Heimskringla
29
articles
-
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 — Culture and religion -
Soccer star Erling Haaland donates rare copy of Heimskringla saga to hometown library
The footballer purchased the rare book as a gesture of appreciation for the town of Bryne, where he grew up.4 months ago — News -
The lost fleet: What happened to the Viking ships of Stamford Bridge?
In 1066 CE, Harald Hardrada landed in northern England with a fleet said to number 200–300 ships. Stamford Bridge killed the king and shattered the invasion force. The survivors fled back to their ships, but only a fraction of the fleet ever returned to Norway.7 months ago — History -
Haakon Sigurdsson, the last great pagan ruler of Norway: Refugee to ruler (part 1)
A firm believer in the Old Norse gods, Haakon Sigurdsson would rise to ultimate power in Norway and involve himself in international politics before a dramatic fall from power led to a grisly death. We look at the man who was King of Norway in all but name for two dramatic decades in the Viking Age.8 months ago — History -
Landvættir: The land-spirits guarding Iceland's shores and landscapes
Tales of these mythical creatures, guardians of the Land of Fire and Ice, can be found in the sagas and are best described as potent and protective spirits.10 months ago — Culture and religion -
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 -
Glorious but mythical deeds: Unpacking the Æsir–Vanir war
This great cosmic clash saw mythical Norse deities fight, then unite, and become one of the most celebrated brawls in the Norse sagas.1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Five tips from the Vikings for surviving the winter blues
How did the Norse get through the darkest, coldest months during the Viking Age?1 year ago — Culture and religion -
Possible Viking longhouse found in Norway
Excavations have been taking place just a few miles away from the site of one of the most famous battles of the Viking Age.1 year ago — News -
The unresolved fate of Jomsborg fortress: Fact vs. fiction
SPOILER ALERT: In the final season of "Vikings: Valhalla," Freydís and her followers abandon the pagan fortress of Jomsborg, apparently accepting it could never be secure from Christian intrusions. But what do we know about the real Jomsborg, and what ultimately happened to it?2 years ago — History