Vikings: From Odin to Christ

The popular image of the Vikings is of tall red-headed men, raping and pillaging their way around the coast of Europe, stopping only to ransack monasteries and burn longships. However, the violent Vikings of the 8th century became the pious Christians of the 11th century, who gave gold crosses to Christian churches and destroyed pagan idols. This book explores how this transformation happened and its impact on the Vikings and those around them.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 288 pages
\n Publication date: 21 September 2018
\n Publisher: Lion Hudson Ltd
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The popular image of the Vikings is of tall, red-headed men, raping and pillaging their way around the coast of Europe, stopping only to ransack monasteries and burn longships. However, the violent Vikings of the 8th century became the pious Christians of the 11th century, who gave gold crosses to Christian churches and in whose areas of rule pagan idols were destroyed and churches were built. So, how did this radical transformation happen, and why? What difference did it make to the Vikings, and to those around them, and what is their legacy today?

This book takes a global look at this key period in Viking history, exploring all the major areas of Viking settlement. Written to be an accessible and engaging overview for the general reader.

The Vikings were a group of Scandinavian seafarers and warriors who were known for their raiding and pillaging activities in the late 8th and early 9th centuries. They were feared by many for their brutal raids on coastal settlements, which often resulted in the destruction of property and the loss of life.

However, it is important to note that the Vikings were not all violent and bloodthirsty. In fact, there was a significant shift in their beliefs and practices during the 11th century, which led to their conversion to Christianity. This transformation was driven by a variety of factors, including the influence of Christian missionaries, the desire for trade and commerce, and the desire for political stability.

One of the most notable aspects of the Viking conversion to Christianity was the construction of churches and monasteries. The Vikings were known for their pagan beliefs and practices, which included the worship of idols and the sacrifice of animals. However, during the 11th century, they began to build churches and monasteries, which were used for religious worship and prayer.

Another significant aspect of the Viking conversion to Christianity was the giving of gold crosses and other religious artifacts. The Vikings were known for their wealth and were often able to accumulate large amounts of gold and silver through their raiding activities. They used this wealth to support the construction of churches and monasteries, as well as to support Christian missionaries and their work in the region.

The Viking conversion to Christianity also had a significant impact on their relationships with other cultures and societies. The Vikings were often in conflict with other groups, including the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Slavs. However, during the 11th century, they began to establish diplomatic relations with these groups, which were facilitated by their conversion to Christianity.

The Viking conversion to Christianity also had a lasting impact on their legacy. The Vikings were known for their bravery, skill, and ingenuity in battle, and their conversion to Christianity helped to cement their place in history as a powerful and influential group. Today, the Vikings are celebrated for their contributions to medieval Europe, including their influence on the development of trade and commerce, as well as their contributions to the development of medieval art and literature.

In conclusion, the Viking conversion to Christianity was a significant event in the history of medieval Europe. It was driven by a variety of factors, including the influence of Christian missionaries, the desire for trade and commerce, and the desire for political stability. The conversion led to the construction of churches and monasteries, the giving of gold crosses and other religious artifacts, and the establishment of diplomatic relations with other cultures and societies. Today, the Vikings are celebrated for their contributions to medieval Europe and their legacy as a powerful and influential group.

\n Weight: 614g\n
Dimension: 241 x 164 x 23 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780745980201\n
Edition number: New ed\n