The Children of Ash and Elm. A History Of The Vikings

The traditional understanding of the ‘Viking Age’ typically marks its beginning in June 793, when Scandinavian attackers famously targeted the Lindisfarne monastery in Northumbria, and its conclusion in September 1066, with the death of King Harald Hardrada of Norway at the Battle of Stamford Bridge against the English. However, this book challenges that timeline by offering a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on Viking history. It argues that the expansion of the Vikings had initiated much earlier, long before the raid on Lindisfarne, and it delves deeper into Scandinavian history to examine the evolution of these people over the centuries.Spanning the Viking diaspora from Vinland on North America's eastern coast to the bustling centers of Constantinople and Uzbekistan, the narrative explores connections that extended to China. Utilizing the latest archaeological findings, the book investigates the intricate origins of the Viking phenomenon and examines the profound transformations within Scandinavian society driven by an economy focused on naval warfare. Among the book's notable insights is the significant role slavery played in Viking culture and economy, as well as the uncovering of pirate communities and family-led migrations within Viking 'armies', especially in England.Neil Price takes readers on a journey into the psyche and spiritual world of the Norse people, examining their identities and gender roles to present a vastly different picture of Vikings than the commonly held image of brutal invaders. He challenges longstanding assumptions to better understand how Vikings viewed themselves as descendants of the mythic first human couple, the Children of Ash and Elm. Price also offers reflections on the dual nature of the past—its familiarity and its alien aspects—and highlights how new discoveries continuously reshape our historical understanding. This book offers an enlightening and unexpectedly poignant exploration of Viking history.