Did the Vikings Have a Name for Themselves? Viking Language and Writing

While the term Vikings is well-known and widely used, it’s important to understand that these seafaring raiders did not have a single, unified name for themselves as a collective group. Instead, what we call them today was a term coined by more southern peoples who came into contact with them. This article explores the self-identifying terms the Vikings used, the language they spoke, and the means by which they communicated their intentions on the high seas.

Self-Identification Terms

The term Vikingr originates from the Old Norse root vik, which means "bay." Thus, a Vikingr can be roughly translated as "pirate" or "raider." This term was given to those who engaged in raiding activities and was likely used by certain Danish and Norse clans during the Viking Age. It’s important to note that this term did not encompass all Scandinavians but was more specific to those actively raiding other peoples.

Other prominent clans and groups that these people might have identified with included the:

Svear (Swedish clan) Varangians (famous for becoming the Byzantine Emperor’s hired bodyguards) Gotaevi (who settled around modern-day Ukraine) Geats (native to Southern Sweden and associated with Beowulf)

It is also worth noting that the stereotype of Vikings wearing horned helmets is a myth. This imagery was popularized in the 19th century by the costume designer for Richard Wagner's opera, Der Ring des Nibelungen.

Language and Communication

When the Vikings were not out raiding, they were from Scandinavia or Iceland, speaking a language that is now collectively known as Old Norse. Old Norse was the ancestor of modern Icelandic, Faroese, Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish. The Vikings weren't just famous for their raids; they were also prolific traders and explorers, and this linguistic legacy has left a lasting impact on European languages.

In terms of written language, the Vikings did not have a written alphabet as we know it today. Instead, they used Runes, a set of symbols that served both as a writing system and a magical or symbolic system. Runes were used for various purposes, from inscribing messages and warnings to more esoteric rituals like casting spells.

Runes were carved into various materials such as wood, stone, and metal. The most common type of rune used was the Elder Futhark, which had 24 runes. However, this developed into later forms, including the Younger Futhark, which was better suited for inscriptions and the production of manuscripts.

It is also possible that the Vikings had their own forms of silent communication, such as sign language, especially when setting up surprise attacks. This practice was likely common in their military tactics but is only partially documented in historical records.

Conclusion: The Vikings, while not having a single collective name for themselves, left an indelible mark on European history through their language, Old Norse, and their unique writing system, Runes. Their legacy continues to fascinate and inform us to this day, making their study a rich and varied field of historical and linguistic exploration.