There are many myths and stereotypes about Vikings, mostly fuelled by Hollywood films. In reality, most of the ‘facts’ we associate with them are just romanticised legends.
Vikings were Scandinavian seafarers of the early Middle Ages. They were mainly free peasants from what is now Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Driven beyond the borders of their homeland by overpopulation and a thirst for wealth, most Vikings were pagans.
This diverse group of warriors, traders, and travellers was typically led by a chieftain. The Old Norse word viking does not refer to a specific location or people but rather to someone who goes on a sea expedition. Over time, countless myths and legends emerged about their voyages, lifestyle, and character—but not all are based on truth.
Myth: All Vikings were dirty and wild
This image is popularised by films and cartoons. In reality, Norse men and women paid close attention to their appearance. Archaeologists have uncovered razors, tweezers, and combs in their settlements. They also found traces of soap made by them. In fact, in England, they had a reputation for cleanliness, reportedly bathing once a week—on Saturdays. In Scandinavian languages, the word for Saturday still literally means “bath day,” although modern speakers rarely think about its origin. Today, Norse culture remains a popular theme in entertainment, including video games and online slots. Many slot games feature warriors, longships, and runes as symbols of adventure and strength. You can even try these out with a Wanted Win no deposit bonus, which lets you explore Viking-themed slots without spending your own money.
Myth: All Vikings were tall blondes
In popular media, these seafaring warriors are often shown as tall, strong, fair-haired men. But historical evidence suggests the average man from that era was about 170 centimetres tall—not especially tall even for the time. While blond hair was considered ideal, it wasn’t universal. Some individuals used special soap with a bleaching effect to lighten their hair. These Norsemen were also known for their hospitality, and their ranks included foreigners such as Spaniards, Italians, French, Portuguese, and even Russians—many of whom didn’t fit the typical Nordic image.
Myth: Vikings drank from skulls
This myth originated from Ole Worm’s 1636 work Reuner seu Danica literatura antiquissima, in which he described Danish warriors drinking from curved skulls—likely referring to animal horns. However, a later Latin translation retained only the word skull, sparking the myth that Vikings drank from human skulls. Archaeological excavations have never found any drinking vessels made from skulls.
The Vikings lived only in Scandinavia
While the Vikings did originate in Scandinavia, they later expanded far beyond it. They reached places as distant as North Africa, Russia, and even North America. Several theories explain this expansion. The most common suggests that land resources in Scandinavia were gradually depleted while the population continued to grow. As a result, Vikings had to search for new lands to settle. Additionally, after the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, trade between Western Europe and Asia declined sharply. In response, the Vikings sought out new, wealthier regions to trade with or settle in.
The Vikings had primitive and crude weapons
Films often portray Vikings with crude clubs, heavy axes, or no weapons at all. In reality, they were highly skilled weaponsmiths. Viking blacksmiths used a technique known as composite forging—similar to the methods used for making the famed Damascus blades. This resulted in weapons that were both strong and exceptionally sharp. According to Viking legend, a sword’s sharpness could be tested by holding it in a stream: if a hair floating in the water was cut by the blade, the weapon was considered sharp enough.
Everyone hated the Vikings
Due to widespread myths, it’s believed that these seafarers were universally despised. But this isn’t accurate. They weren’t hated more than any other foreign invaders of their time. In fact, they often earned respect. The French king Charles the Simple granted them land in what is now Normandy, and his daughter even married Rollo, one of their leaders. These “tamed” warriors went on to defend France from further raids. In Constantinople, they were highly regarded for their strength and bravery. So much so that the Byzantine emperors formed the Varangian Guard—an elite unit composed largely of Swedish fighters.
The Vikings were cruel and bloodthirsty
Raids by Norse warriors were undoubtedly violent, but not unusually cruel for that era. All armies of the time—English, French, Spanish—were known for their brutality. Charlemagne, a contemporary ruler, ordered the execution of 5,000 Saxons at Verden and nearly eradicated the Avars, who lived along the Volga River and Caspian Sea. What set the Norsemen apart was their deliberate targeting of foreign religious sites. They destroyed temples and monasteries and killed priests, which deeply terrified local communities. When their ships appeared on the horizon, people often fled without resistance, helping to build their fearsome reputation.
The Vikings did nothing but rob their neighbours
Contrary to popular belief, only a small portion of Vikings were warriors. Most were farmers, craftsmen, and herders. Sea expeditions were more of a seasonal side venture than a full-time occupation. At the time, raiding was common even in more ‘civilised’ nations. Many Vikings led peaceful lives in regions such as Iceland and Greenland. They were also experienced traders who maintained commercial relationships with a wide range of other cultures.
Vikings wore horned helmets
This is perhaps the most persistent myth about Norse seafarers—and one with no basis in reality. There is no archaeological or historical evidence to suggest they wore horned helmets. Every helmet discovered so far has been hornless and designed purely for practicality, with no space for unnecessary or dangerous protrusions. The myth likely originated from early Christian depictions portraying them as devilish figures. Horns, symbolising evil, suited the imagination of Christian chroniclers. Another possible influence comes from Norse mythology—specifically depictions of Thor with a winged helmet. Over time, artistic license may have turned those wings into horns.
Vikings were not only Scandinavians
While the core population came from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, some Baltic Slavic tribes were also involved in Viking expeditions, especially through trade and military cooperation.
Spears, not axes or swords, were the most common Viking weapons
Although axes and swords dominate modern imagery, the spear was actually the most common weapon. These spears were about 1.5 metres long, with heavy, sharply pointed tips that could be used for both thrusting and chopping. They were effective, affordable, and easy to make.
Religion was central to Viking bravery
The Vikings’ fearlessness in battle was deeply rooted in their belief system. They believed that only those who died honourably in battle would enter Valhalla—the great hall of the slain, ruled by Odin. This belief drove them to seek glory and embrace death on the battlefield without fear.
Berserkers: the Viking shock troops
Among the Viking warriors, some were known as berserkers—fierce fighters who seemed immune to pain and reason. Before battles, these warriors were sometimes given a potion made from fly agaric mushrooms, which could induce hallucinations and numb pain. This state of wild fury made them both terrifying and dangerous, even to their own allies.
Combat madness and self-inflicted pain
Vikings often prepared for battle by working themselves into a frenzy. One method was to inflict pain on themselves—biting their shields, for instance—to enter a state of combat madness. This self-induced rage made them more aggressive and less susceptible to pain during the fight.
Blood feuds were a part of Viking life
Viking society was no stranger to blood feuds. These vendettas could span generations, leading to the deaths of entire families and long cycles of revenge. Justice was often personal and violent.
Vikings used foreign money
The Vikings never minted their own coins. Instead, they used currency from the lands they traded with or raided—primarily silver coins from the Islamic world, Byzantium, and Western Europe.
Most Vikings were farmers, not warriors
Despite their reputation as marauders, most Vikings were farmers. They cultivated the land, raised livestock, and lived in small communities. Raiding was more of a seasonal necessity, driven by poverty, population pressure, and limited arable land in Scandinavia.
Viking tribes often fought each other
When not raiding distant shores, Viking tribes frequently fought among themselves. Local power struggles and feuds were common, and alliances shifted often.
Short lifespans
Archaeological evidence suggests the average Viking lived less than 40 years. Harsh climates, poor nutrition, disease, and warfare contributed to the high mortality rate.
Vikings had bad teeth
The Vikings’ coarse bread, made with stone-ground flour, often contained grit that wore down their teeth quickly. As a result, dental wear and pain were widespread even at young ages.
Swords were rare and honourable
Among Viking weapons, swords held the highest prestige. A finely crafted sword was expensive and often reserved for the elite—such as jarls (chieftains). Most ordinary warriors relied on spears or axes, which were far more accessible.
Vikings preferred single combat
Unlike the disciplined formations of Roman or later medieval armies, Viking warriors rarely fought in ranks. They favoured individual combat and smaller skirmishes, where personal bravery and skill could shine.
