The History And Culture Of The Vikings: Discovering the Bold Legacy That Shaped Europe

For centuries, the Norse people known as Vikings have captivated our imaginations with their tales of adventure, exploration, and conquest. Hailing from the lands we now call Scandinavia, these fierce warriors sailed the seas, leaving a lasting impact on the world around them. Join us on a journey as we delve into the history and culture of the Vikings, uncovering the legendary stories that shape our understanding of this fascinating civilization.

The Origins: Who Were the Vikings?

In order to understand the Vikings' impact, we must first explore their origins. The term "Viking" actually refers to a seafaring Scandinavian warrior and trader involved in raids, exploration, and trade during the Viking Age, which lasted from the late 8th to the 11th centuries. Despite their ruthless reputation, the Vikings were more than just raiders; they were skilled craftsmen, skilled navigators, and influential traders.

The Viking Age: A Time of Exploration and Expansion

During the Viking Age, the Vikings ventured far and wide, expanding their influence across Europe, Asia, and even North America. Their iconic longships, with their shallow drafts and impressive sailing capabilities, allowed the Vikings to navigate both open seas and shallow rivers, making them formidable explorers and conquerors.

The World’s Greatest Civilizations: The History and Culture of the Vikings

by Stephen W. Sears(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	36 pages
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The Vikings reached as far as the Mediterranean Sea, establishing trade routes and settlements along the way. The most famous Viking explorer, Leif Erikson, is believed to have reached North America, setting foot on what is now Newfoundland around 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

Raiders or Traders: The Viking Legacy

When we think of the Vikings, we often imagine fearsome warriors raiding peaceful coastal villages. While raiding was certainly a part of Viking culture, the Vikings were also skilled traders. They established trade routes that stretched from the Middle East to Russia and beyond, contributing to the cultural exchange and economic growth of the regions they encountered.

Viking Society: Warriors, Farmers, and Craftsmen

Viking society was complex and multifaceted. At the center of their culture were the warriors known as berserkers. These fierce fighters were renowned for their battle prowess and legendary courage. However, not all Vikings were warriors. Many were farmers who worked the land, while others dedicated their lives to skilled craftsmanship, producing intricate jewelry, weaponry, and ornate woodwork.

Religion and Mythology: Gods and Legends

The Vikings had a rich mythology and religion, with gods such as Odin, Thor, and Freya playing significant roles in their daily lives. They believed in an afterlife where warriors who died in battle would be rewarded in Valhalla, a glorious hall ruled by Odin. Their stories and legends were passed down through oral tradition, eventually being recorded in the Eddas and other medieval texts.

The End of the Viking Age: Legacy and Historical Impact

The Viking Age eventually came to an end as Europe experienced political changes, increased centralization, and the spread of Christianity. However, the Vikings left behind a far-reaching legacy. Their influence can still be seen in the languages, place names, and cultural traditions of the regions they touched. Today, we continue to be fascinated by their daring expeditions, warrior spirit, and vibrant cultural heritage.

The Vikings were much more than just ruthless raiders; they were skilled traders, explorers, and craftsmen. Their legacy is not only one of terror and destruction but also one of cultural exchange, innovation, and resilience. So the next time you look out at a stormy sea, imagine the iconic dragon ships of the Vikings sailing forth, etching their bold legacy into the annals of history.

The World’s Greatest Civilizations: The History and Culture of the Vikings

by Stephen W. Sears(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1561 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	36 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

*Includes pictures of Viking boats, ruins, and historic depictions of Vikings.
*Analyzes the legends and mischaracterizations of the Vikings, separating fact from fiction.
*Discusses the everyday life, settlements, history, religion, and culture of the Vikings.
*Includes a Table of Contents.

Over the centuries, the West has become fascinated by the Vikings, one of the most mysterious and interesting European civilizations. In addition to being perceived as a remarkably unique culture among its European counterparts, what’s known and not known about the Vikings’ accomplishments has added an intriguing aura to the historical narrative. Were they fierce and fearsome warriors? Were they the first Europeans to visit North America? It seems some of the legends are true, and some are just that, legend.

The commonly used term, Viking, for the trading and raiding peoples of Scandinavia, may have originated from Viken (the large bay leading to Oslo),or it may have come from the Old Scandinavian words vikingr (sea warrior) or viking (expedition over the sea). The people from the north were known in western Europe at the time as Northmen or Danes, in England as Danes or pagans and in Ireland as Finngall for those of Norwegian origin and Dubgall for those from Denmark. In the east, in Russia and in the Byzantine Empire, the Scandinavians were called Vaeringar or Varyags (Varangians) or Rus', the latter perhaps derived from the name Roslagen, a province in Uppland in Sweden.

The ubiquitous picture of the Vikings as horn-helmeted, brutish, hairy giants that mercilessly marauded among the settlements of Northern Europe is based on a smattering of fact combined with an abundance of prejudicial historical writing by those who were on the receiving end of Viking depredations. At the same time, much of the popular picture of the Vikings is a result of the romantic imagination of novelists and artists. For example, there is neither historical nor archaeological evidence that the typically red haired, freckled Norsemen entered battle wearing a metal helmet decorated with horns. This headgear was an invention of the Swedish painter and illustrator Johan August Malmström (1829 - 1901) and his work was so widely disseminated in popular books that the image stuck. Today the imaginary Viking helmet is an almost mandatory costume accessory in productions of Wagner's opera Der Ring des Nibelungen, which is not about the Vikings at all. It seems the horned helmet evolved from an imaginary reinterpretation of genuine Viking images of a winged helmet that may have been worn by priests in Viking religious ceremonies.

However, the Vikings’ reputation for ferocious seaborne attacks along the coasts of Northern Europe is no exaggeration. It is true that the Norsemen, who traded extensively throughout Europe, often increased the profits obtained from their nautical ventures through plunder, acquiring precious metals and slaves. Of course, the Vikings were not the only ones participating in this kind of income generation; between the 8th and the 11th centuries, European tribes, clans, kingdoms and monastic communities were quite adept at fighting with each other for the purpose of obtaining booty. The Vikings were simply more consistently successful than their contemporaries and thus became suitable symbols for the iniquity of the times.

The World’s Greatest Civilizations: The History and Culture of the Vikings comprehensively covers the culture and history of the Vikings, discussing everything from their religion to their way of life, in an attempt to separate fact from fiction. Along with pictures of Viking art and ruins, as well as historic art depicting the Vikings, you will learn about the Vikings like you never have before, in no time at all.