Want to learn more about Norse Vikings? We provide information and insight for people interested in Viking Age Scandinavia. The present web site is a dynamic resource that treats on current and past issues related to Norse cultural heritage. The Viking Rune offers unique online features: free Rune Converter and Motto Generator. We are committed to greater access to knowledge about the Vikings, which is the only way to dispel the myth about Norse warriors as cruel and bloodthirsty raiders who did nothing but kill, pillage and rape. The Viking Rune is always up-to-date with the latest developments in North Germanic studies, including hot archeological finds in Scandinavia and elsewhere.


From the category archives:

Norse Folklore

Christmas Traditions in Iceland

December 24, 2008 Norse Folklore
Yule lad

Christmas traditions in Iceland are very peculiar. Many of them may well go back to the Viking Age. Christmas in Iceland is closely connected with St. Þorlákur’s day, which is December 23, when they celebrate Thorláksmessa. St. Þorlákur, 12th century bishop and patron-saint of Iceland, was canonized by John-Paul II as late as in 1985. [...]

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Selkies – Norse Mermaids

November 7, 2008 Norse Folklore
Selkie

Selkie is a word for ‘seal’ found in modern Shetland, Orkney, Caithness and Moray dialects (in Cromarty also sealchie). In Faroese and Scottish mythology selkies (or silkies) are seals who can take the human form when they take off their seal skin. There are several versions as for how often that may happen: some stories [...]

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