Nordic Religions in the Viking Age

by Thomas A. DuBois

The popular image of the Viking as a horn-helmeted berserker plying the ocean in a dragon-headed long boat is firmly fixed in history. Imagining Viking "conquerors" as much more numerous, technologically superior, and somehow inherently more warlike than their neighbors has overshadowed the cooperation and cultural exchange which characterized much of the Viking Age. In actuality, the Norse explorers and traders were players in a complex exchange of technology, customs, and religious beliefs between the ancient pre-Christian societies of northern Europe and the Christian-dominated nations surrounding the Mediterranean.

DuBois examines Anglo-Saxon, Celtic, and Mediterranean traditions to locate significant Nordic parallels in conceptions of supernatural beings, cults of the dead, beliefs in ghosts, and magical practices. These beliefs were actively held alongside Christianity for many years, and were finally incorporated into the vernacular religious practice. The Icelandic sagas reflect this complex process in their inclusion of both Christian and pagan details.

This work differs from previous examinations in its inclusion of the Christian thirteenth century as part of the evolution of Nordic religions from localized pagan cults to adherents of a larger Roman faith.

Thomas DuBois unravels for the first time the history of the Nordic religions in the Viking Age and shows how these ancient beliefs and their oral traditions incorporated both a myriad of local beliefs and aspects of foreign religions, most notably Christianity.

Genres: History, Religion, Mythology, Nonfiction, Folklore, Academic, Medieval

256 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Naomi Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this as a recommendation and started reading it (I even got up to page 81, almost half-way through!) but it was not the right time for it and I realized I was reading words but not understanding the content. Now, a couple of years later, I've done more research into Nordic and Viking stories and traditions and started over. This time was the right time and everything made more sense to me and I could really latch onto the information. Honestly, reading Ivory Vikings by Nancy Marie Brown first really helped me get a general overview of the time period and it made a huge difference. My mind is a weird place though. Anyway! This book was well researched and I appreciated that he talked about Finn and Sami traditions and how they interacted. The idea that cultures are static and don't influence each other is incredibly outdated and I honestly do not understand how it STILL has so much influence on how academics live their lives *eye roll* ANYWAY. Great book, really good information, but it may not be a good introduction and some background information elsewhere will help enhance the enjoyment of this book. Glad I own it!

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Lofty goals, only partially achieved

[Joe Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book thinking it would focus on pre-Christian Norse Heathenism and was a bit surprised to find a heavy focus on the Celtic, Byzantine and Roman Christianity of the Middle Ages. At first I was a bit annoyed by this but as the author points out these often conflicting and competing branches of Christianity were very much an influence during the Viking Age and it is necessary to understand this influence when interpreting the Heathen Lore, since Snorri Sturluson and all the anonymous authors of the Icelandic Sagas were Christians. None of the Lore comes down to us from Heathen authors and every one of the Christian authors who wrote of Heathen times and practices had an agenda of defaming Heathenism. In this light "Nordic Religions of the Viking Age" is very illuminating although it was not what I expected when I ordered the book. An interesting and eye-opening read overall but those uninterested in Medieval Christianity or looking for an overview of Norse Heathenism might look elsewhere.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much of what we know of Norse mythology has come from Icelandic Sagas. This book adds a perspective that is often not considered. The Viking Age was also the Age of Conversion to 'Christianity' and the politics revolving around 'conversion' can be seen to have colored the sagas. The author points out the conflict between pagan and christian religions in the Nordic regions which include the Baltic states and Finland. It is noted in this work that archaeological evidence as well as other written records bring into question the literal accuracy of portions of the sagas. In essence, parts of the sagas could be read as religious and/or political propaganda.

[mwr · Rating 3 out of 5]

a bit superficial. Some interesting points, to be sure. Mostly, though, infuriating in its neglect of mentioning explicitly or explaining the 'door court' in a discussion of ghosts in Eyrbyggja Saga.

[Sunset glimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The nordic religion is an awesome book because they're gods are awesome.

[Samuel Moynihan]

Good picture of the religious milieu/practices of Old Norse societies pre/post christianity

[Amalia Carosella · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're interested in the slow shift from Norse paganism to Christianity in Scandinavia, this is a FANTASTIC resource. With insights into pre-Christian paganism, and examining Finnic, Sami, Icelandic, and Norwegian sources to contrast the HIGHLY varied and localized faith of pre (and post) Christian society, as well as closer examinations of sagas which break down the framework upon which they're written to expose the larger patterns of 13th century writing -- if you're writing a book on the Viking Age, you could do A LOT worse than by starting your research into faith and culture here. Highly Recommended!

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

A better than average study which manages in spots to escape its dry scholarly tone. Holds lots of surprises (for those like me who are not well versed in relgious studies) about the fluidity of early christianity as well as what is now called Nordic mythology. An interesting aside about the travels of the "True Cross" and how the Cross changed from being it's own empowered entity into a static symbol was fascinating. Well worth fighting through it's drier moments.

[Angharad · Rating 4 out of 5]

A FASCINATING overview of many religions in Scandinavia during the Viking Age, not just Norse pagan beliefs! Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Sami religions, Finnish religions, and Baltic religions were also covered on. It was super interesting to read about how the Christian conversion influenced the understanding of the epics like the Eddas, and about how all these different religions interacted with each other in Scandinavia during this time period.

[Amalia Dillin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

TL;DR
this book is a treasure trove.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Covering all aspects of religion in Iceland during the Viking Age, this book breaks down each section into easy to read with comprehensive details that make it easy to follow the topic. The first part of the book deals with the Pagan beliefs of the Vikings while the second half of the book deals with the Christianizing of the Vikings.

A must read for anyone interested in the history of the Vikings and who wants to go beyond the Hollywood ideal.