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 Vikingues, the Viking pirates
First of all, it should be known that the word closest to Viking that was used in the North was “Vikingues”, which was used as a qualification for men practicing a maritime activity, more specifically piracy!
We can note that it was not a pejorative title; at the time it was an honor to be considered a Vikingues. Often the term was engraved in runic writing on the accessories or houses of the pirates.
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Simply because we are talking about a time when the fundamental values were bravery, courage, victory over one’s enemy. The Scandinavian peoples then saw the pirates as men who gave meaning to their lives and were not afraid to face the seas and battles.
It is for this same reason that Norse beliefs invite individuals to die with honor in battle 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; it was used to talk about the men of the North. Historians and novelists of the time began to use this word to deal with stories 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 barbarian from the North who is not afraid of death because he wishes to go to Valhalla. He is tall, with a big beard, strong, resistant to the cold. He kills bears with his bare hands and sails in a drakkar all day to kill Saxons!
This image of the Viking has become popular and this is reflected in many adaptations in pop culture; we will see movies, series, books, video games that represent the legends of Norse mythology! However, be careful not to confuse fiction and reality.
There are many different sources that deal with the subject of Vikings, many contradict each other. What is certain is that it was not really like what we see today.
Discover the word Viking written in different ways:
Viking in runes > Vᛁᚲᛁᚾᚷ
Viking in Italian > Vichingo
Viking in German > Wikinger
To finish...
Thank you for reading me, it is a pleasure to write for Odin's Hall, the reference brand in accessories inspired by Norse mythology.
Forward Viking, heading West, direction Viking art! The goal of this mission is to learn more about their way of life.
