Recent research by scholars at the University of Münster reveals that many widely held beliefs about Vikings and their pagan practices are based on misconceptions rooted in medieval interpretations rather than historical facts. According to Roland Scheel, a scholar involved in the Cluster of Excellence “Religion and Politics”, most narratives about the Viking Age are derived from accounts written by Christian scholars centuries later, leaving much of the original context ambiguous.
The Viking Age, typically defined as occurring between the 8th and 11th centuries, has been romanticized through various forms of media, including films, television series, and video games. These representations often depict Vikings as fearless adventurers and skilled warriors. Scheel emphasizes that the actual historical evidence is far less clear-cut. He points out that surviving texts reflect a “memorialized history,” shaped by the perspectives of those who wrote them.
Scholarly interpretations often contrast sharply with the popular image of pre-Christian Scandinavian society, which is frequently characterized by notions of a rigid warrior culture, an unusually high status for women, and freedom from religious constraints. These narratives have resonated with contemporary audiences and continue to shape cultural identities. For example, neo-pagan groups draw inspiration from these idealized depictions, positioning themselves in opposition to monotheistic religions.
The impact of these narratives extends beyond the realm of identity. Scheel notes that modern interpretations of Viking culture often omit the violent aspects of their history, such as the brutal raids for which they are infamous. This positive framing stands in stark contrast to other historical events, such as the Crusades, which are viewed through a critical lens for their coercive and violent nature.
Cultural and political organizations also exploit these age-old stories. The Council of Europe has created the Viking Cultural Route, aimed at promoting a shared European identity through the lens of Viking heritage. This reflects how Viking imagery has been co-opted for modern cultural and political narratives.
The research conducted by Scheel and his colleague Simon Hauke focuses on how the medieval interpretations of Norse paganism have evolved over time. They explore the ways in which various authors and cultural movements have reshaped these ideas, from Snorri Sturluson’s 13th-century “Edda” to references made by political figures like Otto von Bismarck. Their findings suggest that understanding how ancient beliefs have been reimagined can reveal much about the societies that propagated them.
The conference titled “Imagining Nordic Paganism: Cultural Memories and Scholarly Thought Since the Middle Ages,” scheduled for March 2026, will delve deeper into these concepts. It will feature a range of international experts, including scholar Jóhanna Katrín Friðriksdóttir from Oslo and runologist Alessia Bauer from Paris. Discussions will cover themes such as the interplay between gender and paganism, the spatial dimensions of its reception, and the historical significance of Scandinavian paganism.
The ongoing research highlights that the portrayal of figures like the Valkyrie, popularized by Richard Wagner in his opera “The Ring of the Nibelung,” often simplifies the rich and varied roles described in Old Norse texts. While Wagner’s Valkyries are depicted as powerful feminine warriors, the original narratives reveal a more complex understanding of their functions, which included roles as both selectors of slain warriors and as attendants in the afterlife.
Scheel and Hauke’s work sheds light on the broader implications of how Viking and pagan identities are constructed and understood today. Their research not only challenges existing narratives but also prompts a re-evaluation of how cultures engage with their historical foundations.
