Vikings Had a Preference for Certain Slaves
While Vikings enslaved people from all over, they showed a preference for captives from specific regions. Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, and Slavic individuals were more likely to be kept as slaves by Vikings, while others were sold in markets across Europe and the Middle East.
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Despite their preferences, Vikings were notoriously cruel to slaves, regardless of origin. Slavery formed the backbone of their economy, but this practice gradually declined as Christianity spread throughout Scandinavia.
The Ordeal: A Unique Viking Trial
Like many ancient societies, Vikings had unusual ways of determining guilt or innocence. Their trial, known as “The Ordeal,” required accused individuals to endure grueling tests. For instance, they might have to survive being submerged in water, dip their hands in boiling liquid, or carry burning-hot iron.
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Surviving these painful trials was seen as a sign of innocence, a stark reminder of the harsh justice systems of the time.
A Shortage of Viking Women
Viking society valued male children more, leading to disparities in the care and survival rates of boys versus girls. This preference caused more girls to die young, resulting in a shortage of women in Viking communities.
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This imbalance may have driven their economy to rely heavily on enslaved women and children, especially for labor and reproduction.
Viking Women Had Surprising Rights
Unlike most women of the era, Viking women enjoyed certain freedoms. They could own land, divorce their husbands, and even lead clans. Some evidence suggests women also participated in battles, with burials containing weapons like swords and shields.
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These opportunities didn’t mean equality, but they highlighted the relatively advanced status of Viking women compared to their counterparts in other societies.
Harsher Punishments for Viking Women
Despite their rights, Viking women faced harsher punishments for crimes compared to men. For example, female slaves might have their hands or feet cut off for minor offenses. Women caught committing adultery risked having their noses or ears severed, while men committing the same act were typically just scolded.
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This double standard underscores the unequal treatment of women, even in a society that afforded them some rights.
Viking Warriors Filed Their Teeth
One of the most intriguing Viking practices was the filing of teeth. Painful and deliberate, this ritual likely served to intimidate enemies during battle. Some researchers believe the practice may also have symbolized social status or been a cosmetic trend.
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Interestingly, this practice wasn’t exclusive to Vikings; they may have adopted it from Native Americans or other cultures.
Slaves Were Burned Alive at Viking Funerals
Elite Viking funerals were grand affairs. High-ranking individuals were sometimes cremated on longboats filled with their possessions—and their slaves.
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These thralls were often sacrificed alive and sent to the afterlife alongside their masters. This gruesome tradition highlights the brutal aspects of Viking culture and their view of life and death.
Bleached Hair Was a Beauty Standard
Vikings valued blonde hair, which wasn’t always natural. Men often bleached their hair to align with societal beauty standards. This practice also helped combat lice, a common issue in those times.
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The thought of rugged Viking warriors bleaching their hair is an unexpected glimpse into their vanity and practicality.
Infanticide Was Common in Viking Culture
In their warrior-centric society, weak or deformed babies were seen as burdens. Vikings often abandoned such infants in forests to die from exposure. If a child couldn’t contribute to the family, they might even be thrown overboard.
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This harsh practice reflected the survival-focused mindset of the time, though it wasn’t unique to Vikings—many ancient cultures practiced infanticide.
The Gruesome Blood Eagle Torture
One of the most infamous Viking torture methods was the “blood eagle,” though its use remains debated. This ritual involved carving an eagle shape into a victim’s back, severing the ribs, and pulling the lungs out to resemble wings.
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Reserved for the most hated enemies, this method symbolized the Vikings’ reputation for cruelty and psychological warfare.
Men-on-Men Intimacy to Show Power
In Viking culture, acts of same-sex intimacy were sometimes used to assert dominance rather than as a reflection of sexual orientation. The man taking the dominant role reinforced his status and power, while the submissive role was seen as shameful.
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Interestingly, it was illegal to accuse someone of homosexuality, as such claims could damage a man’s masculinity. This complex perspective reflects the Vikings’ unique views on power and gender roles.
Viking Violence Didn’t Stop at Death
The Vikings believed that extreme acts of violence pleased their gods and increased their chances of entering Valhalla, the warrior’s afterlife. As such, they sometimes mutilated the bodies of their victims after death to bring shame to their enemies and show their own brutality.
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These practices further enhanced their fearsome reputation and demonstrated the spiritual significance they attached to violence.
Castrating and Enslaving Monks
Vikings targeted monasteries not only for their wealth but also for their inhabitants. Male monks, valued for their education, were captured, castrated, and sold as slaves in Eastern markets.
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This gruesome practice highlights the Vikings’ pragmatic yet ruthless approach to exploiting their raids.
The Legend of Sigurd Eysteinsson
Viking legend tells the bizarre story of Sigurd Eysteinsson, also known as Sigurd the Mighty. After defeating his rival Máel Brigte, Sigurd tied the man’s decapitated head to his saddle. During the journey, Máel Bright’s teeth grazed Sigurd’s leg, causing an infection that eventually killed him.
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This tale is a testament to the rich mythology surrounding Vikings and their often larger-than-life personas.
Berserkers: Warriors Fueled by Rage
Berserkers were elite Viking warriors who fought in a trance-like fury, often without armor. Their intense rage made them nearly unstoppable on the battlefield, striking fear into their enemies.
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Some historians theorize that berserkers used hallucinogenic plants or mushrooms to achieve this state. Others suggest that psychological conditioning fueled their terrifying strength and disregard for pain.
Horse Fighting as Entertainment and Selection
The Vikings held horse-fighting matches, not only as a form of entertainment but also to select the strongest stallions for breeding. Two male horses were placed in an arena with a mare in heat nearby, inciting the stallions to fight.
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The winner was chosen for breeding, while the loser often didn’t survive the match. This practice underscores the Vikings’ practical yet brutal methods for improving their livestock.
Hunting Sea Creatures Without Modern Tools
Vikings regularly hunted whales, walruses, and other large sea creatures despite lacking advanced tools or equipment. Evidence of their hunts has been found in settlements, with remains of whale bones and walrus tusks unearthed.
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These feats highlight their incredible seafaring skills and resourcefulness in surviving the harsh conditions of the North Atlantic.
Human Waste Used as Fire Starters
Vikings used an unconventional method to create long-lasting fires. They boiled a type of fungus in human urine, which allowed the resulting material to burn steadily.
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This ingenious technique helped them start and maintain fires during their raids and travels, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate.
Dangerous Viking Games
Viking games were as perilous as their daily lives. Some involved life-threatening challenges, like holding opponents underwater or enduring physical harm. Deaths during these games weren’t uncommon, whether accidental or intentional.
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These dangerous activities reflected the Vikings’ warrior culture, where even leisure carried an element of risk.
Tarring and Feathering, Viking Style
The Vikings had their brutal twist on tarring and feathering. Victims were coated in hot tar and feathers and then forced to run between two lines of people throwing rocks at them.
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If the accused survived, they were set free—but often with serious injuries. This punishment illustrates the harsh justice system of Viking society.
Holmgang: The Viking Duel of Honor
The Viking tradition of holmgang, a duel to settle disputes, was a brutal form of conflict resolution. Participants fought to the death, and failure to show up resulted in an automatic loss. If a fighter was unskilled or weak, they could nominate a champion to fight on their behalf.
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Eventually, holm gangs were outlawed in the 11th century because skilled warriors exploited the practice to take advantage of others. Despite being banned, informal duels likely continued for some time.
Disease Spread Through Animal Sacrifices
Before Christianity took hold in Scandinavia, Vikings performed elaborate sacrificial rituals to honor their gods. These rituals involved slaughtering animals, collecting their blood in bowls, and smearing it across temple walls. The meat was then cooked and eaten during feasts.
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Such unsanitary practices likely contributed to the spread of diseases, especially as these ceremonies often occurred in large gatherings.
Parasitic Worms and Genetic Adaptations
Vikings frequently consumed raw or undercooked meat, which exposed them to parasitic worms. Over time, their bodies developed genetic mutations to combat these infections. Unfortunately, this adaptation also led to a higher risk of lung disease for their descendants.
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Today, about 10% of Scandinavians are believed to carry this genetic trait, a lingering reminder of the Viking diet.
The Louvre’s Viking Origins
The Louvre, now one of the world’s most famous museums, was originally built as a fortress to protect Paris from Viking raids. Constructed by King Philip II in the 12th century, it served as a stronghold against repeated Viking invasions.
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The structure eventually evolved into the grand palace and museum we recognize today, bearing traces of its defensive origins.
Slaves Shared Their Masters’ Fate
Viking slaves, or thralls, endured unimaginable hardships, including sharing their masters’ punishments. If a Viking prisoner had a limb amputated or suffered other forms of torture, their thralls were subjected to the same fate.
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This practice reflects the brutal treatment of slaves in Viking society, emphasizing their expendability.
The Downfall of Holmgangs
While holmgangs were initially seen as a fair way to resolve disputes, their potential for abuse led to their downfall. Powerful individuals used the system to intimidate others, taking advantage of weaker opponents to seize property or settle scores.
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By the early 11th century, holmgangs were banned in most Viking territories, though it’s likely the practice continued informally for a time.
Norse Words That Shaped English
The Vikings left a lasting mark on the English language. Many common words, such as “Thursday” (from Thor’s Day), “berserk” (meaning bear shirt), and “ransack,” originated from Old Norse.
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Other surprising additions include “law,” “loan,” and “husband.” Even the word “gun” derives from the Norse name Gunnhildr, which means “battle.” The Viking influence on language underscores their cultural legacy.
Cow Rodeos as Punishment
In Viking society, those who refused to participate in holmgangs were subjected to humiliating punishments, such as cow rodeos. The accused was placed in an arena with a greased cow, forced to grab its slippery tail and hold on.
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This bizarre punishment was both a form of public humiliation and a test of physical endurance.
Most Vikings Were Farmers, Not Fighters
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of Vikings were farmers rather than warriors. They spent their days cultivating crops and tending livestock, using raids as a means to acquire resources and settle new lands.
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While their reputation as fierce fighters is well-deserved, everyday Viking life was more about agriculture than constant conquest.
Vikings Were Not a Unified Group
Vikings are often portrayed as a single, unified people, but in reality, they were a collection of diverse groups from Scandinavia. These groups frequently clashed with each other over resources, trade, and territorial disputes.
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As time went on, Vikings settled in various parts of Europe, including northern France, where they became the Normans, and in Britain and Italy, influencing the regions’ cultures and histories.
Erik the Red’s Fiery Temper
Erik the Red, born Erik Thorvaldsson, was a famous Viking explorer known for discovering Greenland. However, he had a reputation for violence and was exiled multiple times for his temper. One such incident involved him killing his servants after they caused a landslide that destroyed his home.
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Despite his fiery nature, Erik’s exploration efforts led to significant discoveries, shaping Viking expansion and settlement.
The Vikings’ Role in the Slave Trade
Vikings played a significant role in the medieval slave trade, capturing women and children during their raids to sell in markets as far as the Middle East. Monks and other educated individuals were also highly sought after for their value in Eastern markets.
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The demand for slaves was a key motivator behind Viking raids, illustrating how integral this practice was to their economy.
Harald Hardrada and the End of the Viking Age
The death of Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066 is often considered the end of the Viking Age. His defeat marked the decline of Viking influence in Europe, as Christianity and centralized kingdoms took hold in Scandinavia.
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Hardrada’s death signaled a shift in the Viking way of life, with raiding becoming less viable and many Vikings turning to trade and farming instead.
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