Contesting the Semantics of Viking Religion
Paul B. Sturtevant
This article critically examines the words currently in use by scholars to describe Viking-Age Norse religion: ‘pagan’, ‘heathen’, and ‘pre-Christian’. It explores their etymologies -particularly focusing on when they were used religion - from Latin, Old English, French, Middle sources, tandem with problematic historical contexts which first employed. then addresses problems contemporary scholarship, particularly implying an outdated, overly simplistic narrative of conversion Christianity. A new term will be proposed for discussion.
Viking and Medieval Scandinavia