This is a question we get asked a lot and that we ask ourselves a lot. We even did a podcast episode about it that you should watch.
But really, why are we so fascinated with Vikings?
People are interested in the histories of many times and places, but for some reason the Vikings garner a special type of attention. By many accounts the medieval Scandinavians we call “Vikings” were a violent, filthy, pagan, male-dominated warrior culture who stole from, maimed, killed, and enslaved their victims. They wrought havoc on many parts of western Europe and beyond beginning in the 8th century CE, leaving death and destruction in their wake for at least 200 years. What is appealing about that??
Looking at depictions of Vikings in our popular culture it seems the answer is, plenty.
A simple internet search results in Vikings as sports team and school mascots, found in comic books, video games, books, articles, movies, clothing, toys, beer labels, advertisements for varied products from canned fish to Marriott Hotels, cartoons, heavy metal music, the writings of Tolkien and George R.R. Martin, as well as the popular television series such as Vikings, The Last Kingdom, Vikings: Valhalla, and Norsemen.
In almost all instances we find some variation on the stereotypical scruffy, bearded Norseman with horned helmet, shield, and sword. Why on earth does this image entice one to buy a particular beer, play a particular video game, or go on a particular cruise?
The answer is the allure comes from several aspects of who we think the Vikings were and who we want them to be.
It turns out Vikings provide lots of opportunities for us to modify and engage with the past to suit our own ends. Some of us love the blood and gore that comes with medieval warrior culture. Some of us love that Vikings are part of our Scandinavian heritage. Some of us find them brave, strong, and independent. Some of us think they were progressive. I mean they had shieldmaidens, right? So, there’s lots of material there to work with.
Or is there?…..
Well, it depends on what you mean by “material.” You see, though we have sources about the Scandinavians during the Viking Age (c. 750-1100 CE), most were written after the end of the period and none of them were written by Vikings themselves. So this ostensibly loud and proud culture actually left a big question mark in history about who they really were.
It’s ironic that a culture so infatuated with the idea of living honorably, dying bravely, and being remembered forever never left a written trace. But that gives us lots of opportunities to try and figure it out, to piece together the written and archaeological evidence to solve this giant historical puzzle. And it also means there’s lots of gaps into which we can pour our own desires for who the Vikings were.
At Vikingology Podcast we like the idea of learning who the Vikings were but also playing with that history a bit. Take a look at our episodes and you’ll see lots of interesting conversations with top scholars in the field. But then you’ll also see us having a bit of fun. Join us on our Viking quest.
Tell us, why are you so fascinated with Vikings?