The Vikings Era may be over millions of years ago. However, the Vikings remain to capture the imagination of curious people these days.

The Vikings era facts inspire everything, from cartoon versions to ancient yet fancy outfits to how they show their warrior side. You would agree that their time was interesting.

If you want to know more about interesting Vikings Era facts, this video will unveil the shocking things at the time that most of us never know. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Vikings Era

They Never Wear the Horned Helmets 

Forget everything that you picture out of the Viking fighter costume. Sure, it was reported that they wore sported headgear, but not with that horned helmet look. Nah.

Some depictions date from the Vikings’ age never show it, and the only real Viking helmet discovered was horn-free.

Well, artists seem to have made up the trend in the nineteenth century, as the descriptions of the northern Europeans inspired them.

Using Liquid in Starting Fire 

Did you know that the Vikings don’t have any doubts about harnessing the power of human waste products? This may sound so gross, but the Vikings collected fungus that are called touchwood from the tree bank and let it boil for how many days.

What’s so interesting is that they will boil it in urine before they pound it into akin to felt. The Sodium nitrate also found in the urine must have allowed the material to fumes rather than you burn. That’s why the Vikings would just take the fire with them.

Excellent Hygiene 

Another Vikings Era fact is that the Vikings are best known for having good hygiene. Between rowing boats and executing enemies, the Vikings’ men must have smelled bad, right?

Don’t be judgmental, as it’s quite the opposite.

The excavations of the Vikings’ sites have become razors, tweezers, ear cleaners, and combs made from antlers and animal bones.

Also, the Vikings bathed at least once a week, much more often than some Europeans. They just enjoyed dips in hot springs.

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Basic Rights of Vikings Women

As we heard about fixed marriages, the Vikings girls were also fixed into marriage and got married at a young age. 

They had to mind the household while their husbands are out, sailing off for adventures.

Of course, they are freer than any other women. Just as long as they were not thralls, it’s their right to inherit properties, file a divorce, and reclaim their dowries if their marriage has ended.

Active in the Slave Trade 

One of the Vikings Era facts that shock you is that they got rich off human trafficking.

They would enslave and capture young men and women while raiding Celtic, Anglo-Saxon, and Slavic settlements.

The “thralls”, as they were known, were sold in big slave markets across the Middle East and Europe.

Farming as their Hobby 

Unlike what you know about the Vikings, most of them wielded scythes and not swords.

This may sound disappointing, but some were heartless pirates who would only step off the boat and burn villages.

The good thing is that most Vikings sowed barley, oats, and rye for some of the years. They raise goats, cattle, sheep, and pigs on their farms, which usually produce enough food to support the family’s needs.

They were Never Part of a Unified Group

Did you know that Vikings did not recognize their fellow Vikings? They probably did not even call themselves Vikings at all.

The term referred to the Scandinavians who participated in the overseas expedition.

In fact, during the Vikings era, the land that now covers Norway, Denmark, and Sweden was the makeshift of tribes that were chieftain-led. They usually fight against each other, especially when they are not busy causing chaos on foreign shores.

Buried Dead in Boats 

Another shocking Vikings Era fact is that Vikings buried dead bodies in boats.

Well, we can’t deny that Vikings love their boats so much. For them, it was a great honour to be buried in one. In fact, in the Norse religion, the brave warriors entered glorious and festive realms after they died.

It was also thought that vessels served them very well in life and they helped them in reaching their final destination.

The notable raiders and prominent women were laid to rest on ships. They are surrounded by weapons, valued goods, and even sacrificed slaves.

Skied to Have Fun  

It was the Russians who invented skiing as a sport. Did you know that Scandinavians came up with primitive skis about 6,000 years ago?

During the Viking age, the Norsemen considered skiing an efficient way to always keep up and become a prevalent form of recreation.

Best of all, the Vikings worshipped the god of skiing. Can you imagine how die-hard our parents are?

They Prefer Being Blond

Did you know that for the Vikings to follow the beauty ideals of their culture, the brunette men Vikings would use strong soaps with high content of lye in bleaching their hair?

If we used to go to the salon and have our hair done, then one of Vikings era facts is that they usually bleach their hair. Including men!

Some regions have a beard that is lightened. The hair treatments likely helped the Vikings with a problem far more rampant and sensitive than the mousy manes called head lice.

Bringing Dogs into the Afterlife

Vikings had strong bonds with their pet dogs. They believed that dogs would accompany them during the war.

They have a grand hall where warriors would gather afterlife. But for you to enter the halls, the dog must be dead. Sometimes, this practice is a form of sacrifice.

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Wrapping Up 

Indeed, the Vikings Era can never be forgotten. However, its history is full of myths, romantic notions, misinformation, and laziness.

The Vikings Era facts are interesting, as you will know their lives are genuine. I hope that the Vikings Era facts mentioned in this video will help you understand more about what it was like living during their time.