For centuries, the Vikings ravaged Europe, sacking coastal cities and towns, and pillaging as much as they could. There’s also a popular belief that Viking men took with them women from the places they conquered. While many of those who were taken captive were forced into slavery, some were assimilated into Norse society, either as wives or concubines. Many of these women and girls were forced into marriages and created racial mixes that persist to this day.
However, Vikings were not a primal people who operated on urges; they saw sex as a matter of honor and power. Marriage is vital, and both partners were urged to conceive as a way to continue their family bloodlines. Sexuality is an uncomplicated matter in Viking communities, though a few principles are being highlighted, considering that sex is more than just about pleasure.
Appearances Matter
Viking men took on the dominant role, as is the case with other cultures during this era. However, both men and women emphasized appearances, often investing in making themselves physically attractive to find a lifelong partner. It was normal for both genders to take baths at least once a day, adorn themselves with accessories, and even dye their hair. Viking women, in particular, were known to use balms on their skin. These natural moisturizers were made from animal fat and wood ash to protect against the harsh Arctic weather and, more importantly, help them achieve a perfect glow.
On the other hand, the men committed to a personal grooming routine. Archaeological findings suggest that the Vikings carried kits containing razors and tweezers, contrary to the belief that they intended to look rabid because they allowed their beards to grow. In their culture, having a beard was a status symbol, demonstrating a strong sense of leadership and authority. However, they do not let their beards grow unkempt, often spending time trimming them into shape. One reason for this is that they could become more attractive to foreign women who might become part of their household.
Sex Slaves and Concubines
Often regarded as the world’s oldest profession, prostitution has persisted. Attitudes towards it have become tolerant, to the point that professional escort services are becoming more common. You can only check out this Canadian escort directory to understand how far this has evolved, but back then, sex as a business was much harsher. Medieval society operated an extensive sex trade, with Vikings often selling and trading off captured foreign women or thralls in open markets.
Thralls are often forced to work at their master’s bidding, even if it means sleeping with him. Eventually, some Viking noblemen will promote a thrall into a mistress. Concubinage was normal, and a Viking household could have as many mistresses (or frilla) as a man wanted. The only difference between them and the primary wife is the degree of freedom they get to enjoy. A primary wife may have more rights and could own property compared to thralls, although it is within the husband’s discretion to provide a thrall more freedom or an elevated position.
The Absence of Taboos and Limits
The one thing that makes sexual norms in Viking culture distinct during Medieval times is the fact that pre-marital sex was more frequent, even tolerated. This was because Viking society was largely pagan, so the Christian concept of sexual sin was alien to them.
However, social and cultural expectations would compel a young woman and man to marry and produce more children. Families saw only the practical side of the relationship, even encouraging a trial marriage to test the couple’s suitability.
What’s even more interesting is the fact that a Viking man must first prove that he could produce children by satisfying the woman he intended to marry. The woman reserved the right to call off their marriage if the man was either impotent or repeatedly failed to satisfy her.
If they were compatible, a man and woman could choose to live in the home of the eldest parent until the couple was capable of setting off on their own. The only trade-off with this set-up is the fact that most Viking homes are occupied by extended families, and privacy was almost nonexistent. The couple could make love in the other room for all the family members to hear.
Endnote
Sex and relationships in Viking communities were far distant from the traditions and norms of mainland Europe. It was not until the Nordic countries were Christianized that familiar practices were completely abandoned. However, the clues they left behind provide a glimpse of what sex meant for a proud people.
