Vikings, while certainly understanding the finality of death, often approached it with a unique blend of fatalism and even a desire for a glorious end.
Vikings held complex views on death that were heavily influenced by their Norse pagan beliefs. Their perspective wasn't simply a matter of fearing or not fearing death, but rather how they faced it and what they believed came afterward.
The Viking View of Death: Glory and Valhalla
-
Valhalla: Central to the Viking worldview was the concept of Valhalla, Odin's hall where warriors who died bravely in battle were taken. This was a place of feasting, fighting, and eternal glory, a powerful motivator for warriors to face death head-on.
-
Emphasis on Honor: A "good death" was one that brought honor to oneself, one's family, and one's clan. This often meant dying in battle, but also included facing death bravely and with dignity in other circumstances.
-
Fatalistic Beliefs: Vikings held strong beliefs in fate (wyrd). They believed that certain events, including the manner and time of death, were predetermined. This fatalism could lead to a perceived fearlessness, as some believed resisting their fate was futile.
The Psychology of "Fearlessness"
Tom Shippey argues in Laughing Shall I Die, Lives and Deaths of the Great Vikings, that this "Viking mindset" operated almost as a death cult. This psychological edge allowed them to fight fearlessly, knowing that a glorious death could lead to Valhalla. This doesn't necessarily mean they didn't experience fear, but rather they were able to overcome it, or channel it, for strategic advantage.
Were There Exceptions?
It is crucial to remember that "Vikings" were a diverse group of people spread across a large geographic area and time period. Not everyone shared the same beliefs or faced death with equal bravado. There were likely individuals who feared death, even among warriors, and certainly among non-combatants. Their feelings were likely nuanced and dependent on the individual and the circumstances they faced.
Conclusion: A Complex Relationship
While Vikings likely experienced fear, their cultural beliefs, particularly the promise of Valhalla and the emphasis on honor in death, significantly shaped their attitude towards it. They often sought a glorious death in battle, not necessarily because they were fearless, but because they believed it was the best way to secure their place in the afterlife and maintain their honor. Their "fearlessness" was often a strategic advantage derived from their complex relationship with death and their belief in fate.
