The prevailing narratives surrounding Vikings and Norse mythology are increasingly being questioned by contemporary scholars, who argue that much of what is popularly accepted is based on later interpretations rather than historical accuracy. According to experts at the University of Münster’s Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics,” many beliefs about Vikings stem from medieval texts written by Christian scholars, often over a century after the Viking Age, which spanned from the 8th to the 11th century.
Roland Scheel, a scholar involved in this research, points out that aside from a few runic inscriptions, no original written records from the period exist. The most common images of Vikings as fearless adventurers and skilled warriors have been shaped by modern media, including films, video games, and museum exhibitions. Scheel emphasizes that the historical context is far more nuanced than popular portrayals suggest.
He states, “The surviving texts represent ‘memorialized history’ only,” indicating that they reflect the perspectives of their authors rather than an objective account of Viking life. This has led to a favorable view of pre-Christian Scandinavian society, which is often seen as having a distinctive warrior culture and a relatively good status for women.
Simon Hauke, also part of the research team, notes that such idealized interpretations influence modern identity formation, particularly in neo-pagan movements that draw inspiration from these ancient beliefs. These groups often promote a vision of Scandinavian paganism that downplays the violence associated with Viking raids and instead focuses on the spiritual or cultural elements.
The researchers highlight that this romanticized view stands in stark contrast to perceptions of other historical events, such as the Crusades, which are often associated with coercion and brutality. Scheel mentions initiatives like the Council of Europe’s Viking Cultural Route, which promotes Viking heritage as a unifying element of European identity, demonstrating how these narratives persist in contemporary culture.
The influence of historical interpretations extends beyond cultural movements. Scheel and Hauke are examining how the medieval roots of the ‘pagan North’ have shaped subsequent understandings, including those articulated by figures like Otto von Bismarck, who referenced the Edda in his political speeches.
They argue that the image of Scandinavian paganism has been manipulated for political purposes throughout history, including during the Volk movement and by the National Socialists, who misused Norse mythology to support their racial ideologies. Although some of these connections remain, the reception of Norse mythology today is more diverse, reflecting an array of interests.
The upcoming conference titled “Imagining Nordic Paganism: Cultural Memories and Scholarly Thought Since the Middle Ages” is another platform for this exploration. Scheduled for March 15, 2024, it will include presentations from experts in Scandinavian studies, such as Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir from Oslo and Alessia Bauer from Paris.
Their research project, “Paganisations: Memorialised paganism as an element of Scandinavian and European identities,” delves into how interpretations of Scandinavian paganism have evolved. The conference will address various topics, including the relationship between gender and paganism, the spatial dimensions of its reception, and the role of paganism in historiography.
Hauke notes the profound influence of Norse mythology on art and literature, citing Richard Wagner’s opera “The Ring of the Nibelung,” which significantly shaped contemporary perceptions of figures like the Valkyrie. He remarks that while Wagner’s portrayal is widely recognized, it simplifies the complex roles that Valkyries played in Old Norse sources, where they served multiple functions beyond the archetypal warrior image.
This ongoing research not only sheds light on the historical realities of the Viking Age but also prompts a reevaluation of how these narratives continue to shape modern identities and cultural expressions. The work of scholars like Scheel and Hauke demonstrates the importance of examining the past through a critical lens, allowing for a deeper understanding of how history is constructed and remembered.
