The Viking Age may have ended a thousand years ago, but its legacy is anything but forgotten. Today, Vikings are the stars of cartoons, the life of costume parties, and the heroes of binge-worthy TV series. But amidst this fame, the line between myth and reality has blurred.

So, beyond the lore, how much do we truly grasp of these seafaring warriors?

Myths and exaggerated tales abound, leaving us questioning where reality ends and fiction begins. Were Viking helmets adorned with horns? Was their life truly “nasty, brutish, and short?” as Thomas Hobbes described? After sifting through history and consulting experts, we can boldly unveil some entertaining Viking facts— or at least, as close to facts as we can get! It’s time to debunk some myths!

Blonde Was the in Look Among Vikings

While it’s a common belief that Vikings were predominantly blonde, this isn’t entirely accurate. Genetic diversity meant hair colors varied among the Norse population. However, blonde hair was indeed admired in Norse culture.

To fit this aesthetic, some brunettes and individuals with other hair colors would use lye soap to bleach their hair and even their beards, resulting in a lighter shade. This achieved the desired look but also helped with hygiene, as the lye had disinfectant properties.

NEXT: Sick children weren’t prioritized.

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