Who are the Vikings: unraveling the myths of the rugged warriors of the North %

When we hear the word “Viking”, the image of a bearded big man in a horned helmet waving an axe immediately comes to mind. However, it is worth saying at once – the horns on helmets were invented by artists of the 19th century! So who are the Vikings really?

Vikings are not a nation, but rather a way of life. So called people, natives of Scandinavia (modern Norway, Sweden, Denmark), who in the VIII-XI centuries made sea voyages. They were not only warriors, but also skillful seafarers, traders, explorers and even the first Europeans to set foot on the land of America.

How did the word “Viking” come to be?

The word “Viking” comes from the Old Scandinavian víkingr, which means “sea voyage” or “a man who went on a raid”. That is, Vikings were those who temporarily left their home and set sail – for booty, glory and new lands.

Were Vikings only pirates?

One of the most common mistakes is to think of Vikings as only ruthless robbers. Yes, robbery and raiding were an important part of their culture, but that’s only part of the story.

Here’s what the Vikings did besides plundering:

Trade. They sold furs, honey, weapons, silver, and even slaves. Their ships plied the waters from Constantinople to Baghdad.
Colonization. Vikings established settlements in England, Ireland, France, and even Iceland and Greenland.
Farming. Many Vikings were common farmers, growing wheat, raising livestock, and building houses.

Where did the Vikings leave their mark?

The Vikings were everywhere! They reached Britain, settled in Normandy (France), conquered part of Russia (Varangians) and even reached Vinland (modern-day Canada).

What did the Vikings look like?

We forget about horned helmets – they didn’t exist! Vikings wore iron or leather helmets without jewelry. Clothing was practical: woolen tunics, leather boots and fur cloaks.

Interesting facts about the Vikings’ appearance:

They were cleaner than medieval Europeans – they went to the baths every week.
They used combs made of bone to groom their hair and beards.
They liked to wear bright clothes – red, blue, yellow (natural dyes).

Weapons and battle tactics

What did the Vikings fight with?

Axes. The most favorite tool – cheap, powerful, effective.
Swords. Expensive, but the noble Vikings had them.
Spears. Universal weapons, used in close and long-range combat.
Shields. Wooden, round, often with iron reinforcement in the center.

Viking battle tactics

The Vikings were famous for the “pig” – a battle formation in which fighters went in a wedge and broke through the enemy’s formation. They also organized surprise raids, attacking quickly and retreating just as quickly.

How did the Vikings change the world?

They founded Kievan Rus, ruled Novgorod and Kiev.
Captured part of England and established a settlement in Normandy.
Explored Greenland and even North America.
Influenced culture and language (English has words of Scandinavian origin).

Viking gods, mythology and beliefs

The Vikings believed in Odin, Thor, Loki, Freya, and other gods. They believed that after death, brave warriors would go to Valhalla, a huge hall where they could fight and feast forever.

Sacrifices and rituals

Animals and even humans were sacrificed to placate the gods.
Believed that the world stood on the great tree Yggdrasil.
They held funeral rites, burning the dead on rooks.

The end of the Viking Age

By the 11th century, raids became less profitable and Christianity gradually replaced pagan traditions. European states strengthened, and former Vikings became settled rulers and landowners.

What’s next. The Vikings are alive in the culture!

Want to learn more about the Vikings? Visit museums, read sagas, or watch movies.

Share this article if you are impressed by the Vikings! Who knows, maybe among your friends there are descendants of the great warriors?