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What Do Vikings Mean to You? New Global Survey Seeks Answers

The University of Oslo’s Museum of Cultural History has launched a global study to uncover how people around the world perceive Viking warriors and the enduring legacy of the Viking Age. The Great Viking Survey invites individuals to share their thoughts on these iconic medieval figures and their influence in modern culture.

The survey, part of the Making a Warrior research project, aims to map the ways contemporary media and academia shape public perceptions of the Viking Age. Led by a pan-Nordic network of scholars, the project explores the concept of Viking “warriorhood” and its representation throughout history.

Dr. Marianne Moen, project manager and Head of the Department of Archaeology at Oslo’s Museum of Cultural History, emphasized the significance of this initiative: “By gathering perspectives from across the globe, we’ll be able to examine the many ways in which these historical narratives are adapted and reimagined, providing important new insights as to why the Viking world – in its countless forms and interpretations – continues to captivate so many.”

This winter/summer, why not give us 15 minutes of your time to complete the Great Viking Survey at vikingsurvey.org, and help us determine how the viking world resonates with people around the world? ☃️🏖

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— Making a Warrior (@makingawarrior.bsky.social) December 2, 2024 at 4:32 AM

The survey seeks to shed light on how Viking myths and images are formed and spread in the public sphere. By analyzing responses, the research team hopes to build a detailed picture of how the Viking figure resonates with audiences worldwide and how these ideas differ across communities and demographics.

Dr. Charlotte Hedenstierna-Jonson, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Uppsala University, Sweden, highlighted the broader cultural significance of the survey: “This global survey provides us with a unique opportunity to uncover not just how people from all walks of life connect with the Viking past, but to determine whether and how these connections reflect broader cultural perceptions and values in the present.”

Insights from the study will guide future outreach and cultural heritage initiatives, fostering a more informed and nuanced appreciation of the Viking Age. By understanding the cultural appeal of the Viking world, the project aims to create new opportunities for engaging with this fascinating historical era.

The survey is now live, and individuals worldwide are encouraged to participate, contributing to an unprecedented exploration of the Viking Age’s influence on modern perceptions.

Click here to take the survey