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15 Incredible Facts About The Vikings
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00:00The Vikings remain one of history's most fascinating and mysterious cultures join me
00:05I'm delving into the top 15 most incredible facts about these strange people
00:09Starting with number 15 the days of the week
00:12So kicking off this list is a bit of a mythology that we all use on a daily basis
00:18Literally ever wonder where the names for the days of the week come from well
00:22They all come from the gods themselves with the back end of the week originating from Viking times
00:29Wednesday means Woden's Day
00:31Which in Norse is Odin the old Norse equivalent to Mercury who was the messenger of the gods and the Roman God of Commerce
00:38travel and science
00:40Woden or Odin was considered the chief god and leader of the wild hunt in Anglo-Saxon mythology
00:46But the name directly translated means violently insane headship
00:51Not exactly the name of a loving and kind God
00:54Woden is the ruler of Asgard the home to the gods and it's able to shift and change into different forms
01:01Thursday was Thor's day named after the Norse god of thunder and lightning and is the old Norse equivalent to Jupiter
01:08Thor's often depicted holding a giant hammer and during the 10th and 11th centuries when Christians tried to convert the
01:14Scandinavians many wore emblems of Thor's hammer as a symbol of defiance against the new religion
01:20Friday is associated with Freyja the wife of Woden and the Norse goddess of love marriage and fertility
01:27Who's equivalent to Venus the Roman goddess of love?
01:30The name comes from Old English Frigdeg meaning Frigg's day with Frigg being just another name for Freyja
01:38Number 14 the mead hall
01:41While the Viking people loved their mead
01:43It's a fact mead an alcoholic beverage was traditionally consumed during social gatherings and religious
01:50observances in mead halls thus the name
01:53These drinking halls served as royal residences from the 5th century to the early Middle Ages
01:58The mead hall served as the king's home where he and his family lived and as the community's nerve center where important political
02:06decisions were made
02:07The mead hall is Valhalla a place in Asgard where the Einherjar the warriors who died
02:12valiantly in battle will aid Odin in Ragnarok the ultimate fight against the Giants a
02:18Typical mead hall was between 130 to 195 feet in length and about 30 to 50 feet across
02:24There were also larger buildings the Lofoten Islands landowners longhouse measured about
02:30260 feet in length
02:32Rows of wooden posts were driven into the ground to outline the walls and the spaces between them were stuffed with wattle fences and clay
02:40In other cases peat was used as an outside coating instead of clay and the typical wall height was at least a man's height
02:46The high four gabled roof was supported by a grid of many joists and beams
02:50Which in turn were secured by wooden dowels and lashed with willow rods or straps
02:55The traditional term for such buildings was hall as in Valhalla or sal as in Uppsala
03:02The name Festal now describes this idea and tradition that's been carried over into the present day
03:08For instance the term may have been influenced by the German word for party hall or Festal
03:13And these mead halls were created as part of the religion centering around the chief or King's throne
03:18This hall the most prestigious residents played host to those events and they were not just places of residence
03:24But also served as the heart of Viking social life feasts political discussions and religious ceremonies took place there
03:31number 13 the longship
03:34Few things in the world struck fear into the hearts of medieval people more than the sight of a fleet of Viking longships
03:41Sailing up the coast of their homelands
03:43Viking ships were iconic for their unique style
03:46Allowing them to both sail across the seas of northern Europe and row up the narrow rivers of the tributaries
03:51In a way that no other vessel could
03:53The first thing to note about these ships is they had many different forms and functions
03:58There were warships merchant ships and everyday ships
04:01Some of them were multi-purpose used for both raiding and trading
04:05The first longship appeared around the 9th century during the period when the Vikings were actively raiding Europe
04:11These ships were both light and strong because the planks and frames were cleaved meaning they followed the fibers of the tree
04:17This method made the planks very strong and allowed for a reduction in their size making the boat lighter
04:23Due to this cleaved planks were an essential part of the Viking longship
04:27The Vikings didn't use saws to make planks instead
04:30They cut down trees and divided the trunk into smaller parts by repeatedly chopping them in half
04:36Lengthways until left with separate planks. This meant that the planks were stronger and could be made smaller
04:41Another crucial element of the Viking longship was the stem
04:45This was the upright timber at the front of the vessel and probably the most iconic part of the ship
04:50This streamlined hull tapered off into the narrow elegant fore and aft stems
04:55Step stems are where we see the clearest impact of the Viking age on Scandinavian shipbuilding
05:00These stems were made from a single piece of timber carved to create the illusion that the planks all ran seamlessly into the top stem
05:07Creating a sleek look
05:09The design of all these ships is pretty extreme with a length-breadth ratio of over six to one and a shallow draft
05:15These ships were incredibly unique for their time
05:17But this made them perfect for raiding
05:20The innovations in building techniques such as cleaving planks and the use of those overlapping boards influence later ship designs in Northern Europe
05:27The effectiveness of Viking longship set a new standard for naval architecture that would echo on through the ages
05:35Number 12 Berserkers
05:38Today the word berserk describes anyone in an irrational agitated state of mind
05:44But like the days of the week the word is much older than many realize and has a much cooler origin than you could possibly
05:51Imagine this word originates from the Viking berserkers fierce warriors known for battling in an uncontrollable
05:58Trance like fury and allegedly performing seemingly impossible superhuman feats of strength
06:03They would howl and growl like beasts froth at the mouth and launch attacks and fits of frenzy
06:09in medieval Norse and Germanic history and folklore
06:12Berserkers were described as members of an unruly warrior gang that worshipped Odin the supreme Norse deity
06:19They were commissioned to royal and noble courts as bodyguards and shock troops
06:24Striking fear into all those who encountered them adding to their ferocity
06:28They wore bear and wolf pelts when they fought giving them the name berserker meaning bear coat in Old Norse
06:35The earliest known reference to the berserkers is found in the 9th century skaldic poem
06:41Hrafnchmal which largely consists of a conversation between an unnamed Valkyrie and a raven
06:46Discussing the life and martial deeds of King Harald Fairhair
06:50While some researchers believe the berserkers work themselves into a self-induced hysteria before fighting others maintain
06:57It was sorcery or the consumption of specific plants
07:00Some more esoteric theories suggest supernatural beliefs such as spirit possession by animal spirits of wolves or bears
07:07And according to some theorists berserkers learned to cultivate the ability to allow animal spirits to take over their bodies during a fight
07:15Some historians propose that by wearing the pelts the warriors believe they could extract the power and strength from the animal
07:22Dating as far back as the 9th century berserker Norse warriors were said to be able to do things that normal humans couldn't
07:28According to their ancient legends berserkers were indestructible immune to fire and the strike of a sword
07:35Continuing their rampage despite injury. In the year 1015 Jarl Eirikir Håkansson of Norway
07:41Outlawed berserkers and the medieval Icelandic law code Gragas sentencing berserker warriors to outlawry
07:48By the 12th century organized berserker war gangs had been completely disbanded
07:53But it is quite clear that the concept of berserkers has left a lasting legacy
07:58Number 11 Bluetooth
08:01Have you ever wondered how the handy Bluetooth technology acquired its odd name?
08:06There are no teeth and nothing is blue in Bluetooth truth the name harkens back to Swedish telecommunication company Ericsson's
08:14Viking heritage and the legend of Danish King Harald Blatland
08:18According to lore Blatland had an uncanny ability to bring people together in nonviolent negotiations
08:24His communication skills were so effective that he united Denmark and Norway as a single territory
08:30The English translation of Blatland is you guessed it Bluetooth
08:34Harald Blatland Gormsson was a king of Denmark and Norway who lived during the 10th century AD
08:40He was responsible for the unification of Denmark and later conquered Norway
08:44Although most of his subjects were followers of paganism Harald was favorably inclined towards Christianity
08:50Today Harald Blatland is a household name thanks to the wireless technology named after him
08:55The logo for the Bluetooth technology is a combination of the Nordic runes Hagal and Bjarkan the initials of Harald Blatland
09:04This merging of runes reflects the technology's goal of bringing together different devices in a seamless way
09:09Much like Harald united different territories
09:12They are part of the runic alphabet used to write various Germanic languages before the adoption of the Latin alphabet
09:18The most well-known runic alphabet is the elder futhark
09:21Consisting of 24 runes used from around the 2nd century to the 8th century
09:26Runes weren't just a writing system, but they also held magical and ritual significance
09:31They were often used in inscriptions on stones weapons and tools and they were believed to possess inherent magical properties
09:38number 10 onion soup
09:41While Vikings at large weren't the warmongering warriors that we see on television
09:46They still got into their fair share of scraps
09:49Which means serious needs for medicine during the Viking Age survival required both physical strength and innovative thinking
09:56The harsh climates and frequent battles meant that resources especially for medical care were often scarce
10:03One of the remarkable innovations Vikings developed was the use of onion soup in their medical practices
10:09Specifically for diagnosing the severity of abdominal wounds throughout the year Vikings gathered crops and medicinal herbs
10:16But during the cold season these supplies became scarce
10:19The scarcity forced them to innovate ways to conserve their resources and ensure none were wasted
10:24When warriors returned home with wounds from battle
10:27It was up to the medicine women to diagnose and assess the severity of the injuries to determine if the person could be saved
10:34In an innovative method Viking healers would feed wounded warriors a strong pungent onion soup
10:41This simple but effective diagnostic tool had a critical role
10:45It helped the healers determine whether a wounded warrior stomach or bowels had been perforated
10:51After the warrior consumed the onion soup the healer would wait a few minutes and then sniff the wound
10:56If the distinct smell of onions emanated from the wound it indicated that the stomach wall or intestines had been perforated
11:02This is because the scent of the onion could travel through the perforation and be detected outside the body
11:08This method of using onion soup was really clever because it provided a clear and quick indication of an injury
11:14A bad stomach wound would usually mean a septic infection
11:17Which without modern medical interventions would result in a world of hurt
11:21By detecting the onion smell through the wound healers could determine that the injury was beyond their ability to heal
11:27Therefore they would use their limited medicinal herbs and remedies on another warrior better conserving their limited resources
11:34More than warriors Vikings were also farmers and in the wintertime
11:38They had plenty of onions saved up the onion soup method when you think about it
11:42It's actually pretty clever and cool and it shows that while they were strong of body
11:46These Nordic folk were also strong of mind
11:50Number nine cats
11:52While Vikings don't exactly have a reputation for being cuddly their travel companions cats do
12:00Animals are relatively commonplace in Viking stories from Odin's Ravens to the wolf Fenrir
12:06Perhaps the most significant cats referenced in old Norse tales are Freyja's cats
12:10Freyja was the most renowned of the Norse goddesses in charge of fertility battle and love
12:16According to Nordic tales Freyja frequently drove a chariot pulled by two giant jib cats
12:21Which were blue or gray in color
12:23These felines were apparently a gift from Thor and were used to travel to the funeral of Baldr, Freyja's son
12:29The cat was also Freyja's sacred animal and some Vikings believed treating cats
12:34Well would earn them favor from Freyja. Cats have a notable presence in Norse mythology and Scandinavian folklore
12:40Other cats include Jormungandr, a mighty serpent who transforms himself into a cat in a story about the frost giants tricking Thor
12:49Even Fenrir the wolf was said to be restrained by a chain with six magical properties including the sound of a cat's footsteps
12:57Scandinavian folktales also feature cats such as a story about a cat who helps a poor man and eventually asked him to cut off its head
13:04When the cat is decapitated it turns into a beautiful princess who marries the man
13:09Some experts believe Viking cats would also be given to brides for their wedding day as a symbol of love and a reference to Freyja
13:15There are several theories about how domesticated cats found their way to Norway. All domesticated cats come from the same species
13:22Which originated in the Middle East?
13:24DNA evidence suggests that multiple cat migrations happened throughout the Middle Ages helping felines spread around the world
13:30The first migration took felines from the Middle East to Europe and Africa
13:34The second migration began in Egypt enabled by the introduction of boats
13:39Cats on boats traveled throughout the world including Scandinavia. In 2016 researchers sequenced the DNA of 209 felines
13:47The remains of which have been found at various archaeological sites dating from 2,700 years ago to 15,000 years ago
13:54What they discovered was the cats expanded geographically in two waves
13:59During the first wave the feline critters traveled from the Middle East to the eastern Mediterranean an area known for its fertile land
14:06This finding supports the long-held belief that farmers in desperate need of rodent control
14:13encouraged the spread of cats
14:15Number eight Viking metal
14:18Heavy metal has long drawn parallels between the old Norse people of the Middle Ages and life as a touring band
14:26Since Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song in 1970 Vikings have held a special fascination for so many of our favorite musicians
14:33in the diverse landscape of heavy metal music one genre stands out for its unique blend of historical narratives and mythical themes and
14:41for being on this list
14:43Viking metal
14:45This Viking metal traces its origins to the late 1980s and early 90s
14:49Emerging as a sub-genre within the broader spectrum of heavy metal music the term Viking metal was initially used to describe bands that
14:57incorporated themes of Norse mythology Viking history and Scandinavian culture into their music and imagery
15:04Aggressive riffs epic melodies and traditional folk instruments all add to this appeal
15:09But the Vikings metal thematic and musical elements resonated with audiences beyond
15:15Scandinavia leading to its global audience like the Vikings themselves this music has conquered so many faraway lands
15:22Bands from countries such as Germany Finland and the United States embraced the genre and expanded its auditory boundaries
15:29lyrical themes in Viking metal revolve around Norse mythology
15:33Historical events and cultural motifs these themes can range from tales of Viking raids and battles to reflections on Norse
15:41Cosmology honor codes and the clash between old and new beliefs and Christianity
15:46Another defining feature of Viking metal is the inclusion of folk instruments that harken back to Norse traditions
15:52These may include flutes hurdy-gurdies fiddles and traditional Nordic string instruments like the nyckelharpa
15:58Folk instruments add a folkloric authenticity to this music infusing it with melodies and timbres
16:04reminiscent of ancient Viking culture
16:06The band Tyr from the Faroe Islands
16:09Exemplifies this approach blending heavy metal with Faroese folk music to create a sound that is both unique and deeply rooted in their culture
16:16But without a doubt the coolest aspect of Viking metal is it's also inspired a renewed interest in Norse
16:22Mythology and history the genre's lyrical content often draws from ancient sagas Eddas and historical texts
16:29Prompting fans to explore these sources further
16:33Moving on to number seven Ulla
16:36Among the pantheon of Norse gods Ulla occupies a somewhat enigmatic yet intriguing position
16:43While not as widely celebrated as figures like Odin and Thor
16:47Ulla's significance is deeply rooted in the cultural and practical aspects of life in ancient Scandinavia
16:53His story serves as a bridge between the pre Viking Age beliefs and what we recognize today as Norse mythology
17:00Ulla's lineage is a topic of scholarly debate
17:03It's widely accepted that his mother is Sif the goddess associated with fertility and grain while Thor is mentioned as his stepfather
17:11However, Ulla's biological father remains unnamed in the texts despite this ambiguity though
17:17It's clearly associated with the Aesir, one of the primary tribes of gods in Norse mythology
17:22He's also noted as the half-brother of Thryda, Thor and Sif's daughter who depicted as either a goddess or a Valkyrie
17:29Now details about Ulla's early life are scarce
17:32But it's evident that he grew up among the gods of Asgard and earned
17:36Considerable respect for his exceptional skills in archery and skiing. In a land where snow
17:41Blanketed the landscape for a significant part of the year skiing was not merely a leisurely activity
17:46But an essential means of transportation and survival
17:49Ulla's expertise in skiing ensuring safe travel over icy and treacherous terrains made him a crucial deity for the Norse people
17:57While skiing itself is an ancient practice with widespread origins, Ulla's
18:02Association with this winter sport is deeply embedded in Norse culture and religious practices
18:07The name Jadalir, which translates to Eudales, is significant in this context
18:12The yew tree was essential for crafting bows and this connection highlights Ulla's prowess in archery
18:18The link between archery and skiing is symbolic of a Ulla's skill set as both activities require precision,
18:24Balance, and an intimate understanding of the environment
18:28Number six, Nefartafl
18:31For centuries, we've unearthed large quantities of gaming material from Viking boat burials
18:37Dating from the 7th to the 11th centuries most of these artifacts consist of checker-like pieces constructed from glass, whalebone, or amber
18:45These pieces range from ordinary discs to ornate figurines and are usually uniform in shape and size
18:52Save for one prominent king piece known as Nefi
18:55Experts will tell you that the game was much more than a frivolous way to kill time between raids
19:00Its place among the burial sites holds a key to a much deeper meaning
19:05Nefartafl was a strategy game played on a checkered wooden board similar in appearance to a modern chessboard
19:10The game is notable for its asymmetric rules where one player controls the defending side including the king
19:16While the other player controls the attacking side
19:19The objective of the defending player is to move the king from the center of the board to one of the corner squares
19:24While the attacking player aims to capture the king by surrounding him on all four sides
19:28The widespread presence of this game in Viking burial signifies its deep cultural meaning
19:34Archaeologists have discovered boards and pieces placed on or near the deceased indicating that the game was seen as a desirable aspect of the afterlife
19:42In some cases gaming pieces were even found on top of graves
19:45Suggesting a ritualistic significance
19:48Martin Rundqvist and Howard Williams who excavated 23 amber game pieces in southern Sweden in 2005
19:55Speculated that Vikings may have viewed the placement of these items as a means of assisting the deceased transformation into the afterlife
20:02Stories are often used the game as a metaphor for military strategy and life's changes
20:07Making it inaccessible and resonant symbol for contemporary audiences
20:12number five Beowulf
20:15Perhaps the oldest surviving long poem in Old English
20:18Beowulf is widely regarded as perhaps one of the most important works of Old English literature
20:24While the date of the poems composition is still debated
20:27It's certain that the physical manuscript was produced sometime between 975 and 1025 AD
20:33The author was an anonymous poet possibly of Anglo-Saxon descent who is now referred to as the Beowulf poet
20:39The poem itself doesn't have a specific title and it's named after its protagonist
20:44The full poem survives in only one manuscript known as the Noel Codex
20:49Which was badly damaged in a fire at Ashburnham house in London in 1731
20:54Fortunately, the manuscript wasn't destroyed and it's currently housed in the British Library
20:58It is the only original in existence
21:00If you don't already know Beowulf is set in Scandinavia
21:04And it follows the adventures of its eponymous hero Beowulf a Giedish warrior from an area now part of modern Sweden
21:11The narrative begins with Beowulf answering a call for help from the Danish King Hrothgar
21:16Whose great hall, Helroth, is being terrorized by a monstrous creature named a Grendel
21:21Grendel tormented by the sounds of joy
21:24He cannot partake in attacks Helroth and his men as they sleep in the mead hall
21:28In response the hall is abandoned and a call for aid is sent out
21:33Beowulf arrives to confront Grendel engaging the monster in a fierce battle without any weapons
21:38Though Beowulf's men attempt to assist him the swords cannot pierce Grendel's skin
21:43But with any good piece of folklore
21:45You got to wonder how much of it is based in reality
21:47The events of Beowulf take place over much of the 6th century a period when the Anglo-Saxons were beginning to settle
21:54What would become England and still maintain close ties to their Germanic kin
21:58As such the poem may have been brought to England by someone of Giedish origin
22:03Some scholars suggest the poem was first composed in the 7th century in East Anglia
22:07Given the similarities between the Sutton who ship burial and those described in the poem
22:12Despite its purpose as entertainment Beowulf intertwines legend with real-world events
22:17While Beowulf himself is fictional many supporting characters and events appear in Scandinavian sources with archaeological evidence
22:24Lending credibility to these accounts. One example is the excavation of Idgils Mound in Sweden in 1874
22:31Which revealed the remains of a powerful man buried around 575 AD on a bearskin with two dogs and rich grave offerings
22:39Consistent with the description of a wealthy man's burial in old Norse sources
22:43This discovery has led some to speculate that the poem may reflect actual historical events and figures
22:50Number four the Valkyrie
22:52The Valkyries of Norse mythology stand as some of the most captivating powerful and coolest figures in all of ancient lore
23:00Revered for their prestige and formidable presence
23:03They were among the few groups of warrior women endowed with significant influence over both the mortal and divine realms
23:10Clad in iron chain mail adorned with swan feathers and helmets and wielding spears with unflinching courage
23:17The Valkyries descended from the heavens upon their ethereal horses their guttural cries resonating across the battlefield
23:23Their mere presence was enough to instill both awe and terror among mortal soldiers
23:29They're so amazing that the images have stayed throughout the culture to this day
23:33Well, despite their fearsome appearance the Valkyries didn't participate directly in the battles of mortals
23:38Their role was to determine the fate of fallen warriors choosing who among the fallen was worthy to ascend to Valhalla, Odin's Grand Hall
23:46Valhalla, the Hall of the Slain is a place where warriors prepare for Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world
23:53Training continuously to defend against the forces of chaos led by Loki
23:58Conversely the fields of Freyja offer a more peaceful afterlife where the chosen warriors lead a simple and pleasant existence
24:05Among the Valkyries Brunhild is probably the most famous
24:08Her story is prominently featured in the Volsunga Saga. In these accounts Brunhild is depicted as extraordinarily strong and powerful
24:16However, her narrative also involves significant elements of enchantment and tragedy. In the Volsunga Saga
24:22Brunhild is placed under a spell by Odin for disobeying him in battle
24:26She's imprisoned within a ring of fire and falls into a deep sleep only to be awakened by Sigurd, a warrior of noble lineage
24:34The tale of Brunhild highlights the complex nature of the Valkyries. While they are
24:38associated with Odin and have the ability to influence the outcomes of battles, their actions and choices are also subject to personal emotions such
24:46as jealousy and revenge
24:48The status of the Valkyries evolved over time. In later literary and historical records their role
24:53diminishes from that of divine warrior maidens to that of mortal shield maidens, women who fought alongside men in battle
25:00This transition suggests that the Valkyries may have been inspired by real historical female warriors whose bravery and strength were
25:07celebrated in oral traditions and eventually became woven into the mythological narratives
25:12recorded in the sagas of the Icelanders and other sources
25:17Number three, Leif Erikson and the Americas
25:20The common belief that Christopher Columbus was the first European to reach the Americas is a misconception that overlooks the earlier
25:28voyages of Norse explorers
25:30Nearly 500 years before Columbus set sail in 1492, a group of intrepid Vikings ventured across the Atlantic
25:38marking their presence in North America
25:40Among these early explorers, Leif Erikson stands out as a pioneering figure who according to Norse sagas reached the shores of what is now
25:48Canada
25:49Leif Erikson was born around 970 AD in Iceland, the son of Erik the Red, known for his colonization of Greenland
25:56Leif's family included his siblings Freydis, Thornstein and Thorvald. Raised in Greenland, Leif's life was characterized by both
26:04exploration and leadership
26:05Unlike his father and grandfather, Leif was not banished but sought adventure beyond his homeland
26:10He was married to Thorgunnur with whom he had at least two sons, Thorgyrs and Thorkell
26:16Leif's journey to the new world was driven by a combination of curiosity and opportunism
26:21According to the saga of Erik the Red, Leif's voyage to North America was an unintended detour
26:27After converting to Christianity in Norway, he returned to Greenland but sailed off course
26:32Conversely, the saga of the Greenlanders presents a different narrative
26:36It suggests that Leif had heard about a mysterious land to the west from an Icelandic trader who had previously glimpsed
26:42but not landed on the continent
26:45Motivated by this account, Leif acquired the trader's ship, assembled a crew of 35 men and retraced the route westward
26:51Upon crossing the Atlantic, Leif and his crew encountered a rugged barren landscape
26:55they named Heluland or Stone Slab Land, which is believed to correspond to modern-day Baffin Island
27:01Their most significant landing was on the northern tip of Newfoundland
27:05where they established a base camp and named the region Vinland or Wineland due to its abundance of wild grapes and favorable conditions
27:13Leif's expedition spent a winter in Vinland, benefiting from the region's milder weather compared to Greenland
27:18They explored the area's lush meadows, rivers teeming with salmon and the prolific grape vines
27:24Upon returning to Greenland with timber and grapes, Leif Erikson and his crew made a substantial impact
27:29Although Leif himself didn't return to North America, his exploration, however, was not the end of Norse incursions into the new world
27:37Vikings continued to visit Vinland for at least a decade after Erikson's voyage
27:42Archaeological evidence, too, has validated the saga's accounts of Norse exploration
27:47In 1960, Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad and his wife, Anne, discovered remnants of a Norse settlement on the northern tip of Newfoundland
27:54This site, which dates back to around AD 1000, includes artifacts and structures indicative of Norse origins
28:01and it's been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site
28:05Number two, Drenger
28:08Bushido, chivalry, Drenger
28:10This ethical code followed by the esteemed Viking warriors known as the Drengers
28:15offers fascinating glimpses into the moral and cultural values that underpin Viking life
28:21While the Drenger code is primarily preserved through sagas and oral traditions
28:26It encapsulates core principles such as bravery, loyalty, honor, and generosity
28:31Which were integral to the Viking identity and societal structure
28:34The term Drenger was used by the Vikings to denote a warrior of exceptional honor and bravery
28:40Drenger were held in high regard within Viking communities
28:43embodying the virtues that were crucial to their culture and social ethos
28:48The Drenger code, though not extensively documented, is known primarily through Old Norse literature and sagas written in the 13th and 14th centuries
28:56These texts, including the Saga of the Ynglings, the Saga of the Poets, and the Saga of the Volsungs
29:02provide a valuable insight into ethical standards that govern their behavior
29:06Loyalty was a cornerstone of the Drenger code
29:09Drengers were expected to remain steadfast in their allegiance to family, friends, and their community
29:15This loyalty reinforced the social fabric and it ensured moral support and solidarity among Vikings
29:21Honor was paramount in the Drenger code
29:24Guiding actions and decisions based on the preservation of personal and communal dignity
29:29The pursuit of honor was intertwined with the social expectations placed upon Drengers
29:34and was essential for maintaining their status
29:37Generosity and hospitality also played a critical role in the Drenger code
29:41Drengers were expected to be open-handed and hospitable
29:44reflecting the cultural value placed on communal bonds and societal cohesion
29:48The Drenger code significantly influenced Viking society, shaping their behavior and ethos of its members
29:55It provided a moral framework that helped maintain order and stability within the community
30:00This adherence to the code fostered a sense of identity and unity among the Vikings
30:06who were judged based on their alignment with those values
30:09Those who exemplified the Drenger code were celebrated
30:12while those who fell short were often marginalized
30:16The Drenger code reveals the depth of moral and ethical considerations that governed Viking life
30:22offering a more nuanced view of their society beyond the stereotypical image of ruthless warriors
30:29Number 1. Ragnarok
30:32In the realm of Norse mythology, few tales are as grand and cataclysmic as that of Ragnarok
30:38This apocalyptic saga unfolds as the ultimate end-of-the-world scenario
30:43where the cosmos itself is tested in a final titanic clash between the forces of order and chaos
30:50The harbinger of Ragnarok begins with an unprecedented harsh winter known as the Fimbulvetr
30:56This relentless season marked by unending snow and biting cold sets the stage for the cosmic upheaval to come
31:03The world will be plunged into chaos as this winter ravages the earth, signaling the approach of doom
31:10The arrival of Ragnarok is further foretold by the crowing of three red roosters
31:14Fjallar, the rooster of the giants, will announce the coming battle to his monstrous kin
31:19The second giant, Mythical Rooster, will alert the spirits of the underworld
31:23and the final rooster, Gullenkampi, perched in Valhalla, will sound the alarm for the gods themselves
31:29marking the beginning of the end
31:31As the signs of Ragnarok come to fruition
31:34Loki, the trickster god bound to a cliff as a punishment for his treachery, will break free
31:39He will lead a horde of giants and monsters on a ghostly ship constructed from the nails of those long gone
31:46This ship, known as Naglfar, will ferry its strange cargo to the battlefield of Vigrid
31:51where the final confrontation will ensue
31:54Against them will stand the Aesir, the pantheon of gods led by Odin
31:58The scene is set for an epic conflict involving legendary figures
32:02such as Fenrir the Wolf, the flame giant Surtr, and the monstrous hound Hati
32:07Thor, the thunder god, will battle the Midgard serpent Jormungandr
32:11only to perish from its venomous bite
32:14Odin will confront Fenrir and meet a grim fate
32:17while the fire giant Surtr's flames will engulf the earth, annihilating all life
32:22Well, despite the devastation, Ragnarok is not the end, but a prelude to renewal
32:27As the world sinks into the ocean, it will eventually resurface, cleansed, and reborn
32:32The cycle of destruction will give way to creation as the earth emerges anew from the watery depths
32:38The gods who survive, Vali, Vidar, and the sons of Thor, will come together in Idavol
32:43a sanctuary untouched by the apocalypse
32:46They will rebuild and renew the world, while Baldur and Hod, who had long passed, will return to life
32:52Now, Ragnarok reflects humanity's fascination with the end of times and the promise of renewal
32:57These myths often serve as metaphors for the natural cycles of change observed in the world
33:03such as the rotations of day and night, the changing seasons, and the perpetual circle of life
33:09Thanks for watching, everybody. I'll see you next time
33:12Thank you to our channel members
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