Recent research highlights that widely accepted beliefs about Vikings and Norse mythology may be largely inaccurate. Scholars from the University of Münster’s Cluster of Excellence assert that many of these notions originate from medieval sources, which were often shaped by the worldviews of later writers and artists. The findings reveal how these reinterpretations have influenced contemporary identity and culture.
According to Roland Scheel, a scholar at the Cluster, much of what is known about Vikings derives from accounts penned by Christian scholars during the High Middle Ages, a period that occurred over a century after the Viking Age, which spans from the 8th to the 11th century. “Besides brief runic inscriptions, no original texts from the era have survived,” Scheel explains. This absence leaves room for substantial reinterpretation.
The popular image of Vikings as valiant warriors and skilled seafarers has been perpetuated through modern media, including films, television series, and video games. While these portrayals have become widely accepted, Scheel emphasizes that the historical record is far more complex. He notes that many narratives surrounding Norse paganism, particularly those presented in museums and popular media, often consist of “memorialized history” rather than an accurate reflection of the past.
The term “Viking” tends to carry positive connotations today. According to Scheel, pre-Christian Scandinavian society is often credited with a warrior culture, a relatively favorable status for women compared to later medieval societies, and a sense of freedom from religious constraints. This idealized perception continues to shape modern identities, particularly among neo-pagan groups that draw from pre-Christian traditions.
Scheel points out that these groups often overlook the more violent aspects of Viking raids, presenting a narrative that contrasts sharply with contemporary views of other historical events, such as the Crusades, which are associated with coercion and brutality. The influence of Viking imagery extends beyond personal identity; it permeates pop culture, advertising, and political initiatives. An example is the Council of Europe’s Viking Cultural Route, which promotes ‘Viking heritage’ as a unifying component of European identity.
Exploring the Evolution of Norse Mythology
Scholars Roland Scheel and Simon Hauke are investigating the medieval roots of the ‘pagan North’ and how interpretations of Norse mythology have evolved over centuries. Their research traces the influence of significant works, such as the 13th-century “Edda” by Icelandic scholar Snorri Sturluson, through to the writings of Jacob Grimm and political figures like Reich Chancellor Otto von Bismarck.
They assert that understanding how various authors and movements have shaped perceptions of Scandinavian paganism reveals much about their respective goals and cultural contexts. Scheel notes, “Our research allows us to peek behind the scenes of our own knowledge — or of what we think we know.” The image of the ‘pagan North’ has been politically exploited at various points in history, with negative interpretations notably used by the Volk movement and the National Socialists to support their racial ideologies.
While some connections to right-wing extremism persist, Scheel acknowledges that contemporary receptions of Norse mythology encompass a wider range of interests. Neo-pagan groups today reflect this diversity, contributing to a broader understanding of Norse beliefs and practices.
The Cultural Legacy of Norse Imagery
The influence of Norse mythology is also evident in significant cultural works, such as Richard Wagner’s opera “The Ring of the Nibelung.” Hauke explains, “Many of our current ideas about Norse mythology stem from this opera’s premiere, including the character of the Valkyrie.” Wagner’s portrayal of the Valkyrie as a feminine warrior has become widely adopted, appearing in everything from music album covers to popular card games.
Hauke points out that this representation diverges markedly from the variety of roles depicted in Old Norse literature. Valkyries, for instance, not only select fallen warriors for Valhalla but also serve as lovers and even barmaids in the afterlife. The textual sources provide limited clarity on the original mythology, leading to modern interpretations that oversimplify these complex characters.
The research project titled “Paganisations: Memorialised Paganism as an Element of Scandinavian and European Identities” will be featured at an upcoming conference titled “Imagining Nordic Paganism: Cultural Memories and Scholarly Thought Since the Middle Ages.” The event will cover various topics, including the intersection of gender and paganism, the spatial dimensions of its reception, and the significance of paganism in historiography and Scandinavian studies today.
The conference is expected to draw experts from around the world, including scholar of Scandinavian studies Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir from Oslo, runologist Alessia Bauer from Paris, and scholar Jonas Wellendorf from Berkeley. Their collective insights aim to deepen understanding of how Scandinavian paganism has been interpreted through the ages, revealing the extensive influence this ancient belief system continues to exert on modern identity and culture.
