Vikings began raiding northern Europe at the beginning of the 8th century and over the subsequent centuries, set a permanent mark on the socio-political dynamics of the region.
One of the most notable distinctions between Vikings and Europe at the time was that while most of Europe had been Christianised by the time, Vikings were fierce pagan warriors.
Medieval warrior berserker Viking with tattoo on skin, red beard and braids in hair with axe and shield Concept historical photo
It was their pagan religion that greatly influenced the outlook of their culture and civilization.
Vikings adhered to the pagan Norse religion which had a large number of gods. The Viking mythology held that the world was a tree called Yggdrasil which was occupied by gods, giants, humans as well as other creatures.
Notable Viking gods include Odin who was the god of war and death, Thor the god of lightning and thunder, and Balder who was the god of peace and an embodiment of virtue. Vikings believed that the gods and their foes would be pitted against each other on the fateful day of Ragnorak.
As part of their religious beliefs, Vikings offered up human and animal sacrifices to their gods. The Norse religion also affected customs and rituals related to birth, marriage, death, warfare as well as other aspects of social life.
Viking society was primarily a warrior society that was organised along a strict hierarchy. At the top of the society was the Viking nobility which comprised warriors and rulers.
Viking nobility enjoyed abundant wealth and led lavish lives. Under the nobility, the Viking freemen stood on the social ladder. Viking freemen owned lands, farms, and houses.
They would offer their services to the noblemen in return for a payment and engaged in occupations such as trading, farming, and smithing.
Finally, the lowest social class in the Viking society was that of thralls who were slaves owned by the noblemen and freemen. Slaves enjoyed few rights in the Viking society and were usually required to work on labour-intensive tasks for their owners.
Vikings were seafarers, raiders, and accomplished traders. This enabled them to travel far and bring to their homeland clothes and other items from other lands.
Wealthier Vikings dressed in expensive clothes such as silk and used elaborate pieces of jewelry including highly intricate brooches, belts, and necklaces. Colored-glass beads and amulets were commonly worn by women hailing from the wealthier social classes in the Viking society.
Women in the Viking society enjoyed significant rights. The age of majority for Viking women was 20. Upon reaching this age, women had the right to decide where to live and enjoyed legal privileges as an individual.
A woman could also inherit property and in the case of no male relatives, even the title of the head of the family which bestowed significant powers upon her.
Viking Settlements
Although a woman had to submit to the clan’s choice regarding her marriage, she could divorce her husband and take another man as her husband. Women also participated in and overlooked religious rituals and priestesses in the Viking society.
Viking Women