The Enigmatic Legacy of the Vikings

The Enigmatic Legacy of the Vikings When we think of Vikings, images of burly warriors with horned helmets storming through the seas often come to mind. First of all, let’s clear up one big misconception—they didn’t actually wear horned helmets. (Sorry, Halloween costume enthusiasts!) That detail was a little added flair by artists in the 19th century. But beyond the Hollywood image, the Vikings were a fascinating and complex group who left a significant mark on history. The Vikings hailed from Scandinavia, which includes modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Between the 8th and 11th centuries, they were known for their daring voyages across Europe, reaching as far as North America. Yes, that’s right. Leif Erikson and his crew were hanging out in Newfoundland about 500 years before Columbus even thought of setting sail. Talk about beating someone to the punch!