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The Vinland sagas: Two versions of the Norse voyage to America
Centuries before the European voyages of "discovery," people from Viking societies reached North America. This memory was preserved in two very different sagas, two very different versions of the Norse exploration and settlement of North America.3 months ago — Culture and religion -
Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir: Trader, pilgrim, and traveler between worlds
In an era where many people ventured little further over the course of their lives, Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir earned the moniker "the Far Traveled."6 months ago — History -
The Viking outlaw: Life beyond the law
Whilst often portrayed in some historical sources as a collection of mere bloodthirsty barbarians, Viking societies were deeply law-abiding as they formulated their own laws and rules to maintain order and peace within their communities.9 months ago — Culture and religion -
Hamingja: How family "luck" shaped reputation in Norse society
People in Viking societies saw luck not just as mere felicitous happenstance but as an inherited spiritual strength passed down through the bloodline.9 months ago — Culture and religion -
Were women part of Viking trading voyages?
It is only in recent years that there has been a widespread reinterpretation of women's roles in Viking trading voyages.11 months ago — Trade -
Viking encounters with Indigenous peoples: From the Sámi to Vinland
People from Viking societies encountered a wide range of Indigenous peoples throughout their travels during the early medieval period. These were often the first encounters these people had with Europeans centuries before the "Age of Exploration" kicked off Europe's thirst for conquest.1 year ago — History -
The Viking "discovery" and settlement of North America: A deep dive
Many thanks to one of our loyal Patreon fans, Bruce, who suggested this fascinating topic. It is only recently that we have conclusive evidence that some of the stories in the sagas of people from Viking societies in the New World were more than just tall tales and were historically accurate.1 year ago — History -
New musical drama brings the Vinland Sagas to life
Composer, writer, and director Jeffrey Leiser talks to The Viking Herald about his new film, Freydís and Gudrid, an operatic adaption of the struggle between two women first portrayed in the Norse sagas.2 years ago — News -
Author Martyn Whittock opens up about his new book on Vikings in America
In 2021, experts in dendrochronology gave a specific date for the items they had been analyzing from L'Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Viking site in North America: 1021.2 years ago — News -
L'Anse aux Meadows archaeologist shares story of Vikings in North America: Part 1
For more than 50 years, renowned archaeologist Birgitta Wallace has been a respected custodian of L'Anse aux Meadows, the only confirmed Viking site in North America.2 years ago — News
