History Extra podcast Ordinary Vikings: hidden histories of the Nordic world
13 snips
Oct 6, 2024 
Eleanor Barraclough, the author of "Embers of the Hands: Hidden Histories of the Viking Age," sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of Viking life. She explores their romantic relationships and travel experiences beyond the raider stereotype. Barraclough discusses the rich interconnectedness of Viking cultures and their complex society, revealed through artifacts like a bog comb. She also examines the coexistence of pagan beliefs and emerging Christianity, showcasing the nuanced spirituality of the Norse people amidst their brutal reality.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Meaning and Limits of "Viking"
- The word "Viking" originally meant raiders but broadens to represent a vast Norse culture beyond raiding.
- Most Vikings were farmers; focusing only on raids reduces the cultural richness of the Viking Age.
Chronological and Geographic Viking Range
- The Viking Age spans approximately 750 to 1066 AD, but Norse culture persisted in colonies until the 1400s.
- The Norse influence stretched geographies far beyond Britain, including Greenland and Eastern Europe.
Viking Cultures as Linked Pockets
- Viking culture consisted of connected pockets sharing language, stories, and ancestral identity.
- These pockets expanded while maintaining ties to homelands, creating a culturally linked diaspora.