In recent decades, many individuals and groups have attempted to project modern political ideologies onto historical belief systems, including Norse Paganism. However, anyone seeking to be a true traditionalist Norse Pagan—meaning someone who accurately follows Viking-era Norse culture and beliefs—must recognize that both 19th-century right-wing nationalism and 20th/21st-century left-wing progressivism are incompatible with a genuine Viking worldview. Both ideologies impose modern values and social constructs onto an ancient system that existed long before these concepts were invented.

A traditional Norse Pagan approach demands historical accuracy and an understanding of Viking Age culture as it truly was—not as we wish it to be through the lens of modern politics. This article explores why both modern left-wing and right-wing ideas fail to reflect the values and realities of Viking society and how a true traditionalist Norse Pagan must reject both.

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1. The Viking World Was Not 19th-Century Nationalism

A Multi-Ethnic, Expansionist Culture

One of the biggest misconceptions about Viking Age Scandinavia, especially among 19th and early 20th-century right-wing nationalist movements, is the idea that Vikings were an insular, racially homogenous people who adhered to a rigid sense of nationalism. This is historically inaccurate.

The Vikings were explorers, traders, raiders, and settlers who engaged with diverse cultures across Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and even Central Asia. Evidence from burial sites, DNA analysis, and trade records clearly shows that Vikings had interactions with, and even integrated, people from various ethnic backgrounds. They married, traded, and fought alongside non-Scandinavians, including Slavs, Celts, Anglo-Saxons, Finns, and even Arabs and Persians.

Viking society was not isolationist nor based on racial purity—it was pragmatic and opportunistic. It is well-documented that Vikings had multi-ethnic trading settlements such as Hedeby, Birka, and Jorvik, where people of different backgrounds lived together. Their mythology and worldview were centered on personal honor, deeds, and strength rather than ethnic identity.

Thus, 19th-century nationalist attempts to depict Vikings as a purely “Nordic master race” are based on falsehoods, as their culture was defined by strength, exploration, and adaptability rather than racial exclusivity.

Warrior Ethos Over Nationalism

The Vikings did not fight for modern nationalist concepts like “the state” or “the nation.” Instead, they fought for personal glory, wealth, honor, and loyalty to their kindred and jarl (chieftain). Viking warbands were often mercenaries who fought for whoever could pay them best, whether they were fellow Norsemen or foreign kings. Loyalty was given to kin, leaders, and drottnar (lords), but not to abstract national identities.

The drengr (warrior ideal) emphasized individual heroism, personal strength, and honor, not blind allegiance to a nation. A warrior’s reputation was more important than race or land. This directly contradicts the nationalist ideas of later centuries that demanded loyalty to the state above all else.

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2. The Viking World Was Not 20th/21st-Century Left-Wing Progressivism

Gender Roles Were Defined and Complementary

Modern leftist ideologies often attempt to claim the Vikings were early feminists or gender egalitarians. While Viking women had significantly more rights than many of their medieval counterparts, they were not equal to men in all aspects of society. Viking society was deeply hierarchical and structured around gender roles, even though it acknowledged the power and influence of women.

Women could own property, divorce, and run households, and some, such as the legendary shieldmaidens, participated in battle (though this was the exception, not the rule). However, Viking women were still expected to manage the home, raise children, and maintain the lineage, while men took on roles as warriors, hunters, and rulers.

The left-wing push for absolute gender fluidity and the erasure of biological distinctions between men and women is not reflective of traditional Viking society. While Viking culture respected female agency, it did not embrace modern feminist ideals of social or occupational interchangeability.

Social Hierarchy Was Strongly Enforced

Contrary to leftist ideals of enforced equality, Viking society was highly stratified and hierarchical. It was divided into distinct social classes:

1. Jarls (Nobles & Rulers) – Wealthy landowners and war leaders who controlled trade, politics, and military endeavors.
2. Karls (Freemen) – Farmers, craftsmen, warriors, and traders who had rights and property but were subordinate to jarls.
3. Thralls (Slaves) – The lowest class, consisting of captured enemies, debtors, or those born into slavery.

This rigid structure meant that equality was not a Viking ideal. Thralls were an essential part of the Viking economy and daily life, and while some could earn freedom, they remained at the bottom of the social ladder. The Vikings did not advocate for the abolition of slavery or social justice reform—such concepts did not exist in their worldview.

A truly traditional Viking society valued strength, honor, and personal ability over modern concepts of social justice and enforced egalitarianism.

There Was No Universal Tolerance for All Beliefs

Another misconception is that Viking society was fully open and tolerant of all religious or ideological beliefs. While they were indeed adaptable and curious about foreign gods (as seen in their interactions with Christianity, Islam, and Slavic paganism), this did not mean they accepted all beliefs as equal.

Vikings viewed the world through the lens of strength and honor, and those who failed to uphold these values were often scorned or mocked. Cowardice was despised, and weakness was not protected. Unlike modern leftist cultures, which promote safe spaces and protection from offense, the Viking world was one where personal resilience was expected, and a weak individual would not be coddled or supported indefinitely.

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Conclusion: The Viking Path is Its Own Path

Being a traditionalist Norse Pagan means embracing the values, culture, and beliefs of the Viking Age as they truly were—not as modern ideologies try to reinterpret them. Both 19th-century nationalist myths and modern leftist progressivism impose anachronistic views on a society that had its own unique structure and values.

A True Traditionalist Norse Pagan Recognizes That:

1. Vikings were not racial purists – They traded, fought, and intermarried with many cultures.
2. Vikings were not nationalists – They fought for personal honor, kin, and wealth, not for modern nation-states.
3. Vikings had structured gender roles – Women had rights but were not equal in all societal aspects.
4. Vikings were hierarchical – Society was stratified, and equality was not a core ideal.
5. Vikings valued strength over sensitivity – Weakness was looked down upon, and personal honor was paramount.

Ultimately, a true traditionalist Norse Pagan must reject both right-wing nationalist distortions and left-wing progressive reinterpretations. To follow the Viking way is to embrace honor, personal strength, kinship, and a deep connection to the gods and nature—not to conform to modern political trends. The Viking path is neither left nor right; it is its own path, rooted in the traditions and realities of the past.