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Skaldic praise poetry as political propaganda
Viking Age chieftains and later monarchs skillfully used skaldic poetry as a tool to legitimize power, solidify support, and help shape communal memory. A core element of political authority for Viking rulers was the use of performative praise poetry.8 months ago — Culture and religion -
Gunnhildr Gormsdóttir: Mother to kings in Norse sagas
The daughter of one Viking king, wife to another, and the mother of at least two more, Gunnhildr Gormsdóttir was an influential woman in an era of hyper-masculinity and entrenched patriarchy.2 years ago — History -
Egil Skallagrímsson: Viking warrior, poet, and man of many talents
Long before Hamlet, Holden Caulfield, or James Dean forged the Western idea of the anti-hero, there was Egil Skallagrímsson. He was a historical figure and a man of many talents. Among them, he was a Viking warrior, poet, and farmer.2 years ago — History -
The skalds of Scandinavia: Viking poets and their legacy
Whilst their martial prowess and naval skills dominate popular imagination, people from Viking societies also had a softer, more cultured set of skills. Skalds, the fabled poets of the Viking Age, were known for their unique and complex poetic forms and were also crowd-pleasing entertainers.2 years ago — Culture and religion
