Vikings in the Modern Imagination

The image of the Viking, horned helmet and all, is as universally recognized as that of Mickey Mouse. But how did this image come to be, and what is it about the Vikings that fascinates people of the modern world? This course explores the rise of modern Viking-mania from Early Modern antiquarianism, through its heyday in the Romantic era, and into the twenty-first century’s resurgence of interest in the Vikings. We will examine the context of attitudes toward the past of Scandinavia, and the valorization of its seaborne raiders. As we will see, these developments closely parallel the coalescence of modern nation-states and the development of nationalism. By the nineteenth century, the Viking has become internationalized, forming a component not only of Scandinavian but also of German, British, and even American identities. The Viking becomes a sought-after mascot, a figure whom many are eager to appropriate. In this figure, modern people have seen a valiant warrior, an intrepid settler, and a brutish, uncouth barbarian – often, paradoxically, all three at the same time. We will examine the relation of the modern Viking to shifting and developing attitudes toward national identity, cultural difference, masculinity, violence, and colonialism. We will look at a variety of sources, from Medieval and Early Modern histories to eighteenth and nineteenth century literature, poetry, and music, and on to twentieth and twenty-first century political propaganda, film and television, and other media. Students will gain an understanding of the historical and cultural context of the modern Viking, and how this figure has historically mediated modern attitudes toward the past and the present.

Knowledge and understanding:

orally and in writing account for how depictions of the Vikings have changed over time

orally and in writing discuss images of the Viking through the lens of national identity, cultural difference, masculinity, violence, and colonialism

Competence and skills:

analyze different kinds of sources in relation to the Vikings

analyze the use of different views of the Vikings in later political and cultural settings

Judgement and approach:

critically reflect on how particular perspectives on historical actors and events inform contemporary views and debates

This course will mainly be taught in the form of lectures and/or seminars.

If a student who has twice received a failing grade for the same examination component wishes to change examiner ahead of the next examination session, such a request should be made to the department in writing and should be approved by the department unless there are special reasons to the contrary (Chapter 6 Section 22 of the Higher Education Ordinance).

If a student has received a recommendation from the University of Gothenburg for study support for students with disabilities, the examiner may, where it is compatible with the learning outcomes of the course and provided that no unreasonable resources are required, decide to allow the student to sit an adjusted exam or alternative form of assessment.

In the event that a course has ceased or undergone major changes, students are to be guaranteed at least three examination sessions (including the ordinary examination session) over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has ceased/been changed. The same applies to internships and professional placements (VFU), although this is restricted to just one additional examination session.

The results of and possible changes to the course will be shared with students who participated in the evaluation and students who are starting the course.