It’s fascinating to imagine how modern technology could have changed the course of history. Imagine if a Viking warrior and navigator from the 9th century had access to a smartphone with apps like Nicegram. This would have made many aspects of their life, from navigating the open seas to planning raids and living in their native fjords, much more convenient. Let’s explore the possibilities of what apps would be popular in the Viking world.
Nicegram
In an era when personal communication was limited to the range of voice or the speed of a messenger, the possibility of instant communication would have been a real miracle. The Vikings, known for their extensive trade routes and scattered settlements from Scandinavia to North America, would have greatly appreciated a messenger like Nicegram.
With its help, leaders could coordinate actions of groups scattered over vast territories, sending encrypted messages about meeting places before a major event. Traders from Birka could quickly exchange information on prices for fur and glass with colleagues in Hedeby. Even simple farmers, whose farms were in secluded valleys, could not feel isolated from the world, staying in touch with relatives through Nicegram.
The ability to create channels and chat rooms transformed the organization of large-scale events, such as sailing to Constantinople or raiding Paris, from months of planning into a matter of days.
StormWatcher
Survival in the harsh Scandinavian climate depended directly on the ability to predict the weather. The StormWatcher app would become an indispensable tool not only for seafarers but also for farmers and pastoralists, as well as all residents of the region. With its accurate forecast for the upcoming week, it would be possible to perfectly plan sowing and harvesting, avoiding losses due to sudden frosts and heavy rains.
Fishermen would know when to go to sea and when to stay ashore. Farmers could receive a notification about sunny days and could prepare hay for winter. A military unit on a hike would receive a warning about snowstorms and ice, which could save lives by allowing them to find shelter in time and wait out bad weather.
TradeHub
This application would become the digital hub of northern trade, a virtual equivalent of large markets like Birka and Kaupang. Artisans from Denmark would sell their high-quality grindstones here, merchants from Sweden would offer amber and furs, and craftsmen from the Volga trade route would offer exotic Arab dirhams and silk. A rating system would help prevent cheating, which was common in those days.
In addition to goods, TradeHub would also provide services: hire an experienced shipwright to fix a drakkar, find a berserker to strengthen your squad, or even work with a skald to write a song in honor of your upcoming achievement. This would drastically change the economy by making all goods and services, even the most rare ones, available to anyone with internet access.
Maps.Me
The most significant challenge for any seafarer was navigating the vast and frequently stormy waters of the North Atlantic. A navigation tool with offline maps, such as Maps.Me, would have been a sacred asset for them, surpassing the importance of a sunstone. These applications would provide not only detailed maps with marked fjords, reefs, and currents, but also trails into uncharted territories. The bookmark feature would allow users to mark good anchoring spots, hidden coves, and friendly farms. By simply placing a marker on the map, a drakkar’s captain would see the precise course and estimated arrival time at the shores of England or Iceland, saving weeks of travel time and preventing ships from running aground on unfamiliar coasts.
Star Walk 2
If the Vikings had access to the Star Walk 2 app in the 9th century, it would have been more than just a fun toy for them. It would have become a sacred technological artifact and the most valuable tool on their dragonships, after the ship itself. Without GPS or magnetic compasses in a world where navigation was based on the sun, stars, and aurora borealis, the app would have given them a significant advantage.
The Vikings were skilled navigators, but what about on overcast nights when the North Star was hidden? The Star Walk 2 would have allowed them to see the exact position of stars, regardless of weather conditions. A pilot could point the device at the sky and view the constellations, ensuring accurate navigation.
Final Thoughts
Of course, all of this remains just a fascinating fantasy. The harsh romance of the Viking era consisted precisely in overcoming difficulties with the help of wit, fortitude, and knowledge passed down from ancestors. But these reflections clearly show how familiar technologies can radically change the way of life of an entire civilization. Perhaps, if the Vikings had possessed these tools, their dragon boats would have reached even more incredible shores. However, even the most advanced technology could not replace their courage, thirst for discovery, and invincible spirit, which made them legendary.
Featured photo by Steinar Engeland on Unsplash
