In history, we can learn lessons that can alter our mindset and outlook. The first value of the Norsemen Mentality is: The Refusal to Give in. Everyone, no matter who they are, can benefit from this virtue. There is nothing wrong with failing, learning from it, and saying “I am going to become a better person and try to never make that mistake again”. Take a second to think. Picture the moments in your life where you were knocked down but refused to quit. In the end you became a stronger and better individual for this.
The Norsemen of Scandinavia give us prime examples of this in their daily lives and their ability to conquer. By explaining their daily life, and then the more exciting examples and events determined by their refusal to fear death in battle, we will see how this can be translated to our health and physical fitness.
Most people only want to focus on the pillaging and plundering portion of The Viking Age, but this was only a small snapshot of their lives. All Scandinavians needed a home, and to provide for their families, so they worked the land and with their hands. Many of them were accomplished farmers, fishermen, carpenters, and craftsmen. For example, Viking Longhouses. They are a fantastic example of architectural craftsmanship and creativity. They show the ability to build a solid and secure structure that was able to stand the test of time, the elements, and the harsh seasons (specifically winters) of their region.
Anyone who believes that they only survived by plundering is sadly mistaken. The men were constantly working the land, hunting, and fishing to provide a sustainable food source year-round. On-top of the harsh winters they had to take on famine and disease that could easily wipe out an entire generation. To take on mother nature and win is no small feat. They also did it without any of the modern comforts that we are used to today.
For all you woman out there do not worry you are not forgotten. The woman in Scandinavia played a major role in ensuring that they were successful and could overcome the difficult lifestyle. Woman during the Viking era enjoyed more equality and freedom then all other women of their time. During war times there were Viking warrior woman who were referred to as shieldmaiden. On the home front the woman played vital roles, working the land, and taking care of livestock. Among society they did share many of the roles in the society. They could own land, initiate divorce, and even run a business. In fact, they were expected too if their husbands passed away.
One fascinating area, that the Scandinavian’s perfected, was the hunting of whales and walruses. Personally, I have never hunted a whale, but I can imagine that the battle of wills between man and beast is something to behold. Especially given they did it with primitive harpoons, spears, and arrows. Anyone that has had to work at sea, or any physical labor-intensive job, knows the grueling task that this puts on the body. Mix in the constant threat of disease or famine from the lack of harvest, and safety was not a luxury no matter if they were working their farmstead or off raiding. Understanding this on a primitive level shows the amount of strength, resilience, and refusal to give in every day. This paved their way to successful raids across the world.
Now for the exciting part. The raiding, the pillaging, and the conquest that griped the world with fear when they first saw the Viking longships on the horizon. It is highly debated why the Norsemen took to the sea and began raiding, a sense of adventure, the lust for riches, or the promise of an honorable death so they could reach the Halls of Odin or Valhalla.
The Vikings took on a venture many people would consider suicide. They sailed to foreign land to take on an unknown enemy on unknown soils. Somehow, they were successful, and able to reach almost all parts of the world with their travels. They were able to defeat, Essex, Middlesex, Sussex, and Wessex, as well as eliminate the Saxon kings. In Europe alone, we see evidence of their travels and conquests through Ireland, Russia, Italy, The Americas (yes, they beat Columbus to America), Africa, The Middle East, and possibly even Asia. Not only were they able to conquer in battle and travel through, but they were also able to set up homesteads in this new land. They were also able to instill what came to be known as “Danelaw, where Danish law prevailed and covered a third of England” (Curry, 2015). Later, we will take a voyage following the Vikings that raided each area.
The Vikings were also able to eliminate the thought of death as a crippling fear. A fear that affects so many people. “Were a Viking to fall in battle— and the gods were to favor him—then his journey would just be beginning. The afterlife was waiting for all brave Viking warriors. With this belief, these ancient fighters were free in battle” (Warriors & Legends, 2021). Overcoming the fear of death allowed them to achieve the unthinkable. Death comes to us all—no matter who you are or what measures you take to prevent it. The removal of that “unknown” feeling is the ultimate example of refusing to give in. It is the ability to stand and fight when all seems lost. To continue when failure sets upon you, and then to keep pressing on.
I believe we can all take a lesson from the Viking playbook. Whether it be the grueling task of maintaining a farm, taking on unknown enemies, or even the challenges in everyday life. Here at Norsemen Nutrition, we believe in the concept of never giving in and striving to reach new successes. You will come to find our programs are built to push the limits, to challenge everyone—no matter their skill level. There will be times where you may fail. But again, failure is a hurdle we must all overcome.
Will you take on the challenges of the day and Refuse to Give in, find your inner Norsemen Mentality, eliminate the fear of death, and remove the thought of failure? You will be surprised what you will accomplish in life.
Curry, Ian. “Daneland.” Almost History, 2015, www.vaguelyinteresting.co.uk/daneland/.
Legends, Warriors &. “Viking Warrior Death and Burial.” Viking Warrior Death | Viking Warrior Burial, 2021, www.warriorsandlegends.com/viking-warriors/viking-warrior-death-and-burial/.