Strap in as Cullen tears apart the bullshit myths about Vikings. Forget what you’ve seen on TV—these guys weren’t just horned-helmet-wearing, axe-swinging maniacs. In fact, they didn’t even wear those fucking helmets. We’re diving into who the Vikings really were: farmers, traders, and yeah, sometimes raiders, but definitely not the macho badasses today’s wannabe tough guys think they are. Plus, we’re unpacking how the Vikings ended up as poster boys for toxic masculinity and modern extremist bullshit. Oh, and we’ve got a wild tangent on the Varangian Guard—because Vikings working as Byzantine bodyguards? That’s some next-level history.
The Viking World by Stefan Brink and Neil Price
Comprehensive look at Viking society, culture, and their actual way of life—spoiler: no horned helmets.
The Age of the Vikings by Anders Winroth
Balances the badass reputation with the real-deal facts about Viking society, trade, and law.
Vikings: A History by Robert Ferguson
Dives deep into who the Vikings really were, and how they’ve been mythologized over time.
The Varangian Guard: Vikings in the Byzantine Empire by John Haldon
Details the wild story of Vikings who became elite soldiers for the Byzantine emperors.
The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown
Breaks down the myths and truths about Viking women, especially the badass warrior women often overlooked in mainstream stories.
Documentaries & Media:
Vikings Unearthed (BBC & PBS NOVA)
Uses satellite technology to uncover Viking settlements in unexpected places.
Secrets of the Viking Sword (PBS NOVA)
Explores the craftsmanship behind the legendary Ulfberht swords, separating fact from fiction.
The Real Vikings (History Channel)
Companion doc to the Vikings TV show, but with real historians debunking the show’s dramatizations.
Articles & Online Resources:
National Geographic: The Truth About Vikings
Debunks popular myths like the horned helmets and “savage” stereotypes.
History Extra (BBC): The Viking Myths You Thought Were True
Busts myths about Viking life, including their hygiene, roles of women, and more.
Smithsonian Magazine: Vikings Were More Than Just Raiders
Details how Vikings were traders, settlers, and political players—not just violent marauders.
Ancient History Encyclopedia: The Varangian Guard
Goes deep into the Viking elite soldiers who served in the Byzantine Empire, highlighting their complex identity beyond raiding.
Special Topics (For Modern Comparisons):
The Modern Viking Obsession:
Vice: Why White Supremacists Love Vikings
Explores how modern hate groups have hijacked Viking imagery for their own bullshit narratives.
The Atlantic: The Misuse of Viking Symbols in Modern Times
Looks at how “Viking” identity has been distorted by toxic masculinity and extremist groups.
Pop Culture Influence:
The Guardian: How TV Turned Vikings Into Heroes
Discusses how shows like Vikings and The Last Kingdom shaped modern perceptions of Norse culture.
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Music by ovana lane from Pixabay
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