Inuit, polynese How did their night sky help them navigate, was it comparable? Ancient stories with the same root? Sea creatures, and spirits of the water
My favorite shared value, and rarely discussed, between these 2 cultures is their deep literary and poetic traditions. For all the brutality of war, both had highly developed cultural arts and a high degree of sentimentality. Perhaps it comes with the territory of living tragedies, a necessary counterbalance to trauma. Or perhaps from a sense of living in the now.
For me at least, a test of self control is not to click the skip button on adverts but allow them run to the end: it's the only way I'm able to "pay" for the great content.
They should make a movie about an ancient Japanese samurai that ends up getting stranded in Viking age Europe. He ends up befriending the locals, becomes a Viking himself, falls in love and marries the most beautiful blonde Viking girl in the village, and all the while being hailed as a hero when he singlehandedly saves the entire region from enemy forces due to his superior combination of Samurai and Viking skills. The movie should be called "Takeda, the Greatest Viking who Ever Lived!"
The proposed movie plot offers a fascinating blend of cultural elements and historical adventure. Here's a detailed outline and genre consideration: ### Genre: The movie would best fit into the **historical adventure** genre with elements of **romance** and **action**. There could also be undertones of **fantasy** if some liberties are taken with historical accuracy to enhance the story. ### Plot and Story Outline: #### **1. Introduction:** - **Setting:** Feudal Japan, where the samurai protagonist, Takeda, serves as a skilled warrior and tactician. - **Inciting Incident:** Takeda is shipwrecked or sent on a diplomatic mission gone awry, ending up in Viking-age Europe. #### **2. Arrival in Viking Territory:** - **Initial Conflict:** Takeda struggles to communicate and is initially seen as a threat by the Vikings. - **Capture and Adaptation:** After demonstrating his combat skills, he's captured but not killed and is eventually taken in by a Viking chieftain. #### **3. Cultural Exchange:** - **Bonding with the Locals:** Through a series of events, Takeda earns the respect of the Vikings. He shows his martial skills and helps them with strategic warfare tactics. - **Learning and Teaching:** Takeda learns the Norse language and customs while teaching the Vikings about samurai discipline and philosophy. #### **4. Romantic Subplot:** - **Love Interest:** Takeda falls in love with a beautiful Viking woman, possibly the chieftain's daughter, who admires his courage and honor. - **Conflict:** Their relationship faces challenges due to cultural differences and external pressures. #### **5. Rising Action:** - **Enemy Threat:** A rival Viking clan or foreign invaders threaten the village. The Vikings are outmatched due to the enemy's superior numbers or tactics. - **Takeda’s Role:** Using his unique blend of samurai and Viking tactics, Takeda devises a plan to defend the village. #### **6. Climax:** - **Epic Battle:** A large-scale battle where Takeda's strategies and combat skills are put to the test. The battle scenes showcase a fusion of samurai and Viking fighting techniques. - **Heroic Deeds:** Takeda performs heroic acts, rallying the Vikings and turning the tide of the battle. #### **7. Resolution:** - **Victory and Honor:** The village is saved, and Takeda is hailed as a hero. He is fully accepted into the Viking community. - **Future:** Takeda marries his Viking love and decides to stay, symbolizing the union of two cultures. ### Character Development: - **Takeda:** His journey from a samurai in Japan to a respected Viking warrior shows his adaptability and honor. - **Viking Chieftain:** Initially wary, he becomes a close ally and mentor to Takeda. - **Love Interest:** Strong and independent, she helps bridge the cultural divide between Takeda and the Vikings. ### Themes: - **Cultural Integration:** The blending of samurai and Viking traditions. - **Honor and Loyalty:** Central tenets of both samurai and Viking cultures. - **Love and Unity:** Overcoming cultural barriers through love and mutual respect. ### Cinematic Elements: - **Visuals:** Stunning landscapes of feudal Japan and Viking-age Europe, detailed costumes, and authentic weaponry. - **Action Sequences:** Well-choreographed battle scenes showcasing a mix of martial arts and Viking combat. - **Music:** A soundtrack that blends traditional Japanese instruments with Nordic folk music to highlight the cultural fusion.
That's a wonderful video. The history of Egil is quite interesting: he added murder to plundering and called it honour...oh humans...Please do more of videos like this.
Having studied history for a MS degree, I recall the mixed opinions on comparative history. Nevertheless, it fascinates me, b/c I want to see as large a picture of the world as I can and comparative studies enables me to do that. Thank you. So, YES, more COMPARATIVE studies. Of course, whatever you do, I generally enjoy Professor.
I was still kid when I heard on radio intwrview of Japanese musician tell how she liked Finnish music (which is practically the same style as Scandinavian one). Her reason for this was that they are very similar. I also have this sense of familiarity when listening to the music of Japanese ballards - I don't understand the words.
@@AntonyCummins I’ve watched many Crecganford videos in the past and couldn’t wait to watch this once you’d announced it on your channel. You two had great chemistry and the debate at the end was really wholesome and enjoyable!🍻🙏🏻🐉
Thank you Jon and Antony for this "toe to toe" comparison of the most legendary warriors and the cultures that produced them. Anytime you two want to do an even deeper dive into Bushido, Shinto, and Taoist origins you have at least one eager student waiting with a (Japanese) cup of tea (or saki) and Antony has one more new subscriber.
Good video, and sorry for the wall of text, subed to both since several years back so it was enjoyable seeing you work together, and how different and similar you both are in approaching it. Fun and good video if nothing else. Id say there is similarities, though more like hate and love, both need to exist to validate each other, though both feelings cant exist simultaneously. Then there is the problem with our knowledge about them. There exist no literature from the vikings, and the literature that exist of them are biased against them, while samurai literature exists, though its biased toward the regime that existed. I think Antony is correct when he Sais they are different because viking society where based on expansion, while samurais where based on isolation. Though Vikings where forced to expansion to survive, and samurai where forced to isolation to survive. China where taking advantage of Japan, having a puppet government in japan, witch made japan isolate it self, and creating their own regime. While vikings or rather the northern tribes of europe that where pagan, where banned by the pope to do any trading with Christians. Or rather christians where banned from trading with pagans. And after the plague in around 500-600 in europe, accompanied by with a large food shortage from several years of winter or something, forced vikings to expand. So both cultures where forced to a extreme because of external sources. And that make them similar. Both cultures where secluded, both geographically and politically. They are also "nations" having harsh climates. And both of their religions or myths are built on the universal code, There is just one existence, with two polarities, that is viewed differently depending on your place in that existence. What needs to be considered here as well, is that both of this cultures where reawoken in the most recent time of Imperialism, where National pride was created to justify the existence of smaller nations, to not be eaten by large imperiums. And all cultures have had warrior cults throughout the time. UK had the picts, defending scotland from the romans. Of course UK where populated by a slave race and couldn't withstand the pressure of a empire, while both japan and scandinavia where able to because of our Uber race. Of course there ain't any slave or Uber race, Its just a stupid and ignorant narrative to justify a cultures existence when its threaten, to mass the population to fight against a stronger opponent if needed. In open warfare Samurai vs Vikings who would win? Shield wall against mounted archers? Spear line against mounted cavalry? Surprise raids on Monasteries? Axes against swords? War aint determined by cultures, its determined by preparation and the knowledge you have of your opponent when surprised. Art of war by Sun zhu is good for people not understanding it. Antony have transcribed or translated (don't know if that's the right word) one of them, and as im as biased as the next one, its the best one on the market for english speakers at least. Its Ulfbrant, or Ulfberht sword that Antony where talking about, I think the latest research i've heard it was probably Created in mainland europe, probably germany, Wielded by some viking though it a lot of fakes where made of it even at the time of the swords existence. Some say it where taken from plunder. Its the closest they could come to steele, while most swords where made of iron. Its probably made from myrmalm, basically dig up peat from a swamp close to iron deposits, burn it in high temperature while beating it, and you get a cleaner iron then from taking it out of a stone. As I understand it gives the same effect as folding the iron in a katana, as the carbon gets distributed more equally throughout the steel or iron. Damn i've been looking way to much on history and weapon stuff here on youtube.
Thank you, Jon and Antony for an excellent video! Here in the Philippines, while there was no influence from the Vikings, there certainly was from the Samurai. The Samurai pirates that were mentioned were active around the northern part of Luzon up to the 1500's, and were mentioned by the Spaniards. Some of the Shogun and their families were converted to Christianity by Spanish monks, and when the most powerful Shogun outlawed Christianity, they left their castle behind, and traveled to Luzon Philippines, settling in Manila. A sizable Japanese Christian community grew up there. My wife had a Japanese great-grandfather. She farms, is a baylan (shaman), and has a kalis. You can look that one up! What Antony said about how the Japanese fought in World War II was certainly correct. They adopted the Samurai "scorched earth" way, and were as cruel as he described the Samurai in the period from 1000 to 1500 CE. Despite the fearsome weapons available these days, it's true that the world is a much less violent place for the majority of people now.
Hi. The samurai did not just appear. They actually start coming into being by about 800-900. The date of 1185 is more when they come into power, not the dates they were active.
I am mildly curious to know why there was no mention of the works of Miyamoto Musashi (A Book of Five Rings, The Path of Aloneness) dating to around the early to mid 17th century.
Hi. Musashi is a difficult one. He claims that no one fights like they used to, and claims all fighting should be done one handed, however accounts from before him do not back this up. Also, he is said to have been taler than most. So it stands out as a bit of a difficult case. So we kept this broad to include most samurai tradition. Musashi is still an important part but he is a little too late.
More comparative mythologies please! Celtic and anyone, especially with the focus on religious traditions and caste, ive always been fascinated with druids and i loved your videos on the subject
A better comparison would be the knight vs the samurai. By the time samurai culture took shape viking culture was ending. Chivalry and Bushido have many similarities. Though knights would likely steamroll the samurai due to superior steel, armor, weapons and horses.
But I bet the knights and Mediæval Europe would take a lot from samurai culture... e imagine the art and craftmanship exchange. We can only imagine how interesting and different would have been. Shôgun Japan era thought of Christianity as a misunderstood Buddhism.
A very interesting video 2 great Warrior society's, In full on war I'd say Samurai would win one on one combat not sure The Samurai are certainly better trained whereas the Vikings were not yes they were taller and may have reach but the Armour of the Samurai would be better quality so Samurai may win there also as much as I love both Samurai and Vikings my overall winner would be the Samurai. I think The Spartans vs The Romans comparison would be good but it would have to be around the time of the 300 Spartans of Thermopylae, as for the Romans either the time of Julius Ceaser or Scipio both would be interesting. Another could be the Saxons vs Celts.
Head to head combat would be very very interesting. The Samurai had significantly larger armies. At the start of the era, the Gempei War, we see armies reaching tens of thousands. The Taira had 40,000 at Kurikara Pass (1183), representing the high water mark for that war. In contrast, the Great Heathen Army *might* have reached 5,000 men (865). By the height of the Sengoku era, Daimyos are routinely fielding armies of that size, and the largest battles including composite armies eclipse 100k. The Western Army started with 120k, before mass defections, at Sekigahara (1600). The Siege of Osaka (1614) saw the defenders numbering ~120k and the besiegers ~160k. However, the Vikings operate more like SpecOps. They get in, they do damage, they disappear. They're very selective in their targets, they move swiftly, they're comfortable being behind enemy lines. And while they would probably get crushed by a standing Samurai army... they're also smart enough to just not engage. Moreover, while the Samurai were undefeated on land... they were absolutely woeful when it came to naval warfare. And of course, that happens to be a strength of the Vikings. So there's a very good chance both parties would be "successful" in their strategies. The Vikings would successfully execute targeted raids, but the Samurai would successfully occupy areas. What would be more interesting would be the adaptations. The very existence of the Samurai was an adaptation to Emishi light horse raiders in northern Japan. The Chinese-style conscripted foot soldiers couldn't cope, so the Emperors started sending their lower ranking non-hereditary sons (both Taira and Minamoto are names reserved for the sons of emperors, like John Snow) to lead other petty nobles... think 2nd, 3rd, 4th sons who wouldn't inherit much after the 1st son... into warfare on horseback. In payment, they received the lands. Over the intervening 200 years, those lands ballooned and the strength of the Taira (descendants of Emperor Kammu) and Minamoto (descendants of Emperor Seiwa) had eclipsed the Kyoto nobility. They also discovered the Emishi were insanely stout warriors, and rather than deleting them from existence... the Emishi were largely absorbed. Or, when they feared Mongol invasions in Kyushu, resettled there specifically be the front line for the 2nd Mongol Invasion. Much of the Sengoku upsets were led by Samurai retainers with significant Emishi history. Would a similar adaptation happen to counter Viking raiders on their famed longboats?
Regarding the discussion at the end.. Samurai were almost universally mounted soldiers. These are Knights. That's why the sword is as long as they're tall. It's also somewhat misleading to say they use spears -- the size of the spears are closer to polearms. Especially by the end of the Sengoku period, we're talking Sarissa type weapons for the Ashigaru. The spears just kept getting longer. 1:1 ... isn't really a thing. The Samurai is going to start mounted, fully armored, with a long spear... and that's a pretty big advantage over a lightly armored dude with a shorter spear. Even if he's bigger. But, again, the Vikings showed a keen awareness of these weaknesses against cavalry. They used the ability of their ships to maneuver deep in streams and rivers. They didn't engage often on flat open plains. So, fundamentally, I just don't see this direct sort of exchange happening. What happens when Samurai are awoken at night by a Viking raid... don't have time to get fully dressed in armor? The streets are too compact to effectively use cavalry tactics? Well, now the Vikings are in their element. And that's exactly how they operated in Europe too. It would be interesting to see what blokes like Yoshinaka and Yoshitsune would conjure against the Vikings. Using 5000 men to defeat 40000 at Kurikara Pass was shear brilliance. Yoshinaka was quite adept at asymmetrical warfare. Unfortunately, internal politics was his undoing. And that foreshadowed Yoshitsune' demise as well, but that's another discussion. Yoritomo was a mediocre general, but a master at statecraft... a recurring theme with Shoguns.
The raven as observer sent out to return with a report on the world, raises a question for me about Noah's raven - sent out and not returned. And the use of a dove for the true report. This has been explained as the raven being able to dine on waterborne carrion, making it unnecessary to return. However the dove could be relied on, we are told to return to its home. [no explanaition of how a living olive could arise so quick after the flood, but ... miracle]. Curious of an alternative proposition: this represents a shift in world view, from one with distant gods of war and thunder to the homely gods of peace and cultivation.
I'm no academic, but due to my Japanese heritage (half Japanese) a lifelong study of history, religion, folklore and culture is the source of my knowledge. Rather than being derived from Chinese standing armies. The method of combat, mounted archers with swords as sidearms developed from the Emishi indigenous tribal peoples of northern and western Japan. This the samurai copied adopted with their own technologies and beliefs. I was the concept creator, developer of the published Kaidan setting of Japanese Horror (PFRPG), and own the IP - a Pathfinder Roleplaying Game setting, supplements and adventures - a kind of extended treatise of my own lifetime of research on the subject.
Student of Anthony Cummins #281 The outcome of a battle between a samurai and a Viking would depend on various factors, including their equipment, fighting styles, and the battle's context. Samurai, with their disciplined training, precise swordsmanship, and advanced armor, would have an edge in organized combat scenarios. Vikings, known for their brute strength, aggressive tactics, and versatility in various terrains, would excel in chaotic, close-quarters fights. Ultimately, the victor would be determined by the specific circumstances of their encounter, making it difficult to declare a definitive winner.
The difference between academic writing and journalism is advisor pressure to increase written length to maximize information depth vs editor pressure to fit the entire story in the six column inches between the tire ads. Aggressive editing makes punchier writing.
Hmmm. The respectful, ritualistic treatment of the severed head in samurai culture seems to closely reflect similar attitudes in Celtic culture at the other end of the Eurasian continent. There is also a similarity to the taking of scalps in North American indigenous culture. Which raises the question of the source of these beliefs. Might there be a common source or are these independent developments. If independent, are we seeing a species wide psychological perception of the role of the head in human life. If the taking of the heads of enemies seems gruesome and barbaric by modern standards, it should not be wholly incomprehensible in the ancient and historical context.
My personal opinion is that it was probably a previous/different culture. The most probable the Finns, but possibly the Sami, maybe the Romans. The Irish I hadn’t considered, and whilst less likely they may have influenced some parts of these stories.
Thanks for this 👍🏻 from a Vinland Saga fan perspective, it's pretty incredible that a Japanese manga artist (Makoto Yukimura) knows more about Vikings and Viking warrior mentality than the makers of TV shows such as Vikings and The Last Kingdom. On another note, we've already met.. Here with a former training partner of mine, when we went to Japan for the Pride fighting championships, there was so much Vikings and Samurai joint heritage, and sparks, it was (almost) ridiculous: ruclips.net/video/8UvAQ6A1HFY/видео.htmlsi=fPbvUoMckaiznQO-
i READ the samurai were descended from the AINU which were supposed to be archaic Caucasians, so maybe that would make a connection between Vikings and Samurai ... I've heard white people basically colonized the northern lands from Europe to maybe present day Korea maybe even to north America.... like the Kenniwick man
No Aino are not Indo Europeans. Samurai simply means “servant” same like the knight (from Dutch “knecht”) so they were just the warrior class of their society serving their lord or “daimyo”.
Are there any other cultures you would like to compare?
Ninja vs Assassin
Inuit, polynese
How did their night sky help them navigate, was it comparable? Ancient stories with the same root? Sea creatures, and spirits of the water
Chuuk and Scots.
Celtic and norse/Germanic mythology!
My favorite shared value, and rarely discussed, between these 2 cultures is their deep literary and poetic traditions. For all the brutality of war, both had highly developed cultural arts and a high degree of sentimentality. Perhaps it comes with the territory of living tragedies, a necessary counterbalance to trauma. Or perhaps from a sense of living in the now.
Dammit... I was just off to bed but now I've got to make a cup of tea.
You won't regret it!
This is the best channel for mythology enthusiasts. Always informative and engaging!
Thank you for your kind words.
I loved this. A fascinating comparison between two warrior cultures.
Thank you Jon! Brilliant 🥰
Thank you!
This video is going to be a masterpiece, I can already tell how comprehensive it is and I love the way you're pairing them here!
Wow, thank you!
For me at least, a test of self control is not to click the skip button on adverts but allow them run to the end: it's the only way I'm able to "pay" for the great content.
true..
Now I'm really loving these different comparisons on cultures and their ways of life. Hail! ❤
Wonderful collaboration - a true collab, in which you don't have to go to another channel to see what the other YT has to offer. Que bueno!!!
Thank you.
They should make a movie about an ancient Japanese samurai that ends up getting stranded in Viking age Europe. He ends up befriending the locals, becomes a Viking himself, falls in love and marries the most beautiful blonde Viking girl in the village, and all the while being hailed as a hero when he singlehandedly saves the entire region from enemy forces due to his superior combination of Samurai and Viking skills. The movie should be called "Takeda, the Greatest Viking who Ever Lived!"
😮
Cool idea.
You read too much isekais, pal.
The proposed movie plot offers a fascinating blend of cultural elements and historical adventure. Here's a detailed outline and genre consideration:
### Genre:
The movie would best fit into the **historical adventure** genre with elements of **romance** and **action**. There could also be undertones of **fantasy** if some liberties are taken with historical accuracy to enhance the story.
### Plot and Story Outline:
#### **1. Introduction:**
- **Setting:** Feudal Japan, where the samurai protagonist, Takeda, serves as a skilled warrior and tactician.
- **Inciting Incident:** Takeda is shipwrecked or sent on a diplomatic mission gone awry, ending up in Viking-age Europe.
#### **2. Arrival in Viking Territory:**
- **Initial Conflict:** Takeda struggles to communicate and is initially seen as a threat by the Vikings.
- **Capture and Adaptation:** After demonstrating his combat skills, he's captured but not killed and is eventually taken in by a Viking chieftain.
#### **3. Cultural Exchange:**
- **Bonding with the Locals:** Through a series of events, Takeda earns the respect of the Vikings. He shows his martial skills and helps them with strategic warfare tactics.
- **Learning and Teaching:** Takeda learns the Norse language and customs while teaching the Vikings about samurai discipline and philosophy.
#### **4. Romantic Subplot:**
- **Love Interest:** Takeda falls in love with a beautiful Viking woman, possibly the chieftain's daughter, who admires his courage and honor.
- **Conflict:** Their relationship faces challenges due to cultural differences and external pressures.
#### **5. Rising Action:**
- **Enemy Threat:** A rival Viking clan or foreign invaders threaten the village. The Vikings are outmatched due to the enemy's superior numbers or tactics.
- **Takeda’s Role:** Using his unique blend of samurai and Viking tactics, Takeda devises a plan to defend the village.
#### **6. Climax:**
- **Epic Battle:** A large-scale battle where Takeda's strategies and combat skills are put to the test. The battle scenes showcase a fusion of samurai and Viking fighting techniques.
- **Heroic Deeds:** Takeda performs heroic acts, rallying the Vikings and turning the tide of the battle.
#### **7. Resolution:**
- **Victory and Honor:** The village is saved, and Takeda is hailed as a hero. He is fully accepted into the Viking community.
- **Future:** Takeda marries his Viking love and decides to stay, symbolizing the union of two cultures.
### Character Development:
- **Takeda:** His journey from a samurai in Japan to a respected Viking warrior shows his adaptability and honor.
- **Viking Chieftain:** Initially wary, he becomes a close ally and mentor to Takeda.
- **Love Interest:** Strong and independent, she helps bridge the cultural divide between Takeda and the Vikings.
### Themes:
- **Cultural Integration:** The blending of samurai and Viking traditions.
- **Honor and Loyalty:** Central tenets of both samurai and Viking cultures.
- **Love and Unity:** Overcoming cultural barriers through love and mutual respect.
### Cinematic Elements:
- **Visuals:** Stunning landscapes of feudal Japan and Viking-age Europe, detailed costumes, and authentic weaponry.
- **Action Sequences:** Well-choreographed battle scenes showcasing a mix of martial arts and Viking combat.
- **Music:** A soundtrack that blends traditional Japanese instruments with Nordic folk music to highlight the cultural fusion.
@@SCP.343 Well, it's over gentlemen. The AI took over comment sections.
Bloody brilliant!😊
Thank you.
The story of Egil reminded of the saga of burnt Neil. (Neilbrennu).
I remember this part of this saga
This was an interesting comparison. Loved it!
I am coming from the samurai side with Antony Cummins and I enjoyed this comparison! Well done!
Thanks, and yes, in a battle the Samurai would win.
Praise the TEACHERZ 🇨🇦
That's a wonderful video. The history of Egil is quite interesting: he added murder to plundering and called it honour...oh humans...Please do more of videos like this.
I've been looking forward to this! 🥷
I knew you were...
Having studied history for a MS degree, I recall the mixed opinions on comparative history. Nevertheless, it fascinates me, b/c I want to see as large a picture of the world as I can and comparative studies enables me to do that. Thank you. So, YES, more COMPARATIVE studies. Of course, whatever you do, I generally enjoy Professor.
Great idea for a combo - both presenters and the historical theme! 😁👍
ARESOME coop production
I love the format!!
I was still kid when I heard on radio intwrview of Japanese musician tell how she liked Finnish music (which is practically the same style as Scandinavian one). Her reason for this was that they are very similar. I also have this sense of familiarity when listening to the music of Japanese ballards - I don't understand the words.
Great episode! I’m a fan of both of your channels and already have multiple books by Anthony including his Viking Martial Arts one👌🏻🍻
Thank you.
Glad to see you over here
@@AntonyCummins I’ve watched many Crecganford videos in the past and couldn’t wait to watch this once you’d announced it on your channel. You two had great chemistry and the debate at the end was really wholesome and enjoyable!🍻🙏🏻🐉
@@Crecganford Don’t mention it!🍻
34:30 WOW SUCH HONOR, MUCH COURAGE
I always thought that Samurai were more comparable to knights rather than Vikings but that’s very interesting too!
Thank you Jon and Antony for this "toe to toe" comparison of the most legendary warriors and the cultures that produced them. Anytime you two want to do an even deeper dive into Bushido, Shinto, and Taoist origins you have at least one eager student waiting with a (Japanese) cup of tea (or saki) and Antony has one more new subscriber.
I got my tea. I’m watching this. Love Vikings and samurai… but really want to see Vikings fighting ninja’s
Good video, and sorry for the wall of text, subed to both since several years back so it was enjoyable seeing you work together, and how different and similar you both are in approaching it. Fun and good video if nothing else.
Id say there is similarities, though more like hate and love, both need to exist to validate each other, though both feelings cant exist simultaneously.
Then there is the problem with our knowledge about them. There exist no literature from the vikings, and the literature that exist of them are biased against them, while samurai literature exists, though its biased toward the regime that existed.
I think Antony is correct when he Sais they are different because viking society where based on expansion, while samurais where based on isolation. Though Vikings where forced to expansion to survive, and samurai where forced to isolation to survive. China where taking advantage of Japan, having a puppet government in japan, witch made japan isolate it self, and creating their own regime. While vikings or rather the northern tribes of europe that where pagan, where banned by the pope to do any trading with Christians. Or rather christians where banned from trading with pagans. And after the plague in around 500-600 in europe, accompanied by with a large food shortage from several years of winter or something, forced vikings to expand. So both cultures where forced to a extreme because of external sources. And that make them similar.
Both cultures where secluded, both geographically and politically. They are also "nations" having harsh climates. And both of their religions or myths are built on the universal code, There is just one existence, with two polarities, that is viewed differently depending on your place in that existence.
What needs to be considered here as well, is that both of this cultures where reawoken in the most recent time of Imperialism, where National pride was created to justify the existence of smaller nations, to not be eaten by large imperiums. And all cultures have had warrior cults throughout the time. UK had the picts, defending scotland from the romans. Of course UK where populated by a slave race and couldn't withstand the pressure of a empire, while both japan and scandinavia where able to because of our Uber race. Of course there ain't any slave or Uber race, Its just a stupid and ignorant narrative to justify a cultures existence when its threaten, to mass the population to fight against a stronger opponent if needed.
In open warfare Samurai vs Vikings who would win? Shield wall against mounted archers? Spear line against mounted cavalry? Surprise raids on Monasteries? Axes against swords?
War aint determined by cultures, its determined by preparation and the knowledge you have of your opponent when surprised. Art of war by Sun zhu is good for people not understanding it. Antony have transcribed or translated (don't know if that's the right word) one of them, and as im as biased as the next one, its the best one on the market for english speakers at least.
Its Ulfbrant, or Ulfberht sword that Antony where talking about, I think the latest research i've heard it was probably Created in mainland europe, probably germany, Wielded by some viking though it a lot of fakes where made of it even at the time of the swords existence. Some say it where taken from plunder. Its the closest they could come to steele, while most swords where made of iron. Its probably made from myrmalm, basically dig up peat from a swamp close to iron deposits, burn it in high temperature while beating it, and you get a cleaner iron then from taking it out of a stone. As I understand it gives the same effect as folding the iron in a katana, as the carbon gets distributed more equally throughout the steel or iron. Damn i've been looking way to much on history and weapon stuff here on youtube.
Thank you, Jon and Antony for an excellent video! Here in the Philippines, while there was no influence from the Vikings, there certainly was from the Samurai. The Samurai pirates that were mentioned were active around the northern part of Luzon up to the 1500's, and were mentioned by the Spaniards. Some of the Shogun and their families were converted to Christianity by Spanish monks, and when the most powerful Shogun outlawed Christianity, they left their castle behind, and traveled to Luzon Philippines, settling in Manila. A sizable Japanese Christian community grew up there. My wife had a Japanese great-grandfather. She farms, is a baylan (shaman), and has a kalis. You can look that one up! What Antony said about how the Japanese fought in World War II was certainly correct. They adopted the Samurai "scorched earth" way, and were as cruel as he described the Samurai in the period from 1000 to 1500 CE. Despite the fearsome weapons available these days, it's true that the world is a much less violent place for the majority of people now.
Thank you for watching and sharing that information.
Glad you enjoyed it.
Unfair comparison as Vikings were around a long time before Samurai!
There was some overlap in their timelines.
@@Crecganford The Viking age ended in 1066 and the Samurai age began in 1185 over a hundred years later.
Hi. The samurai did not just appear. They actually start coming into being by about 800-900. The date of 1185 is more when they come into power, not the dates they were active.
Couzin - ITZ all aboot the TEA ~ aint it 🍀
I am mildly curious to know why there was no mention of the works of Miyamoto Musashi (A Book of Five Rings, The Path of Aloneness) dating to around the early to mid 17th century.
I'll let Antony answer the reason for that, although he did say he was concentrating on earlier Samurai culture.
Hi. Musashi is a difficult one. He claims that no one fights like they used to, and claims all fighting should be done one handed, however accounts from before him do not back this up. Also, he is said to have been taler than most. So it stands out as a bit of a difficult case. So we kept this broad to include most samurai tradition. Musashi is still an important part but he is a little too late.
Sent from Andys channel. 😅 im here 👍
More comparative mythologies please! Celtic and anyone, especially with the focus on religious traditions and caste, ive always been fascinated with druids and i loved your videos on the subject
Celts of Britain and Gaul would be interesting. I wonder if they both have a reverence for nature.
@@Nancy_S68 i would really like to see them compared to the Brahman in India during the hindu cultural era
Interesting, thank you. Natori Ryu practitioner.
A better comparison would be the knight vs the samurai. By the time samurai culture took shape viking culture was ending. Chivalry and Bushido have many similarities. Though knights would likely steamroll the samurai due to superior steel, armor, weapons and horses.
But I bet the knights and Mediæval Europe would take a lot from samurai culture... e imagine the art and craftmanship exchange. We can only imagine how interesting and different would have been. Shôgun Japan era thought of Christianity as a misunderstood Buddhism.
Great idea. According to The British History Podcast k night were a illiterate and good for fighting, raiding, and they had a “code”
@@Nancy_S68 the "british" podcasts where all presenters are not british but "new british" with tons of magiv melanin
Gods I would like to see your subscribers get up to a million
I enjoyed this comparison. I am interested in more of them. Maybe compare women’s status: Viking women vs some Native American women’s status
That’s a very interesting idea, thank you.
A very interesting video 2 great Warrior society's, In full on war I'd say Samurai would win one on one combat not sure The Samurai are certainly better trained whereas the Vikings were not yes they were taller and may have reach but the Armour of the Samurai would be better quality so Samurai may win there also as much as I love both Samurai and Vikings my overall winner would be the Samurai.
I think The Spartans vs The Romans comparison would be good but it would have to be around the time of the 300 Spartans of Thermopylae, as for the Romans either the time of Julius Ceaser or Scipio both would be interesting. Another could be the Saxons vs Celts.
Time to hit play and fall into peaceful slumber and let the stories soak in
Head to head combat would be very very interesting. The Samurai had significantly larger armies. At the start of the era, the Gempei War, we see armies reaching tens of thousands.
The Taira had 40,000 at Kurikara Pass (1183), representing the high water mark for that war. In contrast, the Great Heathen Army *might* have reached 5,000 men (865).
By the height of the Sengoku era, Daimyos are routinely fielding armies of that size, and the largest battles including composite armies eclipse 100k. The Western Army started with 120k, before mass defections, at Sekigahara (1600). The Siege of Osaka (1614) saw the defenders numbering ~120k and the besiegers ~160k.
However, the Vikings operate more like SpecOps. They get in, they do damage, they disappear. They're very selective in their targets, they move swiftly, they're comfortable being behind enemy lines. And while they would probably get crushed by a standing Samurai army... they're also smart enough to just not engage. Moreover, while the Samurai were undefeated on land... they were absolutely woeful when it came to naval warfare. And of course, that happens to be a strength of the Vikings.
So there's a very good chance both parties would be "successful" in their strategies. The Vikings would successfully execute targeted raids, but the Samurai would successfully occupy areas.
What would be more interesting would be the adaptations. The very existence of the Samurai was an adaptation to Emishi light horse raiders in northern Japan. The Chinese-style conscripted foot soldiers couldn't cope, so the Emperors started sending their lower ranking non-hereditary sons (both Taira and Minamoto are names reserved for the sons of emperors, like John Snow) to lead other petty nobles... think 2nd, 3rd, 4th sons who wouldn't inherit much after the 1st son... into warfare on horseback. In payment, they received the lands. Over the intervening 200 years, those lands ballooned and the strength of the Taira (descendants of Emperor Kammu) and Minamoto (descendants of Emperor Seiwa) had eclipsed the Kyoto nobility. They also discovered the Emishi were insanely stout warriors, and rather than deleting them from existence... the Emishi were largely absorbed. Or, when they feared Mongol invasions in Kyushu, resettled there specifically be the front line for the 2nd Mongol Invasion. Much of the Sengoku upsets were led by Samurai retainers with significant Emishi history.
Would a similar adaptation happen to counter Viking raiders on their famed longboats?
Regarding the discussion at the end.. Samurai were almost universally mounted soldiers. These are Knights. That's why the sword is as long as they're tall. It's also somewhat misleading to say they use spears -- the size of the spears are closer to polearms. Especially by the end of the Sengoku period, we're talking Sarissa type weapons for the Ashigaru. The spears just kept getting longer.
1:1 ... isn't really a thing. The Samurai is going to start mounted, fully armored, with a long spear... and that's a pretty big advantage over a lightly armored dude with a shorter spear. Even if he's bigger. But, again, the Vikings showed a keen awareness of these weaknesses against cavalry. They used the ability of their ships to maneuver deep in streams and rivers. They didn't engage often on flat open plains. So, fundamentally, I just don't see this direct sort of exchange happening.
What happens when Samurai are awoken at night by a Viking raid... don't have time to get fully dressed in armor? The streets are too compact to effectively use cavalry tactics? Well, now the Vikings are in their element. And that's exactly how they operated in Europe too.
It would be interesting to see what blokes like Yoshinaka and Yoshitsune would conjure against the Vikings. Using 5000 men to defeat 40000 at Kurikara Pass was shear brilliance. Yoshinaka was quite adept at asymmetrical warfare. Unfortunately, internal politics was his undoing. And that foreshadowed Yoshitsune' demise as well, but that's another discussion. Yoritomo was a mediocre general, but a master at statecraft... a recurring theme with Shoguns.
Ooh ooh ~ Couzin ~ howz aboot comparing
Japanese Mountain worship vs mountain worship in the Andes - PERU etc 🇨🇦
I'm less familiar with that, but if I can find some good research I'll see what I can do.
The raven as observer sent out to return with a report on the world, raises a question for me about Noah's raven - sent out and not returned. And the use of a dove for the true report. This has been explained as the raven being able to dine on waterborne carrion, making it unnecessary to return. However the dove could be relied on, we are told to return to its home. [no explanaition of how a living olive could arise so quick after the flood, but ... miracle]. Curious of an alternative proposition: this represents a shift in world view, from one with distant gods of war and thunder to the homely gods of peace and cultivation.
I want one of Chuuks and Scots.
Who are Chuuks?
I'm no academic, but due to my Japanese heritage (half Japanese) a lifelong study of history, religion, folklore and culture is the source of my knowledge. Rather than being derived from Chinese standing armies. The method of combat, mounted archers with swords as sidearms developed from the Emishi indigenous tribal peoples of northern and western Japan. This the samurai copied adopted with their own technologies and beliefs. I was the concept creator, developer of the published Kaidan setting of Japanese Horror (PFRPG), and own the IP - a Pathfinder Roleplaying Game setting, supplements and adventures - a kind of extended treatise of my own lifetime of research on the subject.
Ooh ooh Couzin - Howz aboot Comparing the RAVEN & WOLF MYTHz of Northern European & North American peoplez 🇨🇦
Student of Anthony Cummins #281
The outcome of a battle between a samurai and a Viking would depend on various factors, including their equipment, fighting styles, and the battle's context. Samurai, with their disciplined training, precise swordsmanship, and advanced armor, would have an edge in organized combat scenarios. Vikings, known for their brute strength, aggressive tactics, and versatility in various terrains, would excel in chaotic, close-quarters fights. Ultimately, the victor would be determined by the specific circumstances of their encounter, making it difficult to declare a definitive winner.
The difference between academic writing and journalism is advisor pressure to increase written length to maximize information depth vs editor pressure to fit the entire story in the six column inches between the tire ads.
Aggressive editing makes punchier writing.
Hmmm. The respectful, ritualistic treatment of the severed head in samurai culture seems to closely reflect similar attitudes in Celtic culture at the other end of the Eurasian continent. There is also a similarity to the taking of scalps in North American indigenous culture. Which raises the question of the source of these beliefs. Might there be a common source or are these independent developments. If independent, are we seeing a species wide psychological perception of the role of the head in human life. If the taking of the heads of enemies seems gruesome and barbaric by modern standards, it should not be wholly incomprehensible in the ancient and historical context.
Do you think the Fomorians (Irish) and the Jutons were somehow connected.
My personal opinion is that it was probably a previous/different culture. The most probable the Finns, but possibly the Sami, maybe the Romans. The Irish I hadn’t considered, and whilst less likely they may have influenced some parts of these stories.
If they are 500 years between these groups, it's not a fair question. Technology worldwide would have changed.
There was overlap, and we talk about the earlier Samurai as part of this.
They did have an overlap, but also early samurai were closer to vikings but i agree with you, later samurai not.
Top Anime Crossover.... Vinland Saga and vagabond.
Thanks for this 👍🏻 from a Vinland Saga fan perspective, it's pretty incredible that a Japanese manga artist (Makoto Yukimura) knows more about Vikings and Viking warrior mentality than the makers of TV shows such as Vikings and The Last Kingdom.
On another note, we've already met.. Here with a former training partner of mine, when we went to Japan for the Pride fighting championships, there was so much Vikings and Samurai joint heritage, and sparks, it was (almost) ridiculous:
ruclips.net/video/8UvAQ6A1HFY/видео.htmlsi=fPbvUoMckaiznQO-
i READ the samurai were descended from the AINU which were supposed to be archaic Caucasians, so maybe that would make a connection between Vikings and Samurai ... I've heard white people basically colonized the northern lands from Europe to maybe present day Korea maybe even to north America.... like the Kenniwick man
No Aino are not Indo Europeans. Samurai simply means “servant” same like the knight (from Dutch “knecht”) so they were just the warrior class of their society serving their lord or “daimyo”.
Interesting. I'd give a slight edge to the Samurai because of more training and discipline, but I look forward to the discussion.
Lmao according to what, anime?
@@monkeymoment6478 Ok.
One on one would be a different outcome to a battle, and we discuss this.
Well, the Irish defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014-So I’d say the Samurai
Serbish titl