During the second half of the 18th century the Icelandic Sagas were still used as important historical sources , but the Viking Age was regarded as a barbaric and uncivilized period in the history of the Nordic countries . During the latter half of the 18th century the Icelandic Sagas were still used as important historical sources , but the Viking Age was regarded as a barbaric and uncivilized period in the history of the Nordic countries .