It is true that the question deserves to be asked, what is the origin of the word Viking? Did the Vikings themselves use this term to define themselves? Through this short article, I will try to answer these questions.
The Viking, the Viking pirates
First of all, it is important to know that the word most similar to Viking that was used in the North was " Vikingues"which was used as a qualification for men engaged in maritime activity, specifically piracy !
We can note that it was not a pejorative title, at that time it was an honor to be considered a Vikingues. Often the term was engraved in runic script on the accessories or houses of the pirates.
Simply because we are talking about a time when the core values were braverybravery courage, victory over one's enemy. The Scandinavian people saw pirates as men who gave meaning to their lives and were not afraid to face the seas and battles
It is for this very reason that Norse beliefs call for individuals to die with honor in battle in order to hope for a place in Valhalla.
The word Viking a modern term
The word Viking is a common noun, but it can also be an adjective, for example "A Viking necklace".
It was during the 19th century that the word Viking first appeared in France, used to refer to the men of the north. Historians and novelists of the time started to use this word to talk about the history of Norway, Denmark..
You know the rest, this term entered the dictionary, it became popular and today when we use it we think of all the Nordic peoples of the Middle Ages.
What is a Viking now?
In the collective imagination, a Viking is a northern barbarian who is not afraid of death because he wants to go to Valhalla. He is tall, with a big beard, he is strong, resistant to cold. He kills bears with his bare hands and rides around in a longship all day to kill Saxons!
This image of the Viking has become popular and this is reflected in many revivals in pop-culture, we will see films, series, books, video games that represent the legends of Norse mythology! But be careful not to confuse fiction with reality.
There are many different sources that deal with the subject of the Vikings, many of which contradict each other. What is certain is that it was not really as we see it today.
Learn about the word Viking written in different ways:
Viking in Runic > Vᛁᚲᛁᚾᚷ
Viking in Italian > Vichingo
German Viking > Wikinger
Finally...
Thank you for reading, it's a pleasure to write for Odin's Hall, the reference brand in accessories from the Nordic mythology.
Forward viking, heading west, towards the art of the Vikings! The objective of this mission is to learn more about their way of life.