Mystical tooth spirits originating from the northern regions

Medieval misconception of Vikings depicted through tattoos, long hair, and undercuts; research uncovers these stereotypes as largely associated with hypermasculine identities and extreme political groups.

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2025 September 15 . 7:35 PM

2 min read

Mystical tooth spirits originating from the northern regions

In the realm of history and popular culture, the Viking era continues to capture our imagination. This article delves into the complex relationship between the Vikings, neo-Nazi groups, and modern representations.

The neo-Nazi network Blood & Honour, for instance, employs Viking motifs in their symbolism. A similar trend can be traced back to the Nazis themselves, who used the "SS" sign, a combination of two "Sieg" runes, in their symbol repertoire.

The proximity of Viking representations to the far right is evident in various settings, including Viking or medieval markets, particularly in Eastern Europe. This connection can be traced back to the 19th century, when romanticization of Scandinavian history began, with racist circles discovering its medieval culture.

The Nazis also used Vikings as historical symbols of their social Darwinism, linking the mythical master race of the Aryans to the present day. This trend was further reinforced by the Hollywood production "Viking" (1928), titled "The Devils of the North Sea" in Germany, which marked the first appearance of the Viking image in cinema.

However, it's important to note that the term "Viking" referred to a profession, not an ethnicity or people. The use of the term "North Germanic" is also false and was primarily employed by German national socialists.

In the world of video games, "Assassin's Creed - Valhalla" reinforces the typical Viking image in popular culture, inviting players to live as a Viking and equating fighting with being a Viking. Tattoo parlors and barbershops can be found in the game's Viking world, but there's no concrete evidence of tattooing among 8th to 11th-century Scandinavians.

The award-winning TV series "Vikings" (2013-2018) popularized the Viking aesthetic in cinematic masculinity, condensing 300 years of events into a 30-year span. While the series has been praised for its historical accuracy, historian Tobias Enseleit refers to such media representations as "superspreaders" of stereotypes, homogenizing and perpetuating them under the guise of authenticity.

Recent research by archaeologist Jakob Kristján Þrastarson of the University of Iceland supports this view, stating that modern Viking tattoos are not fact-based. Historically, men in the Viking era filed horizontal lines into their front teeth and stained them with soot, a practice found in over 130 male skeletons. Yet, there is no evidence to suggest that tattoos played a significant role in the lives of Vikings.

In conclusion, while the Viking era continues to captivate us, it's crucial to approach its representation in modern media with a critical eye. The enduring influence of Viking imagery in popular culture, as well as its appropriation by certain extreme groups, underscores the need for historical accuracy and nuanced understanding in our portrayals of the past.