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15 Viking Myths That Are Just Wrong

The Vikings, often portrayed as brutal, horned-helmet warriors rampaging through medieval Europe, have become the stuff of legend. But much of what we “know” about them is wrong. In reality, the Norse people were far more complex and fascinating than their pop culture counterparts.

Here are 15 common myths about Vikings – and the truths that shatter them.

1. They Only Lived in Scandinavia

1. They Only Lived in Scandinavia
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While the Vikings originated in Scandinavia, they were far from confined to those regions. They traveled and settled in places as far-reaching as England, Ireland, Greenland, Iceland, and even North America. Their influence extended into the Mediterranean and the Middle East through trade and exploration.

2. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets

2. Vikings Wore Horned Helmets
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The iconic horned helmet is pure fiction. No historical evidence exists to support the idea that Vikings adorned their helmets with horns. The few Viking helmets ever found are practical, horn-free designs. The image likely originated from 19th-century operatic costume designers and Victorian artists who romanticized the Viking age.

3. Vikings Were Barbarians

3. Vikings Were Barbarians
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While they did raid and plunder, Vikings were not mindless barbarians. Their society had intricate laws, traditions, and a strong emphasis on craftsmanship. They were also traders, farmers, and explorers who left a legacy far beyond the battlefield.

4. They All Had Blonde Hair

4. They All Had Blonde Hair
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The stereotype of the blonde Viking overlooks their genetic diversity. Many Vikings, particularly in western Scandinavia, had red or brown hair. In fact, red hair was so common that some depictions of Norse gods, like Thor, describe them as red-haired.

5. Women Had No Rights

5. Women Had No Rights
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Contrary to the myth, Viking women enjoyed considerable rights for their time. They could own property, inherit land, and even divorce their husbands. Some women were buried with wealth and status, suggesting they held significant roles in society.

6. Vikings Were Dirty and Smelled Bad

6. Vikings Were Dirty and Smelled Bad
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Far from the unhygienic brutes of legend, Vikings were known for their cleanliness. They bathed regularly, even dedicating a day of the week to washing. Personal grooming tools like combs, razors, and ear spoons have been found in archaeological digs, showcasing their commitment to hygiene.

7. Women Went on Raids

7. Women Went on Raids
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While some women known as “shieldmaidens” may have participated in raids, this was the exception rather than the rule. Most Viking women played vital roles at home, managing farms and ensuring the survival of their communities while men were away.

8. They Drank From Skulls

8. They Drank From Skulls
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This gruesome myth stems from a mistranslation. Vikings drank from horns, not the skulls of their enemies. The idea of drinking from skulls was a later invention, likely to make the Vikings seem more savage.

9. The Axe Was Their Preferred Weapon

9. The Axe Was Their Preferred Weapon
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Though axes are often associated with Vikings, the spear was their most commonly used weapon. Swords, bows, and round shields were also part of their arsenal, showcasing their versatility in battle.

10. They Used Primitive Weapons

10. They Used Primitive Weapons
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Viking weapons were anything but primitive. They used advanced metallurgical techniques like pattern welding to create durable and sharp swords. Their craftsmanship was so sophisticated that some Viking swords remain unmatched even by modern standards.

11. They Were All Giants

11. They Were All Giants
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The idea of Vikings as towering giants isn’t supported by evidence. Men during the Viking age averaged about 5’8”, and women were around 5’3”. They were sturdy and strong, but not significantly taller than people of their time.

12. They Were Called “Vikings”

12. They Were Called Vikings
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The term “Viking” referred to an activity – going on a voyage or raid – rather than a people. They were more commonly called Norsemen, Danes, or simply referred to by their regional identities. The word Viking was introduced into English during the 18th century, when there was a Viking revival, and people heavily started romanticizing them.

13. Vikings Were a Nation

13. Vikings Were a Nation
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The Vikings were not a unified nation but a collection of tribes and clans. These groups often competed with each other, and it wasn’t until later that the regions they inhabited began forming cohesive nation-states.

14. They Were Not Crafty

14. They Were Not Crafty
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Vikings were master craftsmen, excelling in shipbuilding, carpentry, blacksmithing, and jewelry making. Their longships were engineering marvels, capable of navigating both deep seas and shallow rivers.

15. They Only Pillaged and Murdered

15. They Only Pillaged and Murdered
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While raids were part of their history, Vikings were also traders and settlers. Their extensive trade networks spanned from North America to the Middle East, and they often coexisted peacefully with other cultures after initial conflicts.

Understanding the Real Vikings

Understanding the Real Vikings
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The truth about Vikings is far more compelling than the myths. They were explorers who ventured into the unknown, farmers who toiled the land, and artisans who created works of art. Their society was diverse, with complex roles for both men and women.

The Legacy of the Vikings

The Legacy of the Vikings
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The enduring myths about Vikings likely stem from their enemies’ attempts to vilify them and from later romanticized depictions. Horned helmets and exaggerated brutality make for great stories, but they don’t do justice to the reality.

By dispelling these myths, we can better appreciate the Vikings’ contributions to history. Their adventurous spirit, craftsmanship, and cultural impact resonate even today. While the tales of their raids are legendary, it’s their depth and complexity as a people that truly define them.