Those Vikings Were Fiery Hombres!

I fell in love with the Netflix series. The theme song and opening trailer initially captivated me. Once I got into the first couple of episodes, I was hooked.

Episodes were definitely not for the faint-hearted. Lots of blood and gore. History would say that wasn't too far from the truth.

These seafaring Norsemen hailed from modern-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. They lived from the 8th to the 11th centuries. They were fierce sailors and plunderers.

Feared all over Europe in the Middle Ages, they launched sudden attacks. They targeted undefended coasts, rivers, monasteries, towns, and trading posts without warning. Some of their habits and antics clearly primed them for a ruthless lifestyle. Here are some of the more eccentric practices that persisted in Viking culture to shape their “men to be men”.

Diagnosis by onions

Vikings' medicine was primitive to say the least. A warrior returning from a raid who had a stomach wound would be fed a potent onion or leek soup. After a few minutes, the healer would smell the wound. If the onion scent was strong, they were deemed unsavable and killed or left to die.

No Place for the Weak

Viking societies did not spare the weakest. Infants born with deformities were sometimes intentionally left to die. On long voyages, small babies with serious problems were thrown overboard. Older children seen as unfit were left outside to face the elements until nature took its course.

Viking Olympic Games

Viking games were hardly ever friendly gatherings in fields with food and drink. Among their most brutal competitions was an underwater breath-holding showdown. One fighter would plunge another’s head below the surface and hold it down as long as possible.

These contests weren’t just a test of lung capacity; they blurred the line between play and murder. The thrill came from pushing human limits. It was exciting, but the line between fun and danger was thin.

Vikings also engaged in wrestling that would put WWE contests to shame. Warriors often fought on a large flat stone in the centre of a ring. They would be slammed onto it, causing broken bones and injuries.

These activities showed the need to create strong men. Warriors were designed for strength and survival.

The toughest of them all

Berserkers were considered elite shock troops and stood apart in Viking culture. Viking history describes them entering battle in a trance-like fury known as ‘berserkergangr.’

The term ‘berserkr’ comes from Old Norse. It's connected to the English word berserk, which refers to Viking battle madness.

Berserkers were often fueled by strong rage and a desire for revenge. They shook their heads, teeth chattering, before charging into battle like wild beasts.

Vikings were recruited as the Varangian Guards. They are known for their fierce skills and loyalty. This earned them a fearsome reputation in battle. They had no problem cheerfully hacking the foe to pieces.

Viking Justice System – “The Thing”

Viking law had a crude form of jury system. It later spread during the Danelaw in England. Justice wasn’t a solo act, but it was handled by "The Thing.”

Laymen, like Viking jurors, decided guilt. Punishments ranged from fines to exile, depending on the crime.  It was a public assembly where disputes were aired before the panel of free men. A person would present the case. Then, witnesses would share their stories. After that, a lawspeaker would recite the relevant laws from memory.  Unlike modern-day law, there was no right of review; the decision of “The Thing” was final.

Disputes could also be settled by challenges called "holmgang." When a Viking refused to duel via holmgang, a bizarre backup challenge awaited. A cow’s tail was shaved and slathered in grease, and the man’s shoes were oiled too. The challenge? Hang on as the enraged bovine bucked and thrashed around a makeshift arena. If he succeeded, he earned his life and the cow. If he didn’t, well, let’s just say he had no need for the cow.

Viking justice used creative but harsh methods to settle disputes; they combined risk, spectacle, and survival for an unforgettable experience.

The Vikings were a fierce group. They were feared warriors with little compassion or shame. They seemed to live hard and fast.

[A/n: This story is a part of my ongoing challenge to write at least one story for each of the Vocal communities.  I now have eleven to go.]

Till next time,

Calvin