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Garðarr Svavarsson: The Viking who charted Iceland's first exploration
According to the Norse sagas, Garðarr Svavarsson was not only one of the first people to sail to Iceland but may indeed have been its first human inhabitant. Furthermore, he is credited with giving Iceland its nickname.6 days ago -
Echoes from Sweden's past: The bridge of Viking lord Jarlabanke
Located in the northern suburbs of Stockholm, there is a well-preserved causeway crossing from the Viking Age. Today, this is called Jarlabanke's Bridge, a testament to the power and religiosity of a Viking lord. Angus Carlsson takes up the story.1 week ago -
Buddhism in Viking lands? Deciphering the Oseberg Buddha artifact
The chronicles and histories are full of stories and tales of the Eastern exploits of people from Viking societies. We know they reached as far as the eastern edges of the Black Sea and into the Byzantine and Islamic world.1 week ago -
Exploring the legend of Erik the Red's sword Leg Biter
The most famous Viking redhead in history, renowned for his exploration skills and founding the first European settlement in Greenland, was Erik Thorvaldsson, commonly known as Erik the Red.3 weeks ago -
The Viking history of France: Part 2 - conquest and control
By the mid-9th century CE, the Vikings had conducted raids throughout river-bound and coastal communities in the Frankish realms. However, following initial predatory raids, a new, more dangerous phase of the Viking presence in what is now France would follow.1 month ago -
Sigurd the Mighty: How a Viking jarl became a legend of the North
The life and death of Sigurd Eysteinsson, the second Jarl of Orkney, is truly the stuff of legend and lore. This plucky Viking – whose loyalty to Harald Fairhair was unquestioned – carved out power and influence in "The Northern Isles," far away from the Viking homeland.1 month ago -
Harald Bluetooth Gormsson: The Viking king who connected kingdoms
One of the most consequential rulers in early medieval Scandinavia (and possibly the one with the best nickname) was Harald Gormsson, known to posterity as Harald Bluetooth.1 month ago -
Undying defiance: The Viking king who chose to be buried alive rather than submit
Striding like a colossus over early medieval Norwegian history is Harald Fairhair, the man who supposedly unified the various petty kingdoms into the medieval Kingdom of Norway. However, underlying his unification was a series of bloody battles and iron-willed ruthlessness.1 month ago
