Vikings placed importance on personal hygiene
When you think of a Viking, what image comes to your mind? Perhaps someone who didn’t practice regular hygiene, appearing unkempt and dirty? However, Vikings generally had longer hair and beards, but they were pretty hygienic individuals who took steps to maintain their appearance. Personal hygiene was not neglected during that era.
Various archaeological finds have unearthed Grooming artifacts and tools, dispelling misconceptions about the Vikings. These discoveries include combs, brushes, razors, and even ear swabs, indicating that men and women in Viking society practiced personal hygiene. The notion of Vikings having poor personal hygiene is just one of several myths about them.
They Never wore Horned Helmets
Archaeologists have never found evidence supporting the idea that Vikings wore horned helmets. This notion may have originated from imaginative sources and has become a lasting stereotype of their appearance. Nevertheless, they did wear skullcaps, which were designed to safeguard their heads from potential impacts.
The concept of horned helmets was introduced during the 19th century. Still, it was Richard Wagner, the German composer, who popularized the image of Vikings wearing such helmets through his cycle of four operas. This association between Vikings and horned helmets has endured in our collective imagination, even though there is no historical evidence to support it.
The days of the week are named after Viking gods
Except for Sunday and Monday, the names of the days of the week are derived from Norse gods. Tuesday is named after Tiu or Tiw, the Anglo-Saxon equivalent of Tyr, the god of war. Tyr was one of Odin’s sons, which is how Wednesday got its name.
One of the most well-known names is Thor, the God of Thunder, from which Thursday got its name. Friday is derived from Frigga, Odin’s wife, symbolizing love and beauty. Saturday originates from Saturn, the ancient Roman god of revelry and feasts.
Vikings weren’t as large as popular portrayals suggest
Many people hold the misconception that Vikings were universally large and tall individuals. In various depictions, whether in images or television shows, Vikings are often portrayed as bigger, bulkier, or heavier than the average person. However, historical records indicate that the typical Viking man had an average height of around 5’7″. Additionally, Vikings would bleach their hair using a special soap, as this hair color was considered ideal within Viking culture.
Their somewhat shorter stature can be attributed to the brief summers in their homeland. Due to these shorter summers, they had limited resources and less food available. This scarcity of resources often led the Vikings to embark on raids to acquire more necessities.
Beliefs About Death in Viking Culture
In Viking beliefs, upon death, they anticipated journeying to Valhalla, a realm often seen as their eternal paradise before the rise of Christianity. According to their beliefs, valiant warriors who perished honorably in battle would be ushered to Valhalla by warrior-women goddesses who scoured battlefields for fallen heroes.
In Viking belief, there were several destinations for the afterlife. One was Helgafjell, where individuals who had lived fulfilling lives were thought to go. Conversely, those who died dishonorably or in an inappropriate manner were believed to end up in Helheim, which was akin to the concept of hell.
The Vikings arrived in America before Columbus
Some claim that the Vikings, led by Leif Eriksson, may have discovered America approximately 500 years before Christopher Columbus, but there is no definitive proof of this theory. Leif Eriksson and his group of Vikings were the first known Europeans to set foot on North American soil. Leif Eriksson’s father, Erik the Red, was a renowned explorer before his son’s birth.
Erik the Red is credited with establishing the initial European settlement in Greenland. Some accounts suggest that Erik the Red embarked on a journey from Iceland to Canada and inspired his son, Leif Eriksson, to follow in his footsteps and explore new territories, much as he had done.
Blonde Hair Was Preferred by Vikings
The Vikings were fascinated with blonde hair, considering it a symbol of purity and clarity, much like in contemporary Western societies. Blonde hair was regarded as the epitome of beauty and was associated with the upper class. Men with black hair often used strong soap with a high bleach concentration to lighten their hair and achieve a brighter hue, reflecting the Viking preference for blonde hair.
Certain Viking communities went as far as bleaching their beards, which may seem laborious. Alternatively, some believe they initially utilized this soap to rid themselves of lice, with hair bleaching emerging as an unintentional consequence.
Fundamental Rights for Viking Women
Viking men and women did not have equal status, but compared to many other societies worldwide, Viking women enjoyed relatively more rights and freedoms. They had certain privileges, including the right to inherit properties, seek divorce, and regain settlements in the event of a failed marriage.
In Viking society, men were typically regarded as the heads of households, while women managed domestic affairs. In cases where a married woman’s husband passed away, she would assume all the responsibilities previously held by her husband. Additionally, although relatively rare, there are stories and legends of shieldmaidens—female warriors who fought alongside Viking men in battles.
Tattoos Were Uncommon in Viking Culture
Tattoos predate the Viking era, but it’s unclear if Vikings themselves adorned their bodies with tattoos. Today, some individuals with Viking ancestry opt for tattoos they believe reflect Viking traditions, yet the authenticity of such tattoos in Viking culture remains uncertain.
Television and films often present an inaccurate image of Vikings, portraying them with extensive tattoos covering their bodies, including their neck and face. However, the Vikings were known for their cleanliness, suggesting that they might not have been inclined to adorn their bodies with permanent tattoos that couldn’t be washed off.
The Viking legal system was particular in its procedures
Despite the ancient times, the Vikings did not solely rely on physical confrontations to settle matters. They had an established justice system called “Althing” or “The Thing” in Norse culture, which they used to resolve disputes and crimes.
“The Thing” was presided over by a law speaker who would listen to people’s arguments. Subsequently, disputes were resolved by a third party, much like our modern court system. This indicates that their legal system was not as primitive as one might assume from that era.
The Vikings had an unconventional method for igniting fires
This may sound unusual, but their fire-starting technique involved gathering torchwood fungus from tree bark. They would then soak it in human urine and boil it for several days. Once soaked, they’d pound the bark into a durable, felt-like substance, making it easy to carry and use for starting fires.
While the exact method remains uncertain and lacks sufficient supporting sources, they discovered that the sodium nitrate present in urine could make the material smolder instead of just burning. This innovative approach enabled them to travel over long distances and ignite fires as needed during their journeys.
Boats Were Used as Burial Vessels for the Deceased
The Vikings spent a significant portion of their lives on the water, be it for exploration, raiding, or fishing. However, their burial options were somewhat limited, leading them to adopt the practice of burying their deceased on boats. According to Norse beliefs, esteemed warriors required a vessel to carry them into the afterlife, where they could continue their existence in Valhalla. Consequently, highly regarded Vikings, as well as exceptional women, were privileged to be interred in one of the traditional Viking ships.
Alongside the deceased, the vessels were laden with weaponry, provisions, valuable treasures, and various items considered necessary for the afterlife journey.
The majority of a Viking’s time was dedicated to farming
Vikings are often remembered as fierce raiders, but their society couldn’t have thrived if they were solely focused on sailing, searching for treasure, and fighting. In reality, Vikings dedicated much of their time to farming and managing their settlements.
Ragnar Lothbrok, a well-known Viking figure, initially began his journey as a full-time farmer before rising to prominence and expanding his influence. This trajectory was typical for many Vikings, and being a farmer was highly respected within their communities.
Vikings were not a tightly unified group
Were you aware that most Vikings did not have close associations with each other? In reality, numerous individuals residing in the region did not identify as Vikings. The term “Viking” simply encompassed all Scandinavians who participated in overseas expeditions, leading to their grouping into a single category.
Norway, Sweden, and Denmark were perceived as a single territory in the Viking Age. While to this day, many people still view this region as a unified entity, it is, in fact, not so. This area was comprised of various tribes, and they frequently engaged in conflict with each other when they were not engaged in exploration.
The Vikings possessed skiing skills as part of their expertise
Skiing is a widely practiced sport in modern times, but its origins were not rooted in sport. The earliest discovered skis, dating back to 6,300 BC, were primarily used as a mode of transportation and for travel. During the Viking Age, when much of the terrain was blanketed in ice and snow, skiing became an advantageous method of travel.
Subsequently, it was revealed that the Vikings possibly employed skis for leisure activities. Ullr, a deity associated with skiing, is indicative of the significance of this activity. It is presumed that skiing may have been employed during wartime to traverse challenging wilderness areas that would have otherwise been impassable.
Onion Soup Had Medicinal Uses for Treating Wounds
It may sound unusual, but brace yourself for this: When returning soldiers were injured in battle, they would consume a highly potent onion soup infused with various spices. After some time, they claimed to detect the scent of the onions emanating from their wounds. If they could smell the onions from within the wound, the injury was deep.
Keep in mind that they lacked the advanced medical treatments we have today. You have to acknowledge that this is quite an intriguing technique. Therefore, the next time you enjoy a bowl of onion soup at home or in a restaurant, remember that it has a history beyond simply warming you on a chilly winter evening.
The Connection Between Vikings and Bluetooth
A legendary figure named Harald Bluetooth, who reigned as the Viking King over present-day Denmark and Norway, achieved the remarkable feat of uniting the neighboring Viking tribes during his rule. It was Jim Kardach, the founder of Bluetooth technology, who paid homage to King Bluetooth by naming his invention after him, and this connection between history and modern technology is truly fascinating.
The Bluetooth symbol cleverly incorporates the letters H and B, representing Harald Bluetooth. It’s remarkable how an ancient king could leave such a significant imprint on contemporary society, and it’s intriguing to think that without the Vikings, our ability to connect devices might not have been possible.
The Viking Culture Served as Inspiration for The Lord of The Rings Trilogy
J.R.R. Tolkien found inspiration for his incredible fantasy trilogy, “The Lord of the Rings,” in Viking mythology. Among the Viking myths is a tale called Andvari’s Ring, a Norse legend warning that wearing the ring brings a curse. This legend unfolds in a realm known as Midgard, which translates to Middle-Earth. While Tolkien did not solely build his novels upon Norse legends, it is evident that he drew significant inspiration from the Norsemen.
The Vikings and their rich history never fail to captivate us with their extraordinary tales and intriguing backgrounds. There is a sense of enchanting mystery in their presence and heritage, and we eagerly anticipate the creation of many more stories inspired by their legendary legacy.
Viking Culture and Comic Books
Contemporary comics are deeply influenced by Viking culture. It’s not just about iconic heroes like Superman or Batman that capture every child’s imagination. The well-known characters such as Thor, Odin, Loki, and Freyja are essentially Viking deities placed in modernized settings and narratives.
Within the comics we peruse today, Thor endeavors to protect Earth and its inhabitants. Furthermore, numerous video games have adopted Viking cultural narratives and translated them into immersive experiences.
Vikings Took Care of Their Teeth
Dental practices have a history dating back further than you might expect. However, these ancient procedures were quite different from modern orthodontics and didn’t serve the same purpose. In 2009, archaeologists made a fascinating discovery: Viking skulls with intricate carvings meticulously filed into their teeth.
The exact method of filing teeth during that time remains uncertain, but there are several theories. Some suggest that these markings symbolized a warrior’s prowess, while others propose they were meant to intimidate enemies. It’s important to note that the procedure was likely far from the painless and sophisticated dental practices of today.
Vikings had a strong fondness for board games
During their leisure hours, Vikings had a strong inclination to play board games, which might come as a surprise. One trendy board game among them was Hnefetafl, a game rooted in strategic thinking. The game featured a king and a smaller group of defenders positioned at the center of the board, while a significantly larger force of attackers double the size of the defenders held positions around the board’s perimeter.
As the king, your objective would be to employ your defender pieces at any cost to shield yourself from harm. Conversely, if you took on the role of an attacker, your goal would be to dethrone the king by reaching the opposite corner of the board.
The Most Notorious Execution Method of the Vikings
Among the many Viking myths, the concept of the “Blood Eagle” stands as one of the most prominent legends in Viking culture. According to this tale, Vikings would allegedly break a person’s ribs, carve open their back, and pour salt into the wound. However, it’s crucial to note that this gruesome practice was entirely fictitious and never occurred in reality. Fortunately, it was not an actual historical event.
The origins of this myth remain unclear, but it’s essential to recognize that Vikings were not as brutally savage as they are sometimes portrayed. The Norse culture did indeed develop the concept of a certain execution method, but it was exclusively a literary creation, not a historical practice.
Vikings and Their Weaponry
The Vikings held a deep appreciation for their weapons, even going so far as to embellish them. Instead of depicting violent scenes, they opted for a more artistic touch. They frequently adorned their weapons with images of animals, intricately crafting depictions of creatures like snakes, horses, and wolves. In addition to crafting, they also intricately carved figures into their weapons.
All these elements lent a unique and individualistic touch to their swords. It’s interesting how we often hold certain beliefs about civilizations, like the Egyptians with their reliefs and wall art, and then a single paragraph of information can reveal that they were not the sole practitioners of such artistic expressions.
The Skulls Myth
Another weird myth about the Vikings is that they would drink from the skulls of their enemies. This has no basis and is believed not to be true. We’ve made it pretty clear that the Vikings were laid-back people. So, it would probably be a good idea to throw out any misconceptions you may have previously had.
In actuality, the Vikings used horn-shaped drinking vessels called “horns” (which were separate from their helmets). These drinking vessels earned their name due to their unmistakable horn-like appearance. It’s worth noting that there are various other objects that also resemble horns. The Vikings often adorned these drinking horns with gold and various other metals for decorative purposes.
Viking Poetry Contests
The Vikings engaged in a practice known as “flyting,” which bore similarities to contemporary rap battles. They utilized poetry as a means to exchange insults and utter statements they might hesitate to voice in person. Just like in modern rap, nothing was considered off-limits in these exchanges among the Vikings.
Flyting typically occurred in banquet halls, and the victor was determined by the extent of the crowd’s enthusiastic response. If you’ve ever watched the movie “8 Mile,” it bore some resemblance to that scenario.
Fashion Wasn’t Their Focus
Indeed, Vikings didn’t place much emphasis on fashion. The fit of their tops and the flattering nature of their pants were of little concern. If they were present in our time, you wouldn’t find them donning extravagant attire; instead, they would opt for simplicity and stick to the basics. Vikings crafted all their clothing with functionality and practicality in mind.
Starting at a young age, they acquired the skill of tailoring their own garments, crafting everything from lightweight attire suitable for warm weather to more substantial clothing designed for the colder winter months. Their clothing served a limited range of functions: providing warmth, aiding in cooling down, and offering cover.
Week-Long Celebrations for Viking Weddings
Do you think your college days held the wildest parties? Think again. The Vikings were masters of throwing epic celebrations, with weddings being the most lavish events in their culture. When it came to Viking weddings, there were absolutely no boundaries to the extravagance of the festivities.
Couples were required to have a three-year engagement period before their wedding day. Planning a one-day wedding can be a challenging endeavor, so just imagine the preparations needed for a week-long celebration! It’s evident that the Vikings were experts in the art of revelry.
Unconventional Marriage Rituals
In Viking culture, conventional wedding vows as we know them today were absent. There were no commitments regarding riches or poverty, health or sickness, nor any mention of till death do us part. Instead, both men and women adhered to a distinct ritual. The bride exchanged a traditional hair ornament worn by unmarried women for a bridal crown. The maiden’s accessory was then preserved for the future daughter of the couple.
On the other hand, the groom would task the married men in his family with concealing a sword within the tomb of one of his ancestors, and then he would retrieve it, symbolizing his passage through death and subsequent rebirth.
Masters of the Sea
While some nations focus on automotive transportation, and others are experts in aviation, for the Vikings, their true domain was the water. The Vikings displayed remarkable seamanship skills, enabling them to navigate any body of water. Their punctuality in reaching their destinations was thanks to their adeptness at using the sun as a reliable navigational tool.
To pinpoint the sun’s location and maintain their course, the Vikings employed sunstones, which are now referred to as Icelandic spars. These spars exhibit a unique reaction when exposed to sunlight. This effective technique is referred to as “Haidinger’s Brush.”
Magnetite
The Vikings were sea-faring experts, conducting their activities primarily on the ocean. They navigated through challenging weather and adverse sea conditions, ensuring precise and error-free journeys. To navigate through thick fog, the Vikings adopted a strategic approach. During their trade interactions with China, they acquired a mineral known as magnetite, which played a vital role in compass manufacturing.
They crafted their own compasses, allowing them to navigate through fog without difficulty. They possessed the ability to venture wherever they desired, demonstrating their resilience regardless of the circumstances. It’s fascinating how China played a significant role in shaping Viking culture, a fact that may not be widely recognized.
Viking Houses Had the Potential to Endure for Centuries
If you happen to be a carpenter in the contemporary era, there’s a chance that your skills might have roots in a Viking past life – and we’re not just talking about the iconic horns. Apart from their exceptional craftsmanship as master builders, Vikings were renowned for their remarkable construction and engineering abilities, making their homes capable of lasting for centuries.
Viking homes were constructed by intertwine sticks together and covering them with a mixture of mud and various materials for stability. As previously mentioned, these homes were far from resembling modern-day dwellings, both in appearance and privacy provisions.
The Verbal History of the Vikings
The Vikings’ ability to write remains uncertain, but the narratives of their culture were predominantly transmitted orally from one generation to another. This reliance on oral tradition has led to numerous misconceptions about the Vikings throughout history. Furthermore, much of the information we possess about them has been recorded by their adversaries.
We have gained insights into their behavior during periods of conflict, but our understanding of their conduct during times of tranquility is quite limited. As depicted on Netflix and other sources, it often appears that they were engaged in warfare, frequently at odds with one or more neighboring nations.
Beyond Carnivores
While Vikings had a genuine fondness for meat, their diet encompassed a wider range of foods. Their meals extended beyond steaks, sausages, hamburgers, and ribs. It’s important to note that they were also farmers, so their culinary offerings included grains, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Surprisingly, they even had access to dairy products, which were relatively uncommon during that era.
This suggests that their diet was likely well-rounded. Alongside their cultivated crops, they had livestock like cows that could supply milk. It’s conceivable that these individuals enjoyed a more nutritious diet than many of us do today. It wouldn’t be surprising if that were the case.
Viking “Dynamic Duos”
When we envision power couples, our minds often turn to highly accomplished celebrities, such as Beyoncé and Jay-Z or Hollywood’s iconic figures like Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez. However, during the Viking era, influential couples were also regarded as “power couples.” Evidence of one such power couple surfaced in a Viking tomb in Hårup, Denmark, back in 2012. The woman in the tomb was discovered with a pair of keys, indicating her noble status.
On the man, they discovered the most lethal Viking axe ever crafted, suggesting his elevated position within their society. Alternatively, it could imply a rather unusual way of expressing their deep affection for each other.
Vikings and Native Americans?
As we’ve previously explored, the Vikings indeed arrived in America well before Christopher Columbus. However, a remarkable discovery emerged when DNA analysis was conducted on a specific Viking family residing in Iceland. Surprisingly, the genetic analysis revealed a fusion of Native American DNA with Scandinavian DNA.