The number of children that Vikings had varied greatly depending on the social status, wealth and living conditions of the family. Generally speaking, wealthier families were more likely to have more children than poorer families because they could afford to feed and clothe a larger family.
Viking families typically had between one and six children, with the sons usually being more numerous than the daughters, although it is possible that there were exceptions due to individual family dynamics.
The mortality rate was quite high due to difficult living conditions and the generally poor state of hygiene and healthcare in the Viking period, so it is likely that not all children survived infancy.
As well, when comparing children born to Viking families in the past and in modern times, it is important to note that the average family size has decreased significantly over the centuries.
Did Vikings have big families?
Yes, Vikings had large families. It was quite common for Viking families to have up to 8 or 10 children. Since the death rate in Viking age was so high due to disease, famine, and war, it was necessary for them to have larger families to ensure their survival as a tribe or a clan.
Having large families also gave them greater strength when facing potential enemies. In addition, the roles in Viking families were typically very clearly defined between the men and women, and one job of the women was to produce as many children as possible so that they could farm the land and help to ensure the survival of the tribe.
What was the average Viking family size?
The average viking family size has been estimated to have varied greatly, depending on the wealth and status of the family. Typically, larger farms would have been able to support larger families, while smaller farms and farms located in more rural areas would have had smaller family sizes.
Generally, the average Viking family size has been estimated to be between 3-9 children per family. The average family size also fluctuated depending on the historical period, with larger families being more common in earlier centuries.
Some studies have suggested that in some parts of Scandinavia the average family could have even reached over 12 children. Interestingly, studies have suggested that regardless of the size of the family, Viking women had more legal rights and autonomy compared to other cultures at the time, which could have been a factor in the larger family sizes.
How big was your average Viking?
The average Viking was quite large, typically standing between 5’6″ – 6′ in height, with some taller examples mentioned in various archaeological and historical sources. In terms of weight, it is estimated that the average Viking man weighed around 170-175 pounds (77-79 kg), while Viking women generally weighed around 140-145 pounds (64-66 kg).
In terms of physical appearance, archaeological evidence suggests that Vikings generally had robust, muscular builds and were athletic by nature. There is evidence that Vikings also ocassionally cultivated beards and freely adorned themselves with jewelry.
The clothing style of the Vikings was also typical of the Northern European look, with many men wearing tight fitting trousers, linen shirts and woolen cloaks or tunics. Vikings often let their hair grow to shoulder length and generally kept it tied up in a tail known as a ‘Thors tail’ or a ‘Viking knot’.
Men also had tattoos of various shapes and sizes, and some were known to adorn their hands, faces and chests with animal designs such as bears, wolves, ravens and dragons.
What age did Viking girls marry?
Viking girls typically married between the ages of 12 and 15, although some were as young as 8 or as old as 19. Marriages in Viking society were traditionally arranged by the families of the union. Marriage was important to Viking society and the legal age at which a woman could marry was 12, although a woman could be betrothed earlier.
It was important for Viking women to marry and produce a family, and some women married very young due to their families’ wishes. In some societies, Vikings married as soon as they were physically able and capable, indicating that a girl may have been as young as eight when she was betrothed or married.
Women of higher social classes also married later, typically between the ages of 18 and 19. In cases of arranged marriages, families must have obtained permission from the king before the betrothal and marriage of underage daughters.
Why were Vikings so physically strong?
The Vikings were an eclectic group of Scandinavian seafaring warriors, settlers and traders during the Middle Ages (ca. 793-1066 AD). They were a physically strong and robust people, for many reasons.
First, their diet was generally high in proteins, which contributed to their overall strength. Their main sources of protein were mainly from fish, game, sheep, and cattle. They also ate fruit and vegetables, like mushrooms and wild onions.
Additionally, the Vikings would partake in regular physical activity such as hunting, farming, and raiding other settlements.
The Vikings also developed an early form of exercise known as ‘ball-play’. This was essentially a form of soccer, which allowed them to build strength, agility and cardiovascular endurance. Since much of their livelihood and survival depended on physical preparing for and conquering their opponents, the Vikings used ball-play to condition themselves for battle.
Training also played an important role in Viking culture. Their army exercises were designed to enhance strength, agility, hand-to-eye coordination, and even maneuvers.
Finally, the Viking warriors are known to have taken part in belt lifting, another type of exercise that focused on leg and core strength. Belt lifting involved wrapping a weighted belt around the waist and then lifting or throwing the belt for resistance training.
This form of exercise was instrumental in building the strength and resilience that the Vikings were known for.
What age were the Viking children classified as adults?
The age at which Viking children were classified as adults varied slightly between different regions and clans, however a good general estimate is that they were considered to be grown up and ready to take on adult responsibilities from the age of 12.
In some regions, girls in particular would be expected to be married at a much younger age, around 10 or 11. From these ages, boys and girls would be expected to start contributing to their families and communities in a meaningful way, whether through work, military service or providing support at home.
As such, Viking children were responsible for their own actions, with the parents and clan holding them accountable to the same laws and customs as any adult.
What is a female Viking called?
A female Viking is known as a shieldmaiden. Shieldmaidens were female warriors who took part in battles alongside their male counterparts. They may have been wives, daughters, or sisters of male Vikings or active participants in raids and warfare.
They were typically trained in weapons, tactics, and hand-to-hand combat and were respected by their peers. While Norse sagas often depict shieldmaidens as exceptional warriors and notable figures, no specific archaeological evidence of their existence has been found.
Are Vikings monogamous?
The answer to this question is complicated and open to interpretation as there is not a definitive answer due to the limited documentation or evidence from the Viking era. This is because people of Viking age were not known for writing about details of their relationships and marriages, so it is difficult to prove whether their marriage was monogamous or polygamous.
The culture of the era and the fact that vikings believed in gods and goddesses suggests that monogamy was the expected practice of marriage, however some accounts suggest they could have practiced polygamy.
Stories of the viking sagas and accounts that describe viking marriages hint at multiple-person marriages occurring. As outlined in a study done in 2019, polygamous because some of the founding fathers of tribes had multiple-person marriages and if they maintained a large cultural influence it could suggest they practiced polygamy.
Additionally, archaeological evidence points to sorts of health checks being done on those who married multiple women, so there are those who suggest that polygamy could have been practiced. However, this is speculation and there is not enough evidence to definitively answer whether vikings were monogamous or polygamous.
Ultimately, it is believed that most vikings were monogamous in their marriages, though much of this is based on inference and assumptions.
Did Vikings allow divorce?
Yes, Vikings did allow divorce. In Viking society, both men and women could initiate a divorce without compensation or penalty to either party. Divorce was seen as a way to help individuals pursue different paths if their needs, desires, or goals were no longer compatible.
Divorces were documented in the Icelandic sagas, where it was not uncommon for couples to separate. Records from the period show Vikings did not typically stigmatize those who chose to initiate or be on the receiving end of a divorce; it was seen as a natural part of life in some cases.
Furthermore, the elders present during divorces could also be called upon to issue a judgement which often relied on a customary law known as the ‘Udal Law. ’ This law provided that the husband had to began proceedings and the wife needed to be told in the presence of two witnesses.
This was done to ensure that women were not taken advantage of. However, the code did not apply in all areas, as different regions had their own divorce laws.
What was the Viking adultery law?
During the Viking Age, a law was established in Scandinavia called the Viklögl or “law on adultery”. This law was created to protect the rights of married couples and ensure the marriage remained sacred and legitimate.
According to this law, if a married woman was unfaithful to her husband, she could be punished by being stripped of part or all of her possessions. Similarly, a man who committed adultery could be fined, have his hair cut, or have his nose cut off.
Adultery was a serious crime and carried with it severe sanctions, including exile and death. The law was stricter on women because the law assumed them to be the victims in any adulterous act. This law was intended to protect the sanctity of marriage and to discourage adultery.
What were Viking beliefs on marriage?
Vikings had a strong cultural belief in marriage and the lasting bonds it represented. Marriage was seen as a sacred union between two individuals that was a source of strength, support and stability.
It was not only a social and legal union that obligated people to each other, but it was also a spiritual contract blessed by the gods. Marriage was an important ritual that had a significant role in establishing family ties and bonds.
In Viking culture, the elders of a community were the ones who arranged marriages between two individuals, typically looking to join two families of wealth and strength together in the hopes of producing healthy and successful children.
Young brides were often married off to men twice their age, though this was usually reserved for the wealthiest families who could afford to provide a larger dowry.
Typically, the wedding itself was a lengthy and extravagant affair. It began with a huge feast that could last for days and was attended by numerous families and friends of the couple. After the feast, there was a telling of stories, poems, and jokes, followed by a blessing of the couple from the gods.
Offerings and prayers were made, and the couple cut their hands and mingled their blood in a sacred ritual to symbolise their union. This was backed up by a solemn and sacred vow to remain together for eternity.
Marital fidelity was an important element of Viking culture and was highly encouraged, but divorce was allowed in certain circumstances. For example, if a wife became barren, the husband could decide to end the marriage, or if either partner was unfaithful or mistreated the other, they would be allowed to separate.
Overall, Viking culture placed great importance on the sanctity of marriage and the union between two families. It was a strong and sacred bond that was celebrated and honoured, with many traditions in place to ensure the couple would remain together for eternity.