History's Warriors: Vikings
By Boston Gilbert
There was a
time when people conquered more than just their last Netflix series.
The Vikings originated in Scandinavian countries like Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland. After farming and ruling these beautiful but frigid lands for hundreds of years, they grew in ambition and curiosity. Their ambition motivated the Viking people to set sail, in search of new worlds and exciting discovery. Below, I have pinpointed four different facets of Viking livelihood that we can learn from today.
1. Viking Diet -
I would imagine that Viking appetite looked a little something like the
currently popular, "Paleo Diet." They were a farming and hunting
culture. Their food came from the land and surrounding resources - vegetables,
berries, potatoes, grains, and various kinds of meat, which included venison,
pork, and chicken. Sounds kind of like what your mom told you to eat growing
up, right? There was no processed crap. No artificial sweetener, no added
sugar, no high fructose corn syrup. When they got hungry at midnight, there
were no Snickers bars to munch on...instead, maybe some of the left over barley
porridge or salted herring. Ok, I know you don't have access to (or have ever
even heard of) barley porridge, so EAT OATMEAL. Eat whole grains. Eat fish. Eat
spinach. Eat the most natural food possible.
2. Test Your
Body - Vikings didn't have a Gold's Gym membership. They didn't
have access to dumbbells or a squat rack, but they lived a tested life. They
labored in the fields, chopped lumber, built houses, hiked mountains and
plains, rowed longships, and of course, fought in combat. Their lifestyle was
conducive to that of a modern day cowboy, farmer, carpenter, or military
member. In 2018, the majority of us will not have occupations that require this
level of physical toughness or exertion. Although, in 1,000 AD Norway,
everyone in the family needed to contribute physically in order to survive. I
am a firm believer that testing your body in some capacity is a near-must for
anyone, as it creates both physical and mental toughness. Get to the gym!
3. Adventure -
Why do we eat well? Why do we workout? Why do we try and take care of
ourselves? Do we prime our bodies to just go and sit on the couch? No way! And
neither did the Vikings. Their naturally healthy lifestyle allowed them to set
out on incredible explorations. Vikings often sailed in what they called
"raiding parties." They sailed their famous longships to the coasts
of Europe and eventually, even down to Canada. They had a daring sense of
adventure. Unafraid of long voyages, treacherous terrain, and unknown
adversaries, they embraced the journey in order to find fresh farmland and
new-found wealth. This is another aspect of Viking culture that we can apply
today. Is a six month voyage around the world in the cards for you this year?
If so, you are the raddest person ever. Most likely, this doesn't quite fit
into your agenda. The Viking's mindset of fearless abandon and a brave sense of
adventure can be translated to daily life - take risks, get out of your comfort
zone, do hard things, do things that suck or seem intimidating, go places,
travel.
4. Value Life - During a violent, hostile, and
harsh time period in history, Viking people were accustomed to death. They
understood the ramifications of long, cold Nordic winters. They grew familiar
with the consequences of fighting - whether that fighting was over a land
dispute, or during a raid on a Saxon kingdom. Vikings also died of illness and
disease, during a time far removed from modern medicine. I'm convinced that
because Vikings were so comfortable with death, they knew life. How much more
would you live if you honestly knew that tomorrow wasn't guaranteed? It sounds
cliche, but in reality, most of us (especially in the West) don't really
consider death. Until you know death, I don't think you'll really know life.
Life sprouts out of death. I imagine Vikings lived and loved in a furious
manner. I desire to do the same.
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