The Viking Myth: What's Real and What's Not

Topic: History

Scandinavian museums showcase Vikings as warriors, but experts say this is a myth. The real Vikings were diverse and complex.

If you visit Scandinavia, you'll likely find yourself at an exhibition about Vikings. There are many to choose from, like the National History Museum in Copenhagen and the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm. These museums want visitors to see objects from and hear stories about the Vikings. But there's more to their obsession with Vikings than just meeting demand.

National museums use history to shape ideas about national identity, and Vikings are often used to reflect current values and needs. During the 1800s, when national projects were popular, the Viking Age became a key part of constructing national identity in Scandinavia. Since then, the Vikings have become well-known symbols around the world.

However, this picture is mostly made up. Experts at Scandinavian museums know that Vikings were a diverse group, far from the all-male warrior myth. Yet the image of the male Viking warrior stubbornly lingers, drawing crowds while also haunting the galleries like a restless specter.

Across three exhibitions, the male Viking emerges as a warrior, seafarer, and merchant. He is also repeatedly depicted as a farmer, his days spent working the land. The agricultural portrayals add depth, but the curation of exhibitions tends to foreground the more popular image than this more complex one.

Why It Matters

Understanding the Viking myth matters because it shows how history can be used to shape our ideas about identity and culture. It also highlights the importance of presenting accurate information in museums and exhibitions.

Key Facts

• Scandinavian museums showcase Vikings as warriors, but experts say this is a myth.
• The real Vikings were diverse and complex, not just male warriors.
• During the 1800s, the Viking Age became a key part of constructing national identity in Scandinavia.
• The National History Museum in Copenhagen and the Swedish History Museum in Stockholm are two examples of museums that showcase Viking exhibitions.
• A new Norwegian museum dedicated to the Viking Age is set to open in Oslo in 2027.

Key Terms

National identity

The shared characteristics, values, and beliefs that define a nation or country.

Implications

Understanding the Viking myth matters because it shows how history can be used to shape our ideas about identity and culture. It also highlights the importance of presenting accurate information in museums and exhibitions.