⚔Norway in the Viking Age: key archaeological finds and myths about the Vikings

Vikings are one of the most famous and mysterious peoples to have left their mark on Norwegian history. However, many aspects of their life and culture have been distorted by myths and stereotypes. For example, everyone knows Vikings with horned helmets, although this is actually a myth. Norwegian museums are actively debunking these myths and giving us a more complete picture of how Vikings lived and what they did. In this article, we will reveal how archaeological finds and reconstructions of Viking ships and settlements help us understand the real life of this great people.

🏺 How do Norwegian museums debunk popular myths about Vikings (horned helmets, daily life, rituals)?

Norwegian museums play a key role in correcting common myths about Vikings, and one of the most popular myths is that of horned helmets. This image of Vikings wearing horned helmets became popular thanks to 19th-century artists, but archaeological research does not support this stereotype. In reality, Vikings wore simple iron helmets that provided protection in battle but did not have horns. These details can be seen at the Viking Museum in Oslo, which displays reconstructed helmets found in archaeological excavations, as well as other elements of Viking armour, such as shields, swords and chain mail.

Another myth is that Vikings were exclusively cruel barbarians. In fact, Vikings were also skilled traders, sailors and craftsmen. Museums such as the Viking Museum in Oslo and the Lofoten Viking Museum reveal their everyday life, showing how they built their ships, fished, traded and what their homes and settlements looked like. The exhibits tell about customs, holidays and rituals, such as sacrifices and funeral rites, which were important aspects of their religious life.

⛵ What reconstructions of Viking ships and settlements are available in Norwegian open-air museums?

There are several open-air museums in Norway where you can see reconstructions of Viking ships and settlements. One of the most famous of these is the Viking Museum in Oslo, where you can see original Viking ships such as the Oseberg and Gokstad ships, which were found in Viking graves. These ships are not only works of art, but also symbolise the Vikings' skill in shipbuilding.

At the Lofoten Viking Museum in Lofoten, you can see reconstructed Viking houses and settlements that give an idea of how the Vikings lived in their villages. The museum is a historical complex where wooden huts, farm buildings and other elements of everyday life have been recreated. You can also see reconstructions of Viking ships that were used for trade and combat expeditions. The museum's exhibits show how the Vikings used their ships not only for conquest but also for peaceful trade with other peoples.

Also worth visiting is the Viking Ship Museum in Hedmark, where entire Viking ports and ships on which the Vikings sailed the seas and traded have been recreated. The open-air exhibits give an idea of how the Vikings built their ships and used them for raids and long voyages.

Norwegian museums such as the Viking Museum in Oslo, the Lofoten Viking Museum and others play a key role in restoring the historical truth about the Vikings. They not only debunk myths such as horned helmets, but also provide a unique insight into how the Vikings lived, worked and interacted with the world around them.

Thanks to reconstructions of ships, settlements and craft sites, we can immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the Viking Age and understand how they shaped the history of Norway and the world.

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