Scholars from the Cluster of Excellence at the University of Münster are reevaluating commonly held beliefs about Vikings and Norse mythology, arguing that most of what is widely accepted is based on inaccurate or romanticized interpretations. Their findings, presented on November 23, 2025, highlight how the narratives surrounding these historical figures have been shaped by centuries of reinterpretation and cultural influences.
The Viking Age, typically defined as spanning the 8th to 11th centuries, is often depicted through a lens of adventure and heroism in modern media, including films, video games, and television series. According to Roland Scheel, a scholar involved in the research, this portrayal is misleading. He states that our understanding is largely derived from reports written by Christian scholars long after the Viking era, with few authentic written records from that time having survived.
Scheel notes that the romanticized image of the Viking as a fierce warrior and skilled seafarer is a construction of later cultural narratives. He emphasizes that surviving texts, primarily based on “memorialized history,” fail to represent the complexities of pre-Christian Scandinavian society. The positive associations linked to the term “Viking” often overlook the brutal realities of their raids and lifestyle.
The influence of these narratives extends to contemporary identity formation, particularly among neo-pagan groups who embrace a version of Scandinavian paganism. These groups often portray their beliefs in stark contrast to monotheistic religions, such as Christianity, without acknowledging the violent aspects of Viking history. Scheel points out that this idealization contrasts sharply with modern interpretations of other historical events, such as the Crusades, which are often viewed with a critical lens.
Revisiting Historical Narratives
The research conducted by Scheel and Simon Hauke examines how medieval interpretations of Norse mythology have evolved. They highlight that these concepts were reshaped by various authors and movements over the centuries. Notable examples include the 13th-century “Edda” by Snorri Sturluson and the works of Jacob Grimm, who relied on medieval Scandinavian texts. Even political figures like Otto von Bismarck referenced these texts to support their political agendas.
Scheel states, “Understanding how different eras imagined Scandinavian paganism reveals much about their societal goals and mindsets.” He emphasizes that the image of the “pagan North” has been co-opted for political purposes throughout history, including its exploitation by the Volk movement and the National Socialists, who misused Norse mythology to support their racial ideologies.
Despite some lingering associations with right-wing extremism, contemporary interpretations of Norse mythology are diverse, reflecting a wide array of interests. This shift is evident in the arts, where ideas drawn from Norse mythology have inspired significant works, including Richard Wagner’s opera “The Ring of the Nibelung.” Hauke notes that many modern perceptions of Norse deities, such as the Valkyrie, stem from Wagner’s portrayals, which often emphasize a singular, feminine warrior archetype.
The original roles of Valkyries in Old Norse sources were far more varied than these contemporary interpretations suggest. They not only selected the slain for Valhalla but also served as barmaids in the afterlife and played multiple roles in human affairs. As Hauke explains, “Our understanding of Valkyries today is a reduction of their complex nature in the original mythology.”
Exploring Cultural Memories
The ongoing research project, titled “Paganisations: Memorialised paganism as an element of Scandinavian and European identities,” aims to delve deeper into the historical interpretations of Scandinavian paganism. The conference “Imagining Nordic Paganism: Cultural Memories and Scholarly Thought Since the Middle Ages” will address various topics, including the intersection of gender and paganism, the spatial dimensions of its reception, and the role of paganism in shaping historical narratives.
The conference will feature international experts, including scholars like Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir from Oslo and Alessia Bauer from Paris, showcasing the depth and breadth of research in this field. Scheel concludes by emphasizing that understanding the historical roots of these interpretations is vital for comprehending how they continue to influence modern culture and identity.
As scholars continue to unravel the complexities of Viking and Norse mythology, they invite a reevaluation of these narratives, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of a culture that has been both celebrated and misrepresented throughout history.
