Jonathan Williamson
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What was the language of the Vikings?
From the 7th to the 15th century CE, Old Norse was the native language of the Nordic region.18 hours ago — Culture and religion -
What was the temple at Uppsala, and why was it important in the ancient Norse religion?
Temples dotted the pre-modern world, from Delphi to Luxor, from Ur to what is now Uppsala, in Sweden. Though we only have information about it from medieval sources, the temple at Uppsala was a religious center and focal point for the ancient Norse religion.19 hours ago — Culture and religion -
Who was Åslaug Sigurdsdatter, the mythical Norse queen?
Hundreds of years before Charles Perrault penned his version of Cinderella, a similar story appeared in the Norse sagas. Appearing in 3 separate Norse sagas, Åslaug Sigurdsdatter was said to be a queen and sorceress whose life was full of magic, myth, and mayhem.1 day ago — History -
What happened when the Vikings met indigenous Americans?
The Vikings encountered indigenous Americans some five centuries before Christopher Columbus's "voyages of discovery."4 days ago — History -
All you need to know about Valhalla, the eternal feasting hall of Norse mythology
For Viking warriors, death was not the end, only the beginning. Those who were slain in battle, and deemed worthy and brave enough, would be led by Valkyries to join Odin in Valhalla.6 days ago — Culture and religion -
Did the Vikings reach the Caribbean?
Only within the past few years has it been scientifically proven that Norse settlers reached the Americas over half a millennium before the voyages of Columbus. Some argue that these Norse master maritime navigators may have even traveled further south, into the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.1 week ago — History -
The rise and fall of the Norse settlements in Greenland
When Norse peoples established a settlement in Greenland in 986 CE, little did they know that they would leave a lasting cultural, historical, and political footprint - one that is still evident to this day.1 week ago — History -
All you need to know about what is and what is not a Viking sword
A sword in the hands of any Viking warrior was not only a lethal and bloody weapon but a prized possession, as rich in detail and craftsmanship as its weight in gold.1 week ago — Warfare -
A brief look at the Viking history of England
The history of England in the early medieval period is dominated by the Vikings. What began as a simple pirate raid on a monastery in 793 CE would evolve into an occupying army and colonization by the Norse throughout the following two centuries.2 weeks ago — History -
Who was Horik I, the King of the Danes?
Horik (or Hårik) held the reins of power, in Denmark, for 40 years in an era where average life expectancy was little more than half that.2 weeks ago — History