. If you’re a fan of lots and lots of pictures in your nonfiction books, this one is for you. Click here to view or buy The Viking World at Amazon.

4. The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings by John Haywood

As a standalone introduction to the Norse world, John Haywood’s The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings is somewhat less in-depth than the previous (and following) books on this list. It relates much of the same content, but in a more general fashion. However, what it lacks in length and detail, it makes up for in another area: maps. Lots and lots of them.

If you’ve ever felt that other books in this field don’t include enough maps, making it hard to follow where exactly the action is taking place, then you’ve found the perfect book on the Norse for you. The maps are all in color and are filled with multicolored arrows that indicate the routes taken by raiding parties, armies, explorers, settlers, merchants, and others.

In keeping with its visual focus, Haywood’s book also includes numerous striking color photos, although not quite as many as Graham-Campbell. If you’re an especially visual person and only intend to get either Graham-Campbell or Haywood, but not both, your choice will likely come down to whether maps or other kinds of pictures are more important to you. Click here to view or buy The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Vikings at Amazon.

5. The Vikings by Else Roesdahl

types of viking literature

At the other end of the spectrum is Else Roesdahl’s The Vikings . Roesdahl’s work includes its share of photos, maps, and diagrams, too, but they’re all in black and white, and serve to accentuate the text rather than to be a major focus in their own right. Instead, the strength of Roesdahl’s work lies in its sheer depth, which is quite impressive for an introductory book in this – or really any – field.

While Roesdahl’s writing style is certainly simple enough for the general reader to follow along without having to scratch his or her head, she doesn’t particularly go out of her way to make the writing entertaining. The style is more of a lighter, simpler version of conventional academic writing. Some readers will feel that this style is meatier than the more entertaining works and will appreciate the lack of “pandering.” Others will find it dry and uninviting. It’s all a matter of your personal taste.

However, if depth and detail of information is your primary concern, then Roesdahl’s book will serve as a better single-volume introduction to the Vikings than any other book out there. Click here to view or buy The Vikings at Amazon.

6. The Sagas of Icelanders

The medieval Icelandic sagas are wondrous literary works, written in a stark, matter-of-fact style that brims with unspoken implications. They were written by the descendants of the Vikings themselves, and recount the lives of particularly remarkable people from the Viking Age and earlier. Their contents are an intriguing blend of history and legend. This 740-page tome contains no less than ten of these sagas, as well as an assortment of numerous shorter tales.

The centerpiece of The Sagas of Icelanders is Egil’s Saga , which recounts the deeds of the nigh-invincible warrior-poet Egil Skallagrimsson. It’s among the best of the sagas, both in terms of its literary quality and what the attentive reader can learn from it.

The translations are all carefully selected and top-notch. This is the best introduction out there to the Icelandic sagas as a genre, and for less than $20, it’s quite a bargain. Click here to view or buy The Sagas of Icelanders at Amazon.

7. The Viking Spirit: An Introduction to Norse Mythology and Religion by Daniel McCoy

Now let’s take a look at a few books that go into some particular aspect of Norse life in a lot of depth.

The Viking Spirit was written by yours truly, so naturally I’m going to have a rather high opinion of it. But I firmly believe that it holds up very well on its own merits, and the many dozens of Amazon reviewers, who have given the book an average rating of four and a half stars, seem to agree.

The Viking Spirit is intended to be the ideal introduction to Norse mythology and religion for the total beginner. I wrote it after having spent years crafting this very site and getting tons of feedback on what my readers liked and didn’t like. It covers much of the same ground as this website does: the Vikings’ gods, goddesses, and other spiritual beings; their beliefs about the nature of reality; their religious practices; their myths; and so on. But it goes into considerably more depth than this site does, and even though it sticks to the same scholarly standard, it’s written in an even more entertaining and reader-friendly style. The book retells no less than 34 epic Norse myths, more than any other book of its kind.

If you’re at all interested in Norse mythology and/or religion, check out The Viking Spirit for yourself and see what you think. Click here to view or buy The Viking Spirit at Amazon.

8. Viking Age: Everyday Life During the Extraordinary Era of the Norsemen by Kirsten Wolf

As its title implies, Kirsten Wolf’s Viking Age: Everyday Life During the Extraordinary Era of the Norsemen focuses on the Vikings’ domestic lives, a facet of the Viking Age that, while certainly humbler than the great exploits of famous warriors and kings, played no less of a role in determining the character of the age.

In Wolf’s book, you’ll learn a great deal about virtually every aspect of Norse material and social life: farming practices, settlement patterns, clothing, jewelry, food, drink, kinship systems, gender roles, child-rearing practices, laws, political hierarchies, shipbuilding, navigation techniques, and much more. While many of the previous books on this list cover some of these topics to some degree, Wolf does so considerably more comprehensively. Click here to view or buy Viking Age at Amazon.

9. Viking Age Iceland by Jesse Byock

Aside from a few solitude-loving Irish monks, Iceland was first settled by Scandinavians during the Viking Age. They came seeking wide swaths of virgin pastures for their livestock to graze and to escape various problems in their home countries.

Early Icelandic society in some ways replicated the social and political structures of the lands from which the first settlers came, but in other ways created its own institutions that were better-adapted to the local conditions. They have aptly been called proto-democratic, but with a Norse twist.

Viking Age Icelandic society is fascinating to read about today due to its uniqueness and the fact that a striking proportion of our knowledge of Viking Age society in general comes from the proud record-keepers and storytellers among the Icelanders of subsequent generations. Jesse Byock’s Viking Age Iceland is a stellar introduction to this captivating slice of Norse history. Click here to view or buy Viking Age Iceland at Amazon.

10. The Viking World , edited by Stefan Brink and Neil Price

The previous books on this list are all written for a general audience. Stefan Brink and Neil Price’s The Viking World (not to be confused with James Graham-Campbell’s book of the same name, #3 above), however, is written by academics for an academic audience.

At 49 chapters and 674 pages, this book is about as comprehensive an overview of the Viking Age as you can fit between a single front and back cover. Each chapter of the book is a semi-standalone essay written by an expert in that particular niche, which means that each chapter presents cutting-edge research on its particular subject matter.

Quite frankly, this book will be too formidable for most readers. But for those who are looking to research the topic in serious depth, this volume is indispensable. Click here to view or buy The Viking World at Amazon.

If you’ve found this list to be helpful, you might also be interested in these other guides of mine:

• The 10 Best Norse Mythology Books

• The 10 Best Advanced Norse Mythology Books

• Resources for Learning the Old Norse Language

• The 10 Best Books on the Runes

• The 10 Best Celtic Mythology Books

• The 10 Best Greek Mythology Books

• The 10 Best Egyptian Mythology Books

The Ultimate Online Guide to Norse Mythology and Religion

The Viking Herald's ultimate list of non-fiction Viking books you need to read

We have put together a collection of well-written non-fiction books about Vikings that are essential reads.

From groundbreaking new research that helps us challenge assumptions about the Viking expansions to the origins of how the Vikings created modern Britain, there is a book here for every taste.

1) The Children of Ash and Elm by Neil Price: A History of the Vikings

To understand the Vikings, you must first understand their milieu, culture, and mythology. Luckily for us, Neil Price leaves no (rune)stone unturned as he guides the reader on an educational journey that is as full of color as any Norse saga but with many more historical facts! From a deep dive into Norse mythology and cosmology to what the latest archeological findings can tell us about Viking gender fluidity and everything in between, this is as close as you will get to a university course lectured by Price, a Professor in the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History at Uppsala University in Sweden...at a fraction of the cost! A great read for novice or advanced Viking history nuts alike.

Read our full review of the book here while it is available for purchase on Amazon here . 

2) River Kings: A New History of the Vikings from Scandinavia to the Silk Road by Dr. Cat Jarmnan

Dr. Cat Jarman is a modern-day Renaissance woman: a renowned bioarchaeologist, best-selling author, and broadcaster. In her latest book, she helps to shed new light on the eastward expansion of the Vikings, through the various river systems of Eastern Europe, down to the world of the Byzantine Empire, Abbasid Caliphate, and beyond. This eastward push, so overlooked by traditional histories of the Vikings, shows just how interconnected and interlinked the global economy was over a millennium ago. From how a simple bead traveled from India to a grave in England to the excesses of Viking funeral orgies, this book is part of a rethinking of traditional Viking histories.

Read our full review of the book here whilst it is available for purchase on Amazon here . 

3) The Anglo-Saxons: A History of the Beginnings of England 400 – 1066 by Marc Morris

The history of the English and the Vikings are so intertwined and interlinked it can, in the early medieval period, be hard to see where one ends and the other begins. Marc Morris details, in great clarity, style, and depth, the origins of a nation forged by successive waves of invasion, including (but not limited to) the Romans, the Saxons, the Vikings, and the Normans. The prequel to Morris's weighty tome about the Norman conquest (see below), this covers many seminal periods of English history in one. From 12 days of feasting between Alfred the Great and his Norse opponent, Guthrum, to what else the British museum found with a Sussex farmer's lost tool, this book is full of detailed research and good humor that make Morris the best-selling author he is.

Read our full review of the book here whilst the book is available for purchase on Amazon here . 

4) The Norman Conquest: The Battle of Hastings and the Fall of Anglo-Saxon England by Marc Morris

Though the Norman conquest may be one of the most studied invasions and conquest in history, Marc Morris breathes new life into what could be otherwise a staid subject. Given the lack of written records, Morris does his best to try to capture the history of one of the most dramatic turning points in English history. Each page drips with verve, color, and rich historical detail that will make you fall head first into this book and grab it with two hands like William the Conqueror was said to have done with English soil when he fell off his boat on an English beach before Hastings.

Read our full review of the book here whilst it is available for purchase on Amazon here.  

5) The Wolf Age: The Vikings, The Anglo-Saxons and the Battle for the North Sea Empire by Tore Skeie

Though it is unfashionable now, the so-called "Great Man Theory" of history – where one individual can shape events and change the course of history – could be applied to the story of Viking King Sweyn Forkbeard. Aside from having history's best nickname, Forkbeard was the man responsible for creating a transnational maritime empire uniting the thrones of Denmark, England, and Norway in what has been seen as the high point of Viking influence, power, and prestige during the 11th century CE. Skeie delves into the political machinations and offers up a fascinating insight into how one man could forge such an empire in the "Age of Wolves."

6) The Last Viking: The True Story of Harald Hardrada by Don Holloway

Though he may be remembered for a failed invasion of England, halted by English Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada was, without any doubt, the most impressive warrior of his age. From his insecure childhood exiled from Norway after seeing his half-brother slaughtered in battle, through his formative years fighting everywhere (and everyone) between Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, to his employment as head of the personal bodyguard of the Byzantine Emperor, Don Holloway charts Hardrada's storied and interesting life, full of excitement and derring-do. His death, in 1066 CE, sometimes incorrectly bookends the "Viking Age", and it's hard to argue there was a more interesting, or impressive, Viking king, warrior, and poet throughout this age.

7) The Viking Heart: How Scandinavians Conquered the World by Arthur Herman

Sometimes history can get a bad rap. For many, it is just the repetition of a series of dates of battles, deaths, and coronations. For Arthur Herman, it's personal. Very personal. Whilst other Viking books end their story on the battlefield of Hasting, Herman takes the Scandinavian story right up, through the medieval period to the late 19th / early 20thth century CE. It was in this era that his forebears, like so many Scandinavians, emigrated from poverty to make their riches in the United States. Herman links the two parts of this book – the pre and post-Viking history of Scandinavia – with charm, rich detail, humor, and choked full of personal family history.

Read our full review of the book here whilst it is available to purchase on Amazon here.  

8) Viking Age Brew: The Craft of Brewing Sahti Farmhouse Ale

Given the recent boom of craft beer and microbreweries worldwide, it was only a matter of time before new research into Viking-era beer would surface. Sahti Farmhouse Ale is now considered a super niche style of beer that even most hipsters and beer-geeks would hardly have heard of. However, in this lavishly illustrated book, the history of this ale, which was drunk widely throughout the Viking world over a millennium ago, is detailed along with a step-by-step guide on how to make this beer as well as many other medieval tipples. 

Possibly the first history book to give you a hangover...

The book is available for purchase on Amazon here.

9) Women In the Viking Age by Judith Jesch

Whilst almost three decades old, a classic is still a classic. This 1991 book was an inspiration for a whole new generation of female Viking historians and researchers. It was the first book to seriously look at a women's experience during the Viking Age. Whilst the female voice was cruelly silenced during this period, Lesch pieces together fragments and clues, from runic inscriptions to Old Norse literature, to try and provide a detailed examination and analysis of the varied experiences of Viking-era women. An instant classic upon publication deserves to be read by everyone.

10) Ivory Vikings: The Mystery of the Most Famous Chessmen in the World and the Woman Who Made Them by Nancy Marie Brown

The history of the Lewis Chessman, 93 walrus ivory chess pieces that washed up on a beach in 19th century Scotland, is one of the most unlikely and remarkable accidental archaeological discoveries yet recorded. Yet the story of who carved them, almost unknown by the thousands of tourists who gawk at them at the British Museum annually, is just as fascinating. Brown gives the woman who created them, Marget the Adroit of Iceland, the treatment she deserves by telling her story centuries after she carved these delicate pieces of art.

Read our full review of the book here , while the book is available for purchase on Amazon here.  

11) The Real Valkyrie – The Hidden History of Viking Women by Nancy Brown

The latest book by Nancy Brown helps to try and break into the often (sadly) male-dominated study of Viking history and studies. Inspired by a skeleton found in a grave in Sweden, the book weaves some of the history, lives, and lived experiences of a variety of women from the Viking Age (c. 750 – 1100 CE), from queens to mere servants. Unlike other stuffier tomes, Brown's "Valkyrie women" have lives that run the full gamut of experiences for women during the early medieval period, with plenty of humorous anecdotes to add in for good measure. Brown uses the latest archaeological research to help shatter centuries of misogynistic stereotypes about the role and agency of women in Viking societies. Most importantly, though, she helps give a voice to these women who have been silenced and ignored for more than a millennium.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon here , while you can find The Viking Herald's book review of The Real Valkyrie here .

12) The Mästermyr Find: A Viking Age Tool Chest from Gotland by Greta Arwidsson and Gösta Berg

This is a book that should satisfy your inner archaeological needs. A chest discovered on a remote part of the Swedish island of Götland by a farmer in the mid-1930s may not set your pulse racing. However, the authors, Arwidsson and Berg, put, literally, a lifetime of work and research into this fascinating technical book. Decades of careful and methodical research into the more than 300 items found in the Viking era toolbox underpin this book that should be a must-read for any budding archaeologists. Away from all the Indiana Jones-style cliches, Arwdisson and Berg's passion project show just how fascinating real-life archaeological finds can be. Plenty of historical context and research is given for each of the items that were unearthed by a farmer's tractor. This is a fascinating insight into the real-life workings of archaeologists in the field.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon here , and you also can read our review here . 

13) Swords of the Viking Age by Ian G. Peirce and Ewart Oakeshott

Scholars Ian G. Peirce and Ewart Oakeshott delve deep into the history and development of Viking swords by way of specific examples kept at various museums across Europe, even in private collections. These are analyzed in meticulous detail and photographed from several angles so that the variations of hilt and blade can be discussed at length, bringing into the spotlight Viking sleeping customs and medieval German workshops. Swords are, surprisingly, a little-covered area of Norse history compared to ships or jewelry, yet allowed their bearers to conquer much of Europe and beyond.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon here , and you can find  our review here . 

14) The Norse Myths - A Guide to the Gods and Heroes by Carolyne Larrington

The Norse Myths should benefit both the curious beginner and the seasoned enthusiast. A series of informative sidebars on subjects ranging from blood-eagle punishments to secret rites allows the author to summarize complex concepts in a few brief lines, just enough to equip the reader with the know-how to better understand these age-old stories.

Find the book on Amazon for purchase here , and explore our thoughts in the detailed review here . 

15) The Viking Way: Magic and Mind in Late Iron Age Scandinavia by Neil Price

There is no doubt why famed author, historian, and Professor of Archaeology Neil Price recently won one of Sweden's most prestigious academic prizes. He has been crafting riveting historical books about all things Viking for over two decades. In this weighty tome, Price helps shed light on a previously little-studied area of Viking society and culture - magic. Using both literary and archaeological sources and records, Price delves into how people in Viking societies thought about and practiced magic, its influences (from Sami shamanism to Christian spirituality), and its complex legacy in later medieval Scandinavia.

You can access our review of the book here , and it's available for sale on Amazon here . 

16) The Viking Hondbók: Eat, Dress, and Fight Like a Warrior by Kjersti Egerdahl

Learn all about the everyday life of the Vikings through the lens of a Norwegian-American writer who skillfully blends humor and modern-day references into the narrative without compromising respect for her heritage. Raised in Seattle, where her father founded the Scandinavian Language Institute, Kjersti Egerdahl is more intrigued by what Viking sailors consumed during their lengthy voyages than by the battles they engaged in upon reaching their destinations. The latter, including dates and specific details, are already well-known to those familiar with this historical period. Her book is organized into four main sections: The Village, The Kingdom, The Vikings, and Valhalla. It's beautifully complemented by line drawings from artist Josh Lynch.

We've shared our perspective on the book here , and it's up for sale on Amazon here . 

17) World of Art: Viking Art by James Graham-Campbell

This very Norse edition of the "World of Art" series sees James Graham-Campbell take the reader through a detailed look at the little-known beauty of Viking art. From its ancient origins to its constant evolutionary flux to its later impact – both medieval and modern – this is a tour de force of a softer side of the Viking story. Whilst Vikings get a bad rap for being mere brainless barbarians, people in Viking societies were responsible for six artistic styles. These styles, the history of which provides the book's framework, are beautifully illustrated with photographs of artworks produced, from glittering jewelry and amulets to gigantic but delicately carved Viking ships. This book will help bust the myth that people in Viking societies were not creators but destroyers. This is a must-read for those wanting to brush up (pardon the pun) on early medieval art in Northern Europe and how it still influences art today.

Read our full review of the book here , and you can find it for purchase on Amazon here . 

18) The Viking World by Stefan Brink and Neil Price

Whilst we at The Viking Herald are big fans of Professor Neil Price – perhaps one of the most knowledgeable and readable scholars of the Viking Age – it is always good to read some of his earlier work. The Viking World, a book he helped edit and compile, bears all the hallmarks of the quality, approachability, and attention to historical detail we associate with the University of Uppsala Professor. Weighing in at over 700 pages, this is THE authoritative work on Viking history. All the usual areas are covered – the Viking economy, warfare, and links with Christian Europe. Additionally, niche topics are highlighted, such as the influence of the Scandinavian languages on British place names, Viking voyages to Spain and Northern Africa, and the power dynamics of women in sexual politics. This should fill not only a (large) gap on one's bookshelf but also plug a hole in the market for the more highbrow Viking connoisseur, dare we say, academically inclined reader.

Check out our complete review of the book here , and you can buy it on Amazon here . 

19) Gone Viking: A Travel Saga by Bill Arnott

In a modern-day version of a true Viking quest, author Bill Arnott leads us on a global odyssey in Gone Viking: A Travel Saga. Stuffing the reader into his backpack, Arnott takes us on a whirlwind tour of the countries, cultures, and civilizations touched - sometimes peacefully, sometimes not - by people from Viking societies. From the British Isles to the middle of the Pacific Ocean and everywhere in between, Arnott delivers a wonderfully funny and insightful saga, part travelogue, part history lesson. Every phase and aspect of the Viking Age is explored, from its early beginnings with mainly predatory raids, through conquest, colonization, and eventual collapse. Arnott infuses his narrative with humor, ensuring the reader is both better educated and entertained for having journeyed with him on this personal odyssey.

You can read our full review of the book here , and purchase it on Amazon here.  

20) Gone Viking II: Beyond Boundaries by Bill Arnott 

From the British Isles to British Columbia via Australia, the Southern Ocean, and even into the Caribbean, Bill Arnott writes with his usual laid-back and carefree style, dotted with poetry and occasional witticisms, and takes the reader on a trip around the world. Again. With much of this written before, during, and after the wild success of his first book, some of the magic and shine has worn off his part travel book, part adrenaline junkie journal. Arnott does his best to bring the reader on another whimsical and lighthearted romp around the globe, full of colorful characters, hikes, and the odd kayak expedition or two. While there are indeed sea-bound voyages – in a variety of vessels – none, however, are anywhere near the Viking ancestral homelands of Scandinavia. Yet, Arnott taps into the "Viking spirit" – the desire to roam and explore, to seek out adventure and action – albeit with a very modern twist. 

Explore our book review by clicking here , and you can find the book available for purchase on Amazon at this link . 

21) The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman by Nancy Marie Brown

Women were sadly often written out of the historical record, especially during the early medieval period when Vikings roamed. However, Nancy Marie Brown does her best to write one back in... and what a woman Gudrid is! Her life story – the stuff of saga and legend – saw her roam all over the Viking world, even making a pilgrimage to Rome at a ripe old age. As Brown puts it, she mixes science with the sagas, trying to determine whether Gudrid's travels have some historical foundations. From a Viking settlement in North America to a farm in Iceland, Brown traces the life and times of Gudrid with detail, precision, and warmth. Most importantly, however, Brown shines a spotlight on a woman's voice, which is depressingly rare in Viking society. Sifting fact from fiction, the author helps tell the story of a woman whose life would be extraordinary even by today's standards. No doubt Netflix will come knocking on Brown's door soon... 

Explore our review of the book here , and secure your copy on Amazon here.  

22) The Vikings - Peoples of the Ancient World by Neil Price and Ben Raffield

Written by two professors at Uppsala University,  The Vikings is a companion to editions such as The Babylonians and The Trojans in the Peoples of the Ancient World series, providing a comprehensive overview of Norse culture and history in five chapters. Illustrated with 20 black-and-white photographs and five maps, it should serve as a handy, informative introduction for recent devotees of this area of history. 

Check out our review of the book here , and find it on Amazon here.  

23) Song of the Vikings: Snorri and the Making of Norse Myths by Nancy Marie Brown 

Nancy Marie Brown explores the life and times of Snorri Sturluson, whom she dubs "the Homer of the North." Her work is less a traditional biography and more a saga of the man responsible for the rich canon of Norse literature. Whilst Sturluson was undoubtedly a wordsmith, he was also a flawed individual. He amassed significant wealth and political power, spending years in influential circles and mentoring the young Haakon V of Norway. Yet, he was rumored to have been murdered for betraying his country, leading to its integration into the Norwegian kingdom. There's debate about his political role, but his literary genius is universally acknowledged. Brown delves into his life, the myths and sagas he compiled, and possibly embellished. She also discusses Sturluson’s influence on figures like J.R.R. Tolkien, the Brothers Grimm, Carl Jung, and C.S. Lewis, with some arguing his impact surpasses even Shakespeare's. 

You can read our detailed review here , and purchase the book on Amazon at this link . 

24) American Vikings: How the Norse sailed into the lands and imaginations of America by Martyn Whittock

In American Vikings , the prolific UK historian Martyn Whittock takes a bold stance on the Norse connection to North America, bringing to light the multifaceted legacy of Viking explorers. This controversial yet imaginative interpretation challenges the narrative of Viking history, questioning long-held assumptions about their settlements and voyages. Whittock's exploration of Norse adventures in the New World does not just dwell on the past; it draws a direct line to the present, examining how Viking tales have woven themselves into the fabric of modern-day political culture. The book subtly implies that these ancient sagas, while romanticized in modern times, carry a more complex and sometimes darker influence on contemporary ideologies and mythologies. 

Explore the book's analysis in our review here , and find it available for purchase on Amazon at this link . 

25) Viking Britain: An Exploration by Thomas Williams 

There is more to the Viking story in Britain than blood and guts, massacres, conquest, and a list of dates on a page. In Viking Britain: An Exploration , former British curator (the man behind the wildly popular British Museum exhibition Vikings: Life and Legend , which had the British public foaming at the mouth for all things Viking back in 2014) sets about breaking centuries-old stereotypes by delving deep into the history of Viking Age Britain. Williams treats the reader to a history that is just as much about "ideas, objects and places" as it is about knowing your Ragnars from your Rollos. Whilst societies and communities in early medieval Britain were plagued by violence - much of it brought by these "North Sea wolves" - Williams goes about explaining the hidden side of the Viking story of Britain and how their legacy has inspired everyone from Lord Nelson to Oswald Mosely. The story of Vikings in Britain has been told many times, but this is the first time that the Vikings get back some of the dignity that has been lost with centuries of propaganda, spin, and myth. A must for anyone with even a passing interest in British history or the Vikings. 

You can read our review of the book here , and secure your copy on Amazon here . 

26) Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241 by John Haywood 

Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241  by John Haywood offers an encyclopedic treatment of Scandinavian history with a solid foundation. However, it could benefit from diverging more from the well-trodden academic path. When introducing the book, Haywood notes that the Vikings were a historic phenomenon due to the "vast expanse of their horizons." Like his subject, the author too seems to have broad horizons as he meticulously traces the story of the Vikings and the societies that produced them. Haywood traces the journey of the "Northmen" from their origins in Bronze Age Scandinavia to 15th-century Greenland, passing through the British Isles, Frankish realms, the Iberian Peninsula, and reaching as far as southern Italy and even to the gates of the "Holy City," Jerusalem. Methodically drawing out a socio-political history, this book caters to academics, researchers, and the more dedicated history enthusiasts. "Northmen: The Viking Saga, 793-1241 AD" by John Haywood is available for purchase on Amazon here. 

Explore our review of the book here , and purchase your own copy on Amazon here . 

27) Beyond the Northlands: Viking Voyages and the Old Norse Sagas by Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough 

From Lindisfarne to Iceland, Greenland, Vinland, and the exotic East, BBC broadcaster Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough takes the reader on a fact-filled and entertaining journey around the many parts of the world where the Norse dared to tread – and somewhere they tantalizingly might have been. Her adventure goes beyond mere academic research; she immerses herself in the Viking experience, from spending a night in a desolate lighthouse in Norway to sailing up the Greenland coast and exploring the remnants of Byzantine Constantinople. Her firsthand experiences enrich the narrative, providing a deeper understanding of the Norse settlers' challenges and achievements. The book is a blend of rigorous scholarship and personal exploration, bookended by thirty pages of reference notes, yet it remains accessible and engaging for the general reader. 

Check out our comprehensive review here , and order your copy from Amazon by following this link . 

28) Feud in the Icelandic Saga by Jesse Byock 

One of Iceland's greatest literary treasures is its collection of Íslendingasögur – the sagas of the Icelanders, a rich tapestry of stories, myths, and legends from the land known for its midnight sun and volcanoes. In Feud in the Icelandic Saga ,  Jesse Byock provides a detailed exploration of feuding within these sagas, offering insights into the cultural, historical, and social fabric of medieval Icelandic society. While the topic of feuding might not immediately come to mind in discussions of Icelandic Viking society, Byock skillfully brings to light the historical and cultural nuances of the sagas. His analysis of feud, honor, and death opens a window to a culture that thrived over a millennium ago, revealing how this society could foster both a tradition of violence and a remarkable literary legacy. 

Find our review here , and buy the book on Amazon through this link . 

29) The Vikings by Else Roesdahl 

In The Vikings , acclaimed Danish historian and author Else Roesdahl offers a comprehensive yet understated overview of the Vikings, early medieval Europe's renowned raiders, traders, and settlers. Published in 1987, the book was ahead of its time, addressing often overlooked aspects of Viking history, such as the roles of women, enslaved people, and children, areas that had remained largely unexplored until more recent times. Roesdahl's work shines in its detailed and patient portrayal of Viking history, exemplified by her insightful analysis of the Christianization of Scandinavia and the Vikings' unexpected influence on this transformation. Despite its academic rigor and recognition, including awards in Denmark, the book's presentation can feel somewhat dry and textbook-like. Nevertheless, The Vikings is a significant contribution to the field, offering a nuanced perspective on a complex era. 

Read our full review  here , while the book is available for purchase on Amazon through this link . 

30) Viking Age Iceland by Jesse Byock 

From the Gray Goose Laws to Snorri Sturluson, from a "sheep tax" to what volcanic ash layers can tell us about environmental and economic degradation, Byock has written a comprehensive yet nuanced view of life in medieval Iceland. He delves into the relationship of early settlers with the environment and how this contributed to a distinct Icelandic identity, exploring everything from the country's topography to societal dynamics. This is done with constant references back to the sagas, showing how fact and fiction can, in the right hands, work side by side for both education and entertainment. It is as thrilling to read as any of the famous sagas produced in medieval Iceland, which, for Byock, would be viewed as high praise indeed. 

See our complete review here , and find the book for purchase on Amazon via this link . 

31) Women and Weapons in the Viking World: Amazons of the North by Leszek Gardela 

The Polish historian, archeologist, and one-time researcher at the National Museum of Denmark, Leszek Gardela, is one of a new generation of academics who have been a breath of fresh air to Viking studies. In his research project turned book, Women and Weapons in the Viking World: Amazons of the North , Gardela explores the role of women in Viking society, highlighting their involvement in warfare and wielding weapons that challenge, nay, downright shatter, gender stereotypes both centuries-old and modern. Scouring not only the Norse sagas and medieval literature for musings on Viking warrior women, Gardela also analyzes 28 burials of women with weapons from the Viking Age to present his conclusions on these "Amazons of the North." While his conclusion is depressing for all fans of Lagertha (both the fictional version in the sagas and on the popular Netflix series), his book has already become a seminal work full of meticulous research and analysis. 

You can read our full review here , and purchase the book on Amazon here . 

32) Gone Viking III: The Holy Grail by Bill Arnott 

Following the granting of his Fellowship by London's Royal Society of Geography, Arnott has hit the road again for Gone Viking III: The Holy Grail , and this time, he is on much surer footing. He skillfully connects places that, though seemingly unrelated on a map, share a deep historical connection through these periods. This is precisely the type of saga that people in Viking societies would love – a riveting tale of travel, history, and culture intertwined with ancient mythology, modern humor, and outright fun! Arnott seems to have returned to the drawing board and rekindled the magical writing that made his first book such a success.

Read our review of the book here , and you can find it for purchase on Amazon here . 

33) Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs by John Lindow 

In Norse Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs  by John Lindow, the author provides a deep knowledge of all the major and minor Norse beings, creatures, and deities, as well as offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the Viking Age. Lindow muses on the Indo-European roots of Norse mythology and explores the concept of cyclical time in Viking sagas and stories. His writing style strikes a balance between academic rigor and readability, making often complex concepts approachable without sacrificing scholarly accuracy. In an era where typing something into Google gives us unlimited information in microseconds, Lindow’s effort in compiling an encyclopedia that is both informative and accessible should be commended. This book reminds us that there is great satisfaction and reward – in an intellectual and pleasurable sense – in reading a scholar’s carefully crafted written work. 

Discover our insights on the book here in our review , and you can order it from Amazon here . 

34) The Viking Diaspora by Judith Jesch 

Using evidence that has come to light since her research project, The Viking Identities Networks, along with the expertise of her many contacts, Nottingham University professor Judith Jesch covers the main aspects and characteristics of Viking culture and society across and beyond northern Europe. Jesch, deeply fascinated by the linguistic elements that knit together a shared ancestral culture, offers more than just historical recounting. Her work on The Viking Diaspora represents a profound dedication to exploring the interconnections affected by Norse activities during and after the Viking Age. With a hands-on approach to history and an emphasis on collaboration with niche experts, Jesch's research uncovers the complex network of Norse identities, highlighting small populations and the extensive yet delicate web of global connections they formed. 

Read our extensive review here , and purchase your copy of the book on Amazon by following this link . 

35) The Age of the Vikings by Anders Winroth 

Published by Princeton University Press in 2014, The Age of the Vikings  by Anders Winroth, a distinguished professor of medieval history at Oslo University with a past tenure at Yale, encapsulates centuries of Viking culture into ten insightful chapters, concluding with an epilogue. Across its 200 pages, the narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing Winroth ample opportunity to delve into Viking shipbuilding, religious practices, and expansive trade networks, all supported by a wealth of lesser-known facts. While the book meticulously charts the Vikings' considerable impact on the British Isles, Winroth intriguingly shifts the geographical context to modern-day France, Germany, and the Benelux countries, offering a broader perspective on Norse influence. This scholarly yet accessible work emerges as a comprehensive addition to the growing body of literature on Viking history, distinguishing itself through its depth of research and engaging presentation of the Viking Age. 

Check out our detailed review here and grab your copy of the book on Amazon via this link .

types of viking literature

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Lost in Bookland

Best Historical Fiction Books about Vikings

The realm of historical fiction offers a thrilling gateway to explore the tapestry of human history. One era that continues to captivate readers with its fierce warriors, rich mythology, and legendary seafaring prowess is that of the Vikings. From their Scandinavian homelands to far-reaching expeditions across the globe, the Vikings have left an indelible mark on history. In this blog post, we will embark on a literary voyage and uncover the best historical fiction books that bring the Viking Age to life with vivid storytelling and meticulous research. Prepare to immerse yourself in the world of Norse sagas and thrilling tales of adventure!

Best Historical Fiction Books about Vikings

“The Long Ships” by Frans G. Bengtsson

 This classic Viking saga follows the adventures of Red Orm, a young warrior from Sweden. With its vivid descriptions of battles, voyages, and encounters with different cultures, “The Long Ships” is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Bengtsson’s novel seamlessly weaves together historical accuracy with captivating storytelling, making it a must-read for Viking enthusiasts.

“The Last Kingdom” by Bernard Cornwell

 Set during the reign of Alfred the Great, “The Last Kingdom” introduces readers to Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman captured and raised by Vikings. Bernard Cornwell’s meticulous research and engaging prose create a riveting narrative that delves into the clash of cultures between the Vikings and Saxons. This book is the first in a series known as “The Saxon Stories” or “The Last Kingdom Series.”

Best Historical Fiction Books about Vikings

“Eirik the Red and Other Icelandic Sagas”

For those who crave a more authentic taste of Viking literature, this collection of Icelandic sagas is a treasure trove. Translated by Gwyn Jones, these sagas provide a glimpse into the lives of legendary figures like Eirik the Red, Leif Erikson, and Gudrid Thorbjarnardottir. Tales of exploration, epic battles, and personal dramas make this collection an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Viking culture.

“The Sea Road” by Margaret Elphinstone

 Margaret Elphinstone’s “The Sea Road” follows Gudrid, a Viking woman who embarks on a perilous journey from Greenland to Vinland, present-day North America. The novel skillfully combines historical fact with elements of Norse mythology, exploring themes of identity, love, and resilience. Elphinstone’s lyrical prose and meticulous research create an immersive experience that transports readers back to the Viking Age.

“Sword Song” by Bernard Cornwell

Continuing the saga of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, “Sword Song” thrusts readers into the heart of Viking raids and political intrigue. Bernard Cornwell’s captivating storytelling and his ability to vividly depict battles and the brutal realities of war make this book an exhilarating read. The complex characters and their interactions add depth and authenticity to the Viking world.

“Crowbone” (Oathsworn Series) by Robert Low

 In the Oathsworn Series, Robert Low takes readers on a thrilling adventure through the Viking Age. “Crowbone” focuses on Orm Rurikson, a young warrior seeking his destiny amidst the tumultuous events of the era. Low’s vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters bring the Viking world to life, making this series a favorite among historical fiction enthusiasts.

Best Historical Fiction Books about Vikings

“Eaters of the Dead” by Michael Crichton

While not strictly a Viking-focused book, “Eaters of the Dead” by Michael Crichton is a unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy. Inspired by real-life accounts of an Arab traveler, Ahmad ibn Fadlan, the story follows his journey with a group of Vikings as they face supernatural creatures. Crichton’s gripping storytelling and meticulous research create a thrilling narrative that combines Viking lore with ancient myths.

“Blood Eye” (Raven Series) by Giles Kristian: Giles

Kristian’s “Blood Eye” introduces us to Raven, a young Viking warrior with a unique and mysterious past. Set in the 9th century, the book takes readers on a gripping adventure filled with battles, treachery, and the search for redemption. Kristian’s immersive writing style and his ability to capture the gritty atmosphere of the Viking Age make “Blood Eye” an enthralling read for fans of historical fiction.

“God of Vengeance” (The Rise of Sigurd Series) by Giles Kristian

 In “God of Vengeance,” Giles Kristian delves deeper into the Viking world, focusing on the legendary figure of Sigurd Haraldarson. Set in the 8th century, this epic tale follows Sigurd’s quest for revenge, his encounters with Norse gods, and his rise to become a formidable Viking warrior. Kristian’s richly detailed storytelling and his deep understanding of Viking culture and mythology create a captivating narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

types of viking literature

“Northlanders: Sven the Returned” by Brian Wood and Davide Gianfelice

“Northlanders: Sven the Returned” is a graphic novel that transports readers to the Viking Age, specifically to the story of Sven, a fearless warrior who returns home after years of exile to reclaim his birthright. Brian Wood’s evocative storytelling, coupled with Davide Gianfelice’s stunning artwork, brings the harsh landscapes and brutal conflicts of the Viking world to life. This graphic novel is a visually stunning and compelling addition to any Viking enthusiast’s collection.

“Viking Fire” (Conquest Trilogy) by Justin Hill

“Viking Fire” by Justin Hill takes readers on a journey through the Viking Age, focusing on the adventures of Harald Hardrada, the last great Viking king. Hill’s meticulous research and vibrant prose paint a vivid picture of the political intrigue, epic battles, and Viking culture of the time. This gripping novel captures the essence of the Viking spirit and offers a unique perspective on one of history’s most enigmatic figures.

“Greenlanders” by Jane Smiley

“Greenlanders” by Jane Smiley is a captivating novel set in 14th-century Greenland, a Viking settlement facing the challenges of a changing climate and dwindling resources. Through a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives, Smiley explores the lives of the Greenlanders, their struggles, and their search for survival. The book offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives and societal dynamics of the Viking settlers, showcasing Smiley’s masterful storytelling and historical insight.

The allure of the Viking Age continues to captivate readers worldwide, and historical fiction offers a window into their fascinating world. From the thunderous clashes of swords to the exploration of uncharted lands, the best historical fiction books about Vikings allow us to immerse ourselves in a realm of adventure, mythology, and complex human drama. Whether you’re a history aficionado or a lover of compelling storytelling, these books offer an unforgettable journey through the Viking Age. So, grab a book, settle into your favorite reading spot, and let these tales of Viking valor transport you to a bygone era. Skål!

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To Live Like the Women of Viking Literature

Linnea hartsuyker on growing up in a house where "princess" was an insult.

“Princess” was an insult in my family when I was growing up. A princess was someone who couldn’t sleep when a pea was placed under her stack of mattresses, while my sister and I were descended from Vikings and were expected to act like it. Though I think my parents would have been horrified if we picked up swords and began dueling with each other, we still had to carry firewood, cross-country ski for miles, and do our chores without complaining.

My parents were drawing from a long history of literature about Viking women: strong and capable, independent while their men were away, and even acting as warriors when circumstances required. Designating the word “princess” an insult reflects an ambivalence about femininity, and so too does the earliest Viking literature. While it’s impossible to know exactly how women—or anyone—acted, thought, and felt over a thousand years ago, real Viking women influenced the oral literature of their age and the written literature that records it.

The Viking Age is considered to have begun in 793 CE with the Viking attack on the British monastery at Lindesfarne, and to end with the Norman of England in 1066 CE. Contemporaneous sources for this era are archeology, runes carved on monuments, and written records from cultures that encountered Vikings, either explorers or victims of Viking raids. The Vikings’ literary legacy is recorded from the Icelandic sagas and other written productions of medieval Iceland. These include prose narratives that may be considered Europe’s first novels, histories, and records of some of the poetry that Vikings recited. While all of this material was written down a few centuries after the era it describes, the stories have roots in earlier oral traditions.

From the contemporaneous sources, we know that, like other women at the time, most Viking-Age women’s lives revolved around the household and children. The goods most frequently found in women’s graves include spindle whorls, loom weights, jewelry, kitchen implements, and the bundle of keys that was the symbol of the housekeeper’s power. The vast majority of Viking-Age Scandinavian women spent their lives performing stereotypical women’s tasks: bearing and raising children, cooking and cleaning, and keeping their families clothed.

Women’s appearances in Viking literature go far beyond this, though even a housewife of the period could be a powerful force. She martialed the household resources to feed hundreds of men, and frequently this is her role in the Icelandic sagas: either a bountiful hostess, or a poor and ill-tempered one, with consequences either way for the men in her life.

Women also have a key place in the spiritual literature that survives. The Prose Edda and Poetic Edda are our main sources for Norse mythology; the word “edda” means great-grandmother in Old Norse (though it has other meanings as well), perhaps implying these works relate the wisdom of very old women. Further, the Poetic Edda contains the Volva, a seer and sorceress, who tells portions of the world’s creation myth to Odin in the Voluspa section.

Women as well as men created Viking literature. Skalds in the Viking Age are analogous to the bards of early Irish history. Skaldic verse was a martial form that memorialized the exploits of the warrior class in poetry rich with kennings and alliteration. Most skalds were men, but the poetry of four woman skalds has also come down to us in medieval Icelandic writings. The women’s verses commemorate the same battles and sea voyages that the men’s do, though frequently with an ironic twist—for example, commemorating the voyage of a man who failed to leave the harbor. Another woman poet uses the tropes and phrases of skaldic verse to beg a king not to outlaw her son, putting a men’s heroic verse form to a mother’s use. Four is too few to generalize from, but we can say that these women skalds were respected enough for their poetry to be recorded in writing later, and that they were conversant with a typically masculine literary genre.

Viking literature also contains women explorers. A woman, Gudrid, was among the Viking travelers to the New World, attested in the Vinland Sagas , and confirmed by the find at L’Anse Aux Meadows in Newfoundland, Canada. According to the Landnámabók , the book of Icelandic settlements, women were among the earliest Norse settlers of Iceland. These included Aud the Deep-Minded, a main character in the Laxdaela Saga . While many details of the saga can be questioned, the fact remains that a women, whose existence is attested in multiple sources, survived in memory past the end of the Viking Age. She claimed land for herself, attracted and managed a large retinue, and generally was able to take on many of the leadership powers of a noble man.

In sagas like Laxdaela , set in Viking-Age Iceland and written down in the 12th century, we meet violent, trouble-making women who sometimes wear men’s clothes. Most of these tales center on feuds that spiral out to involve families and generations, and women are frequently the characters who push reluctant husbands and male family members to action. Women who urge men onto battle is a literary trope seen from the Greek Helen to the Irish Morrigan, and it functions as a way of removing the moral responsibility for battle from male warriors.

The Icelandic sagas were written in Christian times to describe a pagan past. Feud was far more exciting in a tale than the more law-bound conflicts of medieval Icelanders. A good Christian might be expected to feel some ambivalence about endorsing feud, and if these heroic men are urged on by vengeful women, it decreases their culpability. These women did not always appear negatively in the sagas, though; frequently they prompt a man to guard his honor when he is in danger of neglecting it.

The literary source for most of our images of Viking warrior women is a 13th century Danish monk known as Saxo Grammaticus, whose Gesta Danorum grafts classical ideas of Amazons onto Scandinavian legends, transforming the Valkyrie from a battle observer into a warrior in her own right. He may have done this as a way of painting the pagan Scandinavians as backward, sinful, acting against God’s plans for men and women, but he also created heroines like Lagaertha (who appears in The History Channel’s Vikings ) who capture the imagination to this day.

Valkyrie literally means “chooser of the slain.” Valkyries are also the supernatural women who wait upon the warriors in Odin’s Valhalla, his heaven for warriors. While they are often depicted as warrior women in Victorian art, in the Eddas they serve as hostesses in Valhalla. In other tales, Valkyries have a more gruesome, but still stereotypically feminine task: of weaving the entrails of the dead into a tapestry.

Women warriors were a potent literary fantasy, especially in a hyper-masculine medieval world where honor and avoidance of effeminacy were key motivators of male action. In narratives that contain women warriors, it is often the role of the male hero to turn them into wives and mothers, and their submission thus enhances the male hero’s virility. Women warriors, at least in the surviving literature, are never the central heroes of the tales, but ambivalent figures to be wooed and conquered.

In Norse legends, Skadi is a giantess who weds one of the Aesir gods. She comes to them with sword and mail seeking vengeance. Whether this indicates that women did sometimes bear arms or whether that aspect of her is meant to be monstrous and unnatural as befits her giant heritage is unknown. In the absence of men, or in dire circumstances, women might sometimes take up arms to defend themselves. It is even possible that occasional women took up arms as a career, but there would be many societal pressures against it. Still, these few examples may have inspired their outsized presence in the surviving literature.

Just as today we enjoy both male and female power fantasies in movies that reflect, but do not faithfully represent, the roles of men and women in the modern world, so too did Vikings and the medieval Icelanders who wrote down their stories. It is impossible to know all of the roles that women took in Viking-Age Scandinavia, but we can see the influence they had on the literature that reflects them. Women like Aud the Deep-Minded, and Gudrid the Far-Traveler are extraordinary, both as characters and the real women that inspired them—and a good example for me, as a child, to learn to withstand discomfort and work hard without complaining.

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Linnea Hartsuyker

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Viking Art – The History of Norse and Viking Artwork

Avatar for Isabella Meyer

While some know them as pirates, seafarers, invaders, raiders, pillagers, barbarians, savages, and great bearded men, most of us know them as the Vikings. They have received quite an infamous reputation in history, and rightfully so because they did invade and pillage most of European lands and towns. However, they left behind more than ruins in their seafaring trails, but tales of a culture rich in history, mythology, and art.

Table of Contents

  • 1 The Northmen: A Viking History
  • 2 Viking Artwork
  • 3.1 Oseberg Style (c. 775 – 875 CE)
  • 3.2 Borre (c. 850 – 975 CE)
  • 3.3 Jellinge (c. 900 – 975 CE)
  • 3.4 Mammen (c. 960 – 1000/1025 CE)
  • 3.5 Ringerike (c. 990 – 1050 CE)
  • 3.6 Urnes (c. 1050-1125 CE)
  • 4 The Viking Age Declines and the Romanesque Age Begins
  • 5.1 What Is Viking Art?
  • 5.2 What Were the Styles of Viking Art?
  • 5.3 What Are the Characteristics of Viking Art?

The Northmen: A Viking History

Before we discuss Viking Art, it is useful to understand who these “Northmen” were. The term “Northmen” was used to designate the Norsemen, otherwise, the Norse people, who inhabited medieval Scandinavia, a collective of the Northern European countries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

The Vikings were Norsemen and a group of seafaring “warriors” who invaded Europe and prominent areas like the British Isles – they also went as far as Russia and Canada in their conquests. It is important to understand that the Vikings were only a part of the whole of this Norse culture and there was more to them than the modern-day understanding of them as violent, barbaric “pirates”.

The term “Viking” has been given multiple meanings over the ages and a general understanding of its origins will provide better context. “Viking” has been used as a noun and verb in certain contexts. It is particularly defined as “pirate” and derives from the Old Norse word vikingr .

The word vikingr is also derived from the word vík meaning “inlet” or “bay” and the suffix – ingr connotes someone who “belongs to” – the meaning can loosely be given that it is someone of the bay, which is where the Vikings were perceived to come from when they crossed the seas to invade new lands.

Viking Culture

The Viking Age started around 793 to 1066 CE with the notable 793 CE invasion of the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland, North East England. This was the onset of the Viking invasions and the severity of what these “Northmen” were capable of. They pillaged and killed the people from the island and desecrated what was considered holy without any reverence to the Christian religion practiced throughout England.

Although the Vikings raided many coastal areas, they also invaded inland. It was in 799 CE when they invaded the monastery of St. Philibert on the tidal island, Noirmoutier, in France – this was recorded as the first continental attack. The Vikings reached far and wide across Europe and were involved in many wars and trades in different countries.

Their settlements were placed widely throughout the British Isles in places like Scotland and Ireland, they also founded, traded, and settled in cities like Dublin. Their expansion also reached into Russia and North American countries like Greenland and the northern part of Newfoundland in Canada.

The Viking culture, or Norse culture, was diverse and not solely designated to pillaging and raiding. They were also farmers and traders with skills in blacksmithing, weaving, carpentry, music, crafts, and more.

The Viking longships also became one of their most innovative constructions, used to navigate the seas and take them to distant lands. It was a significant part of the Viking culture as most of their expeditions required considerable seafaring navigation. The longship’s design was ideal for lightness and speed on the ocean. It was long and narrow in structure with oars running along the boat’s length intended for rowers.

Norse Art

The longships were also versatile, each end was designed similarly, which minimized the effort of ever needing to turn a boat around, furthermore, the boat’s draft was shallow, enabling it to be on shallow waters. There were varying types of longships and made from different types of wood depending on the area of construction.

The Vikings’ history is rich with religion and mythology, and there are two primary texts that provided a framework about the Norse (Scandinavian) history overall. The Eddas are Icelandic manuscripts, namely, the Prose Edda and Poetic Edda . The Prose Edda’s origins go back to during the early 1200s CE and the Poetic Edda’s origins go back to the late 1200s CE.

Both texts were written by different authors; the Prose Edda was written by Snorri Sturluson, a poet and historian from Iceland. The author for the later text is still unclear and with many theories pointing to the work compiled by various poets, who also passed down the stories orally.

Vikings History

Viking Artwork

Some of the main characteristics of Viking Art include its functionality. This is evident in the wide selection of art (or ornamentation) portrayed on various everyday objects like drinking vessels, armor, weapons, storage containers, jewelry, ship equipment, and parts like oars, furniture, and much more. Viking artwork, or more broadly Norse artwork, combined with their daily life and represented their beliefs about the world.

The Viking culture had a Pagan belief system, which was dominantly the Scandinavian belief system. However, the Vikings would have encountered Christianity during their raids of various monasteries along the coasts of England. The Viking culture eventually adopted the Christian belief system. The Scandinavian belief system is known for its Norse Mythology with gods like Odin and Thor. These are also mythological characters alive today through pop culture and modern Viking concept art.

Mythological Viking Artwork

Another important characteristic of Viking Art includes the utilization of symbolism. Objects appear decorated with elaborate abstracted designs of animals, birds, humanoid figures, and patterns. A common pattern seen in Viking design is the intertwining of shapes or spiral-like motifs, this is also referred to as Norse knotwork.

Norse knotwork was a common motif within Norse Art in general and bore influences from Celtic Art knotwork, however, there are differences between the two design styles. For example, Celtic knotwork ( Icovellavna ) depicts more lines flowing in a seemingly ordered pattern. Norse knotwork shares similar design patterns, but also includes other visual motifs like animals, faces, or other significant symbolic objects.

Most of Norse Art, and similarly Viking artwork, was skilfully carved in wood. In fact, woodworking was an important occupation and skill in Viking culture. Other materials utilized were metals, stones, ivory, bone, including textiles. We notice the Viking designs on many of their objects, including objects for burials and their seafaring ships.

Norse Viking Art

Viking Art Styles

Viking artwork has been categorized into six distinguishing art styles based on the evolution of the Viking knotwork and design. The styles are also based on the names of where the Viking objects were found. Furthermore, the styles are ordered by their date of occurrence, and it is important to note that these dates overlap with each other (much like the overlapping Viking designs). Below we discuss each style and how the Viking design evolves throughout each.

Oseberg Style (c. 775 – 875 CE)

The Oseberg Style is the first noted style in traditional Viking Art, the name derives from the burial mound discovered at Oseberg, located near the city of Tønsberg, Vestfold County, Norway during 1904 and 1905. The discovery is marked by the founding of the Oseberg Viking longship made of oak wood.

The ship was made for funerary purposes for two women whose skeletal remains were excavated in the burial site. It also included various objects, or “grave goods”, accompanying the burial, these ranged from decoratively carved wooden bedposts, sleighs (or sleds), a wagon made from oak, wooden chests, and various other paraphernalia like wooden buckets with ladles and apples inside, as well as textiles and garments from the buried women.

Viking Artwork Ship

The wooden buckets were made from yew wood with brass inlays, but one bucket stood out from the rest, referred to as the Buddha Bucket , also made from yew with brass handles. Each end of the brass handle is attached to the back of the head of two Buddha-like figures, sitting in what is seemingly a “lotus posture”.

These metal figures are referred to as escutcheons, which are used as decorative and protective metal covers around various functional objects like handles, doorknobs, keyholes, or in this case the bucket’s handles. Furthermore, the torsos of the two figures appear as ornamental squares, decorated in enamel, which is referred to as cloisonné enamel.

What is unique about the Buddha-like figures is their close resemblance to Asian culture, and it is debated whether this was influenced by it, particularly the Buddhist culture.

Scholarly sources indicate it derives from Celtic and Early Christian influences. The figures may, in fact, be representations of the god Cernunnos from Celtic mythology who is often depicted as sitting in a lotus-like posture. The decorated torso also derives from similar Celtic designs.

Viking Artwork

Other decorative elements from the Oseberg Style include the Norse knotwork designs, specifically the “gripping beast” and “ribbon animal” motifs on the ship’s bow (front) and stern (back). These motifs appear as beast-like animals with circles for eyes (often described as “zoomorphic”), interlocking, snaking around one another, and seemingly engulfing other winding parts. This creates a more abstracted and geometric appearance as well as a patterned effect along the ship’s bow.

There are two notable sculptors (otherwise also referred to as “carvers” because of the importance placed on wood carving as a primary skill) prevalent during this period, they are named the “Academician” and the “Baroque Master”. Both artists carved animal head posts, which have been compared in stylistic differences. The Academician is described as having a traditional Viking Art style and the Baroque Master is described as more “innovative” in his style.

Seafaring Viking Culture

The Academician carved an animal head post, the head appears to be a beast with an open mouth. It is decorated with interweaving carved patterns while the rest of the body is plain wood. The patterns appear more as a singular motif utilized.

The Baroque Master also carved what is referred to as a head post, but it depicts multiple motifs to decorate the head. The decorations also run further down the neck compared to the Academician’s head post. There are more figures and animals intricately carved in overall circular designs.

The Oseberg style is sometimes also referred to as the Broa style due to the finding of 22 gilt-bronze harness mounts in Broa, a town in Gotland, a Swedish island. The harness mounts were found in a grave belonging to a man. The Broa style is often used alongside the Oseberg style.

Borre (c. 850 – 975 CE)

The Borre Viking style was named after the discovery of bronze bridle mounts from a ship’s grave in the Borre Mound Cemetery located in Borre in Vestfold County, Norway. This style is a continuation of the previous style with similarities in the Viking design, however, there are also notable differences compared to the previous style.

We will notice the characteristic “gripping-beast” motif in various objects, but there are other stylistic motifs evident. The various forms are depicted in what is described as tighter arrangements, giving more compactness. This in turn reduces the spaces in the background, this is a notable difference versus the previous style where there were more open spaces in the background.

When we look at the type of figures, or forms, portrayed, they also interlock with the other. The facial features of some of the figures appear with larger, rounded eyes, heads in more triangular shapes, as well as ears that are more pointed. This is evident in an example from Gotland in Sweden, the Silver Disc Brooch.

Metal Viking Artwork

This brooch has several human and animal-like figures arranged in a circular pattern, some protruding more than others. There are four four-legged animals and four human figures, each arranged in-between the other. The animals appear as if their heads are bending all the way to their back with their tongues licking their backs.

The human figures appear squatted, holding a V-shaped object around their neck area. In an aerial view of this object, we notice the human figures appear to be looking upwards as we notice their full oval (or triangular) shaped faces with rounded eyes and large noses.

Other objects from this style include the Gold Spur with the “ring-chain” pattern on it – a pattern characteristic of this style. The “ring-chain” pattern is also called “ring-braid” and appears as various intertwining and interlacing circles.

The Borre style became prominent in other areas not only restricted to Scandinavia, for example, the British Isles and Baltic areas like Russia.

Jellinge (c. 900 – 975 CE)

The Jellinge Viking style is often characterized as being continuous with the Borre style, and it is named after a silver cup from a royal burial mound in the town called Jellinge in Denmark. The silver cup depicts the characteristic S-shaped animal with a head and large round eyes. The animal creatures surround the whole outside circumference of the cup, interlacing with the other to form a fluid patterned effect.

Viking Concept Art

We will also notice their serpentine bodies curling around the cup have dots in the center or metal-like “beading”. When we look at their heads, they appear to have large lips curling upwards with a long ponytail-like protrusion interweaving behind their bodies to create a pattern.

Furthermore, these long “ribbon-animals” also appear to have legs or arms with a paw or hoof as their appendages, similar to the “gripping-beast” motif. Some sources indicate these appear like “mitts”. The hip joints are represented as spirals, like that of the Borre style, however, unlike the Borre style, the Jellinge style offers more of an open background with more simplified figures and animals.

Mammen (c. 960 – 1000/1025 CE)

The Mammen Viking style was given the name from an ax head discovered in a grave in Mammen Village in Denmark. The ax head is notable for its inlaid designs, which are done in silver. This also suggests it was used for ceremonial purposes and not functional purposes, as axes were widely utilized by the Viking culture (or the Norse culture in general).

The decorations on the ax head appear on both sides. One side appears mainly with interlacing tentacle-like formations, these are also described as “foliate” patterns. The other side depicts what appears to be a giant bird-like figure with similar tentacle-like (foliate) formations intertwining with it.

Again, we see the large spiral shape at the hip joint with a stylized head and round eyes. The entire bird-like figure and “foliate” patterns have dots (“beading”) running through the middle as well as decorating the body (upper and lower “torso”) of the bird. This composition also allows more background space, similar to the Jellinge style before it.

Norse Artwork

Reproduction of an ax head inlaid with silver, from Denmark (Viking Age);  Unknown author Unknown author , Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

One of the primary characteristics of this style is seen on the large-scale runestones called the Jelling Stones , which were discovered in Jelling town. These stones have become the cornerstones of the Mammen style due to the significant motif referred to as the “Great Beast”.

On the one side of the stone, we notice a large animal or hybrid of an animal due to its many different features of different animals. For example, its head is adorned with a set of what appears to be antlers and two small, pointed horns; along the neck, we notice a mane of hair as we find on a horse’s neck; the feet, and what we assume are hooves, appear as claws.

The tail of the hybrid creature curls upwards into an elaborate display of quasi-emblematic curls. We also notice a serpent-like figure around the body, neck, and tail of the creature. The major mobility, hip, areas are depicted with the characteristic spiral shape. Lastly, the figure’s head appears triangular (with a triangle as a snout and a circle as an eye) and its mouth seems to be open with a large curling L-shape coming from it, which could also be a continuation of the antlers above its head.

The “Great Beast” is often referred to as representing power, which is understandable when placed within the context of how these Jelling stones came to be. The above-mentioned Jelling stone was erected by King Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson in honor of his parents when they died. It was also erected to honor and celebrate his victory of being King of Norway and Denmark.

Furthermore, King Bluetooth also introduced Christianity in Denmark with an increased number of people converted – the King himself was a devout Christian. This also explains the other side of the Jelling stone, which depicts the crucified figure of Christ. The inscriptions on the stone give further evidence of the conversion from Paganism to Christianity.

Viking Design

When we look at the Christ figure, we notice his wide and open arms and the familiar tendril-like, sinuous, formations running around his arms and torso (these could also be the same foliate-style we see in other examples mentioned).

Christ’s facial features appear severe in style, depicted as a noticeable elongated chin, two small horizontally planed oval eyes, straight-set lips for the mouth, and an elongated nose. Christ’s overall facial features appear neutral in expression.

Other examples from the Mammen style include two caskets, namely, the Cammin Casket and the Bamberg Casket . During World War II, the Cammin Casket was reported as destroyed during fires in the Cathedral of Saint John, located in Cammin, where it was housed.

The Cammin and Bamberg caskets are similar in appearance, both are chests with lids that are slightly domed. These are made from ivory and bone with bronze strips along the edges and midlines of the chests as reinforcements.

Ringerike (c. 990 – 1050 CE)

The Ringerike style is named after the Ringerike district in Norway. This is also the location where more runestones were erected due to their increase in popularity. Animals and foliate designs appeared thinner without the dots or decorative “beads” in-between, referred to as “double contour lines”. The animals continue to appear beast-like, and struggling with the serpentine creatures encircling their bodies, like the above-mentioned beasts we encountered in the previous styles. There are additional animals included in the stone-carved compositions.

Viking Artwork Sculpture

An example of the above is in the carved stone at St. Paul’s Churchyard located in London. Here we see a beast-like animal appearing horse-like, seemingly in a constricted state, overwhelmed by various other figures attached to it. Its head and neck are reared facing behind it with what seems to be its tongue flicking out of its mouth, curling at the end tip.

There is more dynamism in this stone carving due to all the figures filling up the composition. We also notice other animal-like figures near the bottom of the composition holding onto the beast’s legs. Also, we notice the characteristic tendrils with hook-like ends. The major mobility areas on the Great Beast are depicted as spirals.

Another example in this style is the Vang Stone located in Vang, which is part of the Valdes region in Norway. It is a large rune stone with red patterns covering most of the surface. Again, we notice the familiar tendril-like, sinuous, patterns with almost hook-like ends intertwining, reminiscent of the Norse knotwork so characteristic of the Viking culture. The top section of the stone’s composition includes the lion-like animal in its heraldic stance with its mouth wide open as if it is roaring.

Norse Viking Culture

Urnes (c. 1050-1125 CE)

The Urnes Viking style is the last of the categorized Viking artwork styles, and it is named after the Stave Church in the village called Urnes, in the Vestland county in Norway. The church’s northern face depicts carvings done in wood in an elaborate relief style.

Here we see three familiar narrative motifs, namely, the beast-like creature, or “Great Beast”, also described as sharing features to a “Greyhound”, the serpentine figure curling its way around the composition, and thinner tendril, foliate-like, ribbons adding additional stylistic detail.

The primary action taking place is at the bottom of the wooden carving where we notice the beast-like figure and snake, both seemingly biting or gripping the other. The snake’s mouth is around the beast’s neck, and simultaneously the beast’s mouth is around the snake’s neck area. This interplay creates a patterned effect so familiar to the Viking artworks, but it also provides more detail to the narrative and the relationship between these two creatures.

Norse Knotwork

What is different about these styles is that the designs are more refined and sleeker in appearance. We also see a finer delineation of curves and the characteristic spiral that accentuates and defines the hip areas of the four-legged animal appear smaller.

The serpentine figures still have an appendage attached to their bodies, but this appears more streamlined with its joint area highlighted by a spiral. Maybe the adage of “less is more” creates a stylistic difference in this period versus the preceding periods.

The animals are depicted in a finer and more delicate essence of spirals and curves. There appears to be more emphasis on the lack of emphasis placed on portraying the curves and lines in a thicker manner. Furthermore, the eyes are more oval, almond-like, in shape. The four-legged animal has smaller feet compared to the previous styles where it had grabbing (often intimidating) claw-like feet.

This style also occurred in countries like England and Ireland. A popular example is the Pitney Brooch , which was found in Somerset, England, in a churchyard during the 1870s. It is 39 millimeters in diameter and made from gold and copper alloy.

This brooch depicts similar motifs characteristic to the Norse artwork. It portrays the serpentine figure, or snake, intertwined with a slimmer appearing ribbon-like animal. The snake is biting its own body. We can distinguish the snake by the metal beads running along the dorsal (upper) side of its body.

The intertwining animals and foliate designs are kept within the scalloped border of the circular frame of the brooch. The brooch also appears asymmetrical in design, which is another feature characteristic of this Viking design style.

Metal Viking Design

The Viking Age Declines and the Romanesque Age Begins

It is important to note that during the Urnes period there was an increase in the spread of Christianity across Scandinavia. The Viking culture started to decline due to various religious and political upheavals. Traditional Viking Art and its influence lessened, furthermore, with Christianity as the dominant religion and cultural influence the Romanesque Art period started and informed much of how art and architecture should be according to Christian ideals.

Viking Art Painting

The Romanesque Art period is believed to have started around the middle of the 10 th Century. It was focused on building more churches, sculptures, and icons for the religious education of the masses. Romanesque architecture was one of the dominant stylistic trends.

The Viking Age certainly left its mark on the Modern Age, the idealistic portrayal of a seemingly barbaric race of men and women has become a pop-cultural trend. From film, live re-enactments, and replicas of various aspects of the Viking culture like weapons, artifacts, and coins. Furthermore, Viking concept art has become a trend among many fans, we see many Viking designs on jewelry including the online space in computer games and graphic design.

The Viking culture was among the most unique cultures in history and each cultural artifact is like a window into the Vikings’ history, their lives, and ideals. The Vikings made their way from the peripheral lands of Europe, reaching its shores, and staking a claim to what they wanted. Although they are remembered as barbaric, the Viking culture had a lot more going for them and no one will forget them as they live on in the tendrils of modern history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is viking art.

Viking Art occurred during the period of the Viking Age, between 793 and 1066 CE. During this period, when the Vikings invaded other parts of Europe, there was a rise in the dissemination of Viking artwork as well as influences from other countries like England and Ireland. Viking Art is categorized into six dominant styles to emphasize the evolution of the distinct Viking designs seen on their wood carvings and other items like chests, jewelry, as well as runic stones.

What Were the Styles of Viking Art?

There are six primary Viking styles, each one named after a specific area where a notable item was found. The six styles are, namely, Oseberg Style (c. 775 – 875 CE), Borre (c. 850 – 975 CE), Jellinge (c. 900 – 975 CE), Mammen (c. 960 – 1000/1025 CE), Ringerike (c. 990 – 1050 CE), and Urnes (c. 1050 – 1125 CE).

What Are the Characteristics of Viking Art?

There are various characteristic features of Viking Art that are notable across all six artistic styles, namely two distinctive motifs called the “Gripping Beast” and “Ribbon Animal”. These are beast-like creatures that appear to hold on, or grip, to the borders of the composition, but over time this beast also appears lion-like. There are also snake-like creatures that coil themselves around the beast and other ribbon-like motifs that appear as foliage. Other characteristics include functionality, Viking designs are usually on items utilized for everyday living and it has been considered that Viking artwork is not as much “ art for art’s sake ” as we see in so many other cultures.

isabella meyer

Isabella studied at the University of Cape Town in South Africa and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in English Literature & Language and Psychology. Throughout her undergraduate years, she took Art History as an additional subject and absolutely loved it. Building on from her art history knowledge that began in high school, art has always been a particular area of fascination for her. From learning about artworks previously unknown to her, or sharpening her existing understanding of specific works, the ability to continue learning within this interesting sphere excites her greatly.

Her focal points of interest in art history encompass profiling specific artists and art movements, as it is these areas where she is able to really dig deep into the rich narrative of the art world. Additionally, she particularly enjoys exploring the different artistic styles of the 20 th century, as well as the important impact that female artists have had on the development of art history.

Learn more about Isabella Meyer and the Art in Context Team .

Cite this Article

Isabella, Meyer, “Viking Art – The History of Norse and Viking Artwork.” Art in Context. June 2, 2021. URL: https://artincontext.org/viking-art/

Meyer, I. (2021, 2 June). Viking Art – The History of Norse and Viking Artwork. Art in Context. https://artincontext.org/viking-art/

Meyer, Isabella. “Viking Art – The History of Norse and Viking Artwork.” Art in Context , June 2, 2021. https://artincontext.org/viking-art/ .

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The Most Famous Artists and Artworks

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Norse Dragons: Mythical Creatures of Viking Lore

norse dragons

For centuries, Norse Dragons have captured the imaginations of people around the world. These mythical creatures play a significant role in Viking lore and mythology, representing power, strength, and untamed nature. The stories surrounding Norse Dragons are rich and varied, filled with epic battles, transformative powers, and symbolic significance. In this article, we will explore the origins, types, and legends of Norse Dragons , as well as their representation in art, literature, and popular culture.

Key Takeaways:

  • Norse Dragons are mythical creatures that feature prominently in Viking lore and mythology
  • They represent power, strength, and untamed nature
  • The stories surrounding Norse Dragons are rich and varied, filled with epic battles and transformative powers
  • Norse Dragons are commonly depicted in art, literature, and popular culture
  • The continued fascination with Norse Dragons highlights their enduring popularity and significance

Origins of Norse Dragons

The origins of Norse dragons lie in the ancient beliefs and cultural influences of the Vikings . These fearsome creatures were seen as powerful and magical beings that possessed immense strength and wisdom. They were an integral part of Nordic mythology, representing the forces of nature and the power of the gods .

In Viking lore , dragons were often associated with fire and the destructive forces of nature. They were believed to be creatures of chaos, capable of unleashing great devastation upon the world. However, they were also revered for their wisdom and knowledge, and were often consulted by the gods for their insights.

The dragon symbolism in Norse mythology was heavily influenced by the beliefs and stories of other cultures, including the Greeks and the Romans. Norse mythology, like many polytheistic religions, was constantly evolving and adapting to new influences, and the dragon mythos was no exception.

It is also thought that the dragon legend in Norse mythology may have been influenced by encounters with real-life creatures, such as snakes and lizards, which were not native to the Viking homelands.

Types of Norse Dragons

In Norse mythology, dragons were often depicted as powerful and fearsome beings, revered for their strength and mythical abilities. There were several different types of Norse dragons , each with their own distinct characteristics and abilities.

Fafnir was a notorious dragon known for his insatiable greed. In Norse mythology, he was the son of the dwarf king Hreidmar and was transformed into a dragon after he was consumed by his desire for gold and power. Fafnir was known for his ability to breathe deadly poison and was eventually killed by the hero Sigurd.

Nidhogg was a fearsome dragon that gnawed on the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree in Norse cosmology. He was one of the most powerful and dangerous dragons in Norse mythology and was often associated with death and destruction. Nidhogg was believed to be a symbol of chaos and disorder, and his role in Norse mythology was to challenge the order and stability of the cosmos.

Jormungandr

Jormungandr was a giant sea serpent that lurked beneath the oceans. He was the arch-enemy of Thor , the Norse god of thunder, and was believed to be so massive that he encircled the entire world. In Norse mythology, Jormungandr was seen as a representation of the destructive power of nature.

Draugr was a type of undead Norse dragon that was said to haunt graveyards and tombs. These creatures were known for their immense strength and their ability to shape-shift into various forms, such as animals or even humans. Draugr were often associated with death and were considered to be dangerous and malevolent.

These are just a few of the many different types of Norse dragons found in Viking mythology. Each of these creatures played a significant role in the rich history and legends of the Norse people.

Thor and Jormungandr: The Epic Battle

One of the most renowned tales of Norse mythology is the epic battle between Thor , the god of thunder, and Jormungandr , the giant sea serpent. The encounter between the two powerful beings was prophesied to be one of the events that would lead to the end of the world, known as Ragnarok.

Jormungandr was no ordinary serpent; it was so vast that it surrounded the entire world, with its tail in its mouth. Thor , on the other hand, was one of the most powerful gods of the Norse pantheon , known for his strength and courage.

The battle between the two was intense, with Thor wielding his mighty hammer, Mjolnir, and Jormungandr spewing poison and venom. Despite the serpent’s attempts to overpower him, Thor ultimately emerged victorious, slaying Jormungandr with a fatal blow from his hammer.

The significance of this epic battle in Norse mythology cannot be overstated. It represented the triumph of good over evil, and the courage and perseverance required to face even the most formidable foes. Moreover, it demonstrated the power and might of Thor, one of the most beloved gods in Norse mythology.

Today, the tale of Thor and Jormungandr lives on, inspiring countless retellings in literature, film, and other forms of media. The epic battle between these two legendary beings remains a compelling example of the power of storytelling to capture the imagination and evoke a sense of awe and wonder.

Fafnir: The Greedy Dragon

One of the most notorious Norse Dragons is Fafnir , known for his insatiable greed. Fafnir was once a dwarf, but his unquenchable thirst for gold and power led him to transform into a dragon.

According to legend, Fafnir was guarding a massive treasure hoard, including the magical Ring of the Nibelung. However, his greed consumed him, and he killed his father over a dispute about the treasure’s distribution. He then hoarded the riches for himself, eventually transforming into a dragon to better protect his loot.

Fafnir’s greed led to his demise, as he was eventually slain by the hero Sigurd. After being mortally wounded, Fafnir regretted his actions and warned Sigurd of the curse that came with the treasure, saying, “All the gold which my father possessed and which I have guarded with such hardihood that I have become a serpent for its sake-all that thou shalt have and possess; but it shall profit thee nothing if thou dost not thyself beware thereof.”

The tale of Fafnir highlights the dangers of unbridled greed and the consequences that come with valuing material possessions above all else.

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Nidhogg: The World Tree Guardian

Among the various types of Norse Dragons , one that stands out is Nidhogg , the World Tree Guardian . In Norse cosmology, Yggdrasil, the World Tree, is believed to connect the nine worlds of Scandinavian mythology. Nidhogg, the fearsome dragon, gnaws at the roots of this magnificent tree, causing great harm.

The symbolism and significance of Nidhogg in Viking mythology are profound. As the World Tree Guardian , Nidhogg represents destruction and chaos, challenging the very foundation of the cosmos. Yet, in this role, Nidhogg also embodies the essence of creation and renewal, as every ending gives rise to a new beginning.

In popular culture, Nidhogg has been featured in various forms of media, from video games to novels and movies. His depiction as a fierce and powerful dragon continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Dragons in Viking Art and Artifacts

The representation of dragons is a recurring theme in Viking art and artifacts. These mythical creatures were often depicted in intricate designs, showcasing their fearsome power and strength.

Dragons were commonly engraved on weapons, shields, and helmets, imbuing them with a sense of protection and bravery. They were also sculpted into jewelry, amulets, and other ornaments, symbolizing strength and good fortune.

One notable example of dragon representation in Viking art is the Oseberg Ship, a 9th-century Viking ship discovered in Norway. The ship was adorned with intricate dragon head carvings, showcasing the Viking’s love for these mythical creatures.

Dragons in Viking Art: Symbolism and Meaning

Dragons in Viking art often symbolized power, strength, and protection. They were also associated with the gods and goddesses in Norse mythology, such as Odin and Freya .

Additionally, dragons were believed to guard treasures and hoards, making them a symbol of wealth and prosperity. They were often depicted alongside symbols of their hoards, such as gold coins or jewels.

The Viking’s love for dragons is evident in the intricate designs and symbols associated with them. The representation of these mythical creatures in Viking art and artifacts continues to be a source of fascination for people around the world.

Dragon Ships: Fearsome Vessels of the Vikings

The Vikings were known for their exceptional seafaring skills and the remarkable vessels they used for their expeditions and conquests. Among these vessels were the legendary Dragon Ships , which were adorned with intricately carved dragon heads at the bow, making them look fierce and fearsome.

The design of these Dragon Ships was not only meant to intimidate enemies, but it also had practical purposes. The dragon heads acted as a figurehead, cutting through the waves, providing stability in rough seas, and allowing the ship to ride the waves with ease.

The Viking sailors were skilled in maneuvering these ships, which were not only fast and maneuverable but also allowed them to navigate shallow rivers and streams, giving them an advantage in their raids and pillaging.

The dragon symbolism on these ships was also significant in Viking culture . Dragons were considered powerful and mythical creatures, associated with strength, wisdom, and protection. By placing these dragon heads on their ships, the Vikings believed they were imbuing them with these qualities, making them invincible in battle.

Dragon Ships were not only used for warfare and trade but also for exploration. Vikings used these ships to explore new territories, including Iceland, Greenland, and even parts of North America.

The legacy of Dragon Ships lives on today, with replicas of these vessels still being built and sailed around the world. The Viking-inspired longboats used in modern-day dragon boat races are a testament to the enduring legacy of these remarkable Dragon Ships.

Modern Depictions and Popularity of Norse Dragons

The fascination with Norse Dragons has continued to thrive in contemporary culture. From literature to movies, and even video games, these mythical creatures have remained a popular subject for entertainment.

The popularity of Norse Dragons has been reflected in the number of modern depictions in various forms of media. Books such as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson, and “Eragon” by Christopher Paolini, feature these creatures in their plots.

Moreover, movies and TV shows have also depicted Norse Dragons in their stories. The most notable example is the “How to Train Your Dragon” franchise, which tells the story of a young Viking who befriends a dragon. The franchise has gained immense popularity, with both children and adults alike enjoying the adventures of Hiccup and Toothless.

Video games have also incorporated Norse Dragons in their storylines, making them some of the most popular titles in the gaming industry. Games such as “Final Fantasy XIV” and “God of War” have featured these creatures as bosses, while “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim” allows players to ride and control these mythical beasts.

The modern popularity of Norse Dragons highlights their enduring appeal and significance in popular culture, as they continue to inspire and entertain people across different forms of media.

Norse Dragons in Popular Video Games

Norse Dragons have been a popular feature in video games for many years. These mythical creatures are often depicted as powerful and majestic beings, capable of breathing fire and wreaking havoc on their enemies. Here are some of the most popular video games featuring Norse Dragons:

  • Skyrim : This open-world action role-playing game features several different types of dragons inspired by Norse mythology. Players can battle these fearsome creatures and even learn to harness their power through dragon shouts.
  • God of War: The God of War franchise draws heavily from Norse mythology , with dragons playing a significant role in many of the games. Players can fight giant dragons and even ride them into battle.
  • Assassin’s Creed Valhalla: In this action-adventure game, players take on the role of a Viking warrior and explore the world of Norse mythology. Norse Dragons make an appearance and can be defeated in battles throughout the game.
  • World of Warcraft : This massively multiplayer online role-playing game features a variety of dragons, including those inspired by Norse mythology. Players can battle these dragons and collect powerful loot.

These are just a few examples of the many video games that feature Norse Dragons as central figures. Whether you’re a fan of action role-playing games, adventure games, or massively multiplayer online games, there’s a game out there that will allow you to engage with these mythical creatures and embark on epic quests.

Norse Dragons have long been an integral part of Viking mythology, representing power, mystery, and adventure. Delving into their origins and the legends surrounding them, we have uncovered the captivating world of these mythical creatures. From their portrayal in ancient artwork and artifacts to their adaptation in modern pop culture, Norse Dragons continue to inspire people around the world.

Through their representation in video games, literature, and movies, we can see that the fascination with Norse Dragons remains as strong as ever. Engaging with these mythical creatures allows us to explore the captivating world of Viking mythology and immerse ourselves in a world of mystery, magic, and adventure.

Whether you’re a fan of fantasy or a history enthusiast, Norse Dragons offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient world of the Vikings . So why not embark on your own Norse Dragon journey and explore the mesmerizing world of Viking mythology today? Who knows what adventures await you!

Q: What are Norse Dragons?

A: Norse Dragons are mythical creatures that feature prominently in Viking lore and mythology. They are powerful and fearsome creatures that are often associated with the elements of fire and destruction.

Q: Where do Norse Dragons come from?

A: Norse Dragons have their origins in the beliefs and cultural influences of the ancient Norse people. They are rooted in the rich mythology and legends of the Vikings, who envisioned these creatures as powerful forces of nature.

Q: What are the different types of Norse Dragons?

A: There are various types of Norse Dragons mentioned in Viking folklore. Some of the most well-known ones include Nidhogg, Fafnir, and Jormungandr. Each of these dragons has distinct characteristics and plays a specific role in Norse mythology.

Q: What is the story of Thor and Jormungandr?

A: Thor and Jormungandr are central figures in Norse mythology. They are known for their epic battle, which is said to have taken place during Ragnarok, the end of the world. This battle symbolizes the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Q: Who is Fafnir and what is his story?

A: Fafnir is a notorious dragon in Norse mythology. He was once a human prince who became consumed by his greed for gold and power. As a result, he transformed into a fearsome dragon and faced tragic consequences for his actions.

Q: What is the role of Nidhogg in Norse cosmology?

A: Nidhogg is a fearsome dragon that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, the World Tree in Norse cosmology. He symbolizes destruction and chaos and is believed to play a role in the cycle of creation and destruction in the Norse mythological universe.

Q: How are Norse Dragons depicted in Viking art and artifacts?

A: Dragons are a prominent motif in Viking art and can be seen in intricate designs on jewelry, weapons, and other artifacts. They are often depicted as fierce and powerful creatures, showcasing the reverence and fascination that the Vikings had for these mythical beings.

Q: What are Dragon Ships and their significance in Viking culture?

A: Dragon Ships, also known as longships, were remarkable vessels used by the Vikings for exploration, trade, and warfare. They were adorned with elaborate dragon heads at the prow, symbolizing the bravery and power of the Viking warriors who sailed them.

Q: How are Norse Dragons depicted in modern culture?

A: Norse Dragons continue to be popular and are often depicted in various forms of media, including literature, movies, and artwork. They are seen as symbols of adventure, power, and mystique, captivating the imaginations of people around the world.

Q: Can you provide examples of video games featuring Norse Dragons?

A: Some popular video games that feature Norse Dragons as central figures include “God of War,” “The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim,” and “Dragon Age: Inquisition.” These games allow players to engage with the mythical world of Norse Dragons and embark on epic quests.

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Viking Language and Literature

Icelandic Literature for Beginners

Icelandic Literature for Beginners

Svanhildur Sif Halldórsdóttir

  • The Icelandic Sagas - Honour, Glory and Revenge
  • Rebel Writers
  • The Nobel Prize
  • What is the Christmas Book Flood or Jólabókaflóðið?
  • Ugh, no more Murders

Icelandic literature is a millennium old.

What's so unique about Icelandic literature? What are the ancient Icelandic Sagas? What is the Christmas Book Flood or Jólabókaflóðið? Where does Iceland's obsession with crime writing come from? Read more to find out everything you need to know about the literary heritage of this nation of book lovers.  

Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Finnur Jónsson . No edits made.

  • Read more about Icelandic books in The Icelanders and Their Love of Books
  • Learn more in the Story of Icelandic Cinema
  • Experience the landscapes yourself with this  Private Jeep Game of Thrones Adventure

Every year, over 1300 titles are published in a language spoken by only 330 thousand people. To say that Icelanders are book lovers is an understatement. They are utterly obsessed with books. 

These books are not just the works of a few, very hard working authors either. It is said that one in every 10 Icelanders has published a book (including me!). Iceland has more books published, more writers and more books read than anywhere else in the world—per capita of course.

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24 hour reykjavik city card with entry to museums, galleries & geothermal pools, 48 hour reykjavik city card with admission to museums, galleries & geothermal pools, reykjavik city card | 72 hours.

The Icelandic language has some neat proverbs depicting our love of books such as ‘It is better to be without shoes than without a book’ and ‘A man’s best friend is a book’ (not a dog). ‘To walk around with a book in your stomach’ is a common phrase meaning ‘to have an idea for a book’.

The Icelandic Sagas - Honour, Glory and Revenge    

Iceland’s love of the written word has deep roots. Runic inscriptions from times of the Icelandic settlement show that the settlers could read and had thoughts they believed were important enough to (quite literally) set in stone. This feeling that our thoughts are important enough to be printed, to be preserved for generations to come, has not left us.

Snorri's Edda provides a lot of context for the Sagas.

Photo from  Wikimedia, Creative Commons, from the Edda . No edits made.

This need of creating something permanent, to preserve information for future generations is perhaps the reason monks in the 13th century started writing down the Icelandic Sagas .

Nobody knows the authors of these Sagas; if there are any. A theory states that these might be true stories (well, true-ish) who were mainly passed down orally from generation to generation. 

Thor fights the Midgard Serpent.

The Sagas are perhaps the best known of all Icelandic literature and are still an intricate part of Iceland's culture and identity. The Sagas are a large body of medieval literature depicting the life of Icelandic settlers in the 9th, 10th and early 11th century

Written in a realistic style with a hint of fantasy, the Sagas are filled with epic battles and larger-than-life heroes where the main themes are honour, glory and revenge. These stories have been an inspiration to authors such as Sir Walter Scott , W.H. Auden and J.R.R Tolkien . 

One of the most popular Sagas is Njáls Saga (also known as Njála, Brennu-Njálssaga or ‘The Story of Burnt Njall’). It is as popular today as it was 700 years ago when it was first written down. More manuscripts containing this story exist than any other Icelandic Saga, giving us reason to believe that hearing the story once wasn’t enough, people would copy the story on the skin so they could own it themselves.

Njáls Saga’s principal characters are they lawyer and wise man Njáll Þorgeirsson and Gunnar Hámundason, a great warrior. The saga deals with the process of blood feuds and shows how minor insults can escalate into destructive and prolonged bloodshed, all in the name of honour. 

  • Get Viking experience in this Viking Adventure Tour  

Some prominent scholars have argued that the Sagas are not mere pass-time stories, but allegories whose fundamental purpose is to hide and preserve the pagan world-view that came under attack after Iceland's conversion to Christianity in the year 1000 AD.

According to this theory, the Sagas are deeply rooted in an elaborate cosmological system, and each of their characters represents a particular mythological and cosmological concept. Njáll has, for example, been associated with creation, fertility and water and Njáls Saga, so the theory goes, is one enormous puzzle, assembled to safeguard a way of interpreting reality itself. 

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Njal's Saga is an ancient manuscript.

The Icelandic Sagas will give you the chance to see the world through the eyes of the Vikings. But if you like a little more magic in your Viking stories, you can check out The Edda ,  two medieval texts known as Poetic Edda and Prose Edda.

The manuscript for Poetic Edda is sometimes attributed to Sæmundur Fróði (or Sæmundur the Learned) a larger than life 12th-century Icelandic priest. It is a collection of Nordic poems and is perhaps the most important source on Norse mythology and Germanic heroic legends. 

Battle of the Doomed Gods by Friedrich Wilhelm Heine

'Photo from Wikimedia, Creative Commons, by Friedrich Wilhelm Heine . No edits made.

The Prose Edda is believed to be compiled by historian and scholar Snorri Sturluson . It is in four parts; the Prologue (called Prologus) is a short introduction to Norse Mythology. Next up is Gylfaginning (‘Tricking Gylfi’) where the stupid King Gylfi talks to Odin about the creation and destruction of the world.

Then there is Skáldskaparmál (‘The Language of Poetry’) a dialogue between Ægir, the Norse god of the sea, and Bragi, a skaldic god, in which the nature of poetry and the essence of Nordic mythology are entwined. Finally, there is Háttatal (‘list of verse forms’), a 102-verse poem written by Snorri where every verse is written in a different poetic form. 

  • Learn more about the Sagas  

Rebel Writers    

The Viking Sagas are still among Icelander’s favourite books and have been since they were first written down. However, a few centuries later, poetry became the dominant form of literature in Iceland. Poets such as Hallgrímur Pétursson (of Hallgrímskirkja fame), Látra-Björg and Grímur Thomsen wrote many beautiful poems portraying Iceland’s stunning landscape.

Landmannalaugar's stunning landscapes in Iceland's southern Highlands

At the beginning of the 20th century, the books published in Iceland were mostly poetry collections. Not everyone was content on only writing poetry, however, and eventually, a few rebel writers emerged.

One of those writers is Þórbergur Þórðarson who is now one of Iceland’s most beloved authors. But this was not always so. He was one of the first people in Iceland to experiment with auto-fiction in 1924 and wrote several books packed with satire, irony and rowdy self-expression which troubled the public who were used to romantic poetry and the objective style of the Icelandic Sagas. 

A contemporary of Þórbergur was the writer Gunnar Gunnarsson . Born in 1889 to poor farmers, he moved early on to Denmark to get an education. There Gunnar wrote most of his works including a novella called The Good Shepherd.

The story, which describes the adventures of a shepherd rounding up sheep from the uninhabited area of Lake Mývatn, captured the attention of Walt Disney who called Gunnar asking him if he could make it into a cartoon. When Gunnar asked how much he would get paid, Disney replied that he was not used to paying authors commission and so, Gunnar hung up on him.

Myvatn is a spectacular lake area.

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The first Icelandic author to make a living as a writer and the first one to publish a historical fiction novel was Torfhildur Hólm . Born in 1845 she is considered the first Icelandic female novelist.

In 1962 her collection of folktales she had gathered herself over the years called Sögur og Ævintýri (‘Stories and Fairytales’) was published. The stories take a stance on women’s rights and are shown from the perspective of the female characters. Her novel-writings showed both romantic and realistic trades and influenced a young boy, named Halldór Laxness , who would later become a Nobel laureate.

  • Read about stories and fairy tales in Folklore in Iceland
  • A fairy tale needs a witch, here is an article on Witchcraft in Iceland

The Nobel Prize    

Growing up Halldór Laxness, like so many Icelanders, read the Viking Sagas. However, unlike many Icelanders, he wasn’t a fan. In a letter to a friend, Halldór stated that he knew of no text more boring and outdated than the works of Snorri Sturluson and the medieval writers. 

A farm boy in the countryside community of Mosfellsdalur , Halldór published his first newspaper article in 1916, then only fourteen years old. Three years later, at seventeen, he published his first novel Barn Náttúrunnar or ‘Nature’s Child’; influenced by people such as Torfhildur Hólm, Sigmund Freud, Ernest Hemingway and his grandmother, Guðný Klængsdóttir. Halldór Laxness became Iceland’s most esteemed author. 

  • Ride a horse in the area where Halldór Laxness grew up on this tour .
  • Read more on Halldór and other famous Icelanders in Top 9 most famous Icelanders in history

Halldór Laxness grew up on a farm in Mosfellsdalur valley

Halldór’s works were extensive. He translated writings such as Voltaire’s Candide ou l'Optimisme and Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms into Icelandic, he wrote poems, short stories, essays, theatre pieces and nonfiction.

He is, however, best known for his novels where he perfectly captured the social tensions in Iceland in the 20th century caused by urbanisation, migration, industrialisation and the decreasing role of traditions. This vivid view on social situations got him awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1955. 

Perhaps his most revered work (and many Icelander’s favourite book) is Sjálfstætt fólk, or ‘ Independent People ’, published in two parts in 1934 and 1935. On the surface, it’s a story of a single impoverished Icelandic farmer in the early 20th century, but the farmer, Bjartur of Summerhouses, has the blood of the Vikings flowing through his veins and so the story becomes much more than a story about a poor farmer. 

20th century in Iceland was filled with tensions due to urbanisation, migration and industrialisation

Other famous works by Halldór are Salka Valka, Heimsljós (‘World Light’), Íslandsklukkan (‘Iceland’s Bell’), Kristnihald undir jökli (‘Under the Glacier’) and Atómstöðin (‘The Atom Station’). The last novel, written in 1948 in response to the establishment of a permanent US military base in Keflavík , got him blacklisted in the United States. 

What is the Christmas Book Flood or Jólabókaflóðið?    

As winter sets in, the auroras begin to show.

This Icelandic passion for books has created some unusual traditions. Each year in November, every household in Iceland receives a free catalogue, Bókatíðindin or ‘book bulletin’, listing every book to be published in the coming weeks.

This marks the start of 'Jólabókaflóðið' or ‘the Christmas book flood’, a time between November and December when around 500-1000 new titles will be made available, not only in bookstores but also supermarkets and even gas stations.  

The most popular item to give as a Christmas present in Iceland is a book. Last Christmas the average Icelander received at least one book as a present. Many Icelanders use the ‘book bulletin’ as a Christmas wishlist, marking every book they would like to receive for Christmas.

Christmas Eve in Iceland involves book gift giving

The tradition was created  during World War II, when paper was one of the few items not subject to rationing and therefore books became a popular gift.

During the festive season, Icelanders open their book gifts on Christmas Eve (24th December) and traditionally read a choice book they received that evening while drinking either hot chocolate or a Christmas drink called jólabland, which is made by mixing orange soda and dark ale.

  •  Learn about Christmas in Iceland in  Christmas and New Year's Eve in Iceland  

Murder!    

Realistic but eerie settings, desolate characters and complex subject matters set Nordic noir novels aside from the older whodunit murder mysteries. These novels (also known as Scandinavian noir or Scandi noir) are the new craze in the literary world. As well as literature, there is also film and television as many of the published works have been adapted to the big and small screen. Iceland is, of course, doing its part in keeping the Nordic noir craze alive. 

Authors such as Arnaldur Indriðason and Yrsa Sigurðardóttir are well-established writers in this genre and have sold their books all over the world. They are considered Iceland’s crime writing royalty and their characters, such as Arnaldur’s detective Erlendur, are becoming as beloved as Bjartur of Summerhouse and Burnt Njáll.

Many of Ragnar Jónasson's books are set in Siglufjörður

  The newest royal member is Ragnar Jónasson. As a teenager, Ragnar used to translate Agatha Christie novels into Icelandic which is why his novels, such as Snowblind and Nightblind, have a hint of the classic whodunit murder mysteries but they are set in desolated towns, such as Siglufjörður , which are only accessible via mountain tunnels.  

  • Stay safe in Iceland by reading this article on  Things that can kill you in Iceland

Ugh, no more Murders   

Not into murder mysteries? Don’t worry. Iceland has a whole variety of other authors. Like the poet and novelist Steinunn Sigurðardóttir. Her first book Tímaþjófurinn (‘The Thief of Time’), an unusual love story beautifully infused with her poetry, was turned in to a French film in 1999.

The poet, novelist and lyricist Sjón has been active on the Icelandic music scene since the early 1980s. He was even featured as a guest vocalist on a Sugarcubes single Luftgitar (The Sugarcubes were an alternative rock group, formed in 1986 comprised of Björk and other cool people).

Sjón has published many poetry books, novels and novellas. His story, Skugga-Baldur or ‘The Blue Fox’ has been turned into a one-woman play, which is quite a feat considering the story is about a man, Shadow-Baldur, who is hunting a fox in the harsh Icelandic landscape, a botanist and his adopted daughter.

A few novelists have been busy collecting awards and nominations both in Iceland and all over the world. Authors such as Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir , Jón Kalman Stefánsson , Andri Snær Magnason and Gerður Kristný . 

If you are in the mood for a laugh, you can check out the hilarious stick figure cartoons of Hugleikur Dagsson. Hugleikur has written several offensive comics such as ‘Should you be laughing at this?’, ‘Avoid us’ and ‘I hate dolphins’.  

A friend of Hugleikur and an all-around funny girl Lóa Hlín Hjálmtýsdóttir is a comic book writer whose book ‘Generalizations about Nations’ will show you what people actually think about your country. As well as being the lead singer in the popular band FM Belfast, Lóa Hlín has written (and drawn) several comics in her Lóaboratorium which show little slices of life in a hilarious and inappropriate way.

  • Hugleikur's wit earned him a spot in Top 10 sexiest men in Iceland 2015
  • You might find Lóa Hlín and FM Belfast at a festival, check out The Top 10 Festivals in Iceland

So if you want to read an Icelandic book, you have a lot to choose from. Everything from ancient Viking Sagas to Nobel Prize winners and offensive cartoons. What are some of your favourite Icelandic books?

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Today we refer to Viking Age Scandinavians generally as Vikings as though they were one group. But the people known as Vikings weren’t an entirely homogeneous mass of people.

There were Norwegian Vikings , Danish Vikings, and Swedish Vikings (We won’t have a separate category for the Icelanders since they were originally Norwegian, after all, and didn’t really go Viking like their counterparts eastward did, they also developed a more settled society.

There are issues which makes this claim really difficult to dispute over.

Firstly, documentation of the early Viking raids did not have many sources.

There are little to none written sources showing the early raids of the Vikings from these regions.

Secondly, the Vikings were not divided into states so it would be harder to identify where each tribe orginated from exactly.

The tribes and earldoms were in constant conflict which made it hard to follow who owned and occupied who.

W e know that they spoke the same language, however, there would’ve been some change due to geography. For example; the mountains between Norway and Sweden and water between the Nordic countries and Denmark.

It is safe to conclude the Vikings had a prominant culture which was regionally divided.

Types of Vikings

Danish Vikings

The Danish Vikings, also known as Danes, were the most politically organized of the different types of Vikings.

This is why Danish kings played a greater role in Viking invasions long before Norwegian/Swedish Vikings.

The Danes were the strongest of the Norsemen both in political and military power.

They were also the first of the three to convert to Christianity (almost entirely by the end of 9th century).

The Danish Vikings wanted to discover and pillage the West.

Their focus was put on France , England , and the Mediterranean parts of the world.

The Danes were the original “Vikings”.

The bulk of the raids came from Denmark, Southern Norway and Sweden (the areas around the Kattegat and Skagerakk sea areas).

types of viking literature

Norwegian Vikings

The Norwegian Vikings were utterly crazed warriors.

Almost all Vikings who used axes in combat were from the Norwegian part, as far as the archeological evidence allows.

The Norwegians were the best boat builders and sailors .

The Norwegians remained pagan for a while, not so long as the Swedes, but still respectably so.

The Norwegians are said to be arguably the bravest of the three types of Vikings.

They were the most pioneering and adventurous; sailing to Iceland, Greenland, and America.

Swedish Vikings

The Swedes, then known as Varangians , or Rus stayed true to their pagan ways for the longest out of the three (until early 12th century).

They ventured to discover and pillage new lands in the east along the Volga and Dnieper rivers.

Their expeditions, however, were of a different sort than the Danes and Norwegians in the West.

They were excellent explorers and tradesmen, but simply not as violent as the other types of Vikings (in relative terms, of course, they terrorized many primitives along the Baltic).

The goal of the Rus was primarily to trade (or so we think). They established long trade routes to the middle east and around the Black Sea.

types of viking literature

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  4. Language of the Vikings

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  5. [Top 10] Best Viking Books With Great Story

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COMMENTS

  1. Language, Literature and Art

    Sagas The sagas are probably the mostly widely known and read body of Viking literature. They are a complex blend of family stories, heroic adventure and political history told in a style that is designed to be both accessible and entertaining. The sagas reflect their roots in the oral tradition by adopting a linear approach to storytelling.

  2. Vikings

    Most contemporary literary and written sources on the Vikings come from other cultures that were in contact with them. Since the mid-20th century, archaeological findings have built a more complete and balanced picture of the lives of the Vikings. ... There were many types of Viking ships, built for various uses; the best-known type is probably ...

  3. Viking Literature: Stories, Sagas and Myths

    Viking Literature: Stories, Sagas and Myths History » The Vikings » Viking Literature: Stories, Sagas and Myths Loading... Viking culture was rich in stories, tales and poems. Kings, brave heroes, beautiful women, dangerous journeys, battles, fearsome dragons and otherworldly creatures were all subjects of tales told by skalds and everyone else.

  4. Old Norse literature

    Old Norse literature refers to the vernacular literature of the Scandinavian peoples up to c. 1350. It chiefly consists of Icelandic writings.. In Britain. From the 8th to the 15th centuries, Vikings and Norse settlers and their descendants colonised parts of what is now modern Scotland.Some Old Norse poetry survives relating to this period. The Orkneyinga saga (also called the History of the ...

  5. Old Norse poetry

    Old Norse poetry is conventionally, and somewhat arbitrarily, split into two types: Eddaic poetry (also known as Eddic poetry) and Skaldic poetry. Eddaic poetry refers to poems on themes of mythology or ancient heroes, composed in simpler meters (see below) and with anonymous authors.

  6. Vikings

    Works about the Viking world written in English are abundant, although much of the anglophone literature has a Western bent, focusing on Viking raids and settlement in the British Isles. Many books have the same or very similar titles (e.g., The Viking , The Vikings , The Viking World , The World of the Vikings , A History of the Vikings ...

  7. Vikings History: An Overview of Culture and History

    Viking literature in the vernacular is the only other body of writings in the people's language besides the Irish hero tales. Of Norse poetry, there are two varieties: skaldic poetry and eddaic poetry. ... They also had smaller boats for carrying cargo, fishing and ferrying. The two main types were the longships for war and the knarr for ...

  8. Scandinavian literature

    Britannica Quiz Poetry: First Lines The term Scandinavia traditionally designates the two countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula—Norway and Sweden—and Denmark. Finland and Iceland are frequently called Scandinavian countries on geographic, political, and cultural grounds.

  9. Saga

    fornaldarsǫgur kings' saga See all related content → saga, in medieval Icelandic literature, any type of story or history in prose, irrespective of the kind or nature of the narrative or the purposes for which it was written.

  10. Introductory Bibliography to Old Norse Literature

    Old Norse Prose Literature. There are several types of Viking Age prose literature. Generally speaking, the main ones being the saga, which can range in length from what we'd consider a short story up to a novel, the þattr, which is generally a fairly short story, and often makes up a small part of a longer saga, and histories, which often resemble collections of sagas.

  11. The 10 Best Books on the Vikings

    1. The Sea Wolves: A History of the Vikings by Lars Brownworth For most people, Lars Brownworth's The Sea Wolves will be the ideal introduction to the historical Vikings. It assumes no prior knowledge, and is written in a highly accessible style.

  12. The Viking Herald's ultimate list of non-fiction Viking books you need

    9) Women In the Viking Age by Judith Jesch. Whilst almost three decades old, a classic is still a classic. This 1991 book was an inspiration for a whole new generation of female Viking historians and researchers. It was the first book to seriously look at a women's experience during the Viking Age.

  13. Icelanders' sagas

    The family sagas are a unique contribution to Western literature and a central pillar of Icelandic literature.They are notable for their realism, their controlled objective style, their powers of character delineation, and their overwhelming tragic dignity, and they represent the highest development of the classical age of Icelandic saga writing. Some scholars have argued that the artistic ...

  14. Saga

    Sagas are prose stories and histories, composed in Iceland and to a lesser extent elsewhere in Scandinavia.. The most famous saga-genre is the Íslendingasögur (sagas concerning Icelanders), which feature Viking voyages, migration to Iceland, and feuds between Icelandic families. However, sagas' subject matter is diverse, including pre-Christian Scandinavian legends; saints and bishops both ...

  15. Old Norse Poetry

    The earliest surviving Old Norse poetry was inscribed on the Eggja Runestone which dates from the eighth century. Poetry was still being written in Old Norse as late as the end of the thirteenth century. Most Old Norse poetry survives in Iceland, but the Skaldic Poetry of the Scandinavian Middle Ages website has identified 188 poetic runic ...

  16. Were Vikings Literate? (Reading in the Viking Age)

    See below Did The Vikings Have Literature? Vikings had their own letters called futhark, the runic alphabet. However, there were variations to their lettering and language between people and over time, making translations difficult. The scarcity of records is due to a lack of materials, as they carved words into stone, bone, wood, and wax.

  17. Best Historical Fiction Books about Vikings

    "The Last Kingdom" by Bernard Cornwell Set during the reign of Alfred the Great, "The Last Kingdom" introduces readers to Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman captured and raised by Vikings. Bernard Cornwell's meticulous research and engaging prose create a riveting narrative that delves into the clash of cultures between the Vikings and Saxons.

  18. To Live Like the Women of Viking Literature ‹ Literary Hub

    The literary source for most of our images of Viking warrior women is a 13th century Danish monk known as Saxo Grammaticus, whose Gesta Danorum grafts classical ideas of Amazons onto Scandinavian legends, transforming the Valkyrie from a battle observer into a warrior in her own right. He may have done this as a way of painting the pagan Scandinavians as backward, sinful, acting against God ...

  19. Viking Art

    LEFT: Title page of a manuscript of the Prose Edda, showing Odin, Heimdallr, Sleipnir, and other figures from Norse mythology, 18th century; Unknown author Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.RIGHT: A miniature detail from the Poetic Edda; Gilwellian, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Viking Artwork. Some of the main characteristics of Viking Art include its functionality.

  20. Norse Dragons: Mythical Creatures of Viking Lore

    Norse Dragons are mythical creatures that feature prominently in Viking lore and mythology. They represent power, strength, and untamed nature. The stories surrounding Norse Dragons are rich and varied, filled with epic battles and transformative powers. Norse Dragons are commonly depicted in art, literature, and popular culture.

  21. Literature

    The Types of Assemblies; Ireland. Viking Towns in Ireland; Isle of Man. IoM Archaeology; ... Viking Age fortresses on the North Frisian islands; Viking Society; ... Viking Language and Literature. Menu. Old Norse and other Germanic languages Old Norse Poetry The Icelandic Sagas Snorri Sturluson.

  22. A Complete Guide to Icelandic Literature

    The Icelandic Sagas - Honour, Glory and Revenge Rebel Writers The Nobel Prize What is the Christmas Book Flood or Jólabókaflóðið? Murder! Ugh, no more Murders What's so unique about Icelandic literature? What are the ancient Icelandic Sagas? What is the Christmas Book Flood or Jólabókaflóðið?

  23. How different were Swedish, Danish and Norwegian Vikings?

    Swedish Vikings. The Swedes, then known as Varangians, or Rus stayed true to their pagan ways for the longest out of the three (until early 12th century). They ventured to discover and pillage new lands in the east along the Volga and Dnieper rivers. Their expeditions, however, were of a different sort than the Danes and Norwegians in the West.