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    History
    From the tales of manslaughter that shadowed his family to the establishment of settlements in Greenland, Erik the Red's life was a complex blend of conflict and pioneering spirit.

    Exploring the legend of Erik the Red's sword Leg Biter
    Culture&religion
    Modi and Magni, sons of Thor, embody contrasting qualities. Magni represents raw strength, while Modi exemplifies unyielding courage.

    Modi and Magni: The forgotten sons of Thor
    Culture&religion
    In the amber glow of autumn, Viking societies reveled in harvest celebrations, sacred offerings, and storytelling, setting the stage for the winter to come.

    The golden season: An exploration of Viking fall traditions
    News
    Since being invited by Anne Stine Ingstad in 1964, Birgitta Wallace's work at L'Anse aux Meadows has deepened our understanding of Viking history in North America.

    L'Anse aux Meadows archaeologist shares story of Vikings in North America: Part 1

    Popular Stories

    History
    From the tales of manslaughter that shadowed his family to the establishment of settlements in Greenland, Erik the Red's life was a complex blend of conflict and pioneering spirit.

    Exploring the legend of Erik the Red's sword Leg Biter
    Culture&religion
    Modi and Magni, sons of Thor, embody contrasting qualities. Magni represents raw strength, while Modi exemplifies unyielding courage.

    Modi and Magni: The forgotten sons of Thor
    Culture&religion
    In the amber glow of autumn, Viking societies reveled in harvest celebrations, sacred offerings, and storytelling, setting the stage for the winter to come.

    The golden season: An exploration of Viking fall traditions
    News
    Since being invited by Anne Stine Ingstad in 1964, Birgitta Wallace's work at L'Anse aux Meadows has deepened our understanding of Viking history in North America.

    L'Anse aux Meadows archaeologist shares story of Vikings in North America: Part 1

    News
    Karsten Fatur's research challenges traditional narratives of Viking history, proposing a theory that centers on the significance of black henbane in understanding the berserker phenomenon.

    Vikings and drugs: Were the berserkers really high on magic mushrooms?

    Latest research in ethnobotany indicates black henbane may have been the Norse drug of choice.
    Karsten Fatur's research challenges traditional narratives of Viking history, proposing a theory that centers on the significance of black henbane in understanding the berserker phenomenon.

    Vikings and drugs: Were the berserkers really high on magic mushrooms?

    Latest research in ethnobotany indicates black henbane may have been the Norse drug of choice.
    Björkö Island, home to just 11 people, hosts Birka, an ancient Viking trading post and rich archaeological site.
    Birka Museum: Exploring the vast history of a small Viking island in Sweden
    In Norway, archaeologists from Oslo's Kulturhistorisk Museum unearthed rare gullgubber gold foils at Hovet i Vingrom, near Lillehammer.
    Norwegian E6 motorway reveals ancient gold motifs near Oslo
    A two-day conference in Denmark will highlight the importance of preserving the Nordic boatbuilding tradition, recently recognized by UNESCO as an inalienable cultural heritage.
    Denmark's Roskilde and Holbæk celebrate UNESCO recognition of Nordic boatbuilding

    News

     Karsten Fatur's research challenges traditional narratives of Viking history, proposing a theory that centers on the significance of black henbane in understanding the berserker phenomenon.

    Vikings and drugs: Were the berserkers really high on magic mushrooms?

    Latest research in ethnobotany indicates black henbane may have been the Norse drug of choice.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Featured Stories

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    Björkö Island, home to just 11 people, hosts Birka, an ancient Viking trading post and rich archaeological site.

    Birka Museum: Exploring the vast history of a small Viking island in Sweden

    Read Story
    At the Roskilde boatyard of the Viking Ship Museum, experts combine archaeological insights with age-old shipbuilding methods to meticulously reconstruct historic Viking ships.

    Maritime archaeologist uses photogrammetry to create a 3D scale model of a Viking ship at Roskilde

    Read Story
    From the icy landscapes of Scandinavia to the shores of distant lands, Viking training methods ensured they were always prepared for the challenges ahead.

    Mastering war: The training regime of Viking warriors

    Read Story
    In Roskilde, the Viking Ship Museum's courses teach participants the art of sailing on replicas of historical ships like the Kraka Fyr, Skjoldungen, and Estrid Byrding.

    Sail like the ancients: Learn Viking ship sailing in Roskilde, Denmark

    Read Story

    Featured Stories

    Björkö Island, home to just 11 people, hosts Birka, an ancient Viking trading post and rich archaeological site.

    Birka Museum: Exploring the vast history of a small Viking island in Sweden

    Read Story
    At the Roskilde boatyard of the Viking Ship Museum, experts combine archaeological insights with age-old shipbuilding methods to meticulously reconstruct historic Viking ships.

    Maritime archaeologist uses photogrammetry to create a 3D scale model of a Viking ship at Roskilde

    Read Story
    From the icy landscapes of Scandinavia to the shores of distant lands, Viking training methods ensured they were always prepared for the challenges ahead.

    Mastering war: The training regime of Viking warriors

    Read Story
    In Roskilde, the Viking Ship Museum's courses teach participants the art of sailing on replicas of historical ships like the Kraka Fyr, Skjoldungen, and Estrid Byrding.

    Sail like the ancients: Learn Viking ship sailing in Roskilde, Denmark

    Read Story

    Reviews
    We have put together a collection of well-written non-fiction books about Vikings that are essential reads.

    The Viking Herald's ultimate list of non-fiction Viking books you need to read

    Do you love reading about the Vikings but haven't quite mastered the Old Norse language? Never fear; we have compiled a list of some of the most masterly written, must-read non-fiction books on Vikings.
    We have put together a collection of well-written non-fiction books about Vikings that are essential reads.

    The Viking Herald's ultimate list of non-fiction Viking books you need to read

    Do you love reading about the Vikings but haven't quite mastered the Old Norse language? Never fear;...
    The Viking World by Brink and Price is a comprehensive guide to Viking history, culture, and society, tailored for both scholars and enthusiasts.
    Book review: The Viking World
    Highlighting the blend of 10th-century paganism and Christianity, the Christ depiction on the Harald Stone from Jelling is vividly presented at the National Museum of Denmark.
    Book review: World of Art - Viking Art
    The Viking Hondbók is an invitation to experience the Norse world, from the aroma of their fish oil lamps to the texture of their bread, all while sitting comfortably in the 21st century.
    Book review: The Viking Hondbók - Eat, Dress, and Fight Like a Warrior

    Reviews

     The Viking World by Brink and Price is a comprehensive guide to Viking history, culture, and society, tailored for both scholars and enthusiasts.

    Book review: The Viking World

    Bridging the academic generational gap with older minds and younger ones, The Viking World by Stefan Brink and Neil Price stands as the authoritative work on all (and I mean all) aspects of Viking history and culture.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Trade
    The Danegeld, a symbol of Viking dominance, bridged the gap between brute force and shrewd economic negotiation.

    Danegeld: The Vikings' sword-powered tax system

    Long before Don Corleone made people an offer they couldn't refuse, the Vikings were in the extortion racket. The Danegeld – a form of tax or protection money – was extracted, by the point of a sword – by Vikings from the Baltic to the Black Sea, from the British Isles to Baghdad.
    The Danegeld, a symbol of Viking dominance, bridged the gap between brute force and shrewd economic negotiation.

    Danegeld: The Vikings' sword-powered tax system

    Long before Don Corleone made people an offer they couldn't refuse, the Vikings were in the extortio...
    Silver and other precious metals were used as means of trade, and in rarer cases, jewelry. 
    Viking money and economy: How did they work?
    A depiction of a Viking longship.
    The Viking economy: Farming, raiding, and trading in Viking society
    Vikings bought a rich plethora of items and materials on their voyages, including wine, pottery, silk, silver, and spices.
    What did Vikings trade?

    Trade

     The Danegeld, a symbol of Viking dominance, bridged the gap between brute force and shrewd economic negotiation.

    Danegeld: The Vikings' sword-powered tax system

    Long before Don Corleone made people an offer they couldn't refuse, the Vikings were in the extortion racket. The Danegeld – a form of tax or protection money – was extracted, by the point of a sword – by Vikings from the Baltic to the Black Sea, from the British Isles to Baghdad.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Warfare
    From the icy landscapes of Scandinavia to the shores of distant lands, Viking training methods ensured they were always prepared for the challenges ahead.

    Mastering war: The training regime of Viking warriors

    The Vikings were seen as some of the most effective and fearsome warriors of the early medieval period. Much of their tactical skill was down to pure hard work and training.
    From the icy landscapes of Scandinavia to the shores of distant lands, Viking training methods ensured they were always prepared for the challenges ahead.

    Mastering war: The training regime of Viking warriors

    The Vikings were seen as some of the most effective and fearsome warriors of the early medieval peri...
    Often selected from the nobility, Huscarls were required to swear a sacred oath of loyalty to their master, a bond that only death could break.
    The backbone of Viking armies: Understanding the role of huscarls
    Essential for hunting game and human adversaries alike, the bow and arrow played a crucial role in Viking life.
    Viking bows and arrows: The silent killers of the North
    Slings were a key part of Viking efforts to scare the enemy and break their resolve.
    Why did Vikings use slings in combat?

    Warfare

     From the icy landscapes of Scandinavia to the shores of distant lands, Viking training methods ensured they were always prepared for the challenges ahead.

    Mastering war: The training regime of Viking warriors

    The Vikings were seen as some of the most effective and fearsome warriors of the early medieval period. Much of their tactical skill was down to pure hard work and training.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Culture&religion
    From Odin's strategic brilliance to Freyja's dual role in love and battle, discover how the Norse pantheon influenced Viking warfare.

    Norse gods of war: A primer

    At the heart of Viking society was a warrior culture forged in battles everywhere, from the British Isles to Baghdad. This culture was shaped by its relationship with the Old Norse religion, which blended a desire for glory and honor on the battlefield along with reverence for the Norse gods of war.
    From Odin's strategic brilliance to Freyja's dual role in love and battle, discover how the Norse pantheon influenced Viking warfare.

    Norse gods of war: A primer

    At the heart of Viking society was a warrior culture forged in battles everywhere, from the British...
    In the amber glow of autumn, Viking societies reveled in harvest celebrations, sacred offerings, and storytelling, setting the stage for the winter to come.
    The golden season: An exploration of Viking fall traditions
    The 13th-century Norse sagas from Iceland often describe the Hafgufa as a massive creature that could swallow whole ships.
    Hafgufa: The sea monster that bridged Norse legends and scientific observations
    In the intricate web of Norse cosmology, Jörð played a pivotal role, safeguarding the boundaries between the nine magical realms centered around the world tree, Yggdrasil.
    Jörð: Unearthing the legacy of the Norse earth goddess

    Culture&religion

     From Odin's strategic brilliance to Freyja's dual role in love and battle, discover how the Norse pantheon influenced Viking warfare.

    Norse gods of war: A primer

    At the heart of Viking society was a warrior culture forged in battles everywhere, from the British Isles to Baghdad. This culture was shaped by its relationship with the Old Norse religion, which blended a desire for glory and honor on the battlefield along with reverence for the Norse gods of war.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    History
    During a voyage from Norway to the Faroe Islands, Naddodd inadvertently became the first Norseman to lay eyes on Iceland's shores.

    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.
    During a voyage from Norway to the Faroe Islands, Naddodd inadvertently became the first Norseman to lay eyes on Iceland's shores.

    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, Nadd...
    Garðarr Svavarsson, a Swedish merchant, played a pivotal role in the discovery and eventual Norse settlement of Iceland during the Viking Age.
    Garðarr Svavarsson: The Viking who charted Iceland's first exploration
    Commissioned by a powerful aristocrat, the remnants of Jarlabanke's bridge unveil stories of influence, faith, and the Viking Age's twilight.
    Echoes from Sweden's past: The bridge of Viking lord Jarlabanke
    The Buddha bucket's bronze and enamel figures, resembling a meditative pose, have led many to draw parallels with Buddhist art.
    Buddhism in Viking lands? Deciphering the Oseberg Buddha artifact

    History

     During a voyage from Norway to the Faroe Islands, Naddodd inadvertently became the first Norseman to lay eyes on Iceland's shores.

    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.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Legacy
    Aside from the horned helmets, another common misconception about the Vikings is that they were all blonde, blue-eyed, and Scandinavian.

    What did the Vikings really look like?

    Whilst their Scandinavian ancestors may be typeset as all blonde-haired and blue-eyed, people in Viking societies had as much diversity in appearance as we had today. Recent scientific and archaeological evidence has uncovered some myth-busting aspects of what they really looked like.
    Aside from the horned helmets, another common misconception about the Vikings is that they were all blonde, blue-eyed, and Scandinavian.

    What did the Vikings really look like?

    Whilst their Scandinavian ancestors may be typeset as all blonde-haired and blue-eyed, people in Vik...
    The disease is a condition that affects both the hands and fingers, causing the formation of "knots" of tissue that deforms the hands into a bent position.
    Dupuytren’s contracture: What you need to know about the so-called Viking disease?
    The appropriation of Viking mythology, symbols, and culture by extremists has done considerable damage by perpetuating harmful stereotypes about the Vikings.
    What does the Sonnenrad symbol have to do with Neo-Nazis, Vikings, and a celebrity chef?
    What medieval people REALLY thought of the Vikings is far more complex and nuanced than the common popular stereotype of these supposed bloodthirsty warriors.
    What did medieval people really think of the Vikings?

    Legacy

     Aside from the horned helmets, another common misconception about the Vikings is that they were all blonde, blue-eyed, and Scandinavian.

    What did the Vikings really look like?

    Whilst their Scandinavian ancestors may be typeset as all blonde-haired and blue-eyed, people in Viking societies had as much diversity in appearance as we had today. Recent scientific and archaeological evidence has uncovered some myth-busting aspects of what they really looked like.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Scandinavia
    The Gray Goose Laws, known as Grágás in Old Icelandic, were among the earliest codifications of Icelandic law, comprising a collection of laws that were formally written down in 1117 CE.

    The Gray Goose Laws: Iceland's ancient legal foundation

    Before you ask, no, this has nothing to do with a popular vodka brand. The Gray Goose Laws were a collection of ancient laws established in Norway that were taken by Norse settlers to create the legal foundation of the Icelandic Commonwealth.
    The Gray Goose Laws, known as Grágás in Old Icelandic, were among the earliest codifications of Icelandic law, comprising a collection of laws that were formally written down in 1117 CE.

    The Gray Goose Laws: Iceland's ancient legal foundation

    Before you ask, no, this has nothing to do with a popular vodka brand. The Gray Goose Laws were a co...
    More than 10,000 hours of volunteer work went into the creation of Håpets katedral, culminating in a space for dialogue, reflection, and connection.
    Håpets katedral: Norway's modern response to traditional stave churches
    The intriguing history of Hedeby, from its growth as a major trading center to its ultimate fall, provides a fascinating insight into the complexities of the Viking Age.
    Discovering Hedeby: An ancient hub of Viking trade
    The Torshavn harbor is the largest of the many harbors throughout the Faroe Islands. Pictured are the red parliament buildings.
    What you need to know about the Faroese Løgting, a proto-parliament

    Scandinavia

     The Gray Goose Laws, known as Grágás in Old Icelandic, were among the earliest codifications of Icelandic law, comprising a collection of laws that were formally written down in 1117 CE.

    The Gray Goose Laws: Iceland's ancient legal foundation

    Before you ask, no, this has nothing to do with a popular vodka brand. The Gray Goose Laws were a collection of ancient laws established in Norway that were taken by Norse settlers to create the legal foundation of the Icelandic Commonwealth.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    PHOTO GALLERIES

    Oseberg ship burial mound
    Excavation of the Oseberg ship in 1904
    Gjellestad ship keel
    The excavation of the Gjellestad Viking ship
    Fjord in Norway 2
    Wow: 11 amazing photos of Norwegian fjords