Welcome!

Hello! I’d like to wish you all a very warm welcome to my blog, Modern Norse Heathen.

I am a 24 year old woman who lives in the UK, who was raised to be a Norse heathen.

I have always rejected the idea of organised religion, and instead prefer to practise heathenism – a belief system which allows you to follow your own path, rather than bow down before one deity.

I hope that this blog will help quel any negativity surrounding the heathen faith, and provide you with facts and interesting reading material on the subject.

Feel free to leave feedback in the comments – constructive criticism is always appreciated!

Also feel free to share my posts if you wish. 

Update!

Hi folks,

I’m so, so sorry that I haven’t posted for such a long time – I’ve been dealing with some difficult stuff in real life regarding my mental health, as well as other stressful shit, so I just haven’t had the time or motivation needed to do this blog justice. However, things are looking more positive now, particularly as I married my soulmate yesterday!

We had a very quiet registry office ceremony with just 4 witnesses, but this was only the legal part… We are planning a bigger Norse pagan handfasting and reception in the next couple of years!

We are absolutely thrilled to be husband and wife at last.

Once things calm down a little, I promise I’ll start uploading some interesting blog posts! Oh, and the reason I haven’t updated my Facebook page is because I received a 30 day ban – I can get back on it on 6th Nov!

Thank you for your patience.

~ Karen

(Modern Norse Heathen)

The Reason I Haven’t Been Posting

Hi guys! I hope you’re all well. First of all, I’d just like to say thank you to all my new followers! Its great to see people checking out my writings.

I haven’t been active on my Facebook page due to being banned until 8th August, but fear not – I’ve been working on some new blog posts to share with you all as soon as I’m able!

I could publish them here, but I’ve been super busy in real life… But I’ll be back soon! Thanks for understanding.

When Did Scandinavians REALLY First Arrive in Britain?

Most people assume that the Scandinavian blood running through the veins of most Brits comes primarily from the Vikings; whilst this is definitely somewhat true, many of us whose ancestors resided in the British Isles for centuries may actually boast Scandinavian DNA from a much older time period!

Amidst the scarce literary sources from during and prior to the Viking Age, there are a few clues which suggest that British and Scandinavian peoples had been in contact (or at least knew of each other) long before the attack on Lindisfarne in 793AD (widely considered to be the first Viking raid on Britain… It wasn’t, as I proved in a previous blog post, but I digress!).

For example, the Jutes (a Germanic tribe hailing from Jutland, which is now part of modern-day Denmark) first settled in Britain around the late 4th century, along with the Angles, Saxons and Frisians – that’s at least 200 years before Lindisfarne!

According to Bede (a Benedictine monk and early historian, born around 672AD and based in the kingdom of Northumbria), the Jutes sailed across the North Sea with their companions in primitive versions of the ships later used by the Vikings, led by two mercenary brothers called Hengst and Horsa. They may have travelled abroad due to flooding in their homelands. They then settled in the following areas of Britain:

– Kent (where they established a kingdom called Cantaware)

– Isle of Wight (Wihtwara)

– Hampshire (Meonwara – Meon Valley area, and Ytene – New Forest area)

Very little is known about the Jutes during this period, as they were often overshadowed by their travelling companions; indeed, even Bede’s writings may not be entirely correct, as the original Jutes were long gone by the time of his birth. However, it is believed that they probably used a traditional Germanic form of the Runic alphabet, and most scholars agree that they probably spoke either a group of Proto-Norse languages, or an Ingvaeonic (North Sea Germanic) language.

It is interesting at this point to mention that England actually got it’s name from this particular time in our history – it means ‘Angle-land’, named after the Angles whom the Jutes accompanied to the British Isles.

Experts believe that the Jutes came to Britain for similar reasons to their Viking descendants: wealth, land, agriculture and power! Britain during this era in it’s often turbulent history was divided, in a state of almost constant civil war, and therefore significantly weakened; they were simply unable to defend themselves against the united foreign invaders.

It is important to state that the Jutes, Angles, Saxons and Frisians all came from roughly the same geographic area – meaning that it’s difficult to tell them apart conclusively with regards to genetics – but still, it seems that the original Jutes did indeed mix a little with the native Britons. There are subtle differences in ancient Jute DNA, as experts have discovered from testing samples taken from skeletons found on the Jutland Peninsula dating back to this period. Obviously, with it being so long ago, it’s virtually impossible to know if any of us modern Brits are direct descendants of the Jute settlers – any remnant of that part of our genetic makeup will have been watered down heavily over the centuries. However, modern Scandinavian DNA will almost certainly contain some Jute, if of course a particular person’s ancestors hailed from Jutland (there were many other Germanic tribes around at the time living in the same region). My DNA test showed that I am 16% Scandinavian, 81% English and 1.8% Baltic; a friend of mine who has studied genetics told me that this percentage probably indicates that my Scandinavian ancestors came to England long ago, possibly even prior to the Viking Age, or at least no later than a generation or two after the end of the Viking Age, hence why it is so heavily diluted. Therefore, there is a small chance that my DNA may contain traces of the Jutes, especially as southern England crops up a lot on my family tree way back. Until DNA tests become more specific, I don’t think we can ever truly know. Also, I’m no expert, so forgive me if I’ve misinterpreted genetic information! This is all based on research and things I’ve been told.

Interestingly, there’s even a theory that Alfred the Great himself may have had Jute blood – after all, he claimed to have Saxon and Angle blood in order to legitimize his claims to Mercia and Wessex, so it’s entirely possible! Obviously, we can never know for sure.

Although the Jutes’ kingdom in Kent was powerful at first, its geographic position meant that it eventually got boxed in once other independent kingdoms began sprouting up around it. They didn’t really stand a chance! According to Bede, their Hampshire and Kentish territories were soon swallowed by the mighty kingdom of Wessex, the Isle of Wight being engulfed not long afterwards. The Jutes apparently fled back across the North Sea, where they tried their luck in France before fading into obscurity. By then, though, their DNA would have trickled into our gene pool.

A lasting legacy of the Jutes may have been the Kentish dialect and accent, described as recently as Elizabethan times as ‘impenetrable’ (very difficult to understand!).

Another theory to explain our strong Scandinavian DNA prior to the Viking Age is that early humans may have travelled across the land bridge that once connected Britain to mainland Europe (known as Doggerland). Before it was flooded due to rising sea levels in around 6500 BC, Neanderthals – an ancient species of human – had migrated through the Germanic regions, across Doggerland, and into Britain. The European Neanderthals became extinct around 41,000 years ago, but it is still possible to tell if a modern human being has traces of Neanderthal DNA; if so, perhaps this could have been the start of what we now know as Scandinavian DNA? Or at least a component of it?

Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that trade was taking place between Britain and Scandinavia at least 50 years before Lindisfarne, proving that they definitely communicated prior to the Viking Age – possibly for even longer than we can physically prove!

As I said before, I am no expert, but I do find this stuff fascinating!

Map showing Doggerland

Regions inhabited by Neanderthals, although their presence may have extended even further north

Lessons Learned in Czech Republic

As my regular followers will probably know by now, my fiancé is originally from Czech Republic – a beautiful country in central Europe.

Right now, I’m back in the Moravian region for my second visit to this magnificent place, and I’d like to share a few things I’ve learned here about the Slavic way of life which could also apply to Heathenry:

1. Defend your kin. Most Czech people are willing to do whatever it takes to defend themselves, their family, their property and their way of life.

2. Preservation of culture is important. Despite their turbulent history, Czech people still highly value their culture and history – evidence of which is all around.

3. Never bow to outsiders. Despite being occupied by various other nations in the past, Czechs are still fiercely proud of their traditions and way of life, and will not give them up willingly. Another interesting point to mention is that I haven’t seen a single Muslim or Mosque since I’ve been here – not even in the city! And although there are plenty of churches, I haven’t seen any of the Bible-Bashers who commonly preach on British streets.

4. Be self-sufficient wherever possible. Most Czechs, at least in smaller towns and villages, grow their own fruit and vegetables. Plenty also raise their own animals, and slaughter them for meat. Nothing is wasted, not even the bones! And they also cook most meals from scratch.

5. Take care of the environment. The Moravian region is dominated by densely forested hillsides, open fields and stunning scenery. I’ve hardly seen any litter since I’ve been here, which makes a lovely change from the UK! The air is cleaner here, and you are never far from unspoilt countryside which has remained the same for quite possibly centuries.

6. Have good manners. Everyone I’ve met has been friendly, hospitable and polite. When a guest enters a Czech person’s home, he or she is treated like royalty! This is very reminiscent of traditional Heathen values.

7. Work hard. Slavic people are very hard working and resourceful.

8. Don’t invest too much time or money into material things. Having nice, expensive things is great if you can afford it – but I love the Slavic ‘make do and mend’ philosophy, and although they are extremely house proud, they don’t usually feel the need to fill their homes with meaningless, bankruptcy-inducing junk.

9. Take care of your family. Most people ensure that their families are well cared for, and get a great start in life, whether that be leaving their house to their grandchildren or helping their children get on the property ladder. Parents all over the world do this for their kids, but here you can feel the love and respect for family a lot more keenly.

10. Be open minded. Of course, Czech people have their traditions, but they rarely judge you by appearances alone. They actually take the time to get to know someone instead of instantly disliking them!

My mother says that Czech Republic reminds her of England 50 years ago, when communities helped each other and did whatever they could to make ends meet; it is a far cry from the modern England I am used to living in today. In Czech Republic, total strangers say ‘good morning’ to each other… In England, people don’t talk to strangers unless absolutely necessary, and there are far too many ignorant bastards! Czech Republic is modern in many ways, but still manages to retain old style values… Something which every modern community should strive for.

Freydís Eiríksdottír: Warrior Woman

There are countless strong women in Norse history and mythology, but perhaps the most formidable was Freydís Eiríksdottír! Read on for some fascinating facts about her…

1. Freydís was born around 970 AD, daughter of the infamous Viking Erik the Red, and full sister of Leif Eriksson.

2. Freydís is described in the Icelandic Sagas as a fearless Viking warrior, masculine and strong. She also appears to have been treacherous, cold, calculating and manipulative.

3. According to Greenland Saga, Freydís travelled to Vinland (Canada/North America) with two Icelandic men, with whom she promised to share all profits from their venture half and half. She was convinced that great fortunes could be made in this new world. Her brother, Leif, agreed that they could use the settlement he had built during previous expeditions. The men she made the deal with (named Helgi and Finnbogi) agreed that they and Freydís would each travel separately, and bring an equal amount of men and supplies. Cunning Freydís manages to smuggle extra men onto her ship, so the brothers refuse to continue doing business with her, and she orders them to vacate Leif’s settlement. Helgi and Finnbogi build their own settlement nearby. Freydís eventually visits them, and they make peace. However, this truce is short-lived…

Upon returning to her own settlement, Freydís informs her husband that the brothers had beaten her, going as far as to call her husband a coward and demanding that he exact revenge on her behalf. Understandably angry, her husband kills Helgi and Finnbogi. He refused to murder the five innocent women living alongside the brothers, so Freydís later slaughtered them herself with an axe!

In a vain attempt to conceal her treachery, Freydís threatened to kill anyone who spoke of the massacre, but word of the killings eventually reached Leif. He tortured three men who had been on that particular expedition to Vinland, until the required information was extracted. It is very telling that those men were so fearful of Freydís that torture was the only thing that got them to speak out against her!

Although Leif was angry because of his sister’s actions, he didn’t punish her, instead remarking that he had foreseen little prosperity for her descendants. The saga concludes that everyone thought ill of her descendants afterwards.

4. According to The Saga of Erik the Red, on another voyage to Vinland, the settlement was attacked by natives (‘Skraelings’), who descended upon the unsuspecting Vikings at night, shooting warriors with catapults. Having never seen such weapons before, many of the Vikings panicked. As men fled, Freydís (8 months pregnant at the time) reportedly said this:
“Why run you away from such worthless creatures, stout men that ye are, when, as seems to me likely you might slaughter them like so many cattle? Give me a weapon! I know I could fight better than any of you.”

The men ignored her and continued to flee, so she picked up the sword of a fallen warrior, and started attacking the Skraelings. She must have looked insane, ripping open her dress to expose one breast, beating the sword on her chest and shrieking her battle cry. Seeing such a terrifying sight, the natives retreated.

Despite her obvious renown during her day, nothing else is known about Freydís Eiríksdottír. There is a statue of her in Reykjavík (Iceland), although it does not seem to match her description according to the Sagas!

After manipulating her husband into killing Helgi and Finnbogi, and subsequently slaughtering the five innocent women, Freydís and her family were shunned and she lived out the rest of her days as a virtual outcast.

Top 5 Most Fascinating Viking Age Artefacts

Archaeologists have discovered countless artefacts over the years, all of which have succeeded in furthering our understanding of and giving us a glimpse into the turbulent era known as the Viking Age. In no particular order, here are just 5 of the most fascinating of those finds (along with the reasons behind their importance):

1. The Oseberg Ship 

This elaborate ship burial was discovered on and subsequently named after the Oseberg Farm in Vestfold, Norway in the early 1900s. Dating back to around 834 AD, two female skeletons were interred in the magnificently preserved longship, along with a vast array of grave goods – including four decorated sleighs, a beautifully carved four-wheel wooden cart, agricultural and household tools, textiles (wool and imported silk), and a carved bedpost. One of the women buried inside the ship was around 80 years old, and her remains showed signs of severe arthritis and other maladies. The other was around 50 – 55 years of age, and had a broken collarbone; this initially led archaeologists to assume that she was a human sacrifice, killed to accompany her mistress into the afterlife, however more recent studies proved that the injury had been healing for several weeks. It is still unclear whether these women were related (perhaps mother and daughter?), or that one was indeed a sacrifice. The opulence of this burial, and the grave goods, shows that at least one of these women was of a very high status. One wore a fine red dress made of wool with a lozenge twill pattern (a luxury commodity) and a white veil. The other wore a plainer wool dress, blue in colour, and a wool veil – possibly denoting that she was lower in status. Although the identities of the two women will never truly be confirmed, many experts theorize that the eldest could have been Queen Asa – mother of Halfdan the Black and grandmother of Harald Fairhair. Recent tests on the remains showed that they both came from Agder in Norway, during the same period as Queen Asa supposedly did. 14 horses and 3 dogs also accompanied the ladies on their final journey.

Significance: Aside from being one of very few almost perfectly intact Viking ships ever discovered, the grave goods found on the Oseberg ship give us great insight into Norse burial rites during that time period. The silk proves the importation of luxury goods, and the other fabrics are one of very few examples of Viking Age textiles (their colours allowing us a glimpse into the types of garments people wore back then). More recent studies on the human remains yielded interesting results in terms of DNA, too – the younger woman’s ancestors apparently came to Norway from Iran! Sadly, there wasn’t enough usable DNA with which to decipher a link between the two women. However, evidence of their wealth was even present in their very bones… Fish formed the biggest part of Viking Age people’s diets, but these individuals both ate a high quantity of meat, which was a massive luxury! One of the bedposts shows one of the only examples of the Valknut rune.

2. The Gjermundbu Helmet 

Discovered in Haugsbygd, Norway by accident in 1943, the Gjermundbu Helmet is famous as the only Viking Age helmet ever to have been successfully reconstructed from its own fragments. It was originally found in 9 fragments, and subsequently restored. Made of iron with a peaked cap made from 4 plates, and dating back to the 900s, it is also the only Viking Age helmet actually discovered in Scandinavia! Other precious artefacts found alongside the sword include an almost intact chain mail, three swords (one of which is decorated with a silver inlay), three axes, three spearheads, riding equipment and game pieces/dice. Two burnt male skeletons (indicating cremation) were found alongside these, and many more objects. One of these men is believed to have been a petty king from the Ringerike area of Norway.

Significance: In addition to being one of the most unique and precious of all Viking Age artefacts, the Gjermundbu Helmet can tell us a lot about the style of helmets during this period, as well as their material composition. The fact that it is the only one found in Scandinavia also raises interesting questions, such as whether or not iron helmets like this were reserved only for kings or those ‘going Viking’ (some have been found in other parts of Europe, and in the UK)?

3. The Vimose Comb

Regular readers of this blog may remember that I included this artefact in a recent post. The Vimose Comb (found in Vimose, Denmark) dates back to around 160 CE. It is very well preserved, and is considered one of the most precious objects from this period due to the runes carved on it.

Significance: The runes carved on the Vimose Comb are the earliest unambiguous example of a Runic inscription ever found! Scholars believe that from the way in which they were written, it suggests that this Runic alphabet was being used for at least 100 years prior to these runes being carved by an unknown person. The runes translate to ‘harja’, meaning ‘comb’ or possibly ‘warrior’.

4. The Ulfberht Swords

Although these weapons presumably originated somewhere in Germany, a high volume of the approximately 170 known Ulfberht Swords discovered were found in Scandinavia – usually in warrior graves. Their style is considered a transitional point between Viking and high medieval knightly swords. They are all inscribed with the name ‘Ulfberht’, which was a Frankish or possibly Germanic name (if derived from the High German name Wulfbert for example).

Significance: Despite not being Scandinavian in origin, and not all of the swords being forged in the Viking Age, they were clearly highly sought after and prized by Viking warriors. The name ‘Ulfberht’ being inscribed on so many weapons, many of which made at various times, in various locations and by various blacksmiths, also shows evidence of one of the earliest examples of a trademark of sorts. Sadly, we will never know who the original Ulfberht was.

5. The Lewis Chessmen

Found on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides in the 1800s, and subsequently named after the bay in which they were found, the Lewis Chessmen are a group of distinctive 12th century chess pieces. Intricately carved, mostly from walrus ivory (some from whale teeth), they were probably made in Trondheim (Norway); this is assumed due to the fact that similar carvings can be found in Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, and shields similar to those depicted on the chessmen were found on other chess pieces unearthed on Hitra Island, situated in the mouth of Trondheimfjord. The lack of wear suggests that they may have been the stock of a travelling trader. The 78 pieces consist of 8 kings, 8 queens, 16 bishops, 15 knights, 12 rooks and 19 pawns. Interestingly, four of the rooks are depicted as fierce berserkers, biting their shields.

Significance: The Lewis Chessmen prove a trade link between Scandinavia and the Outer Hebrides, which were under Norwegian control at the time. The intricacy and quality of the workmanship is an amazing example of Viking Age crafting. It has also enabled experts to better understand the types of games played during this period, and their use in planning battle strategies. The pieces also depict almost perfect imitations of real armour worn in Norway during that time. Some of the pieces bore traces of a red stain, possibly used to differentiate between each opponent.

A Day In The Life Of A Viking

Contrary to popular belief, raping and pillaging weren’t everyday occurrences in the average Viking Age person’s life! Read on to discover a little about what life was most probably like for Scandinavian people during that period in history…

Men: Karls (Free Folk)

Many men were farmers, traders or craftspeople. Examples of common crafts included carpentry, and crops commonly grown by Viking Age Scandinavian farmers included barley and rye. They also raised livestock such as cattle, sheep and pigs.

An average day for a Karl man may have been like this:

• Rise early; it was important to be up early enough to fit in a full day’s work, especially during the winter months when the days were significantly shorter.
• Eat breakfast; prepared by their wives or slaves, if they had any.
• Groom themselves; appearances and hygiene were pretty important to Viking Age people.
• Check land/property; they would probably have checked for vandalism, theft or lurking vagrants.
• Delegate jobs to farmhands/workers, if applicable.
• Work the land, and perhaps slaughter some livestock.
• Prepare and take livestock and other saleable commodities to market. Here they could sell their wares, offer their services to paying customers, and buy any items they might need. Their goods may be sold to travelling merchants, who would distribute them elsewhere in Europe and possibly even beyond.
• Pay tribute to the local chieftain, either by paying taxes or offering services/respects. It was important to be on friendly terms with those of a higher status!
• Return home for meals, or perhaps pick up some food at the market. If they were travelling further afield, they were pretty much guaranteed to get a meal and a warm welcome at a stranger’s homestead, as hospitality was very important in Norse culture.
• Check land/property once again before bedtime.
• Eat an evening meal, and perhaps sit with his wife and children for a while, before retiring to bed.

Raids may only have happened once or twice a year, possibly even less, but most fit men probably would have participated as often as they could. It was risky, but the rewards of such an opportunity (both financial and in terms of honour) would have been too tempting to pass up!

Men: Thralls – Slaves

The life of a Thrall was incredibly tough. Here is an example of a typical day:

• Rise early; slaves worked long hours for very little pay, in some cases only for a place to sleep and meagre meals. Being late for work could have meant being on the receiving end of violence at the hands of their employer, or simply losing a meal/some of their payment.
• Eat a pitiful breakfast; in some cases, rotten food or mouldy grains were the norm. They probably wouldn’t have eaten with their employer’s family, instead being confined to a separate room, or perhaps even with the livestock/outside.
• Work extremely long shifts until late into the night; many Thralls were not even permitted short breaks or meals until all their back-breaking, humiliating work had been completed. They mostly did extremely physical work, or the jobs that no free man wanted to do. If they were lucky, they may be a volunteer who could afford to pick and choose who they worked for and what jobs they did, within reason. But of course, when you have no land or property of your own and no means by which to support yourself, it’s quite literally a case of ‘beggars can’t be choosers’!
• Eat another pitiful meal.
• Collapse, exhausted, into bed; if they were lucky, they may have a straw bed in an outbuilding alongside the animals. If they were unlucky, they might just have to find some form of natural shelter outside.

If they could save up enough money, some Thralls were able to buy their freedom back. However, this was rare, and this miserable existence was for most endured from the beginning until the end of their lives – which were comparatively shorter than their employers’!

Women: Karls

Free Viking Age women didn’t get to just sit around all day like the bored housewives of our modern era! A typical day may have consisted of:

• Rising even earlier than the men in the household; breakfast needed to be prepared and put on the table by the time they woke!
• Taking care of their children.
• Laundry; clothes and fabrics were all washed by hand
• Sewing; most Karl women made and repaired their own clothes, and those of their husbands/children. If she was particularly adept at sewing or crafting, she might sell some of her creations or offer services to others in return for payment to supplement the family’s income.
• Cooking; one meal could take hours to prepare and cook, so it was a really time consuming task!
• Feed and clean out the livestock, and perhaps harvest/tend to the crops (assuming she didn’t have slaves or farmhands to help her). Children would often assist their mothers in small tasks such as these.
• Housework; floors had to be swept and scrubbed by hand, and a Viking woman’s home was her pride and joy.
• Go to bed with her husband, after serving the evening meal, putting the children to bed and finishing all other household chores. Even if she was exhausted, her husband would probably still demand sex, as Norsemen were renowned as vigorous lovers. Plus, they probably wanted to have as many sons as possible to continue the family name!

Women: Thralls

A Thrall woman’s working day was just as gruelling and likely miserable as a Thrall man’s, however, it probably came with more risks, such as:

• Beatings; whilst it was common for male Thralls to also be beaten, women probably received more violent punishments.
• Sexual harassment; either by employers or fellow male Thralls.
• Rape; being raped was likely a regular, possibly daily, occurrence. Being weak and exhausted, a Thrall woman probably wouldn’t have had the strength necessary to fight back. If the rapist was her employer, then of course she would be wary of resisting.
• Multiple pregnancies; probably many miscarriages, but certainly plenty of living children too, whether married or a victim of rape. Many female Thralls also sold their bodies for money, which could obviously also cause multiple pregnancies. A Thrall woman’s children, whether they were conceived in or out of wedlock, would have been forced to work too (as you will see further down in this post!).

Children: Karls

A Karl child’s life was probably not dissimilar to their mother’s, and when boys reached the age of around 12 years old, they would accompany their father on business and be expected to take on more physical tasks around the farm/learn to craft. Girls would begin to sew and learn to cook/perform household chores from an early age. Boys were expected to learn to fight, particularly if their local chieftain financed regular raiding parties; it was also essential to learn to fight, both for honour and protect what was theirs. Girls would often be married as young as 15, sometimes as young as 13, with their fathers usually making the match with a suitable boy. Sons were also expected to marry around the same age if possible, as both males and females had to reproduce to continue family names.

Children: Thralls

Thrall children lived the same lives as their slave parents, including back-breaking work, regular beatings and even sexual abuse if they were owned by a particularly nasty employer. Many Thrall children did not survive infancy, or else sadly never managed to remove the shackles of slavery that were tied to them from birth.

I intend to write a more in depth blog post in the near future, so watch this space!

Origins of the Runes

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the Runic alphabet used by the Vikings?

Read on to find out!

1. The runes we recognise today were derived from the Old Italic alphabet, which was used by the Mediterranean peoples of the 1st century CE, who lived south of the Germanic tribes. It is thought that earlier sacred Germanic symbols (such as those found in rock carvings in Scandinavia) were also influential in the early development of the script.

2. The earliest known ambiguous Runic inscription was found on the Meldorf brooch – manufactured in the northern part of what is now Germany, in around 150 CE. However, some experts still disagree as to whether or not the inscription is genuinely Runic, or some form of early Roman script. The earliest unambiguous Runic inscription was found on the Vimose comb (discovered in Vimose, Denmark) and the Øvre Stabu spearhead (found in southern Norway), both of which date back to approximately 160 CE. The earliest known carving of the entire Futhark (alphabet), in order, was found on the Kylver Stone in Gotland, Sweden (400 CE).

3. The script probably travelled from southern to northern Europe via Germanic warbands, who would have encountered the Old Italic alphabet firsthand during campaigns amongst their southerly neighbours. This hypothesis is supported by the association that runes have always had with the god Odin who, in the proto-Germanic period, under his original name Wodanaz, was the Divine model of of the human warband leader. Of course, once the Germanic tribes discovered the runes, it was combined into their very religion as something that Odin himself had attained when sacrificing himself for knowledge.

4. As well as a form of verbal and written communication, the runes served as an important part of Norse magic. Runes are often used during an act called ‘casting’, whereby Norse pagans pick runes that they are drawn to (or throw them down randomly), and attempt to interpret their meanings. In Norse mythology, the Three Norns weave tapestries of people’s fates; runes were, and still are for some, a way of learning one’s fate or making difficult decisions. In Egil’s Saga, runes are also used to help heal a sick girl (who recovers after the use of Runic magic).

5. There are 2 types of runes – the Elder and Younger Futhark. The Elder Futhark, as the name suggests, is the oldest of the Runic alphabets, and is named phonetically after the first six letters in the alphabet (F, U, Th, Ar, K). The latter was then derived from it, in around the 6th century. The Anglo-Saxons and Frisians also developed their own similar but unique versions.

Here are the Elder Futhark runes and their meanings:

Lesser-Known Viking Heroes

Everyone knows the tales of famous Vikings such as Ragnar Lothbrok, Erik the Red and Ivar the Boneless… But what about others, who also achieved amazing feats during this fascinating period of history?

Before we begin, I’d just like to point out that some of these names may well be fictional (even mythological) characters, however they are almost certainly based on real people. I guess we will never know the truth, but these names – and associated deeds – live on!

So, without further ado, here are a few lesser-known Viking heroes:

1. Arngrim

A berserker who features in Hervarar Saga, Gesta Danorum, Lay of Hyndla, and a number of Faroese ballads.

According to Norse legend, Arngrim was once in possession of the magical sword, Tyrfing. He apparently went to the King of Gardariki (the Old Norse term for the states within Kievan-Rus), who owned the sword at the time. A battle ensued, in which Tyrfing – wielded by King Svafrlami – cut straight through Arngrim’s shield. Arngrim promptly cut of Svafrlami’s hand with his own weapon, before grabbing Tyrfing and using it to slay the king. He then captured Svafrlami’s daughter, Eyfura, and forced her to marry him.

Another version of this story recounts that Arngrim actually became Svafrlami’s war-chief, winning many battles and conquering many lands on his behalf. As a reward, the old king gave Arngrim a high position in the realm, as well as Eyfura and Tyrfing.

In all versions of the Saga, Arngrim returns to the island of Bolm in Hålogaland (the northernmost of the Norwegian provinces during these times). There, they have twelve sons, all of whom grow up to become berserkers.

There are many variations of this story, each with slightly different details, but experts generally agree that a Swedish Viking called Arngrim did indeed exist!

2. Haki

A Scandinavian sea-king, famous during his lifetime (presumably sometime around the 5th century). He is mentioned in multiple sources, including Gesta Danorum, Völsunga Saga and Ynglinga Saga.

According to Ynglinga Saga, Haki had amassed a great force of warriors. When he considered that he had amassed enough wealth and followers to make himself king of Sweden, he proceeded with his army against the Swedish royal seat at Uppsala.

Haki was feared and revered as a brutal warrior, who supposedly managed to crown himself king after a gruelling battle in which the previous king and two of his sons were slaughtered.

Haki was too confident, and comfortably sat on his throne for three years whilst his armies continued raiding elsewhere. Two of the previous king’s surviving sons, Eric and Jorund, realised that Haki was now a vulnerable target… They assembled a large force, and were joined by many other Swedes who wanted to reinstall the Yngling dynasty on the throne.

Haki met this huge, vengeful army with his own considerably smaller force at Fyrivellir (a marshy plain south of Gamla Uppsala). Haki himself reportedly killed many of the opposing men, including one of the brothers (Eric). However, he was mortally wounded during the fray.

In his final hours, Haki asked for a longship, which was loaded with his dead warriors and their weapons. Upon the ship, they also built a makeshift funeral pyre. His life now rapidly ebbing away, Haki was laid upon the pyre, as the ship was pushed further out into the waters of the Fyrisån River (which flows through the marsh, and from which the marsh gets its name).

Other leaders respected Haki for his bravery on the battlefield, and courageous end.

3. Hrothgar

According to medieval sources, Hrothgar was a Dane who lived around the early 6th century.

Appearing in the Anglo-Saxon epics Beowulf and Widsith, as well as in Norse Sagas and poems, he was the son of Halfdan Scylding (a legendary Danish king).

Hrólfr Kraki’s Saga recounts that Halfdan had a brother named Frodi, who attacked and killed him, making himself king of Denmark. Frodi wanted to eliminate his nephews so that no one else would have a claim to his newly-acquired throne, but Hrothgar and his brother Halga survived on a remote island, protected by a man named Vivil.

Eventually, Hrothgar and Halga avenge their father by killing their uncle Frodi. Halga assumed the title of king, whilst Hrothgar (described as ‘meek and blithe’) instead joins the king of Northumbria – Nordri – marrying Princess Ögn. As recompense for Hrothgar’s share of the Danish kingdom, Halga gives him a golden ring.

Their nephew Hrókr (son of their sister Signy) became jealous that he didn’t inherit anything from his grandfather, Halfdan, so went first to his uncle Halga. Halga refused to give him a third of Denmark. Next, he went to Hrothgar, and asked to see the golden ring. He appeared to look curiously at it, before throwing it suddenly into a body of water. This angered Hrothgar so much that he cut off his nephew’s feet, and sent him back to his ships. Hrókr, now disabled and bitter, returned with a large army and succeeded in killing Hrothgar. In an almost comical act of revenge, Halga then cut off Hrókr’s arms!

Hrothgar’s story in Beowulf differs somewhat, with his wife being named there as Wealhpeow instead of Ögn. It is believed that the Northumbrian king Nordri was fictional (although most probably based upon a real ruler!).

4. Redbad

One legendary Viking we do know definitely existed, is Redbad of Frisia.

He is listed in several sources as the king or duke of Frisia (part of what is now known as the Netherlands) from around 680 until his death in 719.

Considered the last independent ruler of Frisia before Frankish domination, Redbad was renowned as a fearsome and strategic warrior who stubbornly resisted the forced Christianization of his people. One monk did try to convert Redbad, but failed when he refused to be baptized as he wouldn’t join his ancestors if he went to Heaven.

Redbad was quoted as saying “I’d rather spend eternity in Hell with my pagan ancestors, than in Heaven with my enemies”.

A descendant of Redbad renamed himself in honour of his ancestor, becoming Saint Radboud (a bishop of Utrecht).

Redbad’s legacy still lives on today, in the form of an opera by Wagner (Lohengrin), and in albums by bands such as Ophidian Forest (‘Redbad’) and Baldrs Draumar’s ‘Aldgillessoan’.

A university and medical facility in the Netherlands were also named after Redbad respectively.

There is a Dutch movie called ‘Redbad’ too, which is a chronicle of his life!

I will add some more names to this list very soon, so watch this space!

The Real Björn Ironside

Have you ever watched the Vikings TV series, and wondered who the real Björn Ironside was? Look no further! Here are a few facts about the man behind the myth:

1. Björn ‘Ironside’ Ragnarsson (Björn Járnsida in Old Norse) was born around 777 AD in Denmark. His parents were Ragnar ‘Lothbrok’ Sigurdsson, and Aslaug Sigurdsdatter – although the Vikings TV show portrays the famous shieldmaiden Lagertha as Björn’s mother).

2. Several others in Björn’s immediate family also became famous. These include his brothers Ivar The Boneless, Sigurd ‘Snake-in-the-Eye’ and Hvidserk Ragnarsson as well as one of his sons, Erik Björnsson.

3. Björn Ironside is considered by most historians to be the founder of the most important Swedish royal family. This was known as the Munsö Dynasty.

4. Contrary to how it was depicted in Vikings, Björn was NOT the eldest son of Ragnar Lothbrok. He was in fact the second eldest son, after his brother Ivar.

5. Björn was renowned as a fearless warrior and fierce ruler – just like his father.

6. He raided many places during his lifetime, including France, Spain, Italy, the Mediterranean and England. He even raided the coast of North Africa! On one such raid, Björn captured the Italian city of Luni, mistakenly believing it to be Pisa. Despite his mistake, this became one of his most significant deeds, as other leaders respected him for his great use of intelligence and strategy in achieving this feat.

7. Vikings fans may recall the scene where Ragnar pretends to be dead in order to breach the fortress of Paris; this was in fact based on the real life actions of his son, Björn! Instead of Paris, Björn used this trick to enter the city of Luni! On the way back from Italy, Björn and his men encountered Muslim navy forces on the Strait of Gibraltar. Björn’s fleet were hit by an incendiary weapon known as ‘Greek Fire’ – very similar to the ‘Wildfire’ seen on Game of Thrones. It can even burn on water! Sadly, this took out 40 of his ships.

8. Björn’s father Ragnar was jealous of his successful sons – so much so that he installed a man called Eysteinn Beli to manage the kingdom of Sweden whilst he sailed to Northumbria, England to confront his sworn enemy, King Aella. Two of Björn’s brothers, named Eirik and Agnar, requested that Eysteinn submit to them. Eysteinn asked the Swedish chieftains for their opinions, but they strongly disagreed, instead ordering an attack on the brothers. Agnar was killed, and Eirik was captured and later excuted at his own request (he didn’t want to live with the shame of defeat).

9. After Ragnar’s death, Björn inherited the prestigious title of King of Sweden, thus establishing the Munsö Dynasty. He and his brothers attacked Northumbria in order to avenge their father, but Aella’s forces crushed theirs. Ivar, being wise, asked Aella for reconciliation. It was granted, and Ivar was given land, upon which he built the city of Jorvík (York). Ivar later returned to King Aella with his brothers and a much larger army, taking the aged monarch by surprise. They captured and killed him using the gruesome ‘blood eagle’ method.

9. Björn founded the House of Munsö, known as ‘The Old Dynasty’, which ruled Sweden for many generations. They were eventually exiled from the country after a long period of civil war at the end of the 10th century; however, showing the stubbornness and determination of their forefathers, the House of Munsö later became rulers of Denmark!

10. Historians gave Björn’s dynasty the name ‘Munsö’ because it is also the name of the place where he was buried. His ‘barrow’ (burial mound) is located on the Swedish island of Munsö.

Björn Ironside, as depicted in the Vikings TV series.