The truth about the Vikings: 7 common myths that have nothing to do with reality

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Usually, when it comes to Vikings, many imagine fierce blonde warriors in metal armor who boast long formidable nicknames. But actually it is not. In this review, we will debunk the most common myths about these warriors.

1. Scandinavian raiders called themselves "Vikings"

Today historians use the word "Vikings" to refer to the Scandinavian seafarers who plundered, explored and populated much of Northern Europe from the late 8th century to the mid-11th century. But in fact, the formidable warriors never called themselves that word, moreover, they did not even consider themselves one nationality.

No one knows exactly where the word "viking" came from, or when it was first used to describe Scandinavian raiders in general. Historians believe that the word "viking" comes from the Old Norse word "vik", which means "fjord" or "bay" and that it referred to pirates who used these reservoirs as raider bases.

2. Vikings were excellent warriors

Many Vikings did not have any special combat training and were not professional warriors. Rather, they were ordinary farmers, fishermen and peasants who sought to improve their well-being. If they wanted to join the group that went on a raid, they had to provide their own weapons and armor. Since the pirate seafarers, as a rule, plundered coastal villages, they did not always participate in hand-to-hand combat.

But still there is some truth in this myth. Some Vikings were simply death machines on the battlefield. There was a sect of elite warriors called "berserkers" who worshiped the god of war and death, Odin. These people fought so fiercely that they fell into a trance and did not feel injured.

3. Vikings wore helmets with horns

Contrary to popular belief, the Vikings never actually wore horned helmets. In terms of archaeological evidence, there is only one such surviving helmet. Experts believe that the Vikings either wore protective hats made of leather or iron, or simply went into battle without them (then only the very wealthy could afford their own helmet).

And the stereotype emerged in the 1840s, when costume designer Karl Emil Dappler created stage outfits that included horned helmets for Wagner's epic musical drama Der Ring des Nibelungen (1848).

4. Vikings wore chain mail and fought with swords

Most films and television shows feature Vikings wearing heavy chain mail and fighting with swords or axes. Some Vikings did wear chain mail, but it was expensive and often only used by people of high status. Northern raiders mostly wore light armor made of leather, bone, quilted cloth, or animal skins.

In terms of weapons, only the wealthiest Vikings used swords. Their main weapons were spears, short or long axes, long knives, bows and arrows, and wooden or leather shields.

5. Vikings were dirty and unkempt

The Vikings were rough, but that didn't mean they looked bad or smelled bad. Archaeologists have unearthed artifacts such as tweezers, combs, toothpicks, and nail and ear cleaners, indicating that personal hygiene was practiced among the Scandinavian raiders. They also bathed weekly, groomed their hair, bleached their hair with lye, and used dark eyeliner (even men).

6. All Vikings were blonde

Many blond Vikings lived in Sweden, and there were more redheads in Denmark. However, many of the Maritime Raiders had dark hair. Northern raiders brought slaves from other countries, they also took people of other cultures as wives and returned with them to Scandinavia. This intertwining of ethnic groups led to the fact that the appearance of the Vikings was very different.

7. Vikings had terrifying nicknames

The Viking sagas are full of characters whose notorious antics and bloody exploits have earned them nicknames such as Thorfinn Skullcracker, Haldar the Nechrist, and Erik the Bloodaxe. But not all Norse nicknames were meant to strike terror into the hearts of enemies. They often described the characteristics or personality of a person.

For example, one warrior was nicknamed "Olvir Children's Friend" because, unlike other warriors, he refused to stab children with his lance during a raid. Known in the 11th century, the Viking king was nicknamed Magnus the Barefoot, because he once visited Scotland and liked the kilts so much that he returned to Norway in similar clothes.

Test: Do you have the makings of a Viking?

Video Bonus:

And in continuation of the topic about what the Vikings ate, and why all of Europe envied them.