From TV shows to movies, operas to football teams, everyone has heard of the Vikings. But so many of the beliefs people hold about Scandanavians from this small time in history are far from accurate.
These seafaring farmers have often been portrayed as wild, bloodthirsty savages wearing horned helmets and pillaging their way through Europe. But the reality of Viking life is much more nuanced and interesting. By examining historical evidence and archaeological finds, we can dispel some of the biggest myths about these iconic warriors.
Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
The image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is one of the most enduring myths, but it’s completely false. There is no historical evidence to suggest that Vikings ever wore such helmets in battle. This misconception likely originated from 19th-century artists who wanted to make them look more fearsome. In reality, Viking helmets were typically conical and made of leather or iron, designed for practicality rather than intimidation.
Vikings Were Unhygienic Savages
Contrary to popular belief, Vikings were actually quite concerned with cleanliness. Archaeologists have discovered combs, tweezers, razors, and even ear cleaners in Viking settlements. These items suggest that personal grooming was important to them. Historical accounts also note that Vikings bathed regularly, at least once a week, which was much more frequent than most other Europeans of that time.
Vikings Were a United Group
The term “Vikings” actually refers to a variety of Norse seafarers from different Scandinavian regions, including modern-day Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. These groups were not a unified people with a single leader or government. Instead, they were made up of different tribes and clans, each with its own leaders and customs. The idea of a united Viking empire is purely a modern invention.
Vikings Only Raided and Pillaged
While Vikings are often depicted as ruthless raiders, they were also skilled traders, explorers, and settlers. They established trade routes that stretched from the Middle East to North America and founded colonies in places like Iceland, Greenland, and even briefly in Newfoundland. Many Vikings were farmers, blacksmiths, and craftsmen who lived peaceful lives. Raiding was just one part of their complex society.
Vikings Were Always Pagan
It’s true that many Vikings worshipped the old Norse gods like Odin and Thor, but by the end of the Viking Age, a significant number had converted to Christianity. The process of conversion was gradual and varied across different regions. Many Viking leaders adopted Christianity for political reasons, as it helped them forge alliances with Christian rulers in Europe. By the 11th century, Christianity had become the dominant religion in Scandinavia.
Vikings Were Giant, Muscular Warriors
Popular culture often depicts Vikings as towering, muscle-bound warriors, but historical evidence paints a different picture. The average Viking male was about 5 feet 7 inches tall, which was typical for the time. While they were certainly strong and capable fighters, they were not the hulking giants that movies and TV shows would have you believe.
Vikings Wore Fur and Leather Armor
In reality, most Viking warriors wore chainmail and padded clothing into battle, rather than fur or leather armor. Chainmail offered better protection against weapons, and padded clothing helped absorb blows. The image of Vikings in fur and leather is another Hollywood invention, designed to make them look more primitive and barbaric than they actually were.
Vikings Were Illiterate
Though the Vikings did not have a written language like Latin or Greek, they used runes, a system of symbols that could be carved into wood, stone, and metal. These runes were used for everything from marking graves to recording transactions. Some Vikings were even poets and storytellers, preserving their history and myths through oral tradition and eventually written sagas.
Vikings Abducted Women as Wives
While it’s true that some Vikings took women captive during raids, this was not the norm for marriage. Many Viking women were free to choose their own husbands, and marriages were often arranged by families to strengthen alliances. Women in Viking society had more rights and autonomy than many of their European counterparts, and they could own property, initiate divorce, and even fight in battles.
Vikings Lived in Isolated Villages
Viking society was actually quite interconnected, with extensive trade networks that spanned Europe, Asia, and North America. They traded goods such as furs, ivory, and amber for silver, spices, and other luxuries. Their longships allowed them to travel great distances, and they established settlements in places as far-flung as Ireland, Russia, and Canada.
Vikings Were Simple Barbarians
The Vikings were far from the uncultured barbarians they’re often portrayed as. They had a rich culture with complex social structures, laws, and artistic traditions. They were skilled craftsmen, creating intricate jewelry, weapons, and tools. Their mythology and sagas have had a lasting impact on literature and storytelling. They also had sophisticated legal systems, with assemblies known as “things” where disputes were settled and laws were made.
Vikings Were Constantly at War
While the Vikings did engage in warfare, they were not constantly at war. Many Vikings were farmers, fishermen, and traders who spent most of their time working the land and raising families. Warfare was just one aspect of Viking life, not the defining feature. Many Viking expeditions were peaceful trade missions rather than violent raids.
Vikings Were Exclusively Male
While most Viking warriors were men, women also played significant roles in Viking society. Some women, known as shieldmaidens, even took up arms and fought alongside men. Women were also responsible for managing households, running farms, and raising children. They had significant rights and could own property, inherit wealth, and participate in legal decisions.
Vikings Had Primitive Ships
Viking longships are often depicted as simple wooden boats, but they were actually marvels of engineering for their time. These ships were designed for speed, agility, and versatility, allowing the Vikings to navigate both open seas and shallow rivers. Their clinker-built hulls were strong yet flexible, making them ideal for the long voyages that took the Vikings across vast distances.
Vikings Were Constantly Drunk
The stereotype of Vikings as heavy drinkers has some basis in reality, as they did enjoy alcohol, especially mead and ale. However, this wasn’t unique to the Vikings—drinking was common across many medieval societies. While they did hold feasts where alcohol flowed freely, everyday life for most Vikings involved hard work and discipline, not constant revelry.
Vikings Were Nomadic Wanderers
The idea that Vikings were always on the move, never settling down, is misleading. While they did explore and raid, many Vikings also established permanent settlements and farms. These communities were well-organized, with longhouses, workshops, and fields. Over time, some of these settlements grew into thriving towns, like Dublin in Ireland, which was originally founded by Vikings.
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Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
