The hörgr is a fundamental part of Norse history. This basic yet significant structure, typically a pile of stones, functioned as a sacred altar crucial for the religious rituals of …
Exploring Viking Gender Roles – Society and Expectations
Viking society defined gender roles clearly, deeply influencing every aspect of Norse life. Men typically became warriors and farmers, defending their families and managing the land. They also wielded considerable …
Who Were the Berserkers?
Berserkers, known in Old Norse as ‘berserkir’, meaning “bear-shirts”, were fearsome warriors of the Viking Age. These fighters are often depicted in sagas and ancient texts as uncontrollable warriors in …
Einherjar – Odin’s Elite Warriors in Norse Mythology
The einherjar are a legendary group of warrior spirits in Norse mythology. These elite fighters dwell in Valhalla, the grand hall of Odin, the chief of the gods. The term …
What is Outlawry? Exploring Legal Exclusion in Viking Societies
Outlawry was a severe form of punishment in the Viking Age, primarily used in Scandinavia and Iceland. This term meant that a person was declared outside the protection of the …