Yes, even while the majority of Vikings came from Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Black was a derogatory term for people of African descent.
It has been pointed out that the Black Vikings population was, in fact, rather negligible. Because of their dark hair, their lighter cousins in the British Isles referred to them as black.
Here you will get more details about Vikings, their race and culture, and were the Vikings black.
Brown-Skinned People Among The Vikings
Historically, only a small number of Vikings had a dark skin tone, including black and brown. Individuals of African descent have been transported to Scandinavia for hundreds of years, either willingly or as enslaved people.
Farming, marriage, warfare, and other cultural factors helped some of the inhabitants in the region become part of the Viking civilization.
Norwegians with black hair and brown or blue eyes may still be found in the western part of the country.
Their British relatives called them “black” because of their dark hair color. People of African heritage were referred to as “black” as a pejorative slur.
What Is The Evidence For Black Vikings?
Historian Gwyn Jones’ A History of the Vikings is generally recognized as one of the best books to help readers sort facts from fantasy regarding the Vikings.
There were unique racial profiles throughout the Viking Age among the inhabitants of Scandinavia.
Indeed, Scandinavians have traditionally been divided into two distinct groups based on their appearance: those with tall height, fair or rosy skin, light hair, and blue eyes, while those with short stature, brown or black hair, brown eyes, wide faces, and round skulls.
It is argued by Jones that there is no evidence to support the idea of a purely white human race, which was popularised by propaganda in the twentieth century and may have been reinforced by depictions of Vikings in contemporary popular culture.
Even though people with light skin constituted the great majority of the population throughout that period, some minority ethnic groups possessed members with darker skin tones.
Skin Color In Ancient Scandinavian Literature
In the literature of the ancient Scandinavians, it is not uncommon to find poetic allusions to the hue of people’s skin. Some literary works, such as poems, from the Viking times, include descriptions of white people.
Jones contends that racial tensions were not particularly significant during this period, arguing that “there is little indication of prejudice or discord between the two Scandinavian kinds.”
Jones provides further contexts in which characters with dark complexion are depicted in ancient Scandinavian literature in other contexts.
Some historians, like Jones, have speculated that the title “the Black” may reference the individual’s natural hair color.
Although this may be somewhat accurate, it is more probable that the inference refers to a person with a dark complexion.
Jones argues that these nicknames “were entirely descriptive, like the Short, the Tall, the Fat, the Slender, the Bald or the Hairy-beaked” and carry no negative connotation in their day. However, such descriptions may upset current readers.
Related Post: Were All The Vikings bad or evil?
How Did Black People Get To Scandinavia?
People with darker skin tones are not indigenous to Scandinavia; rather, they arrived in the region through different migratory routes. It was the most common reason for black people to flee there.
In Scandinavia, the Arctic Circle is the northernmost point on Earth. The previous section said the most common reason for first-generation black people to leave as they willingly traveled there.
Others were transported there and made to labor as enslaved people once they were brought there. The second-generation members were later born and nurtured in the region, even though their ancestors may have originated from a far-off land.
Black People Willing Travelled To Scandinavia
Some African-Americans may have arrived in Scandinavia during the Viking era. Dark-skinned people from Northern Africa and Spain explored uncharted territory. People from
Europe and Asia were curious about life and traveled to discover new places.
Like other travelers, African migrants sought green land, delectable game, and precious things. Several travelers settled in Northern Europe after deciding to make their trip destinations their permanent homes.
Many Africans escaped to Scandinavia during the Viking era. It’s why African-Americans lived in Scandinavia.
Also Read About: Did Viking Helmets Have Horns? Get The Facts
Some Black People Were Escaping To Escape
Slaves of African heritage were confined in particular parts of Europe; those who eventually managed to free themselves often departed the area, sometimes even finding their way to Scandinavia.
Resettling in new nations was especially difficult for those who had previously been held as enslaved people. Despite this, many were successful in assimilating into Viking culture.
Some Black People Were Taken To Scandinavia As Slaves
Slavery transported Africans to Scandinavia in Viking times. Vikings enslaved people from various regions of Europe and made them work for them.
There are accounts of Vikings kidnapped and enslaving white Europeans; they may even have enslaved Africans.
According to available data, Denmark has more black individuals than Norway and Sweden. It’s likely because Denmark was close to other European countries when black people lived there.
Viking attacks reached the Mediterranean and captured black people from that region.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What race were the Vikings?
Many of the Vikings are considered to be “mixed persons,” meaning that they had lineage not just from Scandinavia but also from Southern Europe, for instance, or possibly a mixture of Sami (Indigenous Scandinavian) and European origin.
A mass burial containing around fifty Vikings who had lost their heads was discovered in Dorset, United Kingdom.
2. Who was the first black Viking?
King Halfdan the Black, also known as Halfdanr Svarti in Old Norse ruled Vestfold around the ninth century or more.
He was a member of the Yngling family and the father of Harald Fairhair, the first king of Norway once the country was united under one monarchy.
3. What skin color were the Vikings?
Historically, only a small number of Vikings had a dark skin tone, including black and brown. Individuals of African descent have been transported to Scandinavia for hundreds of years, either willingly or as enslaved people.
Farming, marriage, warfare, and other cultural factors helped some of the inhabitants in the region become part of the Viking civilization.
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