10 Lies About the Vikings Everyone Still Believes Today

The legends of the Vikings are packed with wild adventures, gods with serious attitude problems, and end-of-the-world showdowns. These tales, known as Norse mythology, are a window into the beliefs and values of the North Germanic peoples. Ever wondered who Thor was before he became a Marvel superhero? Let's dive into the world where he originally swung his hammer.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • Vikings always wore horned helmets.
  • All Norse gods had beards and giant muscles.
  • Ragnarök is the same as Armageddon.

1. The Existence of Berserkers

Viking berserkers are a wild topic in Norse mythology. These were fierce warriors who supposedly fought with insane energy. Imagine seeing a group of fighters who bit their shields and foamed at the mouth. They were intense!

Berserkers are said to have gone into a trance during battle. In this state, they felt invincible, as if no sword or spear could harm them.

Common Misconceptions:

  • Invincibility Myth: Some believed berserkers were truly immortal. They weren't, they just thought they were.
  • Always Angry: When not in their berserk state, they were actually calm and peaceful.

They were named "berserkers" from the Old Norse words for "bear" (bera) and "shirt" (serkr). This likely means they wore bear skins into battle. There were also úlfheðnar, who wore wolf skins.

Historians puzzle over how real these tales are. Some think berserkers used substances to reach their wild state. Others believe they used intense rituals or sheer willpower.

Olaf Haraldsson, a famous Viking king, used berserkers in his army. He placed them at the front lines, but this didn't always work out. At the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, they charged too soon and actually caused problems for his forces.

Despite the myths, it's hard to know exactly what’s true about berserkers. Their legendary status in Viking tales makes them one of the most fascinating figures in history.

2. Vikings wearing horned helmets

Did Vikings really wear horned helmets? Spoiler alert: they didn't.

  • Horned helmets go way back, long before the Vikings.
  • Richard Wagner's 19th-century opera helped spark this mistaken image.
  • Costume designer Carl Emil Doepler put horns on Viking helmets for that opera.

Think of real Viking helmets. They were practical, meant to protect, not to look impressive. Adding horns would have been a bad idea in battle.

Actual horned helmets found by archaeologists are much older. Some were from as early as 900 B.C.E., way before Vikings existed.

By the time the Viking age rolled around (around 8th century to 11th century), the idea of wearing horns likely never crossed their minds. They were more into axes, swords, and sailing.

Hollywood and pop culture love the horned look. It’s dramatic! It’s cool! It’s also very, very wrong.

So, the next time you see a Viking with horns, remember: it’s more fantasy than fact. Enjoy it in movies, but don't take it as historical truth. The Vikings did many things, but turning themselves into walking bulls was not one of them.

3. Vikings as Top-Tier Shipbuilders

The Vikings were like the rock stars of shipbuilding. With their sleek and clever designs, they made boats that could sail the wildest seas and sneak up rivers like a stealthy ninja. Their shipbuilding skills were top-notch and helped them explore new lands, trade, and raid.

Biggest misconceptions about Viking shipbuilders:

  • Myth: Vikings used magic to make their ships fast.
  • Truth: They just had amazing engineering skills.
  • Myth: All Viking ships looked the same.
  • Truth: There were longships, cargo ships, and more.

Their longships were something special. These boats were strong enough for ocean travel but could also handle shallow rivers. This made them perfect for surprise attacks and quick getaways. The biggest Viking ship found, the Gokstad longship, shows how advanced they were.

Several features made these ships legendary:

  • Lightweight and fast.
  • Symmetrical design for forward and backward travel.
  • Versatile for different situations.

The Viking shipbuilders didn’t just stick to one kind of wood. They used oak, pine, and ash based on the ship's purpose. This attention to detail made their ships durable and efficient.

Without their shipbuilding genius, the Vikings wouldn't have been able to roam far and wide, making their mark

4. Women Warriors Among the Vikings

Think Vikings were all bearded dudes swinging axes? Think again! Viking women were more than just running the home; some were fierce warriors, too.

One famous type is the Valkyrie. They weren't just strong fighters; they also chose who would die in battle and join Odin in Valhalla. Talk about multitasking!

Common Misconceptions About Viking Warrior Women:

  • Myth: All Viking women stayed home.
    Reality: Some were fierce fighters.

  • Myth: Valkyries are just mythical figures.
    Reality: They symbolize real warrior women in legends.

Archaeological evidence shows graves of Viking women with weapons. This suggests they held high-status roles in society. There’s even a Viking Age grave in Sweden with the remains of a decorated female warrior from the 10th century.

And let's not forget Freyja, a goddess who could be both loving and a total badass in battle. She proves that Viking mythology had room for strong women who could hold their own on the battlefield.

Women in Viking society might have had more diverse roles than typically imagined, blending the domestic with the heroic. It's clear that Viking women could be just as tough and respected as their male counterparts. So, next time you think of Vikings, remember: it wasn't just the guys who got to have all the fun and glory.

5. Vikings as Savage Brutes

The image of Vikings as wild, untamed warriors is hard to shake. Thanks to TV shows and movies, they often seem like fierce, savage brutes. But is that truly the case?

First, let's address the common misconceptions:

  • Horned Helmets: No evidence shows Vikings wore them.
  • Uncleanliness: They were actually known for personal grooming.
  • Pure Savagery: Many were farmers, traders, and explorers first.

These myths paint a picture of constant bloodshed. The Vikings did engage in raiding, but they also had a rich culture. They valued art, storytelling, and law-making.

The sensational image of muscle-bound barbarians sells well. But history tells us they had complex societies with rules and systems in place.

So, while the Viking warrior had his moments of brutality, to call all Vikings savage brutes is a big stretch. Let's give credit where it's due: they were multifaceted people with a lot more going on than just raiding and pillaging.

6. Viking funeral pyres

When you think of Viking funeral pyres, you might picture a blazing ship sailing off into the sunset. But let's bust some myths.

  • Fiery send-offs: Yes, Vikings did have fiery send-offs, but not always by boat. Sometimes, they'd just build a big pyre on land.
  • Burial mounds: Vikings also buried their dead in mounds. These mounds often contained treasures and personal belongings.
  • Prayers and rituals: They held rituals to honor their gods and ensure a good afterlife.

Burning ships might make for a dramatic movie scene, but Viking funerals were a bit more varied and practical. Not everyone got the ship treatment. Some were laid to rest with their belongings in burial sites, while others had giant bonfires built for them. Why let facts get in the way of good storytelling, right?

So, while the image of a Viking warrior set ablaze on a sea-bound vessel seems iconic, it's just one part of the story. There's more to Viking funerals than just fire and drama.

7. The use of runestones for curses

Viking runestones are often seen as mysterious and powerful objects. They’re covered in runes, a type of ancient script. While many runestones were used for memorials and storytelling, some believed they had the power to curse.

Runic curses weren’t taken lightly. Someone would carve specific runes with intent. They thought these runes could bring bad luck or harm to the target.

Here are some common myths about runic curses:

  • Curse Everywhere: Not all runestones were for cursing. Many were just memorials.
  • Instant Doom: Curses weren't always immediate. They took time or specific actions to activate.
  • Universal Belief: Not all Vikings practiced or believed in runic curses.

Runestones had magical significance. Odin, the chief Norse god, was known to have obtained knowledge of runes through a great ordeal. This added to their mystical aura.

Some runes were thought to control fate. In Norse myths, the Norns, who control destiny, used these runes. This made runestones carved with curses very formidable in the eyes of the Vikings.

While runestones are fascinating relics, the idea of runic curses adds a layer of intrigue. It shows the Vikings' deep belief in magic and the supernatural.

8. Vikings Discovering America

The idea that Vikings discovered America is a popular myth.

Many people believe that Vikings set foot in North America centuries before Columbus. This claim is based on various sources, including old sagas and archaeological finds.

Archaeologists found evidence of a Viking settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland. This site dates back to around 1,000 years ago. It shows that Vikings did indeed reach North America.

Despite this, the Vikings didn’t establish lasting colonies in America. Their visits were short and didn’t lead to significant exploration or settlement. The myth of Vikings discovering America is often tied to an idea of heroic explorers braving the unknown.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • Vikings were the first Europeans in America: They were early, but they didn't "discover" it in the way Columbus's voyage did.
  • Long-term colonization: Their settlements were brief and didn’t last.
  • Widespread influence: The Viking presence had little impact on American history.

This myth is partly fueled by a fascination with Viking adventure stories. It also feeds into broader narratives about who can claim a connection to America’s past.

So, while the Vikings did explore parts of North America, their impact was minimal. The story of their discovery is more legend than history.

9. Odin riding an eight-legged horse

Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology, had a unique mode of transportation: an eight-legged horse named Sleipnir. Sleipnir wasn't your average horse, even by mythological standards. With an extra set of legs, he was fast, agile, and could travel between the realms of gods and humans with ease.

Sleipnir had a fascinating origin. He was born from an unusual coupling—Loki, a shape-shifting god who turned into a mare, and a powerful stallion named Svadilfari. Talk about an unusual family tree!

The eight legs of Sleipnir made him incredibly swift. Imagine a horse that not only gallops at super speed but also looks quite striking with those extra limbs. This gave Odin a significant advantage during his travels, especially in times of battle.

Thanks to Sleipnir, Odin could traverse quickly between the worlds, from Asgard to Midgard and beyond. This made him a crucial figure in many Norse myths where timing was everything.

Some fun facts about Sleipnir:

  • Connection to Iceland: In Iceland, there's a canyon named Ásbyrgi said to be shaped by Sleipnir's mighty footprint.
  • Artistic depictions: He’s often shown with his eight legs in illustration, making it easy to identify him.

Odin riding Sleipnir remains a highlight in Norse tales, adding an element of magic and mystery to the stories of old.

10. Dragons Guarding Viking Treasures

In Viking myths, dragons were the ultimate treasure protectors. The most famous tale involves Fafnir, who turned from a dwarf into a dragon just to keep his hoard safe. Imagine the dedication!

These dragons were not just about gold. They protected gems, artifacts, and other valuable items. They took their jobs seriously and were ready to fight off any would-be thieves.

Norse dragons symbolized greed and danger. By hoarding treasures, they represented the dark side of wealth. Heroes often had to slay these dragons to claim the treasure and prove their bravery.

A few key points about dragons in Viking lore:

  • Fafnir: A dwarf turned dragon to guard gold.
  • Níðhǫggr: Lived at the roots of Yggdrasil, gnawing at its base.
  • Jormungandr: The serpent from Ragnarok, destined to clash with Thor.

These stories show how deeply dragons were woven into Viking culture. They were fierce, greedy, and powerful—just like the treasures they guarded.

Origins of Viking Myths

Viking myths have deep roots in Norse cosmology and were shaped by the historical context of the Viking Age. These myths explain the universe's structure, the origins of gods, and even the fate of the world.

Norse Cosmology

Norse cosmology is like a complex map of the universe. It centers around the World Tree, Yggdrasil, an enormous ash tree with branches that extend into various realms.

Nine realms exist in Norse mythology. Asgard is where the gods live, while Midgard is home to humans. There's also Jotunheim, the land of giants, and Niflheim, a cold, dark place for the dead.

The universe started with the void called Ginnungagap. From there, two realms emerged: Muspelheim (fire) and Niflheim (ice). When fire met ice, life began. This led to the birth of the first giant, Ymir, who played a key role in shaping the world.

Yggdrasil influences the events of Ragnarok, the end of the world. This tree connects and impacts all realms, holding the universe together.

Historical Context

The historical context gives life to these myths. Viking myths date back to the 9th century AD, shared orally among Northern Germanic tribes. These stories were more than just tales; they explained the Vikings' world and traditions.

Christian conversion in the 11th century led to the suppression of these myths. However, they were preserved by scholars like Snorri Sturluson. Written records in works like the Prose Edda captured and saved these important cultural stories.

Viking myths have also influenced modern culture. From literature to movies, elements of Norse mythology continue to inspire and captivate audiences.

These myths weren't just bedtime stories. They were a way for Vikings to understand their world, their gods, and their destiny. They remain a key part of our shared history and cultural heritage.

Famous Viking Myths

Viking myths are filled with dramatic tales of gods and warriors. These stories explain how their world began and how it will end.

Creation Myths

In Norse mythology, the world wasn't always there. It all started from a vast, empty abyss called Ginnungagap. On one side was the land of fire, Muspelheim, and on the other was the icy world of Niflheim. When the heat from Muspelheim met the cold from Niflheim, water droplets formed Ymir, the first giant, and a giant cow named Auðumbla. Auðumbla licked salty ice blocks, revealing Búri, grandfather of the gods.

Ymir's body was used to create the universe: his flesh turned into the earth, his blood into the seas, his bones into mountains, and his skull became the sky. Odin and his siblings established Midgard, the world of humans, from Ymir's eyebrows. It's safe to say that Norse creation myths are as imaginative as they come.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • The world was always there.
  • No giants involved.

Ragnarök

Ragnarök is the dramatic end of the world. It’s foretold to bring destruction and rebirth. Signs of Ragnarök include the death of Odin's son Baldur and the harsh winter lasting three years. This disastrous event involves epic battles, betrayal, and the death of gods.

Odin fights the wolf Fenrir, but is consumed by him. Thor takes on the giant serpent Jörmungandr; they kill each other. Loki, the trickster, fights on the side of the giants and dies at the hands of Heimdall, the watchman god. The world sinks into the sea but resurfaces anew, fertile and fresh.

Biggest Misconceptions:

  • Ragnarök is avoidable.
  • No gods survive.

Viking myths are wild rides full of awe and wonder, telling tales as vast as their icy homeland.