The most striking events in history can rightfully be considered the campaigns of the Vikings, just as they themselves would rightly be called very interesting figures in the period from the 9th to the 11th century. The very word "Viking" roughly means "sailing in the sea." In the native language of the Normans, "vik" means "fjord", which in our opinion will be "bay". Therefore, many sources interpret the word "Viking" as "man from the bay." A common question is "Where did the Vikings live?" would be as inappropriate as the assertion that "Viking" and "Scandinavian" are one and the same. In the first case, we are talking about a person, in the second - about belonging to a particular people.

As for belonging to a certain ethnic group, it can be difficult to identify it, since the Vikings settled in the occupied territories, soaking in all the local “benefits”, as well as saturating the culture of these lands. The same can be said about the titles that were awarded to the "people of the fort" by various peoples. It all depended on the place where the Vikings lived. Normans, Varangians, Danes, Russes - such names were received by the "sea army" on more and more new shores, where it landed.

A lot of myths and misconceptions hover around the bright historical characters, which were the Vikings. Where the Norman invaders lived, what they did, besides their campaigns and raids, and whether they did anything other than them at all, are very delicate questions that torment the heads of historians to this day. However, at least seven misconceptions about the "Scandinavian barbarians" can be deduced today.

Cruelty and thirst for conquest

In most films, books and other entertainment resources, the Vikings appear before us as bloodthirsty barbarians who cannot imagine their life without daily sticking their ax into someone's skull.

The initial reason for military campaigns among the Normans was the overpopulation of the Scandinavian lands where the Vikings lived. Plus constant strife of clans. Both forced a large part of the population to go in search of a better life. And the river robbery was nothing more than a bonus to their difficult journey. Naturally, poorly fortified European cities became easy prey for sailors. However, as for other peoples - the French, the British, the Arabs and others, who also did not disdain bloodshed for the benefit of their pockets. Suffice it to recall that all this took place in the Middle Ages, and this way profit was equally attractive to representatives of various powers. And the national propensity for bloodshed had nothing to do with it.

Hostility

Another claim that the Vikings were hostile to everyone but themselves is also a delusion. In fact, foreigners could both take advantage of the hospitality of the Normans and join their ranks. Many historical records confirm that French, Italians and Russians could meet among the Vikings. An example of staying in the Scandinavian possessions of Ansgar - the envoy of Louis the Pious - is another proof of the hospitality of the Vikings. You can also recall the Arab ambassador ibn Fadlan - the film "The 13th Warrior" was filmed based on this story.

Natives of Scandinavia

Although, contrary to the above remark, the Vikings are equated with the Scandinavians - this is a deep delusion, which is explained by the fact that the Vikings lived on the territory of Greenland, Iceland, as well as France and even Ancient Rus'. In itself, the assertion that all "people of the fiord" are from Scandinavia is a mistake.

Where the Vikings lived at the beginning of the Middle Ages is an inappropriate question, since the “marine community” itself could include various nationalities, from various lands. Among other things, it is worth noting the fact that the French king freely gave part of the land to the Vikings, and in gratitude they stood guard over France when it was attacked by an enemy “from outside”. It is not uncommon that this enemy was the Vikings from other lands. By the way, this is how the name "Normandy" appeared.

Dirty heathen savages

Another oversight of many narrators of bygone years is the depiction of the Vikings as dirty, unscrupulous and wild people. And again, this is not true. And the proof of this is the finds that were extracted during excavations in various places where the Vikings lived.

Mirrors, combs, baths - all these remnants of an ancient culture found during excavations confirmed that the Normans were a clean people. And these finds were extracted not only in Sweden, Denmark, but also in Greenland, Iceland and other lands, including the Sarskoye settlement, where the Vikings lived on the banks of the Volga, which was located on the territory of Ancient Rus'. In addition to everything else, it is not uncommon for the remains of soap made by the hands of the Normans themselves to be found. Once again, their cleanliness is proved by the joke of the British, which approximately sounded like this: “Vikings are so clean that they even go to the bathhouse once a week.” It does not hurt to recall that the Europeans themselves visited the bathhouse much less often.

Two-meter blondes

Another false statement, as the remains of the bodies of the Vikings say otherwise. Those who are presented as tall warriors with blond hair, in fact, reached no more than 170 centimeters in height. The vegetation on the head of these people was different color. The only thing that is indisputable is the preference for this type of hair among the Normans themselves. This was facilitated by the use of a special coloring soap.

Vikings and Ancient Rus'

On the one hand, it is believed that the Vikings were directly related to the formation of Rus' as great power. On the other hand, there are sources that deny their participation in any event in history. Historians perceive Rurik's affiliation with the Scandinavians, and vice versa, are especially controversial. However, the name Rurik is close to the Norman Rerek - this is how many boys were called in Scandinavia. The same can be said about Oleg, Igor - his relative and son. And wife Olga. Just look at their Norman counterparts - Helge, Ingvar, Helga.

Many sources (almost all) unanimously state that the possessions of the Vikings extended to the Caspian and Black Seas. In addition, in order to reach the Caliphate, the Normans used crossings across the Dnieper, Volga and many other rivers flowing on the territory of Ancient Rus'. The presence of trade transactions in the area of ​​the Sarsky settlement, where the Vikings lived on the Volga, was repeatedly noted. In addition, raids were often mentioned, accompanied by robberies in the region of Staraya Ladoga, the Gnezdovsky mounds, which also confirms the presence of Norman settlements on the territory of Ancient Rus'. By the way, the word "Rus" also belongs to the Vikings. Even in the "Tale of Bygone Years" it was said that "Rurik came with all his Rus."

The exact location where the Vikings lived - on the banks of the Volga or not - is debatable. Some sources mention that they were based right next to their forts. Others argue that the Normans preferred a neutral space between water and large settlements.

Horns on helmets

And another misconception is the presence of horns on the top of the military vestments of the Normans. For all the time of excavations and research in the places where the Vikings lived, no helmets with horns were found, with the exception of the only one that was found in one of the Norman burial grounds.

But a single case does not give grounds for such a generalization. Although this image can be interpreted differently. It was in this way that it was beneficial to represent the Vikings to the Christian world, which classifies them as the offspring of the devil. And everything that has to do with Satan, Christians for some reason necessarily have horns.

Vikings are fierce warriors and skilled farmers from Scandinavia. The peak of the power of their civilization falls on 790-1100 years of our era. The Vikings were skilled shipbuilders, their longboats plied the seas and oceans around the coasts of Europe and America.

Brutal raids, when hordes of warriors attacked cities and villages along the coast and in the mouths of the rivers, killed anyone who fought with them, took them into slavery and carried off mountains of loot. The Vikings combined with peaceful expeditions, opening up new lands for life and trade. The Vikings were the first Europeans to reach the Americas, more than 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

The Viking alphabet consisted of letters formed by straight lines - runes. Pictures and records of the Vikings were carved in stone, wood or bone. The straight lines of the runes made it easy to do this. The runes were supposed to have magical properties, and warriors put them on their weapons to increase their strength in battle. On Runes carved on small pieces of bone or wood, sacred sayings were written to predict the future, heal the sick, bless people, illuminate places and buildings. In everyday life, runes were used for practical purposes, for example? marking objects. The Vikings also used runes on memorial stones that were erected in memory of their loved ones. The greatest stone monument in Scandinavia is the Jelling Stone. This huge triangular stone was raised by King Harald Bluetooth as a memorial to his parents at the royal tomb of Jelling in Jutland, Denmark. One side of the Jelling Stone is covered with runes. The other two sides are carvings.

Viking home life was simple but comfortable. They often made houses from adobe (woven branches and clay) or from wood and stone, with roofs of turf or tiles. If the family was very rich, the Viking head of the family built himself a separate spacious house. People sat and slept on benches along the walls, on pillows stuffed with bird feathers. The family gathered around a stone hearth on a hard-packed earthen floor to eat and socialize. The hearth is the central place in the house, used for warmth, cooking, and as a source of light.

The Vikings ate twice a day, morning and evening. The meat was stewed in huge cauldrons called cauldrons, which were made of iron or stone. It was hung above the fire on a chain attached to the roof, or mounted on a tripod.

Viking women were skilled and independent. While the men were away exploring new lands, the women took care of the household. They could become wealthy landowners, and although they did not participate in politics, their influence in domestic affairs was undeniable. As a rule, the girl's parents chose her husband, and she could divorce him if he cheated on her. Viking women were proud of their duties, and were respected, especially for needlework, they loved embroidery. They did the basic work of cooking and procuring clothes for their family. The respected status of women is proved by the discovery of a luxurious ship for Viking women.

Key ownership among the Vikings is an important sign of responsibility and dignity. The woman kept family valuables, mostly coins and jewelry, in a locked place, the keys to which were always with her. Those who encroached on family values ​​were met with severe punishment.

Vikings are dashing ferocious warriors. They sailed from their homes, and made daring attacks on other European countries. To a Viking warrior, honor and glory in battle were the only things that mattered. The wars that died the death of the brave were thought to go to Valhalla, the paradise of the Vikings. This belief made them fearless, dangerous adversaries. Voin had to be ready at any moment to follow his leader or king into battle or raid. Unlike Roman soldiers, Viking fighters did not wear armor and fought in their own clothing and with personal weapons. The war was buried with his most valuable things - a sword or a spear.

The Vikings who went east were called “Rus”; many believe that Russia got its name from this word.

Viking children helped around the house with cooking, weaving and spinning. The younger children worked in the fields and in workshops, helping with metal and woodworking. But the life of the Vikings did not consist of one job. In the summer, the young Vikings swam and played ball, and in the winter they rode the snow slides and played snowballs. At the age of 16, a Viking boy could be sent to war. The Varangians did not have surnames. Instead, boys and girls tended to take their father's, and sometimes mother's, name as their surname and patronymic, with the addition of "son" or "dottir" (daughter). So, Leif, son of Erik, became Leif Eriksson.

In 1001, Leif Erikson the Viking known as "Leif the Happy" became the first European to set foot in North America. They spent the winter there and camped in an area he called "Vinland" (Wine Land). The name “Vinland” comes from the berries Leif saw, which he mistook for grapes. Later, other Vikings followed in the footsteps of Leif, who founded a settlement in the Canada region on the site of modern Newfoundland. Leif the happy was the son of Eric the Red, another Viking explorer who discovered Greenland.

The Vikings owe much of their success to their skilled craftsmen, who made them strong weapons and fast ships. The weapons workshops made swords and spears for combat, sharp iron axes for chopping trees and for working wood. Carpenters used the wood to build ships, and warriors sailed on those ships to attack neighboring countries to replenish their resources. At home, Viking women, and probably some men, spent part of their day spinning wool or linen, which was then woven into cloth. The fabric was ordinary for everyday wear, but its edges were dyed in bright colors. Such crafts contributed to the creation of a strong and successful society.

Viking metallurgists used sheets of metal to make cauldrons or locks. They also smelted bronze and gold, which were used to create finer, more decorative pieces. The metal was heated on fire and poured into small molds made of stone or lead. Forms have been used for this more than once.

Vikings were buried with everything that his family thought he might need in the afterlife. Ordinary Vikings were buried with a sword or favorite brooch, while wealthy men and women were buried on ships to be carried to the next world. The ships were filled with their belongings, from clothes and weapons to kitchen utensils and furniture. Horses, dogs, and even slaves were killed and buried with the deceased master. Then the ships were covered with earth embankments or set on fire.

One of these ships was found in 1903. The ship was beautifully decorated. It could have been used for coastal sailing but was too fragile for long distance travel. All decorations from the ship were stolen, but the thieves left many interesting household items, tools and utensils. The ship "Oseberg" was of clinker construction, that is, the boards were overlapped and fastened with nails.

The Old Norse counting system was duodecimal - I suggest readers check their knowledge about the era and life of the Vikings on twelve facts from a popular image. Distinguished - 13th for the road!

The Vikings have fascinated me since early childhood. Still, such charismatic characters! At that time, the adolescent consciousness somehow filtered the fact that the Vikings, in fact, were those robbers and pirates. When I decided to become a professional historian, many of the "facts" about the Vikings, which seemed to be axioms, turned out to be debunked, but other, no less interesting aspects of the life of the ancients were discovered.

1 VIKINGS DISCOVERED AMERICA LONG BEFORE COLUMBUS

Vikings discoverers. .

2. THE VIKINGS HAVE A GREAT INFLUENCE ON THE LANGUAGES OF THE PEOPLES OF EUROPE WITH WHICH THEY COME FROM

Answer: true. Influence of Old Norse on different languages was of unequal strength, but, undoubtedly, it did not pass without a trace. There are literally a few words left in Old Russian (“sneak”, “Ladoga” and some others), in French (through the Norman dialect) there are already more of them: for example, such words as é quiper(“to equip”, from other Scandinavian. skipa), rogue("arrogant", from other Scandinavian. hrogn And hrokr), etc. But the system of numerals after 60, unusual for Romance languages, stands out especially: where in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian for "80" there will be ochenta, oitenta And ottanta(from lat. octoginta), in French is square vingt(literally: "four times twenty"), which finds a direct correspondence with the number system in modern Danish:

• "50" - halvtredsindstyve(2.5×20),
• "60" - Tresindstyve(3×20),
• "70" - halvfjerdsindstyve(3.5×20),
• "80" - firsindstyve(4×20)
• "90" - halvfemsindstyve(4.5×20).

Even more Scandinavian in Irish: for example, margadh("market", from other Scandinavian. markair), cnaipe(“button”, from other Scand. knappr), brog(“boot”, from other Scandinavian. brok). But we find the deepest influence in English, where up to 500 words of Scandinavian origin are firmly entrenched in the general vocabulary (for example, die,take,sky,they,she,leg,husband and hundreds of others) and about the same number - in dialects and dialects. In addition, in the area of ​​Viking settlement in Britain in the 9th century. a huge number of names are Scandinavian: such as Derby,Holderness, Whitby,Slaithwaite and thousands of others.

Names of Scandinavian origin in England. .

3. THE VIKINGS WERE DISCOVERED BY HOSTILE PROPAGANDA FROM CHRISTIAN SOURCES: THEY WERE REALLY PEACEFUL MIGRANTS AND MERCHANTS JUST BELIEVE IN MORE THAN ONE INVISIBLE FRIEND

…de gente fera Normannica nos libera, quae nostra vastat, Deus

- "... save us, Lord, from the wrath of the wild people of the Normans, who live in the north." According to historian Richard Abels, it was the need to repulse the Scandinavians that forced the Anglo-Saxon kings to create a powerful state machine with an orderly military organization and the most developed bureaucracy in Europe at that time: if the Vikings lived off the robbery of the local population, the English kings could not do this to their subjects and instead were forced to build complex logistics. Another thing is that the Scandinavians were settlers and merchants too, but one did not interfere with the other, and it is unlikely that the sources of that time greatly exaggerated their greed and cruelty.

4 VIKINGS WEARED HORN HELMETS IN BATTLE

A typical Viking in the mass consciousness. .

Döppler's drawing of Hunding. .

5. THE VIKINGS DID NOT ONLY RIP OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, BUT ALSO FOUNDED STATES

Vikings for robbery. Caption: “And remember: we do not rob or ruin. We free them from oppressive possessions." .

6. THE FAVORITE WEAPON OF THE VIKINGS WAS A MASSIVE TWO-EDGED AX

If a viking, then an oromous ax with two blades. .

7. THE VIKINGS WERE SERIOUS BARBARIANS AND DIDN'T CARE ABOUT HYGIENE

8. THE VIKINGS WERE SKILLY ARTIFACTS AND HAVE A SENSE OF PERFECT

A couple of Vikings at the workbench. .

Answer: true. The Scandinavians of the Viking Age not only plundered neighboring peoples, founded states and moved to new lands, but also knew a lot about all kinds of crafts and applied arts of their time. Researchers identify at least six styles: oseberg,Borre,Jelling, Mammen, Ringerike And Urnes(the names are given according to the geographical locations where "exemplary" items of each style were found). A few years ago, Dr. J. Graham-Campbell produced a good overview of Viking art. The only thing that the Scandinavians of that era, perhaps, did not succeed in was monumental architecture, since there was no tradition of stone construction in their culture, and Viking houses, being a masterpiece in their own way, are still utilitarian in nature (which I strongly recommend T. Vidal's doctoral dissertation 2013). However, this did not prevent them from building powerful defensive structures made of wood and earth, such as the Danevirke and Trelleborg-type fortresses.

Viking Age Ornaments. .

9. OVER THE WORST ENEMIES, THE VIKINGS PERFORMED A PARTICULAR KIND OF EXECUTION CALLED "BLOODY EAGLE"

Execution of the condemned by means of the "bloody eagle". .

Answer: myth. The description of this type of execution causes genuine horror, however, although we know from sources about human sacrifices in Scandinavia (in particular, see), the practice of the "bloody eagle" raises great doubts among modern researchers (but not the channel HistoryChannel, who inserted the corresponding scene into the series). The main counter-arguments of the skeptic camp are presented in the 1984 article by R. Frank:

• very rare and contradictory references to such an execution,
• "fouling" of descriptions with each new century,
• probable misunderstanding by Christian authors of the thirteenth century. kennings (metaphors) in skaldic poetry.

Frank concludes that the "blood eagle" is a literary invention, born out of a misinterpretation of skaldic poetry and the ideological attitudes of its time, and later popularized by Victorian authors in the 19th century.

Image of execution on rune stone with about. Gotland, sometimes interpreted as a "blood eagle" scene. .

10. ALTHOUGH THE ALL-FATHER ODIN WAS THE SUPREME GOD IN THE SCANDINAVIAN PANTHEON, MANY VIKINGS WORSHIPED THOR

God Thor in modern mass culture in the Marvel Universe. .

Answer: true. The existence of the cult of Odin is known both from continental sources (where he bears the name Wotan) and from Anglo-Saxon sources (under the name Woden) of the 7th-11th centuries, but the first is truly detailed description Scandinavian pantheon, headed by Odin, is found only in Icelandic records of the 13th century. ancient epic ("Poetic (Elder) Edda") of the Christian time. Modern consciousness requires systematization, but to a certain extent it was alien to the people of antiquity, and it is difficult to say to what extent the Vikings themselves saw Odin as the supreme god (and whether they needed him). So, according to, in the sanctuary in Uppsala (Sweden), Thor sat on the main throne, and Odin and Frig (Freya?) - on the sides. Odin was primarily the patron of the elite - those in power and warriors - and Thor, apparently, was worshiped by ordinary members of society (a very similar situation was, apparently, in Rus' with the gods Perun and Veles). His name is recorded in many titles ( Thorsager, Torso, Thorwiggar etc.) and personal men's and female names (Thorsteinn,ThormOthr, Thorbjorg, Thordis and etc.); in addition, the cult of Thor, unlike Odin, had a distinctive symbol - a hammer Mjollnir, found in many archaeological finds (it is possible that this was a response to the pectoral crosses of Christians). Perhaps the cult of Odin in the Viking Age was more local (judging by the geography of names with this element - mainly in Sweden), and Christian authors somewhat "streamlined" the Scandinavian pantheon. I recommend this topic.

11. THE VIKINGS WERE NOT JUST BOLD ROBBERS, BUT ALSO SKILLED TACTICS, KNOWLEDGE IN THE ART OF MILITARY

Answer: true . If in battle the Vikings usually used the universal technique "wall of shields", then their general tactics and strategy, as it is restored from contemporary sources, were very flexible and thoughtful. The main emphasis was on the speed of movement and the surprise of the attack. High-speed ships could successfully climb the rivers inland, and on land the Scandinavians often captured horses for swift throws and detour maneuvers (for example, in 878 Guthrum’s detachment made a daring raid on the residence of the Wessex king Alfred in Chippenham (Wiltshire) and forced him to hide). They preferred not to enter into direct contact with the organized army of the enemy, but instead retreated to a fortified camp and waited until the besiegers ran out of supplies. Military ingenuity was not alien to them: if such tricks as luring Askold and Dir from Kiev or burning the Drevlyansk city of Iskorosten by Princess Olga, perhaps they are legends or wandering literary plots (for example, in the "Saga of Harald the Severe" there is a similar episode of the capture of the city in Sicily), then some of their inventions (for example, entering the Italian city of Luna under the guise of a funeral procession) apparently really took place.

The Vikings are rapidly landing on the shore. .

12. THE VIKINGS WERE A LITERAL PEOPLE, AND ALL OUR INFORMATION ABOUT THEM IS GAINED FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE, FOREIGN AND/OR LATER (XIII C.) SCANDINAVIAN SOURCES

Viking newspaper: you can't write a lot of news without letters. .

Answer: myth. Although in the Viking Age, the Scandinavians really did not compose the written monuments familiar to us (chronicles, lives of saints, letters, etc.), they had a developed writing system in the form that has been well scientifically studied since the 19th century. Contrary to amateurish nonsense, which can sometimes be read on the Internet, both ancient Germanic (older futhark), and Anglo-Saxon (futhark) and Scandinavian (younger futhark) runes were a full-fledged alphabet, which, transforming, was successfully used for one and a half millennia (and in some "bear corners" - up to the 19th century). Indeed, long texts were not written in runes, their main purpose was reduced to ritual (for example, memorial stones) or possessory (“this item belongs to such and such”) inscriptions, total number which is estimated at around 6,000. Only in the Middle Ages were several complete manuscripts recorded in runes (the most famous is CodexRunicus, containing a record of Skåne's laws). Despite the popularity of the word "runes", it can only be applied to Scandinavian writing, no "Slavic" or any other runes exist in nature (the exception is the so-called Wikipedia, the word "drakkar" ² Not going on

from the Old Norse Drage - "dragon" and Kar - "ship", literally - "dragon ship".

The Old Norse language had many words with the meaning "ship" for ships of various designs: skip - general concept(any size and type); knǫrr- merchant or cargo ship with a spacious hold; (often also langskip) - warship; snekkja- a warship, but smaller than skeið. In the language of the Scandinavian skaldic poets, the ship of the leader or king could be called the word dreki- "dragon" (perhaps in connection with the decoration on the bow of the ship). In the plural, this word looks like drekkar- from here the modern collective slightly euphonic “drakkar” is taken, however, the Vikings themselves preferred more practical terminology to poetic metaphors (see the book).

different types Viking ships. .

Notes:

¹ Unfortunately, the editors found this "myth" not interesting and asked to replace it with another one in the test.

- In general, I have a suspicion that such an explanation in the spirit of “folk etymology” is largely a Russian-speaking phenomenon. With one exception, neither in English, nor in German, nor in Danish did I come across the word dr a kkar to describe the ships of the Scandinavians (and even in singular) - I saw an exception in the signature to the collection model of a Scandinavian ship in the souvenir shop of the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilda (Denmark). Sometimes the terminology is used dreki or dr e kkar, but more often they write / say Viking ship/Wikingerschiffe/vikingeskib or long ship/lange Schiffe/lang skib. Word drage means "dragon" in a non-Old Norse (where, as already stated, would be dreki), according to Wikipedia, but in modern Danish and Norwegian. Moreover, the Old Norse word kar(r) has nothing to do with ships at all: according to the authoritative Cleisby-Wigfusson dictionary, it means

the mucus or slime on new-born calves and lambs

("mucus on newborn calves or lambs").

The word, however, lives on. I can offer three explanations:

1. letter e has been replaced by a solely for the sake of soundness,
2. maybe for some reason e changed to a following Swedish, where "dragon" would really dr a ke, and in the plural - dr ak ar. However, the word kar in Swedish, Danish and Norwegian it means “vessel”, “vat” (Old.Isl. ker), so in any case the word drak-kar ridiculous. It is all the more strange that it (albeit with one letter k- perhaps because the main Scandinavian language of the author was Swedish) is found in the last work of one of the highest Russian specialists in Scandinavia, A.A. Svanidze, who left us untimely this year.

Be that as it may, calling a Viking ship a "drakkar" is not correct. This is the same as saying that any Soviet car was called "Mos G vichi": firstly, "Moskvich", secondly, "Moskvich" - plural Thirdly, there were other brands of cars. A phrase in the spirit: “Olav Tryggvason’s Drakkar was called the Long Serpent,” sounds about the same as: “Leonid Brezhnev’s Muscovites were called the Seagull.”

For all those interested in the Vikings, I can recommend next literature in addition to the article already mentioned:

1. Barnes, Michael P. 2012. Runes: A Handbook. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press.
2. Line, Philip. 2015. The Vikings and Their Enemies: Warfare in Northern Europe, 750-1100. New York: Skyhorse Publishing.

Many worthy works were also published in Russian, as well as some translations; here are just a few of them:

1. Gurevich A.Ya. Selected works. Ancient Germans. Vikings. St. Petersburg: St. Petersburg University Press, 2007. - 352 p.
2. Jones G. M.: ZAO Tsentrpoligraf, 2007. - 445 p.
3. Melnikova E.A. Scandinavian runic inscriptions: New finds and interpretations. Texts, translation, commentary. M.: Publishing company "Eastern Literature" RAS, 2001. - 496 p.
4. Roesdal E. The Viking World: Vikings at Home and Abroad. St. Petersburg: World Word, 2001. - 270 p.
5. Svanidze A.A. Vikings are the people of the saga: life and manners. M.: NLO, 2014.- 800 s.

The Vikings were early medieval seafarers. Peasants who were free. The Vikings worshiped Scandinavian gods. Not belonging to any of the nobility, the Vikings were looking for a better life outside their homeland.

Some of them were engaged in piracy, robbery and robbery. The Vikings lived in large families.

The dwellings were simple one-room houses. They were made of timber, and they did not lay it horizontally, as we are used to, but vertically. Slots or cracks were covered with clay, so there was no wind in the room. In some settlements there was a great shortage of wood, and the Vikings used stones ninety or more centimeters thick to build their dwellings, and the roof was covered with peat.

In the center of the house there was a long fire, and it was used for cooking, as well as a source of light and heat. On the sides were sleeping quarters. The peasant clothes of the Scandinavians were simple. Woolen long shirt, short, shallow trousers and a rectangular cape. In order to indicate their position in society, the Vikings used metal jewelry. The upper classes wore long trousers, socks and bright capes, as well as woolen mittens and hats. The women wore long clothes. Unmarried women had their hair tied up with a ribbon.

The warriors were armed with spears one hundred and fifty centimeters long, and the Scandinavian axes were distinguished by their wide symmetrical blade. By the way, the Vikings were great masters in shipbuilding. They built perfect ships of their era. warships were called, and trading knorravy. Such ships allowed the Vikings to visit overseas countries, and settlers to overcome the seas in search of new lands. They were well oriented in the open sea, far from the coast. It is possible that the Scandinavians used a compass to determine their course. When a Viking died, his body was placed in a boat, lowered into the water and set on fire. Such a funeral rite was associated with the idea of ​​a ship of the dead. This rite was, not only among the Vikings, but also met in other eras. The harsh time determined the severity and organization of the life of the Vikings.

Today's inhabitants think that the Vikings, who were a group of unorganized clans living in the northern part of Europe, were bloodthirsty wild giants who did nothing but constantly fought with the civilized countries in Europe. In fact, they were ordinary, medium-sized men, whose morals were not much more bloodthirsty than those of medieval Europeans. The Vikings were incredibly prolific sailors and traders.

Being almost constantly at war, the Vikings were cruel and ruthless warriors. They have defeated almost every enemy they have ever faced. Because of their particular beliefs and religion, lifestyle, violence and wars were a part of everyday life. These are just a few horrific facts about their life.

1. magic mushrooms

The Vikings were the most dominant fighting force in Europe from the end of the 8th century to the middle of the 11th century. A huge advantage of the Varangians was that when they went into battle, they entered a trance state called "Berserk". In this state, they indiscriminately killed anyone who got in their way.

One theory is that the Vikings went berserk because they ate psilocybin mushrooms, better known as magic mushrooms. The theory is that the mushrooms caused them to hallucinate. It also increased the level of adrenaline.

1. viking soup

Viking women were very knowledgeable about healing and the health of their men. After the bloody and fierce battles that were part of the life of the Vikings, the Viking women assessed how dangerous the wound was received by the warrior. To do this, they gave the wounded warriors a drink of broth, which was prepared from leeks and herbs.

After eating, the women smelled the wound. If they smelled the broth, they knew that the wound was too deep and there was no way to heal it. In this case, women did not treat such warriors, knowing that they would die in the near future. They spent their time and used their funds only on the warriors they could help.

Vikings used different kind weapons such as axes and spears. Even their shields were used as offensive weapons. However, their most prized weapons were their long swords. The Vikings called their swords “the widowmaker” and “corpse bramble,” and the swords were passed down from generation to generation. When a Viking boy grew up and was given a sword, their fathers told about all the men who died by the sword. This helped to convey their family traditions and inspire the idea of ​​nobility in battle.

The swords were double-edged and sharp enough to slice through a person's skull, or cut off a limb with a single blow. The men carried their swords usually on their backs and slept next to them. They were armed all the time due to family feuds. Viking factions were constantly at war. Men had to be able to defend their homes, their families, and protect their leaders and heads of the jarl.

1. Holmgang

The Viking justice system was different than it is today. In particular, insulting someone more high class was prohibited, but killing was not always illegal. For example, if someone was killed, then the family of the person killed could also kill the killer. Of course, this led to long wars associated with blood feuds.

Another way to resolve disputes was Holmgang. In essence, it was a duel from one person to another who felt that he had been treated wrong. The fight was to be held within a week and someone could volunteer to fight instead of the person who was challenged.

If the person who was challenged did not come to the duel, he was automatically found guilty. If the accusation was dire enough, then anyone, from any social class, could legally kill that person. This meant that if the clan leader did not show up for the duel, the slave could kill him without any legal repercussions.

The Vikings loved violence, so it wouldn't be a surprise that their games also involved fighting and fighting. In Viking games, death and serious injury were commonplace. There was a rule that men could stop playing whenever they wanted to. If they were killed, it was their own fault.

The point of one game they called the “swimming contest” was to keep the opponent in the water for as long as possible. If a person could not reach the surface, he would drown. The fight was another important aspect viking culture. She helped them stay in shape, even when they weren't making robbery raids.

If the games themselves were not so dangerous, then fights and fights could break out at any moment. One historical record contained a story about how, during a game played by a group of boys, a six-year-old boy drove an ax into the head of another boy because he had beaten him at the beginning of the game. Fights could sometimes lead to blood feuds that could last for years.

1. Infanticide

Since the Vikings lived in the northern part of Europe, where conditions were very harsh and violence was part of everyday life, they wanted their children to be strong and strong. In Viking culture, everyone, including children, had to work. As they got older, all men had to fight and all women had to do housework. If a child was born with a deformity or received a disability, they were often taken outside and died of hypothermia.

While women had more rights in Viking society compared to other societies, girls were considered less valuable. Men could own land, wealth and were valued as warriors.

1. sexual bondage

The Viking Age is believed to have begun in 793 AD. when raiders, probably from Norway, attacked the monastery of Lindisfarne off the coast of northeast England. Vikings continued to raid villages and monasteries along European coasts until 1066. However, researchers are unsure of the reasons why the Vikings began their raids.

One theory is that the male Vikings wanted to take over the women because selective infanticide had led to an imbalance in the male-female ratio in their society.

Some of the genetic tests that are carried out on modern citizens Iceland, confirm this theory. The Vikings colonized Iceland over a thousand years ago and since then, there has been little to no migration to Iceland. Their tests showed that about 80% of the male settlers in Iceland were from Norway and 63% of the female settlers were from the British Isles. How could there have been large-scale interbreeding between Norwegian men and women from areas that the Vikings plundered. It is highly unlikely that women would emigrate to Iceland on their own.

1. Eric the Red was too cruel for the Vikings

The Vikings were also dedicated warriors who were known for their cruelty. One way or another, but Eric Christoffer Nieman was too cruel for them. Better known as Erik the Red, he was born in Norway sometime around 950. When Eric was a child, his father was exiled for murder and his family moved to Iceland.

Eric got his famous nickname because of his red hair. While living in Haukadale in Iceland, Eric caused a landslide, destroying the house of his neighbor Aywolf. And Aywolf's relatives killed his servants in retaliation. Enraged, Eric killed Aywolf and the defenders of his clan. Aywolf's family demanded justice, and Eric was banished.

Eric and his family moved north but stayed in Iceland. They set up a farm on Oxney Island. Once settled there, a new neighbor named Nfran, who was building his house, asked Eric for temporary use of wooden beams, which had a special religious significance. Eric agreed, but when he demanded they be returned, Nfran refused to return them. A quarrel ensued, and Nfran's two sons and several of his friends were killed. Eric, once again was expelled.

Eric and his family settled in Greenland, becoming the first people on the island. When the exile ended, Eric returned to Iceland and encouraged people to move to Greenland. Two colonies were established and Eric lived out the rest of his days there with his family. Among his sons was Leif Erickson, who was the first European to reach North America and establish colonies there, nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

1. human sacrifice.

There were rumors that the Vikings performed human sacrifices. However, the monks responsible for these labors never saw the actual ceremony.

However, there was no concrete evidence that Vikings performed human sacrifice until 2011, when human bones, along with sacrificial jewelry and weapons, were found at a Viking settlement near Tissot in Denmark.

1. blood eagle

A rather horrific Viking execution is known, called the Bloody Eagle, but it turns out that it was intended for the royal family.

The execution of the Blood Eagle was carried out in several stages, starting with the victim being tied face down. Then the real fun began. Bloody incisions were made on the back of the executed in the form of an eagle with outstretched wings. Then with an ax, one at a time, the ribs were broken from the spine. Once this was done, the skin was stretched so that the broken ribs looked like wings. Allegedly, this was all done while the victim was still alive, which is important for the next stage, when the salt was rubbed into the wounds on the back. To end it all, my lungs burst out through my back.

The Vikings depicted the execution of their executions, and according to their chronicles, such an execution was carried out only twice. However, modern researchers are sure that the execution of the Bloody Eagle was just a metaphor, since a person cannot survive all these procedures on his body.