Scholars Challenge Long-Held Beliefs About Vikings and Norse Mythology

Recent research from scholars at the University of Münster reveals that many commonly accepted beliefs about Vikings and their culture are not supported by concrete historical evidence. The findings suggest that our understanding of Vikings and Norse mythology has been significantly shaped by later medieval sources, which often reflect contemporary worldviews rather than the realities of the Viking Age.

According to Roland Scheel, a scholar involved in the research at the Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics,” most narratives about Vikings derive from Christian scholars who documented these cultures over a century after the Viking Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 11th century. He explains, “Besides brief runic inscriptions, no written texts from the original period have been preserved.”

The image of Vikings as fearless adventurers and skilled seafarers has become ingrained in popular culture through films, television series, and video games. Yet, Scheel emphasizes that the historical record presents a far more complex picture. He notes that many narratives presented in museums and media often overlook that the surviving texts represent a “memorialized history” rather than an accurate account of Viking life.

The modern perception of Vikings has led to a largely positive association with pre-Christian Scandinavian society, which is often credited with having a unique warrior culture and a relatively favorable position for women. This idealized view continues to shape contemporary identity formation, particularly among neo-pagan groups who see themselves as living embodiments of Scandinavian paganism.

“These groups often contrast their beliefs with monotheistic religions, such as Christianity,” Scheel points out. Yet, he cautions that this interpretation frequently glosses over the violence associated with Viking raids. The romanticized view of Vikings starkly contrasts with modern perceptions of other historical events, such as the Crusades, which are now widely linked to coercion and brutality.

The influence of Viking narratives extends into various spheres, including political projects. For example, the Council of Europe has established the Viking Cultural Route, highlighting numerous historical sites and presenting Viking heritage as a unifying element of European identity.

In examining these themes, Scheel and his colleague, Simon Hauke, are investigating how interpretations of “pagan North” have evolved. Their research spans centuries, from the 13th-century “Edda” by Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson to references made by political figures such as Otto von Bismarck, who used the “Edda” in speeches to the Reichstag.

The researchers assert that understanding how different eras imagined Scandinavian paganism reveals much about their goals and societal contexts. “Our research allows us to peek behind the scenes of our own knowledge,” Scheel adds, highlighting the political misuse of Norse mythology at various points in history, including the exploitation by the Volk movement and the National Socialists to support racial ideologies.

Despite lingering connections to right-wing extremism, contemporary interpretations of Norse mythology are diverse. The cultural legacy of these myths continues to inspire a wide range of artistic expressions. For instance, Richard Wagner’s opera “The Ring of the Nibelung” has significantly influenced modern perceptions of Norse mythology, particularly the character of the Valkyrie, who is often depicted as a feminine warrior.

Hauke emphasizes that the depiction of Valkyries in Wagner’s work simplifies their roles as described in Old Norse texts. “Valkyries in these sources serve various functions, including selecting fallen warriors and even acting as barmaids in the afterlife,” he notes. The complex nature of these characters is often overshadowed by contemporary interpretations that focus solely on their warrior aspects.

The ongoing research project, titled “Paganisations: Memorialised Paganism as an Element of Scandinavian and European Identities,” aims to explore the long history of Scandinavian paganism and its interpretations. A forthcoming conference, “Imagining Nordic Paganism: Cultural Memories and Scholarly Thought Since the Middle Ages,” will feature international experts discussing topics such as gender relations within paganism and the role of paganism in shaping modern identities.

As scholars continue to unravel the intricate layers of Viking history and mythology, their work sheds light on how historical narratives shape cultural identity and influence contemporary society.