What did the Vikings believe? The Vikings were very superstitious people. They believed that they shared their world with a whole range of gods and mystical creatures. The best known of the Viking gods are Odin, Thor, and Freya. We remember them because, in English, the days of the week are named after them.

Their beliefs greatly influenced their daily lives, ethics, and societal norms, with concepts such as bravery in battle, hospitality, respect for nature, and reverence for ancestors being central. Craftsmanship was another crucial aspect of Viking culture, evident in their intricate jewelry, rune stones, and shipbuilding.

The Viking culture was Scandinavian, with society divided into three classes, the Jarls (aristocracy), Karls (lower class), and Thralls (slaves). Upward mobility was possible for Karls but not Thralls. Slavery was widely practiced throughout Scandinavia and is considered one of the prime motivators for the Viking raids on other lands.

Norse- Viking culture is frequently misrepresented in popular media which emphasizes the rugged, militaristic aspect of the people. In reality, Norse culture placed a high value on appearance, personal hygiene, and religious devotion, creating many symbols representing aspects of their gods and one’s journey through life to the land beyond death.

The Vikings were primarily agriculturalists who set off not only to raid lands for loot, but also to establish communities for farming and raising animals. Norse mythology consisted of a cosmology or story of the beginning of the universe, the nine realms of the world tree Yggdrasil and the end of the world known as Ragnarok.