ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Epic History TV The Viking Mindset: Ragnar's Death Song and Other Sagas
The tale of Ragnar’s demise is vividly captured in his own saga, known as the Saga of Ragnar. A significant part of this story is a lengthy poem called the Krákumál, or ‘The Song of the Crow’. This poem is said to have been sung by Ragnar himself while he was in a snake pit. Although it is a death song, it also serves as an aevisöngr, or a song of life. In it, Ragnar reflects on his past battles and eagerly anticipates joining Odin in the afterlife, all while foreseeing the vengeance that will be exacted on his behalf. The poem concludes with the line “læjandi skalk deyja,” which translates to ‘Laughing shall I die,’ a phrase that encapsulates the fearless Viking spirit.
Similar to the legendary tales of King Arthur, the story of King Hrolf culminates in a grand battle where Hrolf is slain by Hjörvard, who is believed to be his cousin. Sagas often blend reality with elements of fairy tales, and this is evident in the Saga of Hrolf-Kraki. One of the saga’s most notable characters is Bödvar Bjarki, whose name means ‘little bear’. Bödvar is a were-bear, and during the final battle, he transforms into a bear, reminiscent of Beorn from Tolkien’s The Hobbit. He fights valiantly at the front lines in his bear form.
During this battle, Hrolf’s warriors notice a massive bear fighting alongside them, effortlessly tossing enemies aside. However, Bödvar is mysteriously absent. His friend Hjalti discovers him sitting in the hall and urges him to join the fight, highlighting the saga’s blend of fact and fantasy.
The Jomsvikings, a group known for their involvement in Norwegian politics, met their downfall due to the Viking tradition of heitstrenging, which required them to fulfill boasts made while intoxicated. They embarked on a mission to conquer Norway but faced defeat against Jarl Haakon and his powerful family at the Battle of Hjörungavágr around 986.
The Battle of Stiklarstaðir is detailed at the end of the Saga of Olaf Haraldsson, penned by Snorri Sturluson around 1230, although the battle itself took place on July 29, 1030. Thormod, a poet, survives the battle but mourns his inability to join his king. As he composes a final poem about his wound, he dies standing, leaving the last line unfinished. Fortunately, the young Harald Hardrada, a skilled poet, completes the poem, ensuring its completion even as Thormod passes away.
Harald Hardrada is renowned for his love of poetry, often preferring intricate forms and offering critiques to poets. He was a patron of the arts, though he maintained high standards for poetic composition.
The concept of Valhalla and the Valkyries is well-known. According to Viking belief, if a warrior dies in battle, their soul is taken by the Valkyries to Odin’s hall, Valhöll, where they will feast and fight alongside other warriors for eternity. This narrative is particularly associated with followers of Odin. However, the Vikings had diverse beliefs about the afterlife, as they worshipped various gods such as Thor, Freyja, Heimdall, and Njörðr. The story of Valhalla remains the most prominent and familiar, as documented by Snorri Sturluson in his comprehensive guide to Norse mythology.
Read the Krákumál and identify key themes and motifs. Discuss how these reflect the Viking mindset and values. Consider how the phrase “Laughing shall I die” encapsulates the Viking spirit. Share your analysis in a group discussion.
Choose a scene from either the Saga of Ragnar or the Saga of Hrolf-Kraki and perform it as a group. Focus on capturing the blend of reality and fantasy. Reflect on how these elements contribute to the storytelling and the sagas’ enduring appeal.
Engage in a debate about the concept of heitstrenging and its impact on Viking society, using the Jomsvikings’ downfall as a case study. Discuss whether such traditions were beneficial or detrimental to their society.
Create your own poem inspired by the Viking sagas, focusing on themes of heroism, fate, and the afterlife. Share your poem with the class and receive feedback, emulating Harald Hardrada’s patronage of the arts.
Research the various Viking beliefs about the afterlife beyond Valhalla. Present your findings in a creative format, such as a short video or a digital presentation, highlighting the diversity of their spiritual views.
The story of Ragnar’s death is told in his own saga, the Saga of Ragnar. There’s also a long poem, which is said to have been sung by Ragnar from the snake pit, called the Krákumál, or ‘The Song of the Crow.’ This is a death song, but it’s also an aevisöngr, a song of life, in which Ragnar recounts his battles and looks forward to dying and feasting in Odin’s hall, while predicting the revenge that will be taken for him. The last line of it, which I adopted for my book title, is “læjandi skalk deyja,” meaning ‘Laughing shall I die.’
King Hrolf’s story, like King Arthur’s, ends with a great battle in which Hrolf is killed by someone who appears to be his cousin, Hjörvard. Sagas often have an element of fairy-tale, and that’s the case with the Saga of Hrolf-Kraki, particularly with his famous champion, Bödvar Bjarki, whose name means ‘little bear.’ Bödvar is a were-bear, and in the final battle, he takes on bear form, similar to Beorn in Tolkien’s The Hobbit, and fights in the front ranks as a bear.
During the battle, Hrolf’s men notice a gigantic bear fighting alongside them, tossing enemies around. However, Bödvar is not there; instead, his friend Hjalti finds him sitting in the hall. Hjalti urges Bödvar to join the battle, highlighting the mix of fact and fantasy in these stories.
The Jomsvikings, known for their involvement in Norwegian politics, faced a downfall due to the Viking custom of ‘heitstrenging,’ where one must follow through on boasts made while drunk. They sailed off to assist in the conquest of Norway but encountered Jarl Haakon and his formidable family, leading to their defeat at the Battle of Hjörungavágr around 986.
The Battle of Stiklarstaðir is recounted at the end of the Saga of Olaf Haraldsson, written by Snorri Sturluson around 1230, although the battle itself occurred on July 29, 1030. Thormod the poet survives the battle but laments not being able to join his king. As he composes a final poem about his wound, he dies on his feet, leaving the last line incomplete. Fortunately, the teenage Harald Hardrada, who was skilled in poetry, finishes the poem for him, ensuring it is completed even as Thormod passes away.
Harald Hardrada is known for his appreciation of poetry, often favoring complex forms and critiquing poets. He was a patron of the arts, although he had high standards for poetic composition.
Everyone is familiar with the concept of Valhalla and the Valkyries. If a warrior dies in battle, their soul is said to be taken by the Valkyries to Odin’s halls, Valhöll, where they will feast and fight alongside fellow warriors for eternity. This narrative is particularly associated with followers of Odin, though there were many different beliefs about the afterlife among the Vikings, as they worshipped various gods such as Thor, Freyja, Heimdall, and Njörðr. The story of Valhalla is the most prominent and familiar, as recorded by Snorri Sturluson in his handbook of Norse mythology.
Viking – A seafaring Scandinavian people known for their raids and settlements across Europe during the late eighth to early eleventh centuries. – The Viking expeditions significantly influenced the political landscape of medieval Europe, as seen in the chronicles of their conquests and settlements.
Saga – A long narrative story, often of heroic deeds, originating from medieval Icelandic literature. – The Icelandic sagas provide a rich tapestry of Norse mythology and history, offering insights into the lives and beliefs of the Viking Age.
Poem – A literary composition characterized by rhythm, meter, and often rhyme, expressing ideas or emotions in a concentrated form. – T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land” is a seminal poem that captures the disillusionment of post-World War I society through its fragmented structure and vivid imagery.
Afterlife – A concept of a continued existence or life after death, often explored in religious and philosophical texts. – Dante’s “Divine Comedy” is a profound exploration of the afterlife, depicting the soul’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise.
Battle – A sustained fight between large organized armed forces, often a pivotal event in historical narratives. – The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was a turning point in English history, marking the beginning of Norman rule as chronicled in the Bayeux Tapestry.
Warriors – Individuals who engage in or are experienced in warfare, often celebrated in literature for their bravery and skill. – In Homer’s “Iliad,” the Greek warriors, particularly Achilles, are depicted with both heroic valor and tragic flaws, embodying the complexities of human nature.
Beliefs – Convictions or acceptance that certain things are true or real, often forming the basis of cultural or religious systems. – The beliefs of the ancient Greeks in a pantheon of gods and goddesses are intricately woven into their literature, influencing works like “The Odyssey.”
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs, often documented in written records and narratives. – Herodotus is often referred to as the “Father of History” for his detailed accounts of the Greco-Persian Wars, blending historical facts with storytelling.
Literature – Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit, encompassing various genres and styles. – The study of English literature involves analyzing texts from different periods, such as the Renaissance, which produced timeless works like Shakespeare’s plays.
Culture – The social behavior, norms, and practices that define a society, often reflected in its art, literature, and traditions. – The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement that celebrated African American culture through literature, music, and art, leaving a lasting impact on American society.
