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Beyond Birka: Viking sites around Lake Mälaren that shaped Swedish history
Lake Mälaren is seen as the cradle of the nascent Swedish state. Here, amongst the lake's surroundings, are some of the Scandinavian nation's most important economic, political, and religious sites of the early medieval period.1 year ago — History -
Styrbjörn the Strong: Viking chieftain or literary creation?
Whilst he may have been related to two early medieval kings of Sweden, Styrbjörn wasn't exactly a family man. He is said to have led a rebellion against his own family, ultimately falling in an act of betrayal.1 year ago — History -
Who was Sigrid the Haughty, the legendary Queen of the North?
Sigrid the Haughty, a powerful figure in Norse sagas, was said to have been responsible for the Battle of Svolder, was married to two legendary Viking kings, and was wooed by another. Can we separate fact from fiction to uncover the true inspiration behind this legendary Queen of the North?2 years ago — History -
From Jerusalem to Uppsala: Why Sweden rejected paganism for Christianity
The reign of Swedish King Olof Skötkonung was a historical pivot for the nascent Scandinavian kingdom that saw the transition from pagan beliefs to the worship of the new Christian religion. Why did Sweden reject the old gods for Jesus, and who benefitted from this spiritual paradigm shift?2 years ago — Partner content -
Tracing the Eastern voyages of Ingvar the Far-Traveled, a legendary Viking adventurer
The Swedish Viking who ventured to Eastern lands among treacherous kings and beautiful, hospitable queens.2 years ago — History -
Olof Skötkonung: The Viking king who embraced Christianity and shaped medieval Sweden
Reigning at the threshold between the early and middle medieval periods, between the widespread worship of the Old Norse religion and the advent of Christianity in Sweden, was Olof Skötkonung, a famed Viking king.2 years ago — History
