Debunking The Brutal Myths About Viking Culture

Viking Ship Burials and the Burning Question

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Contrary to popular belief, the notion that Vikings routinely burned their dead on ships is a myth that we should take a closer look at. In the pre-Christian era, Viking funeral customs were diverse and included both cremation and traditional burial practices. While cremation was indeed a common method, it typically occurred on pyres, followed by the construction of burial mounds over the remains. Ship burials, reserved for the elite, were prestigious affairs involving the interment of high-status individuals along with their belongings.

However, archaeological evidence, such as the renowned Oseberg ship burial, reveals that these individuals were not cremated but laid to rest in their vessels alongside grave goods. The primary account often cited as evidence for Viking ship cremations comes from the 10th-century Arab diplomat Ibn Fadlan, who witnessed a funeral ritual among the "Rus" in Russia.

Challenging the Myth of Viking Exclusivity in Medieval Scandinavia

A Sámi family in Norway around 1900 / Detroit Publishing Co. Print no. 7123

While the image of fierce Viking warriors dominates popular imagination, it's crucial to acknowledge that they coexisted with a variety of other peoples. In addition to Vikings, medieval Scandinavia was home to the ancestors of the Sámi people, known to the Norse as Finnar. These semi-nomadic indigenous groups resided in the far north of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia, engaging in active trading and forming high-status marriages with the Norse. This highlights the nuanced cultural landscape of medieval Scandinavia, where multiple ethnic groups contributed to the region's vibrant history.

Unveiling Viking Nicknames: Fact, Fiction, and Misinterpretations

https://thewarriorlodge.com/blogs/news/the-real-ivar-the-boneless

Is there anything cooler than a viking nickname? Nom de vikings like Ragnar Hairy-Breeches and Ivar the Boneless stand out as iconic representations of Norse culture. Yet, the origins of these monikers often blur the lines between fact and fiction.

While some of these names, such as Ketil Flat-Nose and Thorbjorg Ship-Breast, may hint at physical attributes, others are shrouded in mystery, their meanings lost to time.

Interestingly, many well-known Norse nicknames didn't emerge until centuries later, clouded by typos, mistranslations, and misunderstandings. For instance, the epithet "boneless" attributed to Ivar the Boneless, leader of the Great Heathen Army, has sparked numerous theories, from impotence to exceptional martial prowess. However, recent scholarship suggests a less sensational explanation: a misinterpretation of Latin. Elizabeth Ashman Rowe suggests that the epithet "boneless" might have originated from a misinterpretation of "exosus" (meaning "detestable") as "exos" (meaning "boneless").  

Clarifying the Viking Identity

https://www.historyonthenet.com/vikings-history-overview-culture-history-viking-age

Not everyone in the medieval Nordic world was a Viking. The term "Viking" originally referred to seafaring Norse explorers and raiders who ventured out from their Scandinavian homelands to raid, trade, and settle in distant lands. While Vikings played a significant role in shaping medieval history, they constituted only a portion of the population. In reality, medieval Nordic society was diverse, comprising farmers, traders, craftsmen, and various other professions. While some individuals may have engaged in Viking activities temporarily, the majority led lives focused on agriculture, commerce, and local governance.

The Myth of Viking 'Blood Eagling'

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_eagle

The notion that Vikings routinely performed a gruesome ritual known as "blood eagling" on their enemies is a fascinating myth that would be absolutely brutal if it were true. Sadly, we have to pour water all over the blood eagle.

The concept of blood eagling, which entails carving the ribs of a victim from their spine and pulling out their lungs to resemble wings, is primarily found in Icelandic sagas and later medieval literature rather than contemporary accounts of Viking practices. While Vikings were undoubtedly skilled warriors who employed various methods of combat, there is scant archaeological or written evidence to support the widespread occurrence of blood eagling. It is more likely a product of literary exaggeration and sensationalism rather than a common practice among Viking society. Womp womp woooooomp.

Debunking the Myth of Viking Skull Drinking

‘Vikings’ Season 2

As metal as it may sound, the idea that Vikings drank from the skulls of their enemies is just not real. Despite their reputation as fierce warriors with distinct cultural practices, there is little archaeological or written evidence supporting this notion. The myth gained traction due to a misinterpretation by 17th-century Danish antiquarian Ole Worm. In his 1636 work, "Runes or the Most Ancient Danish Literature," Worm mistranslated a poetic reference to drinking horns as drinking ale "from the skulls of the slain." This misunderstanding perpetuated the myth over time, highlighting the importance of critically examining historical sources to uncover the truth about Viking customs and rituals.

Viking Dragonhead Ships Reexamined

Pinterest

While the iconic image of Viking ships adorned with fearsome dragonheads has captivated imaginations for centuries, historical evidence suggests a more nuanced reality. Although such embellishments may have been reserved for ceremonial or symbolic purposes rather than practical seafaring, Viking longships were formidable vessels designed for speed, maneuverability, and efficiency in both trade and warfare. While sparse archaeological evidence supports the presence of dragonhead prows, most references to dragonhead vessels come from later Icelandic written sources, such as the 13th-century Book of Settlements, which describes sailors removing dragonheads from their ships upon approaching Iceland to avoid alarming local spirits.

Viking Runes Weren't the Main Form of Writing

https://www.lifeinnorway.net/viking-runes/

The use of runes by Vikings is a distinctive aspect of their culture often romanticized in popular imagination. Runic inscriptions, typically brief, adorned runestones commemorating the deceased or were engraved onto smaller objects like personal items, stones, or pieces of wood. These inscriptions served various purposes, from little memos to love tokens or simply identifying the owner of an item. However, it's important to note that the vast majority of Norse manuscripts were penned in Iceland during the later medieval period, employing the Latin script similar to modern-day writing conventions. Despite the decline in runic usage, their legacy persists in contemporary Scandinavian culture, serving as a link to the past and a symbol of Viking heritage.