By D.W. Roach In the Viking world, power did not come from a crown, a parliament, or even an army. It came from blood. Family — not state — was the nucleus of Norse society, the true engine that drove politics, trade, and war. To be born into a large and respected family was to … Continue reading Blood and Bond: Viking Families and the Power of Kinship
Tag: travel
The Art and History of Stacking Firewood
by D.W. Roach There’s something deeply satisfying about stacking firewood — the scent of freshly split oak or birch, the rhythmic sound of wood on wood, and the promise of warmth in the colder months ahead. It’s one of those simple seasonal rituals that feels timeless, connecting us not only to nature but also to … Continue reading The Art and History of Stacking Firewood
The End of the Viking Age: What Really Happened to the Vikings?
By D.W. Roach When the Viking Age officially ended in 1066 CE with the Battle of Stamford Bridge, it did not mean the Vikings vanished overnight. The popular image of fierce Norse warriors sailing home, tossing their swords into the sea, and quietly becoming farmers is overly simplistic. The truth is more nuanced—a gradual transformation … Continue reading The End of the Viking Age: What Really Happened to the Vikings?
Why You Can’t Be a Viking—But You Can Embrace Viking Heritage
By D.W. Roach The word “Viking” carries a powerful mystique today. It conjures images of longships cutting through icy seas, warriors with shields raised, and a culture steeped in myth and legend. But in the modern world, the term is often misunderstood. Many people take DNA tests, find even a fraction of Scandinavian ancestry, and … Continue reading Why You Can’t Be a Viking—But You Can Embrace Viking Heritage