When we think of Vikings, images of fierce warriors raiding coastal villages often come to mind. However, there’s much more to Viking culture than longships and battles. The Viking Age, spanning roughly from 793 to 1066 AD, was a time of remarkable innovation, exploration, and social change in Scandinavia. These Norse people were skilled craftsmen, savvy traders, and intrepid explorers who left an indelible mark on European history. Let’s explore some lesser-known aspects of Viking life that might surprise you and challenge your preconceptions about these fascinating people.
1. Vikings Were Clean Freaks
Contrary to popular belief, Vikings were quite fastidious about personal hygiene. They bathed weekly, which was far more frequent than many of their European contemporaries. Archaeological finds have uncovered grooming tools like combs, ear spoons, and tweezers in Viking settlements. The Norse even had a special day for bathing – Saturday, which in Old Norse is called ‘laugardagr’, meaning ‘bathing day’. Their commitment to cleanliness extended to their homes, where archaeological evidence shows they regularly swept floors and changed bedding.
2. They Wore Colourful Clothing
Viking attire was far from the drab, monochrome outfits often depicted in films. They loved bright colours and patterns. Archaeological evidence shows they used natural dyes from plants and insects to create vibrant reds, blues, greens, and yellows. Wealthy Vikings often wore silk imported from as far away as China and Persia. Clothing was also a status symbol, with intricate embroidery and jewellery indicating a person’s wealth and social standing.
3. Norse Women Had Significant Rights
Women in Viking society enjoyed more freedoms than their counterparts in many other cultures of the time. They could own property, get divorced, and reclaim their dowries if their marriages ended. Some women even became powerful merchants or explorers. The Norse respected women who took on traditionally male roles, calling them ‘shield-maidens’. Women also played crucial roles in religion, with some serving as völvas, respected seers and practitioners of magic.
4. Vikings Were Skilled Poets
The Norse had a rich oral tradition that included complex forms of poetry. Skaldic verse, a type of Old Norse poetry, was particularly valued. Skalds (poets) were highly respected in Viking society and often held positions of importance in royal courts. Their verses preserved history, praised leaders, and even hurled insults at enemies. The complexity of skaldic poetry, with its intricate rules of alliteration and internal rhyme, demonstrates the sophistication of Viking literary culture.
5. They Had a Sophisticated Legal System
Viking society was governed by a complex legal code. They held regular assemblies called ‘things’ where free men gathered to make laws and settle disputes. The Icelandic Althing, established in 930 AD, is considered one of the world’s oldest parliaments. This system laid the groundwork for many modern Scandinavian legal practices. The Viking legal system also included concepts like weregild, a form of compensation paid to the family of a person who had been killed or injured.
6. Norse Cuisine Was Varied and Nutritious
Viking diet was more diverse than you might expect. Besides meat and fish, they ate a variety of grains, vegetables, and fruits. They made bread, porridge, and even a type of pancake. Vikings also enjoyed dairy products, particularly skyr, a yogurt-like food still popular in Iceland today. Their diet was generally quite healthy for the time. The Norse were also skilled at food preservation, using techniques like smoking, drying, and fermenting to keep food edible through long winters.
7. They Were Master Shipbuilders
Viking ships were marvels of engineering. Their longships were fast, sturdy, and could navigate both deep seas and shallow rivers. These vessels allowed Vikings to travel vast distances, reaching as far as North America and the Middle East. The construction techniques they developed influenced shipbuilding for centuries. Viking ships were so well-designed that replicas built using traditional methods have successfully crossed the Atlantic Ocean in modern times.
8. Norse Mythology Was Complex and Fascinating
Viking religious beliefs were rich and multifaceted. Their pantheon included gods and goddesses with complex personalities and stories. Odin, Thor, and Freyja are just a few of the deities that populated their myths. These stories not only entertained but also helped explain natural phenomena and provided moral guidance. The Norse cosmos was divided into nine worlds connected by Yggdrasil, the world tree, showcasing the depth and complexity of their cosmology.
9. Vikings Had a Unique Writing System
The Norse used a runic alphabet called Futhark. These runes were not just for writing; they were believed to have magical properties. Vikings carved runes on everything from weapons to everyday items, using them for communication, marking ownership, and casting spells. Some of these runic inscriptions have provided valuable insights into Viking life. The runic alphabet evolved over time, with different versions used in various parts of the Viking world.
10. They Were Skilled Farmers
While raiding gets more attention, most Vikings were actually farmers. They cultivated crops like barley, rye, and oats, and kept livestock including cattle, sheep, and pigs. Viking farms were often quite productive, using innovative techniques like crop rotation and fertilization with seaweed. This agricultural base supported their society and fueled their expansion. The Norse also practiced animal husbandry, developing breeds of livestock that were well-suited to the harsh Scandinavian climate.
11. Norse Traders Reached Far and Wide
Vikings were enterprising merchants who established trade networks stretching from North America to the Middle East. They traded goods like furs, amber, and walrus ivory for silver, silk, and spices. This extensive trade brought wealth and new ideas to Scandinavia, significantly influencing Norse culture. Viking trading posts, like Hedeby in modern-day Germany, grew into important early urban centres, facilitating cultural exchange across Europe.
12. They Had Sophisticated Metalworking Skills
Viking craftsmen were highly skilled in metalworking. They created intricate jewelry, weapons, and everyday items using techniques that were advanced for their time. The famous Viking swords, with their pattern-welded blades, were among the best in the medieval world. Some of their metalwork designs continue to inspire artists today. The Norse also mastered the art of creating delicate filigree work, demonstrating their ability to work with precious metals on a microscopic scale.
13. Norse Society Had a Complex Social Structure
Viking society was more nuanced than simply ‘chiefs and warriors’. It included various social classes, from slaves (thralls) to free farmers (karls) and nobility (jarls). Social mobility was possible, and a person’s status could change based on their actions and achievements. This dynamic social structure contributed to the vibrant Norse culture. The thing system, where free men could participate in governance, also allowed for a degree of social and political flexibility unusual for its time.
14. Vikings Were Avid Sports Enthusiasts
The Norse enjoyed various sports and games. These included both physical contests like wrestling and stone lifting, and strategic board games like hnefatafl, a chess-like game. Sports were not just for fun; they were seen as important for developing warrior skills and were often part of religious festivals. Archaeological evidence has also revealed that Vikings enjoyed ice skating, using skates made from animal bones.
15. They Had a Unique Concept of the Afterlife
Viking beliefs about the afterlife were quite complex. While warriors who died in battle were said to go to Valhalla, this was not the only afterlife destination in Norse mythology. Other halls existed for different types of people, and some were believed to go to Hel, a realm ruled by a goddess of the same name. These beliefs profoundly influenced Viking culture and behaviour. The concept of Ragnarök, a prophesied end of the world followed by rebirth, further illustrates the cyclical nature of Norse cosmology and its impact on their worldview.
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Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
