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Long after your last raid: Aging in the era of Vikings
In an era of societal instability, widespread violence, and Viking raids, growing old was certainly a different experience for people living throughout the Viking Age. We look at how Viking societies dealt with the process of aging and the elderly.4 weeks ago — Life -
What do the sources actually say about Viking berserkers?
Famed for their bloodlust and ferocity in battle, berserkers are often popularly thought of as the shock troops of Viking forces. We turn to the sources to try to see if Hollywood depictions of Viking berserkers hold any historical truth.1 month ago — Language and literature -
Viking women in law: Property, marriage, divorce, and power
A common historical stereotype is that women in Viking societies enjoyed a far greater amount of autonomy and independence than their contemporaries in other early medieval societies. This article looks at whether this stereotype carries any historical weight.2 months ago — Life -
What did Vikings actually wear?
Long before understated Scandi fashion like H&M conquered the world, people in Viking societies developed a practical style of clothing that was shaped by climate, craftsmanship, status, and trade.2 months ago — Life -
The black substance behind the longship: Tar, pitch, and Viking sea power
Tar and pitch may seem like humble materials, but large-scale production of these dark substances helped keep Viking ships seaworthy and supported the maritime expansion of the Viking Age.2 months ago — Ships -
Reexamining the Buddha in the Oseberg Viking ship burial
Two Norwegian ship burials contained Celtic bronze figures decorated with symbols that the Vikings shared with the people who had made them. Research suggests that the story behind those symbols runs back 5,000 years, to a grassland the ancestors of both peoples had once called home.2 months ago — Old Norse religion -
Words worth killing for: Insults, shame, and law in the Viking world
In Viking societies, a sharp insult could damage a reputation as surely as a blade could wound a body. This article looks at words that crossed the line from mockery to matters of honor, law, and revenge.2 months ago — Life -
The Vinland sagas: Two versions of the Norse voyage to America
Centuries before the European voyages of "discovery," people from Viking societies reached North America. This memory was preserved in two very different sagas, two very different versions of the Norse exploration and settlement of North America.3 months ago — Language and literature -
The Jómsvíkinga saga and the culture of warrior fraternities
Whilst this elite oathbound brotherhood of warriors is heralded in the sagas for their dashing deeds and martial honor, the closer one looks at the Jómsvíkings, the more uncertain they become.3 months ago — Language and literature
