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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 — Culture and religion -
5 surprising places the Vikings reached
Despite their historical reputation as producing some of the most ravenous warriors of the early medieval period, people from Viking societies were also skilled explorers. They traversed much of the Northern Hemisphere, from the shores of modern-day Canada to the eastern edge of the Caspian Sea.1 year ago — History -
Why didn't the Vikings colonize North Africa?
Vikings were said to have raided parts of North Africa during the early medieval period and even enslaved some poor, unfortunate locals. Why was their presence around the southern shores of the Mediterranean little more than fleeting?1 year ago — History -
The Viking "discovery" and settlement of North America: A deep dive
Many thanks to one of our loyal Patreon fans, Bruce, who suggested this fascinating topic. It is only recently that we have conclusive evidence that some of the stories in the sagas of people from Viking societies in the New World were more than just tall tales and were historically accurate.1 year ago — History -
Ahead of the current: Vikings in the New World
Centuries before Christopher Columbus set off the troubled and bloody period known as the European "Age of Exploration," people from Viking societies had been there first.2 years ago — History -
Book review: Beyond the Northlands - Viking Voyages and the Old Norse Sagas
BBC broadcaster and university lecturer Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough follows the Vikings around the world to produce her own entertaining, detailed, and colorful saga.2 years ago — Reviews -
The Kensington Runestone: A Viking mystery in the heart of the USA
Investigating America's Viking dream through arguably the most controversial Norse-related archaeological find of all time.2 years ago — Legacy -
Grímur Kamban: The story of the Faroe Islands' first Norse settler
Nowadays, the Faroe Islands are a popular tourist destination with a degree of self-government within the Kingdom of Denmark. However, long before the tourists arrived, the origins of human settlement on the islands can, if we believe the sagas, be attributed to a single man: Grímur Kamban.2 years ago — History -
Naddodd: The Viking explorer behind Iceland's accidental discovery
Sometimes, history is made by accident. Such was the case when a Viking-era Norwegian explorer, Naddodd, was blown off course from the Faroe Islands and "discovered" Iceland. This is a story of epic adventure and accidental exploration.2 years ago — History -
L'Anse aux Meadows archaeologist shares story of Vikings in North America: Part 2
How Viking adventurers fortuitously completed the circle of human migration.2 years ago — News
