When one thinks of Vikings, it’s not uncommon for images of burly warriors with horned helmets, long beards, and fur-lined clothes to come to mind. While much of this imagery has been popularized by modern media, the reality was a bit different. Let’s debunk some myths and paint a more accurate picture of what the Vikings might have looked like.
What Did Vikings Look Like?
1. The Horned Helmets Myth
One of the most enduring misconceptions about Vikings is that they wore horned helmets. There’s no archaeological evidence to suggest that Vikings wore such helmets. In fact, horned helmets would have been impractical in battle, as the horns could easily be grabbed by an opponent. The idea of Vikings in horned helmets was popularized in the 19th century and has been persistent in media ever since.
2. Hair and Facial Hair
Vikings took care of their hair. Finds from Viking Age burials suggest that they had combs, tweezers, razors, and other grooming tools. While many Vikings might have had long hair, they also likely kept it clean and combed. As for facial hair, beards were common, but it’s a myth that all Vikings had beards.
3. Clothing
Viking clothing was functional and adapted to the cold Scandinavian climate. They wore woolen clothes, with men typically wearing trousers and a tunic, while women wore dresses with long aprons. They also wore cloaks, especially in colder weather. The clothes were often brightly colored and could be decorated with patterns or woven bands.
4. Tattoos and Body Art
There are some historical sources, like the writings of the Arab traveler Ahmad ibn Fadlan, which suggest that certain groups of Vikings might have had tattoos. However, the evidence is scant and not universally accepted by historians.
5. Jewelry
Vikings loved their jewelry. Both men and women wore jewelry, such as brooches, rings, and necklaces, often made of silver or bronze. These pieces not only served as decorative items but also had practical uses, such as fastening clothes.
6. Physical Stature
While the image of a towering Viking is common, in reality, the average height for Viking men was around 5’7″ (170 cm), and for women, it was slightly shorter. They had a robust and muscular build due to their active lifestyle, but they weren’t giants.
In Conclusion
The image of Vikings has been romanticized and exaggerated over the years. The reality is that Vikings were not all that different from other people of their time in terms of appearance. They were practical in their choice of clothing, cared for their hygiene, and didn’t wear impractical horned helmets. By diving deeper into the history, we get a more accurate and nuanced understanding of these fascinating people.
