Taking a different turn in Viking history for another look at the women who shaped the Norse world. This post is different. It’s something of a Cosmo-esque quiz. Read about four real Viking women, consider their character traits, and see which one matches your personality the best. Further down is the reveal with a brief bio. Then you tell me in the comments who which true historical woman you identify with. Have...
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Bend or Stand? Today’s post takes you back to Normandy with a funny, but true tale of humor and diplomacy a la Viking style. Thanks to History Channel’s Vikings, most people know Ragnar Lothbrok and his Viking raiders pillaged Paris to the bone. He and his massive army camped out on the Seine River, conducting raids from 845-846. Yes, that’s right. He gave monasteries, villages, and the citadel of Paris a...
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When you say “Viking” and “Chieftain” in the same sentence, images of powerful men come to mind. You might also conjure a “wild west” style of lawlessness. This perception is well-earned in some cases. Yet, Viking history and their sagas presents a more nuanced picture. One case in point takes us to Iceland. Last week shared the true tale of Audr the Deep-Minded, an amazing female leader in...
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Follow my blog with Bloglovin This month we’re turning back to the Viking Age with the Jarls, Kings, and Leaders blog series. The first outline I did looked like a Who’s Who of Viking men. And that was my problem. The line-up didn’t feel right. We won’t neglect the men, but I’m not going to start with them. So, we’re starting with the heart and soul of this series. With Viking women. Get cozy and warm because we’re turning...
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The Cheese Alternative In one part of Spain, there’s a tradition that tells of Viking raiders who came to conquer but got stuck on an island in the middle of a river because local fighters defeated them. Lore has it those Vikings traded in their war hammers to become cheese farmers, and to this day that region is known for its hard cheeses. Vikings are ever resourceful! Dairy products were the midsummer answer to food shortages....
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My Viking food journey has begun. Today’s adventure was the age old cooking process of broth making. Most of grab a few cans of broth around the holidays and don’t think twice about what it takes to make this food staple. I’ve made bone broth before, and homemade beats canned (or cartoned) broth by a mile in any taste test. The more I dig into this project, reading and writing Viking stories, immersing myself in their...
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