10 Interesting Facts About Vikings

Did you know these 10 interesting facts about Vikings? They weren’t just hairy, brutish, barbaric bullies. Well, they did raid, loot, and pillage, but there’s more to these individuals than many realize.

They didn’t wear horned helmets

Fierce warriors are often depicted in pop culture with imposing horned helmets. But the truth is that the average helmet was made of metal and didn’t feature any long, fearsome horns.

Hygiene was essential to many of them

Although they could get a little ripe during a sea voyage, the Vikings practiced better hygiene than many think. They cleaned and oiled their hair, they washed up, and they were, in general, far cleaner than people think.

They had an interesting tool to make fire with

They had a few ways of making fire, but touchwood, a fungus that could be boiled in urine and made into a felt-like material, was a great tool. It allowed a fire to smolder rather than burn and was helpful on the go.

Vikings did take part in human trafficking

Unfortunately, any culture would practice this, but it’s an act that has existed for far longer than people realize. The Vikings did take slaves, or thralls as they were called, to sell and trade with others. Life for a thrall was unpleasant, but some were treated well.

Their dead were often buried in boats

This was an elaborate ritual, and the dead and their boat were covered with a mound. The boat was used to travel in life, so in Norse culture, it was believed that this boat would ferry them to the next life.

Female Vikings did have various rights

So long as they weren’t thralls, they could own property and divorce their husbands. Women could also sell their own goods, which is a big revelation since many think women had no rights in ancient cultures.

Farming was a big part of Viking life

Despite being seen as raiders and violent warriors in many movies and TV shows, Vikings were often farmers. They worked the land, brought in harvests, and sought peaceful lives when not raiding or warring with each other.

Vikings did ski

This favorite pastime and sport was once a great way to get around and for leisure. Skiing has existed for a long time since its origins are not that complicated.

Blond was a favored hair color among men

This hair color was highly prized in Norse culture. Men dyed their hair and beards to attain this color, which was believed to be more favorable to others.

Vikings were not unified

They did not often, if ever, come together to form a united front against their enemies. It would have been frightening to behold since imagining an army of crazed and bloodlust berserker warriors is terrifying. But often, they would fight among their own clans and bug each other just as much as they did other countries.