Ivy G.’s Reviews > The Wolf Age: The Vikings, the Anglo-Saxons and the Battle for the North Sea Empire > Status Update

I didn’t think about how skalds have immunity from death in battles since they are considered very important members as witnesses of history. They carry a viking’s legacy and although the period was archaic, the fact that they knew how to preserve their legacy through skalds is such a brilliant and impressive method because it clearly worked.

Christianity’s fortune and rich demeanor appealed to the Norse people (especially vikings) that they ambition of fame, fortune and power gives them the easy will to ditch their old Norse gods to convert to Christianity. To them, they value how Christianity is able to provide a showmanship of how their religion physically thrives and that is enough of a reason to convert.

Leaders would have no choice but to convert to Christianity if they wanted more power considering religious influence dictated who are allowed to act as allies or support. It is also emphasized that during this era, despite loyalty being the highest virtue, money can still buy it and there are enough examples of different jarls and men of positions of power betraying each other for the sake of riches.

Christianity is a tool to forge alliances especially between heathens. There couldn’t be an alliance between a heathen and a christian, so heathens would have to convert before they could ally.

I think this is a very simple explanation to the influence of religion plays a large role in politics. The spread of Christianity = agreements to ally with them. It’s no wonder the religion became so widespread.