Some scholars have long declared that the Viking Age originated in Scandinavia. Others have argued that it took root in Poland in the 8th century. To help answer this question, scholars have looked to historical documents, linguistic records, ancient artifacts, and the written accounts of chroniclers, among other sources of evidence. And though the debate on the matter is ongoing, some convincing evidence is emerging that suggests the Viking Age might have begun in Poland.
At first glance Poland might not seem like the logical point of origin for a seafaring people. But in the 8th century, the lands that now constitute Poland were ideal for affording its inhabitants a window onto other lands. From this region of Europe, eastern traders could voyage to the Eastern Roman Empire and enter the lucrative early medieval market economy.
The prevailing view is that this interaction with Eastern European cultures was essential in breeding a maritime culture among Polish people. As a result, the 8th and 9th centuries brought an increased frequency of raiding events along the Black Sea trade route, resulting in echoes of this lucrative activity on the coast of the Baltic Sea. This led to an emergence of a trading and raiding people now known to the world as Vikings.
Additionally, evidence of Viking settlements and archaeological finds throughout Eastern Europe expand upon this theory. Numerous vikings remains along the Oder river and multiple settlements extend as far south as the Volga river. This indicates that these settlements were preceded by Viking trips to Eastern Europe in which they came to Poland. From here, advances in new technologies allowed the Vikings to design ships capable of navigating across the Baltic Sea.
One of the most revealing pieces of evidence is the language that these people were speaking. Many words in modern Polish language are very similar to the Old Norse language still spoken in Scandinavia. This helps to confirm the idea that the Vikings came to Poland because many of the words were independent of other languages, and are similar to the language spoken in the northern part of Scandinavia.
Although it might be impossible to definitively answer the question of where the Viking Age originated, the evidence suggests that Poland is a viable potential starting point. Between the influence of Eastern European trade, archaeological evidence, and linguistic evidence, the source of the Viking marauding navy that terrorized Europe for 400 years might have been a little closer to home than previously thought.
Viking Social Structure
The Vikings were a warrior-based society, led by an elite class of aristocrats and warriors. At the apex of the social hierarchy were Odin and his family, believed to be descended from Norse gods. The other Norse gods subsequently gave birth to the ruling families of the Vikings seated around them, known as the jarls. These jarls were well-respected warriors who possessed great wealth and authority. They commanded their own vessels and would lead raids against other peoples.
Beneath the ruling class of the jarls was a range of warriors and farmers, who were bound by custom and loyalty to the jarls. Farmers provided provisions for the warriors and the jarls received tribute and tokens confirming their status. This tribute was then collected by the farmers and dispersed among their own kin, creating a patronage system that helped maintain Viking society.
The gender roles within Viking society were also divided neatly. The men conducted raids, managed the estate, and fought in the wars, while the women were responsible for managing the home and household. Although wives wielded a large degree of influence, men were regarded as the dominant sex.
Generally, Viking ideology focused on the importance of presenting a unified front against outsiders and strengthening the bonds between those within the community. This ideology was tied to their belief in the Norse Gods, and had to be upheld by all in order to maintain the social structure of their society.
Viking Symbolism
The Viking culture was highly symbolic; in particular, the Viking gods had great power. Many Viking symbols were based around the gods, such as Odin’s spear, Freyr’s boar, and the Valknut. Odin’s spear, known as Gungnir, was a magical weapon which had the power to grant wisdom to the possessor and strike unwary opponents down. Freyr’s boar was a symbol of fertility, prosperity, and spiritual protection. The Valknut, or “Knot of the Slain”, was a symbol that commemorated those who had fallen in battle.
Animals also held a great deal of symbolic power in Viking culture. The wolf was among the most revered of all Viking animal symbols, being associated with Odin and his warriors. The wolf was seen as a symbol of strength, courage, and loyalty, and was believed to be a guide for the Vikings on their voyages. Similarly, ravens were held in high esteem, representing Odin’s power to bring knowledge from other realms.
Vikings also used a significant number of symbols to mark possession and clan ties. Runes were carved onto objects, jewelry, and weapon blades, and held messages or served as symbols of protection. Other symbols, such as the Vegvísir, was a magical stave used to ensure safe travel. The Vegvísir symbol was a combination of Nordic runes that was believed to provide the wearer protection and guidance during their travels and was commonly used by Viking sailors.
Viking Religion
The Viking religion was focused on the worship of a pantheon of gods and goddesses, led by Odin. The Norse gods were believed to possess wisdom, knowledge, and power, and some even had magical abilities. Odin was depicted as a wise, all-knowing ruler who had the power to grant wisdom and knowledge to his followers, as well as ensure victory in battle.
Vikings viewed the world as a battleground of cosmic forces, waging an eternal struggle between good and evil. The gods were seen as responsible for the protection of their people and maintaining order in the universe. As such, the Vikings sought to make sacrifices to the gods and gain their favor, hoping to appease them and maintain it.
As their society was warrior-based, the Vikings held great respect for bravery and courage on the battlefield. They also believed in fate and destiny, believing that all their actions had consequences and one’s fate was predetermined. This led to a uniquely fatalistic view of the world and a belief that one’s actions in life were being guided by a higher power.
Viking Legends
One of the most famous legends of the Viking Age was the tale of Beowulf. This story of a hero slaying a dragon, and thus restoring peace to his kingdom, has been adapted and retold countless times over the centuries. It serves as an enduring legacy of the Vikings’ bravery and courage, and their willingness to stand up to any threat.
The story of Ragnar Lodbrok was another popular Viking tale. Lodbrok was a legendary warrior and ruler who provided a glimpse into the way that Vikings conducted themselves on and off the battlefield. He served as a model for what a Viking could accomplish if they were courageous and brave, and was highly respected by all who knew of him.
The Viking hero Sigurd was also highly revered. Sigurd was believed to have fought against a vicious dragon and won, proving himself to be a great warrior with exceptional strength and courage. He has become a figure of inspiration, a symbol of what a single man can accomplish against impossible odds.
The Vikings were renowned for their seafaring and navigating abilities. Although they did not possess the technology and methods available today, Vikings were able to traverse oceans and seas with remarkable skill and accuracy. Through their exceptional skill, Vikings were able to carry out expansive voyages to Europe, Greenland, the Americas, and beyond.
The Vikings were known to rely on celestial navigation to find their way across the seas. By looking to the stars and using certain techniques like plotting a course on a wax tablet, they were able to accurately predict the direction and angle of the wind. This allowed them to sail on a predetermined course and shorten their voyage times significantly.
Vikings were also believed to have used a variety of instruments to help them find their way. One such instrument was the sun compass, which used the sun’s shadows to help navigators determine their exact position. The Vikings also developed ingenious navigation techniques such as “dead reckoning”, which involved calculating their course based on their last known location, the direction of the wind, and the rate of their speed.
The fact that Vikings were able to traverse oceans and continents using such primitive methods has demonstrated just how skilled and resourceful they were. It is a testament to their ingenuity and dedication to their craft that they managed to explore and expand their presence as successfully as they did.
