__The popular image of the Vikings is of tall red-headed men, raping and pillaging their way around the coast of Europe, stopping only to ransack monasteries and burn longships. But the violent Vikings of the 8th century became the pious Christians of the 11th century, who gave gold crosses to Christian churches and in whose areas of rule pagan idols were destroyed and churches were built.__

So how did this radical transformation happen, and why? What difference did it make to the Vikings, and to those around them, and what is their legacy today? This book takes a "global" look at this key period in Viking history, exploring all the major areas of Viking settlement. Written to be an accessible and engaging overview for the general reader.

The forgotten story of the 'Christian Vikings' We are all familiar with the fierce pagan warriors that burst out of Scandinavia during the eighth century, plundering, ravaging and shedding blood wherever they went. A lesser-known fact about these infamous pillagers is that the majority converted to Christianity in the centuries that followed. In England, children of the Vikings who had martyred the Christian king of East Anglia minted coins extolling his holiness. In Normandy the pagans became loyal supporters of the Catholic Church. In the east the former raiders founded the first Russian state and converted to Orthodox Christianity. Martyn and Hannah Whittock suggest that the Vikings had as much impact as converts as they did as deadly marauders. So how and why did this radical transformation happen, and what is their legacy today?

From rape and pillage to exploration and piety - the whole story of the Vikings

"This is a stimulating and accessible approach to the Viking Age. Focusing on Vikings as Christian rulers and their followers opens up the question of just what we mean when we think of 'Vikings'. Violent barbarians of legend have their place in this book but the authors look deeper at what it meant to live and prosper in early medieval societies, taking the 'end' of the Viking Age beyond where it is often assumed to be and ensuring that the story is told in terms which make it a truly international one." Dr Ryan Lavelle, Reader in Early Medieval History, University of Winchester

Contents  
Map viii  
Timeline of Key Events x  
Key People xviii  
Glossary xxv  
Introduction 1  
Chapter 1: The Pagan Vikings 8  
Chapter 2: Storm from the North 23  
Chapter 3: The Viking Conversion in England 39  
Chapter 4: The Cross and the Hammer: Christians and Pagans 54  
in the North of England  
Chapter 5: The Other Island… 69  
Chapter 6: The Duchy of the Northmen 83  
Chapter 7: The Christian Vikings of Denmark 95  
Chapter 8: The Christian Vikings of Norway 111  
Chapter 9: The Christian Vikings of Sweden 126  
Chapter 10: Vikings in the East: Christian Vikings 140  
in Russia and the Byzantine Empire  
Chapter 11: Christian Vikings of the North Atlantic 159  
Chapter 12: The First American Christians 175  
Chapter 13: A Christian Viking King of England 189  
Chapter 14: Christian Jarls of the Northern and Western Isles 203  
A Final Thought: The Viking World in 1150 218  
About the authors 222  
Notes 223  
Bibliography 248  
Index 251

\["For history enthusiasts and curious readers alike", "Reveals the surprising shift in Viking beliefs and actions", "You will gain insights into their lasting legacy today"\]

This book explores the incredible transformation of the Vikings from fierce raiders to devout Christians.

Martyn Whittock;Hannah Whittock

Cover

Title Page

Dedication

Copyright

Key People

Glossary

Introduction

Chapter 1: The Pagan Vikings

Chapter 2: Storm from the North

Chapter 3: The Viking Conversion in England

Chapter 4: The Cross and the Hammer: Christians and Pagans in the North of England

Chapter 5: The Other Island...

Chapter 6: The Duchy of the Northmen

Chapter 7: The Christian Vikings of Denmark

Chapter 8: The Christian Vikings of Norway

Chapter 9: The Christian Vikings of Sweden

Chapter 10: Vikings in the East: Christian Vikings in Russia and the Byzantine Empire

Chapter 11: Christian Vikings of the North Atlantic

Chapter 12: The First American Christians

Chapter 13: A Christian Viking King of England

Chapter 14: Christian Jarls of the Northern and Western Isles

A Final Thought: The Viking World in 1150

About the authors

Notes

Bibliography

Index

The popular image of the Vikings is of tall red-headed men, raping and pillaging their way around the coast of Europe, stopping only to ransack monasteries and burn longships. But the violent Vikings of the 8th century became the pious Christians of the 11th century, who gave gold crosses to Christian churches and in whose areas of rule pagan idols were destroyed and churches were built. So how did this radical transformation happen, and why? What difference did it make to the Vikings, and to those around them, and what is their legacy today? This book takes a "global" look at this key period in Viking history, exploring all the major areas of Viking settlement. Written to be an accessible and engaging overview for the general reader.

This book explores the transformation of Vikings from raiders to Christians between the 8th and 11th centuries. It covers key settlements and their lasting legacy. Ideal for history enthusiasts.

\["Love all things Norse?","This book traces the history of Vikings, going from Odin to Christ","You'll learn more of their legacy to this day"\]

Discover how the fierce Vikings transformed from raiders to devoted Christians in this engaging overview of their remarkable history.

The Vikings

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The Vikings

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