Wonderful video Bjørn. Hollywood makes everything look glamorous, I appreciate that you are able to bring a more historic view of the way Vikings lived. I am looking forward to learning more! Skål!
I definitely agree with you Bjorn, I believe the way of life for the Viking age was a lot more about surviving the winter and caring for their families, rather than always raiding and fighting. Thanks for sharing with us!
Bjorn, you're a man's man. The influence more men need, and wise words to follow. Thank you for always sharing your thoughts, and history. You're a man worth looking up too
I agree regarding women warriors being the exception rather than the rule. The fact that there ever were Viking women fighters is inspiring even if they were rare. But as you said, I cannot imagine a community of Viking women who did not have a solid security plan to defend their home when the men folk were gone that did not involve effective use of weapons.
@O R Being a fighter to those who believe in the Norse gods like myself is very inspirational. I joined the US Marine Corps for a lot of reasons, but my number one was to do infantry so I could see the glory of battle. Many have said battle isn't glorious, but it's all about perspective. It was glorious to fight in battle, and I still feel it is. I pray that Tyr make a battle that I might fight in. People fail to understand that war is natural, and though the cost is life, it has a lot of benefits.
@@wyattgreen2925 Thank you sincerely Sir, for your services Sir ! Aye Sir, little Njroct USMC, guy hear . This person is, Cherokee and Norwegian . I can fully concept your logic, reasoning, and honor ! I'm becoming a United States Marine Corps Pulley soon Sir ! This future recruit, appreciates the values of ( life and war," ) As honorable as it is ! For this," this future recruit just needed to say a little Njroct USMC, Hoorah, Semper Fi~ Sincerely, Future USMC Pulley, Paul Hampton~.
I recommend the Viking museum in Oslo. Fascinating. They got as far as America and the Middle East in their long boats, and possibly further. So much history is hidden or unacknowledged.
It's too bad that Hollywood continues to make "fantasy versions" of Viking tv shows/movies. I feel that audiences have come far in knowledge that they can handle a "realistic" look at the culture in media. Great points and video!
In fairness movies and tv shows are an exaggeration of reality and not reality itself. They have a job to keep audiences interested and invested and they do that by script, cinematography, costumes, set design etc. It would suck to pay $12 to watch a 3 hour film about a farmer in the late 9th century going about his normal daily life.
@@edgarabramz I agree with all that. I should have been more specific. More historic in clothing, culture. You can do this and still have epic fights, adventures in boats discovering new lands, etc
Great video, very realistic in your description. I believe that life back then was a struggle to survive. As you said just having enough to eat, surviving illness and injuries from every day life was hard. A simple cut could become septic quickly. As far as what is civilized, that is purely in the eye of the beholder. The Norse were very civilized compared to many other cultures.
I think you’re spot on that we romanticize ancient lifestyles. I lived in a small rural village where people had very little cash income and worked hard to make, hunt & build everything. And as you say, most people were slim and sinewy, muscular, yes, but certainly not buff.
One of the reasons I haven't watched or rather refrained from watching movies or tv about Vikings (at least for now) is because of those and quite many other misconceptions. I get my understanding from literature that hasn't been grossly molested by people to say what they want it to say, musium exhibitions. Here in the states there is this huge growth of what some call folkway. Because of those movies or tv shows like Vikings. In a community I am in, there is a ton of infighting because new folk come into the community thinking "I'll buy a Mjölnir amulet, a drinking horn and a hand axe off Amazon and call myself a Viking." Sort of attitude. Not understanding what the path/s are truly about. With all that said, I thank you for doing what you do on your channel. It's quite informative. I plan on some day visiting the ancestral home of this part of my heritage. Again, thank you Bjørn for doing what you do on your channel. Persevere my friend.
total agreement. a man who spends a lot of time alone has time to think. a man who has no time to think is not stupid but is still ignorant. thank yew bjorn.
A lot of schools seem to teach that when Christianity was introduced, everything was just immediately peaceful and accepted- in all parts of the world... But even my own school never talked about how many people were burned at the stake, hung, slaughtered in the name of Christianity. In England, even different branches of Christianity were slaughtering each other in attempts to convert. There's so much that's been covered up about regarding many things.
I agree with you sir. I found your channel a few days ago and subscribed before the first video was finished lol. I really enjoy your thoughts and how you speak your mind. You have an excellent area to escape to for relaxation. I also live close to the forest in eastern Kentucky and spend as much time as possible there. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views!!
Thank you my friend. A very illuminating video. I agree when you said the colours of Viking clothing was not as bright as what they can produce today. These were rough times, so just to keep clean was doing well
Thank you for presenting meaningful topics and wise words! This is another great video that makes us think - separating fact from fiction allows us to better appreciate our ancestors and how they lived over a thousand years ago. Thanks!
I always feel thankful to hear your insights on the Viking age. I watched the movies and shows knowing battle and life was very hard in those times. Your vid confirms that. I live in the USA near the first settlement in Jamestown. I learned a great deal about how life was during those times. Recent archeology has proven the written letters and logs omitted some of the harshest of things. I then look at how the Vikings must have lived in a focused way on survival for one and the group. I thank you for all the time and effort you place into these vids. I love how the sun came from behind and made you seem Odin-like for the camera. Take Care and Stay Safe (TCSS).
I know I'm a little late to comment, but: "to put makeup on an image" = (in US Eng) "to put lipstick on a pig." I've always loved that expression. And I love your channel - very insightful & educational. It's so difficult to find reliable historic information about the everyday lives that isn't (just) mythology. Please know that most Americans take "historical dramas" like the series, Vikings, with a grain of salt concerning accuracy. I love the show, but I will be closely researching those inaccuracies through more localized Scandinavian media such as your channel. If you have other online suggestions I would love to hear them. Newly subscribed and I will be binge-watching a lot of your older videos tonight for my insomniac all-nighter. Thanks so much for all your hard work, Bjorn!
If you want to know what vikings looked like, just check people who do constant hard labour in third world countries. You see short, lean people who move weights because they have to and not because they are massive mountains of muscle.
Bro Vikings were not little people of Germanic ancestry tend to be bigger and have a heavier bone structure look at Holland they have the tallest people on average in the world.
@@emanuellugo3805 Sweden in the 900 men was about 176cm, which is taller than most men to this day. The average man hight in the world is 170cm. So yes the Norsemen where massive for there time and would be taller the most people at this time as well, and you must know that warriors were taller then the average people at that time, they found Viking skeletons in England and the males somewhere over 6.6 feet/ 2m. The stereotype always comes from facts
Thank you so much for teaching about your culture. it is fascinating that without traveling to Norway I can learn from someone like you. Thank you and keep it up!. I just learned that I have Scandinavian DNA and I want to know more about the region and the different cultures.
I started watching your videos today. Interesting channel. Refreshing you are making these nice informative videos that include being outdoors in nature and aren't all about watching someone cook and eat something and talk about themselves for an hour.
I admire your way of thinking beyond the stereotypes. You mentioned (in another video) being chastised for not wearing an "authentic" belt. This outlook seems common among reenactors of ancient days. Archaeologists have found a relatively small number of original artifacts-clothing rots over hundreds of years, and to presume that everybody wore the exact style of two or three original artifacts makes little sense. I like the way you are guided by practicalities of every day use and every weather need.
Thank you so much for your video, brings some rationality to the fantastical image we have of Vikings in media and movies. I really appreciate how much research you do and try to be realistic about how life could have been for people in the past.
I once heard a Roman text where somebody described how the Germanic tribes fought, and he said that they would fight more with their bodies than with their weapons (or something along these lines). So that would kind of corroborate the Rugby picture.
Living in this plentiful time we’ve lived in ( though I do think that is changing and will be sooner rather than later ) we tend to not understand that most of human existence people have done with little and struggled massively to survive. Thanks again Bjorn.
One thing I would add to your summation regarding Viking material life, which I very much agree with. Regional differences play a large part as well. The further inland the less exposure to trade goods, which means you either made the items yourself from your immediate surrounding (including dyes and mordants) or traded for them when you made the trek into the larger town's to sell your wares. Interestingly enough this can be seen today, where the closer you live to a city the more likely you are to accrue the material things which are "trendy." Great job and a very good insight into Viking culture. Thanks my friend and keep up the great work. :o)
I think in their own world they were no different than most cultures. They were farmers and successful hunters. Artists and tradesmen. Mothers and fathers . They protected their own as we do today. I do think they liked their space as we do. Yes they were somewhat war like but show me one people today that is not eh. Great chat today my friend. See you soon bud. Take care and see you next post.
Thanks for sharing that, it has cleared up some misconception told to me by others (i took the information as a grain of salt and stuck to my belief) The wrong information was that all Vikings were huge, all had massive swords and hammers and drank mead until the cows came home. I like how you try to put these myths into perspective and tell us real facts of Viking living and the daily lifestyle that really was.
Ancient peoples weren't dependant on technology like we are as a race today, imagine if there was a global black out, no oil, I bet 80+% of the population would die
@@tilldeathcomes6611 they were absolutely dependent on technology. Viking ships and navigation were technologically superior allowing them to conquer other groups and explore.
@@Tufarock that's not what I meant. I'm saying that if they didn't depend on an oven or a microwave or fast food to eat. Electricity to survive the summer heat with air conditioning, heating in the winter with propane, or whatever.
@@tilldeathcomes6611 They didn't do that because they couldn't. They were better at adapting to nature. But how is that better than today, where we've basically conquered nature and made it our bitch? You all like to glorify Viking society, but if you brought a Viking to modern day, they'd love it and most certainly wouldn't want to go back.
I agree with your comments and thoughts on the heritage of the Vikings being glorified without considering the reality of living then. Physically, culturally, environmentally all those factors are not so much based in reality by the media of tv and movies. Another well presented video. Thank you.
Very interesting, I heard so much conflicting information on the Viking age it's good to hear facts from you.Ive traced my name back to Scandinavia where my last name is spelled Graven I believe. That's as far as I have studied,I'm going to do more to see how far back we go. So everything you are working on is of high interest and learning for me. Sorry if I took to much space here. Thank you .
Brian Greve I’m also from Sweden and from Norway. My dad Norway. My mom. Sweden. My mom didn’t know she was Swedish she alway said she was Irish tell we did a DNA test. Lol. Will anyways. Have baby’s more and more baby’s.
I really appreciate your realistic look at the vikings. There is so much we can learn from how our forebears lived, but much of the good information is shrouded in myth and misdirection from popular entertainment. Thank you.
San Diego Ca USA here- I enjoy studying a Norwegian from Trondheim - he was a Christian Mystic named Swedenborg. He was a great Christian with so much intelligence. He was almost an Isac Newton. A youtube for him is - Off the left eye. Enjoyed your video very informative. Thanks.
Good morning! Good points my friend. 👍 Sometimes I sit in the woods and wonder what life would be like hundreds or thousands of years ago and the answer is always the same, difficult! Obtaining the basics of life for the common man would be incredibly difficult and many times I'm sure they barely survived in many cases. It's interesting and quite beneficial to study history but I'm not sure if I would want to go back lol. Take care see you on the next one. Wade
Woodswalker 1965 I don’t think it’s was any harder then today. I think it was easier. Way you worked for your self and helped people. There was a lot of food back then. Only thing was getting sick. That was the only hard thing. But they still had meds. And a lot of people lived throw it. I think it’s harder today. Life is hard. They would tell story’s and have songs the family was close .. What more would a person won’t. Now you don’t even know what you won’t. You don’t know a song. Most can’t dance. I would do back In a min. I love it wen my family tell story’s l make sure we do that. We laugh we have fun. When we work we do it together l try to make it like back then. It’s was better then. Peace.
hello Bjorn, I get that life was hard back then. And that simple was best. I am into spinning and dyeing, nalbinding, and tablet weaving. I know how to get the colours and can do so. I realise that work-day clothes are simple and not coloured or natural Fleece coloured. But there were colours for best clothes. (not that there was much for that). It is so very hot in Australia, that we have to wear linen to cope with that. I love it when it turns cold, and we can get into the wool again. Look us up; we are the Ancient Arts Fellowship in Canberra Australia. I very much like your kit, and it is a pleasure to hear you telling us about things x
I have only watched a couple of your videos, but I really like your reflective approach. I am an English man with strong connections on my mother's and my father's side to Ireland. My family name apparently derives from old Norse. Perhaps I am here (now living in Scotland) because the Vikings sailed to Ireland! Good Luck to you. I have subscribed.
Norse religion changed my life when I was in the third grade. My grandmother, a school teacher for 54 years, gave me a simple book of Norse mythology. I read it, and it was a thought provoking book for a child. Sitting in church the first Sunday after finishing it, I looked around. The Christian images in the walls. The preacher doing his preaching thing. The hymns we sang...Hmm. During the sermon I started thinking about Odin and Thor. The mythology of the Norsemen had been THEIR religion. In a thousand years would some grandson receive a book on Christian mythology? Yes, it changed my life while sitting in the third row of that sanctuary. That was 55 yeas ago. I think it not only made me start questioning everything - Church, and later Authority in general. It also made me think about tolerance of others' religions and beliefs. I have tried to live my life based in part on the ideas that came into my mind in that little Baptist church. Those ideas were most certainly not the ones that preacher had in mind. My grandmother was a very devout Christian, though she didn't proselytize. I wonder if she knew what effect that little book would have on me. She probably did.
The fact that people still think christianity is bad when the ones making a bad image for it are literally going against what the bible says. They expect complacency and to control you. That isn't christianity, christianity is suppose to let you have freedom, Don't listen to some superficial idiots who want nothing more than to take your money, Listen to the people who truly believe in jesus christ, and make sure that the choices you make are your own. Look up transformation church, they can explain what's actually suppose to happen. The thing is, you're suppose to doubt when you feel doubtful, Christians talk about jesus christ but forget the process, the test, and literally everything else about it, so they aint really christians, but catholics.
@@Egghead012 meh...I don't feel "controlled" or "spoon-fed" my faith. I know what I know from my experiences, and some of what I've been taught or read. If a Catholic or Christian is questioning their faith, they need to delve deeper and seek the answers they need. We are open to leave and open to come back. God wants us to get to know Him personally...even if it's through Odin or Thor.😉
@Bjorn, great video friend. Can you recommend any more references on learning more abut the history of Vikings, what they atr, how their society functioned and what their clothing was like? I'm very interested learning more about them.
Lipstick on a pig is how we say it. I listen to a podcast called Saga Thing. They go over the different Sagas but also have a good bit of history in their shows. Very different from what I was always taught in school history or history channel Vikings.
I completely agree with you ! people keep saying Vikings didn't wear horns on their helmets !! Well I'm a modern-day Viking and if I want to wear horns on my helmet I will !! Skål !!! 🍺
I think that they were no different than today's time, some people just make history out to be something that it wasn't because of romanticism and fantasy
Another thing about food is the seasonings. This period of time was way before spices came from the east, so the best you may have had was sea salt and natural herbs, bark and berries from the local area. It's hard trying to make tasty food with a modern diverse palate.
Wonderful video once again Bjørn...i agree with everything you said! Maybe oneday we can have a quality conversation about our Gods. Sray healthy and powerful bróðir! Regards from Sparta, Greece. Skàl
Hej, fae a Scottish Viking! True Vikings understand the balance in nature. Great stuff Bjørn! Ive been sailing and living on my boat for seven years in the Baltic. I have felt the gods whenon my own.
From what I know... many people did not live beyond 60 years old back then. Fish was a regular dietary meat which was saved mostly during the winter months, because of the refrigeration only in the winter months.
They were first and foremost farmers to begin with. Before the built their narrow boats. To set out in search of new lands Very good at navigation. Great skills . I think they followed the stars. One misconception their head dress , was flat no Horne's on their heads. Thank you for the video.
Very nicely said.. I like how you look at things from a different perspective and not just fall into what we are told to believe.. Also did anyone else hear the howling sound at 10:08 in this video??? Viking Bigfoot?? Or Garm
Even though I'm Catholic, I agree that the Mideval Christian world, especially among the aristocracy was very religio-centric. Many cultures and religions today still have that, "we're right and know better, so your inferior " complex...but it was the Vikings who travelled far and explored. Their governing and belief systems had been working for them for centuries prior Christianty. Much the same as our First Nations People in Canada. Misperceptions and an unwillingness to understand others is great if you want enemies...not friends.😊
One notable Norse female warrior was Freydís Eiríksdóttir. She is in the Vinland Sagas and did battle with the Skraelings when the men ran away. It's a great story.
May Odin bless you and be by your side. I've learned a lot from you and hope you are doing well greetings a fellow viking in the hart............. 🇧🇻🇧🇪
Nice one again, logic will out, regardless of which culture you derive your heritage and history, nostalgia will always find a way to make the bold braver and the angst more romantic. Reality however demands a more pragmatic approach to life. Nice one:)
Joining the Christendom certainly doesn't transform any one nation into pacifists as demonstrated by a long string of wars faught among christian kingdoms themselves. However, it certainly changed that nations standing in the eyes of its neighbours - the Danes stopped being viewed as an unpredictable "force of nature" somewhat mysterious total strangers, instead from that point on they may have been seen as being closer to "cousins", perhaps somewhat odd and still to be feared but rather more conforming and easier to find a common ground with. Either way any transition of that sort is not easy and Christianity back then was not subtle with its message of conversion. As usual the elites were willing to adopt Christianity and accept the lesser of the two evils to enjoy various benefits later, while the common people who had next to no tangible gain from that transition seen it as an assault on their tradition and their way of life - things like that often turn somewhat sour.
Just the fact that both Sven Forkbeard and his son Cnut the Great was christians, who both went on to conquer England, should tell us something about the "pacifism" myth. And usually the earlier scandinavians who invaded England also converted or combined it with asatru, essentially just making christ another god in their pantheon. Northern England is littered with stone crosses called "anglo-scandinavian" since it combines the two cultures.
Skönt att se någon som gjort research på hur det egentligen var, mycket tack för en otroligt bra video!!! Och ja, vi har det uttrycket i Sverige med "att sminka en gris" 😉 Jag tänker prenumerera nu.
Good info.......I am very proud of my viking heritage.......I want to be able to pass down the history of the Danish Vikings to my children..........in the U.S.....we just have a football team as a mascott......
Hi Bjørn Thanks for trying to make a more honest picture of our forefathers. I just finished a book of Torgrim Titlestad Outbrake of the vikinge age, thats a remarkable defense of our forefathers integrety and and upbrighte standing socialy and culturaly. I also recomend Flateybook writan on Island as a gift to the king of Norway But somehow lost for hundreds of years but now in new edition and give a greet insight in the age it was meant fore, thank you fore your work.
It was good to see Karmoy its a few years since I was there last :) Very good video and your right about the way people like to see the Nordic people as alcoholic gluttons who only work was raiding ...they was farmers, fishermen, blacksmith, traders, silversmiths, artists and poets
Great vid Bjorn. In English putting makeup on a photo is often said as “ putting lipstick on a pig” lol. It’s great to know beyond language there are similarities.
As to the daily consumption of Beer, I imagine that water was as dangerous to drink there as in the rest of the world. What is sometimes called Small Beer was commonly drank, by all peoples, all day long right up to the industrial age.
Wonderful video Bjørn. Hollywood makes everything look glamorous, I appreciate that you are able to bring a more historic view of the way Vikings lived. I am looking forward to learning more! Skål!
Skal!
Thank you for using the å and not a. Skål!
Skål from Holland. Dutch Viking.
I definitely agree with you Bjorn, I believe the way of life for the Viking age was a lot more about surviving the winter and caring for their families, rather than always raiding and fighting. Thanks for sharing with us!
The reason why raising and fighting happened was so they could survive
Hmm Matt Easton from scholagladiatoria seems to agree on the fact that vikings were mostly merchants and fishermans rather than only barbaric raiders
@@jeanladoire4141 That is common knowledge that they were as much traders as raiders, or that this was a big part of what they are actually.
@@MasterBlaster220 True, true
Bjorn, you're a man's man. The influence more men need, and wise words to follow. Thank you for always sharing your thoughts, and history. You're a man worth looking up too
I think you are right.We tend to romanticise alot about Vikings through movies and television.
I agree regarding women warriors being the exception rather than the rule. The fact that there ever were Viking women fighters is inspiring even if they were rare. But as you said, I cannot imagine a community of Viking women who did not have a solid security plan to defend their home when the men folk were gone that did not involve effective use of weapons.
@O R Being a fighter to those who believe in the Norse gods like myself is very inspirational. I joined the US Marine Corps for a lot of reasons, but my number one was to do infantry so I could see the glory of battle. Many have said battle isn't glorious, but it's all about perspective. It was glorious to fight in battle, and I still feel it is. I pray that Tyr make a battle that I might fight in. People fail to understand that war is natural, and though the cost is life, it has a lot of benefits.
@@wyattgreen2925
Thank you sincerely Sir, for your services Sir !
Aye Sir, little Njroct USMC, guy hear .
This person is, Cherokee and Norwegian .
I can fully concept your logic, reasoning, and honor !
I'm becoming a United States Marine Corps Pulley soon Sir !
This future recruit, appreciates the values of ( life and war," ) As honorable as it is !
For this," this future recruit just needed to say a little Njroct USMC, Hoorah, Semper Fi~
Sincerely,
Future USMC Pulley, Paul Hampton~.
@@paulhampton6408 A young man who understands true honor, and the price we must pay for evolution, I'm glad you're joining.
@@wyattgreen2925 man youre contributing to oppression. Thats not honorable and would certainly not grant you access to valhalla if you fall
They loved the nuns.
I recommend the Viking museum in Oslo. Fascinating. They got as far as America and the Middle East in their long boats, and possibly further. So much history is hidden or unacknowledged.
The Normans (mixed group of scandinavians and Franks) ended up as far as turkey, north Africa and even Asia.
L'Anceaux Meadows Newfoundland!!!❤👍
God bless you and keep on being you. You are very unique person !
Thank you, William.
It's too bad that Hollywood continues to make "fantasy versions" of Viking tv shows/movies. I feel that audiences have come far in knowledge that they can handle a "realistic" look at the culture in media. Great points and video!
In fairness movies and tv shows are an exaggeration of reality and not reality itself. They have a job to keep audiences interested and invested and they do that by script, cinematography, costumes, set design etc. It would suck to pay $12 to watch a 3 hour film about a farmer in the late 9th century going about his normal daily life.
@@edgarabramz I agree with all that. I should have been more specific. More historic in clothing, culture. You can do this and still have epic fights, adventures in boats discovering new lands, etc
I think a lot of it has to do with poor understanding. Speaking as someone who has worked with people i that industry.
Movies aren't real or history and aren't meant to be. Stop thinking they are
So you're telling me Dances with Wolves wasn't realistic? Damn you Kevin Costner!
Great video, very realistic in your description. I believe that life back then was a struggle to survive. As you said just having enough to eat, surviving illness and injuries from every day life was hard. A simple cut could become septic quickly. As far as what is civilized, that is purely in the eye of the beholder. The Norse were very civilized compared to many other cultures.
I do like learning about your perspective on the vikings. :) thanks for sharing as always
Thanks, Tammy. Glad you liked it! And thanks as always for your wonderful videos.
I think you’re spot on that we romanticize ancient lifestyles. I lived in a small rural village where people had very little cash income and worked hard to make, hunt & build everything. And as you say, most people were slim and sinewy, muscular, yes, but certainly not buff.
One of the reasons I haven't watched or rather refrained from watching movies or tv about Vikings (at least for now) is because of those and quite many other misconceptions. I get my understanding from literature that hasn't been grossly molested by people to say what they want it to say, musium exhibitions.
Here in the states there is this huge growth of what some call folkway. Because of those movies or tv shows like Vikings. In a community I am in, there is a ton of infighting because new folk come into the community thinking "I'll buy a Mjölnir amulet, a drinking horn and a hand axe off Amazon and call myself a Viking." Sort of attitude. Not understanding what the path/s are truly about.
With all that said, I thank you for doing what you do on your channel. It's quite informative.
I plan on some day visiting the ancestral home of this part of my heritage. Again, thank you Bjørn for doing what you do on your channel. Persevere my friend.
Good stuff, Bjorn. Thanks
Thanks, my friend!
total agreement. a man who spends a lot of time alone has time to think. a man who has no time to think is not stupid but is still ignorant. thank yew bjorn.
I really enjoy sitting with you in the woods always puts me at peace!
A lot of schools seem to teach that when Christianity was introduced, everything was just immediately peaceful and accepted- in all parts of the world... But even my own school never talked about how many people were burned at the stake, hung, slaughtered in the name of Christianity. In England, even different branches of Christianity were slaughtering each other in attempts to convert. There's so much that's been covered up about regarding many things.
Exceptionally well done video with reasonable and sound notions presented, Bjørn. Thank you.
I'm a new subscriber, and I absolutely love your channel! 😊
I think the english expression is "put lipstick on a pig", no offense to the providers of bacon.😁
I'm English and I've never heard that saying I'll be honest!
That saying was used last year to describe our Prime Minister here in New Zealand,caused a bit of a stir in media.
Dressing up the truth
I think David Cameron first used that phrase 😉
@@Paul-fu9nv LOL I was about to say that
Finally RUclips suggestions make sense! Thank you. Liked and subscribed
Thanks for the vids friend enjoying them all . Calming for some reason ... Skal
I agree. I follow 2 Norwegians on RUclips and their accents, coupled with lovely background sounds make for very soothing listening experience.
Just want you to know, the sun made it an even nicer video. It honestly looked almost divinely placed right there joining in the talk☺
So glad you liked it. I kind of liked it myself, when I got back and saw the result, haha.
This is so important!
Again your videos are so great to see, rly brightens up my day when I see you've uploaded a new one.
Thanks for making these!
I agree with you sir. I found your channel a few days ago and subscribed before the first video was finished lol. I really enjoy your thoughts and how you speak your mind. You have an excellent area to escape to for relaxation. I also live close to the forest in eastern Kentucky and spend as much time as possible there. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and views!!
Thank you my friend. A very illuminating video.
I agree when you said the colours of Viking clothing was not as bright as what they can produce today.
These were rough times, so just to keep clean was doing well
Thank you for presenting meaningful topics and wise words! This is another great video that makes us think - separating fact from fiction allows us to better appreciate our ancestors and how they lived over a thousand years ago. Thanks!
Learning truth is among the compelling reasons I subscribe to your channels.I look forward to more. Thank you, Bjorn.
I appreciate that. Thank you, Beth.
Thanks. I've just found your channel. I've already fallen in love with it.
I always feel thankful to hear your insights on the Viking age. I watched the movies and shows knowing battle and life was very hard in those times. Your vid confirms that. I live in the USA near the first settlement in Jamestown. I learned a great deal about how life was during those times. Recent archeology has proven the written letters and logs omitted some of the harshest of things. I then look at how the Vikings must have lived in a focused way on survival for one and the group.
I thank you for all the time and effort you place into these vids. I love how the sun came from behind and made you seem Odin-like for the camera. Take Care and Stay Safe (TCSS).
Thanks, Damian. Odin-like, I don't know that, but it's very nice of you to say that! And yes, life was hard, I would say up until very recently.
So enjoy learning about the Vikings. Thank you, Bjorn.
I know I'm a little late to comment, but: "to put makeup on an image" = (in US Eng) "to put lipstick on a pig." I've always loved that expression. And I love your channel - very insightful & educational. It's so difficult to find reliable historic information about the everyday lives that isn't (just) mythology. Please know that most Americans take "historical dramas" like the series, Vikings, with a grain of salt concerning accuracy. I love the show, but I will be closely researching those inaccuracies through more localized Scandinavian media such as your channel. If you have other online suggestions I would love to hear them. Newly subscribed and I will be binge-watching a lot of your older videos tonight for my insomniac all-nighter. Thanks so much for all your hard work, Bjorn!
If you want to know what vikings looked like, just check people who do constant hard labour in third world countries. You see short, lean people who move weights because they have to and not because they are massive mountains of muscle.
Bro Vikings were not little people of Germanic ancestry tend to be bigger and have a heavier bone structure look at Holland they have the tallest people on average in the world.
@@emanuellugo3805 Sweden in the 900 men was about 176cm, which is taller than most men to this day. The average man hight in the world is 170cm. So yes the Norsemen where massive for there time and would be taller the most people at this time as well, and you must know that warriors were taller then the average people at that time, they found Viking skeletons in England and the males somewhere over 6.6 feet/ 2m. The stereotype always comes from facts
Thank you so much for teaching about your culture. it is fascinating that without traveling to Norway I can learn from someone like you. Thank you and keep it up!. I just learned that I have Scandinavian DNA and I want to know more about the region and the different cultures.
Welcome to the family!
I started watching your videos today. Interesting channel. Refreshing you are making these nice informative videos that include being outdoors in nature and aren't all about watching someone cook and eat something and talk about themselves for an hour.
I admire your way of thinking beyond the stereotypes. You mentioned (in another video) being chastised for not wearing an "authentic" belt. This outlook seems common among reenactors of ancient days. Archaeologists have found a relatively small number of original artifacts-clothing rots over hundreds of years, and to presume that everybody wore the exact style of two or three original artifacts makes little sense. I like the way you are guided by practicalities of every day use and every weather need.
I would like to walk and talk with you in those woods my friend. I really enjoy your videos and I appreciate you using your platform to educate.
Thank you, Christian.
Agree! Walking with father nature
Thank you so much for your video, brings some rationality to the fantastical image we have of Vikings in media and movies. I really appreciate how much research you do and try to be realistic about how life could have been for people in the past.
Thank you, my friend.
I enjoyed your explanation Bjorn,the part about rugby too,being a New Zealander from the deep south ,it is our national game.Go well.
I once heard a Roman text where somebody described how the Germanic tribes fought, and he said that they would fight more with their bodies than with their weapons (or something along these lines). So that would kind of corroborate the Rugby picture.
Like your videos, they are calm slow not so loud like other yt videos. Its like story before sleeping. Thank you
Living in this plentiful time we’ve lived in ( though I do think that is changing and will be sooner rather than later ) we tend to not understand that most of human existence people have done with little and struggled massively to survive. Thanks again Bjorn.
One thing I would add to your summation regarding Viking material life, which I very much agree with. Regional differences play a large part as well. The further inland the less exposure to trade goods, which means you either made the items yourself from your immediate surrounding (including dyes and mordants) or traded for them when you made the trek into the larger town's to sell your wares.
Interestingly enough this can be seen today, where the closer you live to a city the more likely you are to accrue the material things which are "trendy." Great job and a very good insight into Viking culture. Thanks my friend and keep up the great work. :o)
Thank you, Roger. This "list" is in no way complete, of course.
@@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen Of course my friend, I just wanted to add that small bit of information. I very much appreciate your work so keep it up. ;o)
I think in their own world they were no different than most cultures. They were farmers and successful hunters. Artists and tradesmen. Mothers and fathers . They protected their own as we do today. I do think they liked their space as we do. Yes they were somewhat war like but show me one people today that is not eh. Great chat today my friend. See you soon bud. Take care and see you next post.
I agree, and once again thankyou for a great video
Thanks!
Enjoying your videos very much. You share a lot of wisdom and common sense which the world needs today. Thank you
Thanks for sharing that, it has cleared up some misconception told to me by others (i took the information as a grain of salt and stuck to my belief) The wrong information was that all Vikings were huge, all had massive swords and hammers and drank mead until the cows came home. I like how you try to put these myths into perspective and tell us real facts of Viking living and the daily lifestyle that really was.
I want those myths to be true, in a way, haha. But they're not.
hello and love grom Russia out north brothers
keep making video please man its a joy to listen to you
Thank you! I enjoy and learn so much from you. Watching from South Texas
Agreed 100%, from a Gaul brother. We only discover now how fine these ancient people were and smarter than we are.
@Gram M oof :D
Ancient peoples weren't dependant on technology like we are as a race today, imagine if there was a global black out, no oil, I bet 80+% of the population would die
@@tilldeathcomes6611 they were absolutely dependent on technology. Viking ships and navigation were technologically superior allowing them to conquer other groups and explore.
@@Tufarock that's not what I meant. I'm saying that if they didn't depend on an oven or a microwave or fast food to eat. Electricity to survive the summer heat with air conditioning, heating in the winter with propane, or whatever.
@@tilldeathcomes6611 They didn't do that because they couldn't. They were better at adapting to nature. But how is that better than today, where we've basically conquered nature and made it our bitch? You all like to glorify Viking society, but if you brought a Viking to modern day, they'd love it and most certainly wouldn't want to go back.
Really comfy video. Amazing how we are more similar than we are different. Obviously the differences are important but we all need the same things.
I agree with your comments and thoughts on the heritage of the Vikings being glorified without considering the reality of living then. Physically, culturally, environmentally all those factors are not so much based in reality by the media of tv and movies. Another well presented video. Thank you.
The word is 'glamorize'. An apt saying also: "seeing through rose-coloured glasses". Enjoy your channel. Subscribed.
More videos on Vikings. Very good information.🙂
Great thought-provoking video, Bjorn!
Good health to you Bjorn,glad to see you well.
Very interesting, I heard so much conflicting information on the Viking age it's good to hear facts from you.Ive traced my name back to Scandinavia where my last name is spelled Graven I believe. That's as far as I have studied,I'm going to do more to see how far back we go. So everything you are working on is of high interest and learning for me. Sorry if I took to much space here. Thank you .
Don't be sorry, glad you shared with us, my friend!
Brian Greve I’m also from Sweden and from Norway. My dad Norway. My mom. Sweden. My mom didn’t know she was Swedish she alway said she was Irish tell we did a DNA test. Lol. Will anyways. Have baby’s more and more baby’s.
You go back to Africa like everyone else if you believe science. A lot of people took names that weren't their own for different reasons.
I really appreciate your realistic look at the vikings. There is so much we can learn from how our forebears lived, but much of the good information is shrouded in myth and misdirection from popular entertainment. Thank you.
San Diego Ca USA here- I enjoy studying a Norwegian from Trondheim - he was a Christian Mystic named
Swedenborg. He was a great Christian with so much intelligence. He was almost an Isac Newton.
A youtube for him is - Off the left eye.
Enjoyed your video very informative. Thanks.
Great videos I'm Italian and I think similarly I intend to live in the forest near the dolomites
Good morning! Good points my friend. 👍 Sometimes I sit in the woods and wonder what life would be like hundreds or thousands of years ago and the answer is always the same, difficult! Obtaining the basics of life for the common man would be incredibly difficult and many times I'm sure they barely survived in many cases. It's interesting and quite beneficial to study history but I'm not sure if I would want to go back lol. Take care see you on the next one. Wade
Thanks, Wade. We can only "guesstimate", but it's very exciting to imagine. Yes, I think it was difficult and often painful. But also beautiful.
Woodswalker 1965 I don’t think it’s was any harder then today. I think it was easier. Way you worked for your self and helped people. There was a lot of food back then. Only thing was getting sick. That was the only hard thing. But they still had meds. And a lot of people lived throw it. I think it’s harder today. Life is hard. They would tell story’s and have songs the family was close .. What more would a person won’t. Now you don’t even know what you won’t. You don’t know a song. Most can’t dance. I would do back In a min. I love it wen my family tell story’s l make sure we do that. We laugh we have fun. When we work we do it together l try to make it like back then. It’s was better then. Peace.
Thanks for doing this... I'm from Clacton, Essex in England, which was settled by a Viking named Klak...
hello Bjorn, I get that life was hard back then. And that simple was best. I am into spinning and dyeing, nalbinding, and tablet weaving. I know how to get the colours and can do so. I realise that work-day clothes are simple and not coloured or natural Fleece coloured. But there were colours for best clothes. (not that there was much for that). It is so very hot in Australia, that we have to wear linen to cope with that. I love it when it turns cold, and we can get into the wool again. Look us up; we are the Ancient Arts Fellowship in Canberra Australia. I very much like your kit, and it is a pleasure to hear you telling us about things x
I have only watched a couple of your videos, but I really like your reflective approach. I am an English man with strong connections on my mother's and my father's side to Ireland. My family name apparently derives from old Norse. Perhaps I am here (now living in Scotland) because the Vikings sailed to Ireland! Good Luck to you. I have subscribed.
I really like your videos, helps me to understand even more about my on ancestor's. Really great shots too!
Norse religion changed my life when I was in the third grade. My grandmother, a school teacher for 54 years, gave me a simple book of Norse mythology. I read it, and it was a thought provoking book for a child. Sitting in church the first Sunday after finishing it, I looked around. The Christian images in the walls. The preacher doing his preaching thing. The hymns we sang...Hmm. During the sermon I started thinking about Odin and Thor. The mythology of the Norsemen had been THEIR religion. In a thousand years would some grandson receive a book on Christian mythology?
Yes, it changed my life while sitting in the third row of that sanctuary. That was 55 yeas ago. I think it not only made me start questioning everything - Church, and later Authority in general. It also made me think about tolerance of others' religions and beliefs. I have tried to live my life based in part on the ideas that came into my mind in that little Baptist church. Those ideas were most certainly not the ones that preacher had in mind.
My grandmother was a very devout Christian, though she didn't proselytize. I wonder if she knew what effect that little book would have on me. She probably did.
Dear friend. I am very glad you shared that personal story. Very fascinating and touching. Thank you.
The fact that people still think christianity is bad when the ones making a bad image for it are literally going against what the bible says.
They expect complacency and to control you. That isn't christianity,
christianity is suppose to let you have freedom, Don't listen to some superficial idiots who want nothing more than to take your money, Listen to the people who truly believe in jesus christ, and make sure that the choices you make are your own.
Look up transformation church, they can explain what's actually suppose to happen.
The thing is, you're suppose to doubt when you feel doubtful, Christians talk about jesus christ but forget the process, the test, and literally everything else about it, so they aint really christians, but catholics.
@@Egghead012 meh...I don't feel "controlled" or "spoon-fed" my faith. I know what I know from my experiences, and some of what I've been taught or read. If a Catholic or Christian is questioning their faith, they need to delve deeper and seek the answers they need. We are open to leave and open to come back. God wants us to get to know Him personally...even if it's through Odin or Thor.😉
@@Eowyn3Pride k
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and knowledge! I enjoy your topics! Thank you!
@Bjorn, great video friend. Can you recommend any more references on learning more abut the history of Vikings, what they atr, how their society functioned and what their clothing was like? I'm very interested learning more about them.
Amazing video. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
As always I appreciate the video and your thoughts. Cheers.
Bjørn I’m a big fan of your channel......The Viking age is very interesting to me
I actually really like the sun in the camera. The lens flair looks great. It give the video a bit of dramatic look.
Pretty much agree with all the points Bjorn, life has never been easy but back then was way harder.
Lipstick on a pig is how we say it. I listen to a podcast called Saga Thing. They go over the different Sagas but also have a good bit of history in their shows. Very different from what I was always taught in school history or history channel Vikings.
Andrew Yes indeed
But, as far as I know the Sagas were centuries after the Viking age and told through a Christian lense...so they are biased.
Totally agree, very insightful, Thanks
I completely agree with you ! people keep saying Vikings didn't wear horns on their helmets !! Well I'm a modern-day Viking and if I want to wear horns on my helmet I will !! Skål !!! 🍺
I agree fully :) Great video Bjorn!
I think that they were no different than today's time, some people just make history out to be something that it wasn't because of romanticism and fantasy
I agree, people have a tendency of forgetting how hard the past was, and view the past with nostalgic eyes.
@Weird Science .....beauty and the beast is on
@Weird Science you should watch beauty and the beast... It's full of fantasy
@Weird Science oh here we go..... Another enternet superhero
@Weird Science put on your cape Mr. Superhero... Type away with your crime fighting fingers 😂
Another thing about food is the seasonings. This period of time was way before spices came from the east, so the best you may have had was sea salt and natural herbs, bark and berries from the local area. It's hard trying to make tasty food with a modern diverse palate.
Wonderful video once again Bjørn...i agree with everything you said! Maybe oneday we can have a quality conversation about our Gods. Sray healthy and powerful bróðir! Regards from Sparta, Greece. Skàl
My bucketlist is to meet you one day!
Hej, fae a Scottish Viking! True Vikings understand the balance in nature. Great stuff Bjørn! Ive been sailing and living on my boat for seven years in the Baltic. I have felt the gods whenon my own.
From what I know... many people did not live beyond 60 years old back then. Fish was a regular dietary meat which was saved mostly during the winter months, because of the refrigeration only in the winter months.
We too often look at history with rose tinted glasses, helped by Hollywood for sure, thanks Bjorn 👍 🙂
They were first and foremost farmers to begin with.
Before the built their narrow boats.
To set out in search of new lands
Very good at navigation.
Great skills .
I think they followed the stars.
One misconception their head dress , was flat no Horne's on their heads.
Thank you for the video.
Very nicely said.. I like how you look at things from a different perspective and not just fall into what we are told to believe..
Also did anyone else hear the howling sound at 10:08 in this video??? Viking Bigfoot?? Or Garm
excellent video! Thanks Big Guy!
Thank you. Glad you liked it!
Even though I'm Catholic, I agree that the Mideval Christian world, especially among the aristocracy was very religio-centric. Many cultures and religions today still have that, "we're right and know better, so your inferior " complex...but it was the Vikings who travelled far and explored. Their governing and belief systems had been working for them for centuries prior Christianty. Much the same as our First Nations People in Canada.
Misperceptions and an unwillingness to understand others is great if you want enemies...not friends.😊
I mean the same as you and couldn't say it better myself, Bjørn. Thanks. :)
Thank you, my friend.
One notable Norse female warrior was Freydís Eiríksdóttir. She is in the Vinland Sagas and did battle with the Skraelings when the men ran away. It's a great story.
May Odin bless you and be by your side.
I've learned a lot from you and hope you are doing well greetings a fellow viking in the hart............. 🇧🇻🇧🇪
Excellent video. Subscribed.
Nice one again, logic will out, regardless of which culture you derive your heritage and history, nostalgia will always find a way to make the bold braver and the angst more romantic. Reality however demands a more pragmatic approach to life.
Nice one:)
Joining the Christendom certainly doesn't transform any one nation into pacifists as demonstrated by a long string of wars faught among christian kingdoms themselves. However, it certainly changed that nations standing in the eyes of its neighbours - the Danes stopped being viewed as an unpredictable "force of nature" somewhat mysterious total strangers, instead from that point on they may have been seen as being closer to "cousins", perhaps somewhat odd and still to be feared but rather more conforming and easier to find a common ground with.
Either way any transition of that sort is not easy and Christianity back then was not subtle with its message of conversion. As usual the elites were willing to adopt Christianity and accept the lesser of the two evils to enjoy various benefits later, while the common people who had next to no tangible gain from that transition seen it as an assault on their tradition and their way of life - things like that often turn somewhat sour.
and often repeat..
Just the fact that both Sven Forkbeard and his son Cnut the Great was christians, who both went on to conquer England, should tell us something about the "pacifism" myth. And usually the earlier scandinavians who invaded England also converted or combined it with asatru, essentially just making christ another god in their pantheon. Northern England is littered with stone crosses called "anglo-scandinavian" since it combines the two cultures.
Skönt att se någon som gjort research på hur det egentligen var, mycket tack för en otroligt bra video!!! Och ja, vi har det uttrycket i Sverige med "att sminka en gris" 😉 Jag tänker prenumerera nu.
Good info.......I am very proud of my viking heritage.......I want to be able to pass down the history of the Danish Vikings to my children..........in the U.S.....we just have a football team as a mascott......
You have a brother in Alaska keep up the hard work
Hi Bjørn Thanks for trying to make a more honest picture of our forefathers. I just finished a book of Torgrim Titlestad Outbrake of the vikinge age, thats a remarkable defense of our forefathers integrety and and upbrighte standing socialy and culturaly. I also recomend Flateybook writan on Island as a gift to the king of Norway But somehow lost for hundreds of years but now in new edition and give a greet insight in the age it was meant fore, thank you fore your work.
It was good to see Karmoy its a few years since I was there last :)
Very good video and your right about the way people like to see the Nordic people as alcoholic gluttons who only work was raiding ...they was farmers, fishermen, blacksmith, traders, silversmiths, artists and poets
Haha, alcoholic gluttons ... Reminds me of Jul (Christmas). We're still a bit like that!
Did non of them play Skyrim!? 😂
Joking of course.
Great vid Bjorn. In English putting makeup on a photo is often said as “ putting lipstick on a pig” lol. It’s great to know beyond language there are similarities.
Fantastic you have a new subscriber
As to the daily consumption of Beer, I imagine that water was as dangerous to drink there as in the rest of the world. What is sometimes called Small Beer was commonly drank, by all peoples, all day long right up to the industrial age.