From 700-1100 AD, the Vikings ruled supreme. A strong and proud race of Nordic seafarers who traveled the Norwegian and Baltic seas in long boats, from land to land, battle to battle. Viking warriors were often seen wielding a sword and shield or a mighty ax in battle. In the old Norse language, Viking meant […]
Viking Clothing and Weapons
The Vikings were seafaring people from modern Scandinavia. They had advanced seafaring skills and are known for having traveled all over the world, raiding other countries and trading goods especially in Europe. The Vikings have now become almost a myth, because there are so many grand stories and ideas about them. However, they were a […]
Viking Gods
The Vikings worshiped many gods and goddesses, each with their own personality and stories. Viking gods looked just like regular people and had their faults. These gods were not immortal, but they did live for a very long time with superhuman powers. In Norse mythology, the gods belonged to two groups originally: the Aesir and […]
Harald I Harefoot
Harald I Harefoot was born around 1012 to King Canute and his mother was either Canute’s mistress or his first wife Elgifu of Northampton, the records are unclear. Harald acquired the name Harefoot for his speed and his exceptional skill in hunting. Harald would only rule England for five years until his untimely death at […]
Hardicanute
Hardicanute or Harthacnut was the son of King Canute and Emma of Normandy and spent his childhood in Denmark, having been sent there by his father as an act to strengthen defences and legitimacy. Earl Ulf, Canute’s brother, headed a council to aid the young Hardicanute. Ulf alienated his brother by making the Danish provinces […]
Sweyn Forkbeard
Sweyn Forkbeard or Tiugeskaeg, known as such due to his long cleft beard was the son of Harald Bluetooth and was born around 960 AD; he would be the first Danish King of England. Sweyn formed imposing Danish North Sea empire. His father was King of Denmark from 940 to 985 AD, and while it […]
Norse Mythology
Norse mythology is the body of mythology practised in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and Denmark) stemming from paganism and continuing after the introduction of Christianity. Norse mythology encompasses figures and stories from numerous sources, medieval manuscripts, archaeological evidence and folk tradition, from before and after the pagan era. Some of these deities include Thor, Odin, Freyja, […]
King Canute the Great
Canute or Cnut the Great was born circa 985 to 995 AD and was the son of King Sweyn Forkbeard. Canute’s reign and deeds were told of in Norse poetry, and was portrayed as a fierce Viking warrior; in the Knýtlinga Saga, Canute was “exceptionally tall and strong, and the recognised of men, all except […]
Ragnar Lodbrok
The Viking King, Ragnar Lodbrok (or Lothbrok according to different texts) had his infamous deeds embellished in medieval European literature. Noted as the scourge of France and Britain, Ragnar’s life and notorious acts are nothing short of legendary and his three notable sons-Halfdan, Inwaer (also known as Ivar the Boneless) and Hubba continued his legacy. […]
Ivar the Boneless
In the year 865, a reign of terror descended on the Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms of England. Described as the most destructive and brutal invasion in English history, this dark tale of revenge would last for 14 years and engulf approximately half of the country. The Viking warrior responsible for leading this was none other than the leader […]