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A Christian Viking: Why conversion did not necessarily end raiding
Changing hearts and souls is one thing, but changing societal behavior is quite another. We look at why the Christianization of Scandinavia did not see the cessation of Viking raids.3 days ago — Culture and religion -
Heddal Stave Church: Norway’s medieval mammoth of a monument
The largest standing church from the medieval period in Norway, the Heddal Stave Church, is nowadays a major tourist attraction in the Telemark region. It has survived centuries of wear and tear, wars, disrepair, and even being sold into private hands.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Why did the "Swedish crusades" take place in Finland and Russia?
At the end of the Viking Age, religious crusading took place not only in West Asia but also in the Arctic region, in what is now Finland and Russia. We look at why the Kingdom of Sweden, a once pagan nation, undertook these bloody military campaigns in the name of the Catholic Church.1 year ago — History -
What Snorri Sturluson didn't like and left out of the Norse sagas
Why did the 13th-century Icelandic poet, politician, and saga spinner extraordinaire leave some sagas out of his famous compilations?1 year ago — Culture and religion -
When did the Viking Age end?
The Viking Age is said to have ended with Harald Hardrada on a battlefield in northern England in 1066. Yet, the Vikings did not disappear overnight. We delve into some other options for when the Age of Vikings truly ceased.2 years ago — History -
Exploring Aros: The Viking roots of Aarhus, Denmark
Nowadays, Aarhus is a bustling and thriving European metropolis. It is Denmark's second-largest city and houses the country's largest port. However, the city boasts not only a rich economy but also a rich history that stretches back to the early medieval period when Vikings roamed the seas.2 years ago — History -
Tracing Norse and Slavic religious parallels
The religious beliefs that dominated the Viking and Slavic worlds seem, at a glance, worlds apart. However, both worlds were intertwined thanks to people from Viking societies pushing into Eastern Europe and beyond.2 years ago — Culture and religion -
Bridges and runestones: A Viking lord’s mark on medieval Swedish landscape
Synonymous with his bridge and the nearby runestones that he commissioned, Jarlabanke Ingefatsson was an 11th-century rural chieftain from the area around Täby, north of Stockholm.2 years ago — Partner content -
Adam of Bremen: Chronicler of Viking Age Scandinavia
For a man to whom we owe a debt of gratitude for illuminating the early medieval period throughout Northern Europe, especially Scandinavia, we know so little about Adam of Bremen. Who was he, and why should he be celebrated as more than just a medieval monk?2 years ago — Partner content -
Why do all Nordic flags have the same design?
There's more to the Nordic cross than meets the eye. Scandinavia's flags have their origins in medieval battles, divine intervention and yachting on Finnish lakes.2 years ago — Partner content
