Vikings

The True and Surprising History of the Vikings

By: Patrick Auerbach

Narrated by: Steven Barnett

The Vikings were a seafaring people from the late eighth to early 11th century who established a name for themselves as traders, explorers and warriors. They discovered the Americas long before Columbus and could be found as far east as the distant reaches of Russia. While these people are often described as savages raiding the more civilized nations for treasure and women, the motives and culture of the Viking people are much more diverse. These raiders also facilitated many changes throughout the lands from economics to warfare.

Many historians commonly associate the term "Viking" to the Scandinavian term vikingr, a word for "pirate". However, the term is meant to reference overseas expeditions, and was used as a verb by the Scandinavian people for when the men traditionally took time out of their summers to go "a Viking". While many would believe these expeditions entailed the raiding of monasteries and cities along the coast, many expeditions were actually with the goal of trade and enlisting as foreign mercenaries.

Many modern perceptions of Vikings had their origins in Catholic propaganda. Upon the sacking of multiple Christian facilities and the loss of countless relics and treasures, the Catholic ministry sought to dehumanize them. Until Queen Victoria's rule of Britain, the Vikings were still portrayed as a violent and barbaric people. During the 19th and 20th centuries, perceptions changed to the point where Vikings were glamorized as noble savages with horned helmets, a proud culture with feared prowess in battle.

©2016 Brendan Gallagher (P)2016 Brendan Gallagher

The history of vikings

I really enjoyed this historical telling of how the Vikings lived and where they lived.

Great

This book was excellent. Short and sweet. Didn't embellish on facts and packed a lot of information in a short time. I really enjoyed it.

Can't get enough Vikings and Norse Mythology...

This is one of the better reads. I have been a history buff all my life, but I admit I have bought into the Viking hype and I am having fun learning more about an era which was only touched on in high school and college.

This was really interesting

I really enjoyed this book and learned quite a bit of information about the Vikings