Why Were the Ancient Norse Called 'Vikings'?

Contrary to popular belief, the term 'Vikings' is not the proper name for the ancient Norse people during the Viking Age. Let's explore the roots and meanings behind the word 'Viking' and why 'Norsemen' might be a more accurate term for these seafaring peoples.

The Lack of a Modern Concept

First and foremost, it's important to understand that the concept of a 'nation' as we know it today was not prevalent in the Viking Age. For about 200 years of the Viking era, there was no Norway as we know it today. The idea of a nation, with defined borders and a unified government, is a relatively recent construct. The Norsemen, who were skilled in building ocean-going vessels, engaged in raiding and exploration, were part of a broader cultural and ethnic group rather than a modern nation.

The Verbs and Nouns of 'Viking'

The term 'Viking' itself is derived from a verb meaning 'to raid' or 'to rob'. In the ninth century, the term 'going a-viking' meant engaging in sailing and raiding activities. This term was used by the Norsemen to describe their actions, but it was not a term they would typically use to refer to themselves. Instead, it was a designation given to them by others, particularly those who suffered at their hands, such as Anglo-Saxon monks who may have regarded the Norse as a 'devil's breed' or 'Norsemen'.

The Etymology of 'Wiking'

In Old English, the term for the Norse raiders was 'wicing'. The word 'wicking' was used to refer to pirates, long before the Viking raids began. Since OE had no K, 'ving' became the adopted form. The term 'wicing' existed in English before the Viking raids, which means the word was not an endonym (a term used by the Norse themselves) but an exonym (a term used by others).

Exploring Possible Origins

Several theories exist regarding the origin of the word 'Viking'. One theory suggests it comes from the Frisian word 'wic', meaning 'village'. Another theory proposes the Old Norse word 'vika' meaning 'sea-mile'. It's also possible that 'Viking' comes from the Old Norse word 'vik' meaning 'bay' or 'inlet', combined with the Old Norse suffix 'ingr' which can mean 'a person associated with'. Originally, the term 'Viking' meant a participant in coastal raids or the act of going on such raids, but over time, it has come to represent the Norse people as a whole.

The Romanticization of the Term

By the 18th century, the term 'Viking' saw a resurgence in popularity, partly due to the romantic idealization of these seafaring peoples by authors and historians of the time. The term 'Viking' was romanticized and used to depict the Norse as noble and savage, which further contributed to its widespread adoption in modern usage.

The Practicality of Horned Helmets

Broadly speaking, the image of Vikings wearing horned helmets is a creation of popular culture, popularized largely by the operas of Richard Wagner in the 19th century. These helmets, however, were not practical for real Viking warriors. The realistic helmets of the time were simpler and more practical for combat.

Understanding the true origins and meanings of the term 'Viking' helps us appreciate the complexity of historical nomenclature and the importance of accurate historical representation in today's world. For a more precise and historically accurate understanding, referring to these ancient seafaring people as 'Norsemen' might be more appropriate than using the term 'Viking' which, while widely used, is laden with romanticism and cultural misrepresentation.

Keywords: ancient Norse, Viking, origin of 'vikings'