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    Popular Stories

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    News
    Gothenburg City Museum confirmed the discovery of Viking-era graves in the heart of the city, a find that significantly contributes to our understanding of Viking presence in urban Sweden.

    Viking-era graves found in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden
    History
    Thorfinn Sigurdsson, Earl of Orkney, is celebrated in the Orkneyinga Saga as a mighty warrior and ruler who notably shaped Norse culture in the Scottish isles.

    The life and legacy of Thorfinn the Mighty: Orkney's Viking ruler
    History
    Unearthed in a onetime peat bog near Gotland, Sweden, the Mastermyr chest is a cache of Viking artifacts showcasing advanced early medieval craftsmanship and technology.

    Exploring the Mästermyr chest discovery and its Viking-era tools
    Legacy
    The first season of Vikings blends historical events and fiction, focusing on Ragnar Lothbrok's legendary adventures and the Viking era's culture.

    A very Viking introduction: How accurate is the first season of Vikings?

    Popular Stories

    News
    Gothenburg City Museum confirmed the discovery of Viking-era graves in the heart of the city, a find that significantly contributes to our understanding of Viking presence in urban Sweden.

    Viking-era graves found in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden
    History
    Thorfinn Sigurdsson, Earl of Orkney, is celebrated in the Orkneyinga Saga as a mighty warrior and ruler who notably shaped Norse culture in the Scottish isles.

    The life and legacy of Thorfinn the Mighty: Orkney's Viking ruler
    History
    Unearthed in a onetime peat bog near Gotland, Sweden, the Mastermyr chest is a cache of Viking artifacts showcasing advanced early medieval craftsmanship and technology.

    Exploring the Mästermyr chest discovery and its Viking-era tools
    Legacy
    The first season of Vikings blends historical events and fiction, focusing on Ragnar Lothbrok's legendary adventures and the Viking era's culture.

    A very Viking introduction: How accurate is the first season of Vikings?

    News
    Archaeologists in Norway are analyzing a Byzantine gold coin found in Innlandet County, possibly linked to Harald Hardrada's Byzantine era.

    Rare Byzantine gold coin found in Innlandet County, Norway

    A metal detectorist in the municipality of Vestre Slidre has just found a gold coin from Byzantium, perhaps brought to Norway by the 11th-century ruler Harald Hardrada.
    Archaeologists in Norway are analyzing a Byzantine gold coin found in Innlandet County, possibly linked to Harald Hardrada's Byzantine era.

    Rare Byzantine gold coin found in Innlandet County, Norway

    A metal detectorist in the municipality of Vestre Slidre has just found a gold coin from Byzantium,...
    Having completed its epic journey from Norway to Istanbul, the Saga Farmann continues to serve as a dynamic platform for promoting and exploring Viking culture and seafaring traditions.
    The voyage of Saga Farmann part 3: The Oseberg legacy
    Gothenburg City Museum confirmed the discovery of Viking-era graves in the heart of the city, a find that significantly contributes to our understanding of Viking presence in urban Sweden.
    Viking-era graves found in the heart of Gothenburg, Sweden
    Jørgen Strande, a local metal detectorist, discovered a rare Viking silver artifact on a farm in Bøverbru, located in the Toten region of Norway.
    Norwegian metal detectorist shares his story of unearthing rare Viking silver

    News

     Archaeologists in Norway are analyzing a Byzantine gold coin found in Innlandet County, possibly linked to Harald Hardrada's Byzantine era.

    Rare Byzantine gold coin found in Innlandet County, Norway

    A metal detectorist in the municipality of Vestre Slidre has just found a gold coin from Byzantium, perhaps brought to Norway by the 11th-century ruler Harald Hardrada.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Featured Stories

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    Jørgen Strande, a local metal detectorist, discovered a rare Viking silver artifact on a farm in Bøverbru, located in the Toten region of Norway.

    Norwegian metal detectorist shares his story of unearthing rare Viking silver

    Read Story
    Exploring the Viking Age reveals a rich tapestry of winter traditions, from the communal hunts to the celebratory feasts of Yule and the deeply symbolic winter blót rituals.

    Winter in the Viking Age: Rituals and celebrations

    Read Story
    The Battle of Helgeå in 1026, significant in Viking history, saw Cnut the Great’s fleet against Norwegian and Swedish forces, impacting Scandinavian power dynamics.

    Forging the North Sea Empire: The story behind the Battle of Helgeå

    Read Story
    Funded by the Augustinus Foundation, the study investigates Nordic management ideals and practices in the Late Viking Age and Early Middle Ages.

    Danish foundation funds major study on Viking leadership practices

    Read Story

    Featured Stories

    Jørgen Strande, a local metal detectorist, discovered a rare Viking silver artifact on a farm in Bøverbru, located in the Toten region of Norway.

    Norwegian metal detectorist shares his story of unearthing rare Viking silver

    Read Story
    Exploring the Viking Age reveals a rich tapestry of winter traditions, from the communal hunts to the celebratory feasts of Yule and the deeply symbolic winter blót rituals.

    Winter in the Viking Age: Rituals and celebrations

    Read Story
    The Battle of Helgeå in 1026, significant in Viking history, saw Cnut the Great’s fleet against Norwegian and Swedish forces, impacting Scandinavian power dynamics.

    Forging the North Sea Empire: The story behind the Battle of Helgeå

    Read Story
    Funded by the Augustinus Foundation, the study investigates Nordic management ideals and practices in the Late Viking Age and Early Middle Ages.

    Danish foundation funds major study on Viking leadership practices

    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;...
    Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241 by John Haywood provides a comprehensive overview of Viking history, spanning from Bronze Age Scandinavia to 15th-century Greenland.
    Book review: Northmen - The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241
    This second installment of Bill Arnott's Gone Viking series offers a unique twist on the Viking spirit, as Arnott embarks on journeys that span from Australia to the Southern Ocean.
    Book review: Gone Viking II - Beyond Boundaries
    Thomas Williams breaks free from common stereotypes, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of Viking Age Britain that extends beyond tales of violence and conquest.
    Book review: Viking Britain - An Exploration

    Reviews

     Northmen: The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241 by John Haywood provides a comprehensive overview of Viking history, spanning from Bronze Age Scandinavia to 15th-century Greenland.

    Book review: Northmen - The Viking Saga, AD 793-1241

    John Haywood offers an encyclopedic treatment of Viking history with a solid foundation, though it could benefit from diverging more from the well-trodden academic path.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Culture&religion
    In Norse mythology, the Norns are revered as the mystical beings responsible for weaving the fate of gods and humans alike.

    Understanding the role of the Norns in Norse mythology

    The enigmatic Norns were celebrated in Norse mythology as weavers of destiny and forgers of fate. How have these mystical figures remained so popular in our modern age, full of science and hard facts?
    In Norse mythology, the Norns are revered as the mystical beings responsible for weaving the fate of gods and humans alike.

    Understanding the role of the Norns in Norse mythology

    The enigmatic Norns were celebrated in Norse mythology as weavers of destiny and forgers of fate. Ho...
    Exploring the Viking Age reveals a rich tapestry of winter traditions, from the communal hunts to the celebratory feasts of Yule and the deeply symbolic winter blót rituals.
    Winter in the Viking Age: Rituals and celebrations
    Thor's belt, Megingjörð, not only enhances his physical capabilities but also represents his role as a protector of humanity, embodying both physical and moral courage in Norse mythology.
    Unveiling the secrets of Thor's belt, Megingjörð
    Although not as famous as gods like Odin or Thor, Logi, the Norse god of fire, symbolizes the vital force of fire in a culture deeply influenced by natural elements.
    The story of Logi, the Viking god of fire

    Culture&religion

     In Norse mythology, the Norns are revered as the mystical beings responsible for weaving the fate of gods and humans alike.

    Understanding the role of the Norns in Norse mythology

    The enigmatic Norns were celebrated in Norse mythology as weavers of destiny and forgers of fate. How have these mystical figures remained so popular in our modern age, full of science and hard facts?
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Partner content
    Discover the Royal Mounds in Gamla Uppsala with STOEX, where the legends of Viking kings come alive amidst these monumental testaments to Sweden's storied past.

    Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings with STOEX history tours in Stockholm, Sweden

    Discover Norse history within easy reach of the Swedish capital.
    Discover the Royal Mounds in Gamla Uppsala with STOEX, where the legends of Viking kings come alive amidst these monumental testaments to Sweden's storied past.

    Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings with STOEX history tours in Stockholm, Sweden

    Discover Norse history within easy reach of the Swedish capital.
    Located in Granby near Stockholm, the Granbyhällen runestone holds the record as Sweden's longest rune carving, rich with tales of the Viking family who once resided there.
    Experience an authentic Viking longhouse and explore a historic Norse farmstead
    Close to Stockholm, Arkils tingstad represents a key Viking Age assembly location, characterized by its stone structure and two inscribed runestones detailing local history.
    What does a bunch of stones have to do with the origins of Swedish democracy?
    The Royal Mounds in Old Uppsala date back to the 5th and 6th centuries, making them one of Sweden's oldest national symbols.
    The mysterious mounds of Old Uppsala

    Partner content

     Discover the Royal Mounds in Gamla Uppsala with STOEX, where the legends of Viking kings come alive amidst these monumental testaments to Sweden's storied past.

    Follow in the footsteps of the Vikings with STOEX history tours in Stockholm, Sweden

    Discover Norse history within easy reach of the Swedish capital.
    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
    The Battle of Helgeå in 1026, significant in Viking history, saw Cnut the Great’s fleet against Norwegian and Swedish forces, impacting Scandinavian power dynamics.

    Forging the North Sea Empire: The story behind the Battle of Helgeå

    One of the most consequential battles in early medieval Europe took place at the confluence of a river in Sweden, involving the forces of three Scandinavian kings. The result helped one of these kings attain immortal glory and forge an empire that was the highpoint of Viking power and influence.
    The Battle of Helgeå in 1026, significant in Viking history, saw Cnut the Great’s fleet against Norwegian and Swedish forces, impacting Scandinavian power dynamics.

    Forging the North Sea Empire: The story behind the Battle of Helgeå

    One of the most consequential battles in early medieval Europe took place at the confluence of a riv...
    Viking weaponry, renowned for its craftsmanship, was a blend of artistry and functionality, reflecting both the culture's martial prowess and their appreciation for intricate design.
    What was the best Viking weapon?
    According to sagas, the Battle of Svolder is remembered not only for its intense naval combat but also for the dramatic and mysterious end of King Olaf Trygvasson.
    The Battle of Svolder: A glimpse into Viking naval 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

    Warfare

     The Battle of Helgeå in 1026, significant in Viking history, saw Cnut the Great’s fleet against Norwegian and Swedish forces, impacting Scandinavian power dynamics.

    Forging the North Sea Empire: The story behind the Battle of Helgeå

    One of the most consequential battles in early medieval Europe took place at the confluence of a river in Sweden, involving the forces of three Scandinavian kings. The result helped one of these kings attain immortal glory and forge an empire that was the highpoint of Viking power and influence.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    History
    Famed in Norse mythology, Ragnar Lothbrok is depicted as a formidable warrior and dragon slayer, whose legendary adventures span from assaulting Paris to fathering heroic sons.

    Did Ragnar Lothbrok really exist?

    The Viking Herald explores the legend of Ragnar through ancient European chronicles and the sagas of Iceland.
    Famed in Norse mythology, Ragnar Lothbrok is depicted as a formidable warrior and dragon slayer, whose legendary adventures span from assaulting Paris to fathering heroic sons.

    Did Ragnar Lothbrok really exist?

    The Viking Herald explores the legend of Ragnar through ancient European chronicles and the sagas of...
    discovery of Indian artifacts in Norse graves has led to the development of theories suggesting that Vikings, renowned for their extensive exploration, may have successfully reached the dista
    Did the Vikings ever reach India?
    The Vikings, with their unparalleled naval skills and adventurous spirit, revolutionized maritime warfare and significantly influenced European culture and politics.
    Five ways in which the Vikings altered the course of history
    Harald Klak's tenure as King of Denmark, though marred by internal conflicts, is historically significant for his conversion to Christianity during his exile at the Frankish court.
    Who was Harald Klak, the first "Christian" king in the Nordic region?

    History

     Famed in Norse mythology, Ragnar Lothbrok is depicted as a formidable warrior and dragon slayer, whose legendary adventures span from assaulting Paris to fathering heroic sons.

    Did Ragnar Lothbrok really exist?

    The Viking Herald explores the legend of Ragnar through ancient European chronicles and the sagas of Iceland.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Legacy
    In Vikings season 4, the saga intensifies as Ragnar Lothbrok's diminishing leadership coincides with his sons' rise to power, signaling a new era of political and familial complexities.

    Family, politics, and power: The shifting dynamics in Vikings season 4

    Treachery, intrigue, and some good old-fashioned family feuding dominate this season of Vikings.
    In Vikings season 4, the saga intensifies as Ragnar Lothbrok's diminishing leadership coincides with his sons' rise to power, signaling a new era of political and familial complexities.

    Family, politics, and power: The shifting dynamics in Vikings season 4

    Treachery, intrigue, and some good old-fashioned family feuding dominate this season of Vikings.
    Fans and critics alike hail the 3rd season of Vikings as one of the best, with plenty of drama, adventure, and a 3-episode arc dedicated to the Viking sack of Paris.
    Promised lands, Paris, and resurrection: Digging into Vikings season 3
    In the second season of Vikings, viewers are taken on a journey through the turbulent world of early medieval England and the Viking colonization of the British Isles.
    Continuing the saga: Exploring the historical accuracy of Vikings season 2
    Space archeology uses satellite imagery to identify potential archeological sites from space, enabling researchers to study ancient structures and settlements remotely.
    Space archeology and the Vikings: When science goes wrong

    Legacy

     In Vikings season 4, the saga intensifies as Ragnar Lothbrok's diminishing leadership coincides with his sons' rise to power, signaling a new era of political and familial complexities.

    Family, politics, and power: The shifting dynamics in Vikings season 4

    Treachery, intrigue, and some good old-fashioned family feuding dominate this season of Vikings.
    SEE ALL STORIES

    Scandinavia
    Constructed to house the salvaged Vasa ship, the Vasa Museum serves as a testament to Sweden's naval prowess and a window into 17th-century maritime engineering.

    Discover maritime heritage at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm

    No other wooden ship salvaged from centuries ago is so well preserved – the Vasa is Sweden’s prime visitor attraction.
    Constructed to house the salvaged Vasa ship, the Vasa Museum serves as a testament to Sweden's naval prowess and a window into 17th-century maritime engineering.

    Discover maritime heritage at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm

    No other wooden ship salvaged from centuries ago is so well preserved – the Vasa is Sweden’s prime v...
    Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset) is a historic red-brick building with two towers, standing at 63 and 66 meters, and notable for its distinctive use of larger bricks reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
    Exploring the revival of Viking-inspired design in Scandinavian architecture
    Historically, locals believed the rock's improbable balance was the work of giants or deities, attributing its existence to supernatural forces.
    Unlocking the secrets of Finland's Kummakivi balancing rock
    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

    Scandinavia

     Constructed to house the salvaged Vasa ship, the Vasa Museum serves as a testament to Sweden's naval prowess and a window into 17th-century maritime engineering.

    Discover maritime heritage at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm

    No other wooden ship salvaged from centuries ago is so well preserved – the Vasa is Sweden’s prime visitor attraction.
    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