Many myths and misconceptions have been made to the point where most think that they are true.
The most common myth is that Vikings wore horned helmets. In reality they had just the helmets without the horns. This myth originated in the 19 th century by Richard Wagner’s The Ring Cycle. The actors wore horns on their helmets as per request of Emil Doepler (1825-1905). This was created in the 1870’s. Since then many cartoonists, film makers and artists have fed into this myth.
In history the Vikings were painted as gruesome and heartless warriors. Although most indeed were, some vikings lived peacefully. They would spend their days farming and trading. Though much of this isn’t represented because it is deemed to be boring.
The Vikings were not illiterate and actually had a complex language/ symbolism although it was less developed than the other European countries. Unlike illiterate barbarians, the Vikings were one of the greatest naval engineers in history. They created ships that were extraordinary and could survive the demonic Northern Atlantic Ocean.
A lot of people believe that they treated their women badly. Women played an important role in Viking Society and were the guardians of property and wealth.
Vikings 