Love-Making And Marriage During The Viking Era

When we think about the Vikings, love, and marriage are usually not the first things that come to mind. However, we might occasionally think about the Vikings and sex when watching one of the many shows and movies about the Vikings in recent years. From TV and movies, you'd almost believe that all Vikings were attractive, always washed, and odor-free. However, it does seem that the Vikings did take relatively good care of their hair. Combs are one of the most common items found in Viking graves and other archaeological sites – but it's hard to believe that these Scandinavian warriors (perhaps of both sexes) weren't more often "combing things out" than they were getting ready for a party.

It's not talked about much and definitely not shown (at least not often), but many Vikings were not exclusively heterosexual. Homosexual activity among Vikings was unusual until you know more about it. Like most societies in the Middle Ages, Viking society was dominated by men. Today, sociologists might call Viking society "hyper-male" - a culture in which the traditionally masculine qualities of aggression, physical prowess, and constant evaluation of one's power relationship to one another was always in the forefront of the mind.

One way to show physical dominance was to use another man for pleasure. Viking society did not punish a man for being the "dominant" participant in homosexual acts. However, those who were "submissive" were viewed as worthy of less respect than women. Though it's improbable that there were no Viking men who preferred the more "passive" role, being caught in the act might involve being socially mocked, ostracized, and sometimes killed. The same went for any man, straight or gay, caught wearing women's clothing.

That being said, the passive "partner" in Viking homosexual acts was usually not a willing one. Many times the victim was a slave.

#vikings #history #marriage #ivartheboneless #vikingshistory

Scriptwriter: Matthew Gaskill

Video Editor & Motion Graphics: Kanishka Mudaliyar

Voice-over Artist: Lain Heringman

Music: Motionarray.com

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