Scandinavia before the Viking Age

[JMcB]

I don't know how long it will last but there's a free chapter for download from the book: The Viking World.


Scandinavia before the Viking Age
Authored by: Lotte Hedeager
The Viking World

Abstract

What is known as the Middle Ages in Scandinavia begins around ad 1000, half a millennium later than the rest of western and central Europe. Only from this date onwards did Scandinavia consist of unified kingdoms and Christianity was established as a serious force in pagan Scandinavia. It is consequently only from this date onwards that Scandinavia has its own written history. This does not, however, mean that the people of Scandinavia were without history, or without any knowledge of ancient events. Quite the opposite, in fact, although their historical tradition was oral, transmitted from generation to generation within the constraints of rulers and traditions of composition and performance.

https://www.routledgehandbooks.com/d...0203412770.ch1

[evon]

She has some weird theories regarding Hunns in Scandinavia etc...Might be mentioned in this book, as I cannot remember which book I read it in..

Anyways here is a link to an article on the subject:
http://www.academia.edu/5352394/Scan..._Migration_Era

[anglesqueville]

She had also very interesting theories about Odin and shamanism: "Skygger af en anden virkelighed: oldnordiske myter" ( Samleren, 1997)