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Friday, March 29, 2024

Were The Vikings Really As Strong As They Are Portrayed?

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Who Were The Vikings?

Vikings were known as one of the bravest warriors in history.

But is this really true? Or do we just think this way due to modern TV shows and video games?

Holding their own religion and beliefs played a huge role in their autonomy and strength.

For the most part, the Vikings lived as farmers and did not migrate from their homeland.

Until the time of the “Viking Age” struck did the Vikings start to raid lands further out.

They raided for several reasons. Mostly it was for the loot or land ownership while others were more adventurous and were seeking fame and glory.

The Vikings extended their reach and started attacking nearby kingdoms, such as the kingdoms West from their homeland and occasionally the East also.

Their first target was the English Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, which weren’t united under one rule and were in constant conflict with each other. They were weak and unorganized.

The Norsemen were not very well known. They traveled by sea which gave them the element of surprise.

There was no one to warn the English about the upcoming attacks. English monasteries, villages, and even small cities were attacked.

What Made The Vikings Superior?

The Vikings were perceived as barbaric by the English people and were scared of them.

Fear ruled over the people because they could have been attacked at any time.

The Vikings held the element of surprise. Because of the poor organization from the Englishman, the fast-moving ships of the Vikings meant a village could be raided and claimed in less than a day.

Due to the surprise attacks, the Norseman never fought a fair battle against the other Kingdoms.

If they fought a fair battle how good would they really be?

What Kind of Warriors Were The Vikings?

who were the vikings

What gave the Vikings their edge was their rich culture and religion.

The Viking mentality was strongly perpetuated by their religion. They believed when they die, they enter through the gates of  “Valhalla” as true warriors.

The Vikings strongly lived by their religion. Such beliefs encouraged the Vikings to fight until the end and die with honor.

The idea of an afterlife left the Vikings fearless. Whilst their opponents’ priority would be survival and returning home.

The Vikings also had a slight physical superiority as well. They were physically stronger and slightly taller than their opponents.

As for Viking equipment, it was not advanced at all.

They used round shields, axes, swords, and spears.

The famous knife they had was called the Seax.

Their armor was not advanced as well. It consisted of chainmail, helmet, Lamellar, and cloth with leather.

This gave them decent protection. However, a volley of arrows could do some serious damage despite their shields.

While they may be considered advanced for their time, there are many variables one must consider which gave the Vikings an advantageous edge over their opponent.

 

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