How to unleash your inner Viking in the modern world

Have you ever dreamed of sailing the seas, raiding villages, fighting with swords and axes, and worshipping the mighty gods of Asgard? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live like a Viking, the fearless warriors and explorers of the ancient Norse civilization? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this article is for you. In this article, we will show you how you can embrace some aspects of the Viking lifestyle without giving up the comforts and conveniences of the 21st century. Here are some ways to unleash your inner Viking and have some fun along the way:

• History and tradition. The first step to living like a modern Viking is to learn about the history and tradition of your ancestors. You can read books, watch documentaries, visit museums and historical sites, or join online communities that share your interest in Viking culture. You can also learn some Old Norse words and phrases, or even try to write in runes. Who knows, maybe you’ll discover that you’re related to a famous Viking hero or king.
• Viking fashion. Another way to express your Viking identity is to dress in traditional Viking clothing or accessories. You can wear tunics, cloaks, leather belts, boots and jewelry that resemble the ones worn by your ancestors. You can also accessorize with helmets, swords, axes and shields, but be careful not to break any laws or hurt anyone. You don’t want to end up in jail or in a hospital. You can also grow a beard or braid your hair if you want to look more like a Viking warrior. Just make sure you keep them clean and tidy. You don’t want to scare away potential mates or friends.
• Viking folk music. Music was an important part of Viking life and culture. They sang songs, played instruments and recited poems to celebrate, mourn, tell stories and praise their gods. You can listen to modern Viking folk music that is inspired by the ancient melodies and lyrics of the Norse people. You can also learn to play some instruments like the lyre, the harp or the horn. Maybe you’ll even compose your own songs or poems. Just don’t expect to win a Grammy or a Nobel Prize anytime soon.
• Love for and protection of nature. The Vikings had a deep connection with nature and respected its power and beauty. They worshipped nature gods and goddesses like Freya, Thor and Odin, and believed that everything had a spirit. You can show your love for and protection of nature by spending time outdoors, enjoying its wonders and taking care of its resources. You can also practice eco-friendly habits like recycling, composting and using renewable energy. Remember, nature is your friend and ally, not your enemy or slave.
• Modern sword combat sports. The Vikings were skilled fighters who used swords, axes, spears and bows as their weapons. They trained hard and fought bravely in battles and duels. You can channel your inner warrior by participating in modern sword combat sports like fencing, kendo or HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts). These sports will help you improve your fitness, agility, coordination and discipline. They will also make you feel badass and cool.
• VR sword combat as a form of exercise at home. If you prefer to stay at home but still want to experience the thrill of sword fighting, you can try VR sword combat as a form of exercise. You can use a VR headset and controllers to immerse yourself in a virtual reality where you can fight against enemies with realistic weapons and movements. This will help you burn calories, relieve stress and have fun.
• Foam sword combat. If you want to experience the thrill of sword fighting without risking injury or breaking the law, you can try foam sword combat as a hobby. You can use foam-padded weapons that are designed to look like real swords, axes, spears and other weapons. You can join a group or a club that organizes battles, tournaments and scenarios based on historical or fantasy settings. You can also make your own weapons and costumes if you are creative and crafty . You can choose to fight as a Viking, a knight, a samurai, a pirate or any other character you like. You can also follow different rules and styles of combat, such as Belegarth, Dagorhir, Amtgard or LARP. Foam sword combat is a fun and exciting way to exercise, socialize and unleash your inner warrior.
• Historical reenactment. If you want to immerse yourself in the historical and cultural aspects of the Viking lifestyle, you can join a historical reenactment group that recreates the life and events of the Norse people. You can wear authentic clothing, use realistic weapons and equipment, and participate in activities such as cooking, crafting, trading and raiding. You can also learn about the history, mythology, language and customs of the Vikings from experts and enthusiasts . You can join a local or regional group that meets regularly for practice and events, or you can travel to national or international festivals that attract thousands of reenactors from around the world. Historical reenactment is a great way to learn, share and celebrate the Viking heritage and culture.
• Viking video games. Another way to enjoy the Viking culture at home is to play Viking video games that are based on or inspired by the Norse mythology and history. You can explore the worlds of Midgard, Asgard and Jotunheim, interact with gods, giants and monsters, complete quests and challenges, and experience epic stories and adventures. Some examples of popular Viking video games are God of War, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Valheim. You can also create your own Viking character, customize your appearance, skills and equipment, and join online communities of fellow gamers. You can even play with or against your friends in multiplayer modes. Whether you want to be a hero, a villain or something in between, you can live out your Viking fantasies in these immersive games.
• Mead. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented honey and water, sometimes with added fruits, spices or herbs. It is one of the oldest drinks in the world and was popular among the Vikings and other ancient cultures. You can enjoy mead as a way to taste a bit of Viking history and culture. You can also make your own mead at home with some basic equipment and ingredients. How cool is that? You can impress your friends and family with your homemade brew and toast to the gods with a horn of mead.
• Camping, outdoor survival, sailing and boating. The Vikings were adventurous people who travelled far and wide by sea and land. They were skilled at camping, outdoor survival, sailing and boating. You can follow their footsteps by exploring the outdoors and learning how to survive in different environments. You can also try sailing or boating as a way to experience the thrill of the sea and the wind. Imagine yourself as a Viking explorer, discovering new lands and meeting new people. Or maybe you prefer to be a Viking raider, plundering and pillaging along the coast. Either way, you’ll have a blast.
• Road trips and nomadic lifestyles. The Vikings were also nomadic people who moved from place to place in search of new lands, resources and opportunities. They settled in various regions of Europe, Asia and North America, leaving behind their cultural influence. You can emulate their nomadic lifestyle by going on road trips and visiting different places and cultures. You can also adopt a minimalist and flexible attitude towards your belongings and living arrangements. You don’t need much to live like a Viking, just a vehicle, some clothes, some food and some weapons. OK, maybe not the weapons part.
• Magick, witchcraft and Paganism. The Vikings practiced a form of magick called seidr, which involved contacting spirits, divining the future, healing, cursing and shapeshifting. They also practiced witchcraft, which involved using herbs, runes, charms and spells for various purposes. They followed a Pagan religion that worshipped many gods and goddesses, as well as nature spirits and ancestors. You can learn more about these practices and beliefs and incorporate them into your own spiritual path if you wish. You can also join a coven or a circle of like-minded people who share your interest in magick, witchcraft and Paganism.
• Spiritual self improvement. The Vikings had a concept called hamingja, which means luck or fortune. It was believed that each person had a personal hamingja that could be increased or decreased by their actions and choices. The more hamingja one had, the more successful and happy they would be in life. You can improve your own hamingja by living according to the Viking virtues, being honorable, honest, courageous, loyal, generous, perseverant, diligent, hospitable and disciplined. You can also seek the guidance and protection of the gods and goddesses, the ancestors and the nature spirits. You can perform rituals, make offerings, wear amulets and consult oracles to enhance your hamingja. By doing so, you will attract good fortune and avoid misfortune in your life. You will also feel more connected to yourself, to others and to the cosmos.
• Books and learning and study of anthropology. The Vikings were not only warriors but also scholars who wrote books on various topics such as history, poetry, law and mythology. They also learned from other cultures they encountered during their travels and trade. You can expand your knowledge and understanding of the Viking culture and other cultures by reading books on anthropology, history, literature and mythology. You can also study anthropology as a discipline that explores human diversity across time and space. You might even discover some surprising connections between the Vikings and other peoples of the world.
• Viking festivals. One of the best ways to experience the modern Viking lifestyle is to attend a Viking festival where you can meet other people who share your passion for Norse culture. You can enjoy activities such as reenactments, demonstrations, workshops, games, music, storytelling and trading. You can also taste authentic Viking food and drink, such as mead, bread, cheese and meat. There are many Viking festivals that take place across Scandinavia and Europe every year, such as the International Viking Market in Ribe, Denmark, the Avaldsnes Viking Festival in Avaldsnes, Norway, the Frederikssund Viking Games in Frederikssund, Denmark, and the Saltvik Viking Market in Saltvik, Finland. You can also find some Viking festivals in North America, such as the Midwest Viking Festival in Moorhead, Minnesota, or the L’Anse aux Meadows Viking Festival in Newfoundland, Canada.