What do you think of when you think of Vikings? According to a landmark genetic study, the popular image of ethnically homogenous Vikings touting blonde hair and blue eyes may be all wrong.
For centuries, the Vikings have been depicted as ethnically homogenous and resembling modern-day people of Scandinavian descent.
However, new analysis of DNA taken from Viking burial sites has turned that idea upside down. In fact, these studies suggest Viking should be considered a distinctive identity rather than a unique ethnicity.
And at-home raw DNA testing can provide new insights into your own Viking ancestry. That is, by comparing your DNA to the DNA of these ancient Vikings (the same set of DNA studied by researchers), you can see how much you relate to these early medieval warriors, offering valuable insights into your unique ancestry.
Let’s discuss Viking DNA and ancestry in more detail, including who they were and how the term “Viking” is linked more to a distinctive culture than a specific ethnicity or ethnic group.
Who Were The Vikings?
The Vikings were a group of raiding warriors -- often referred to as Norsemen or Northmen -- known for their violent raids across Europe in the 9th through 11th centuries. While they often came from what is now Scandinavia (Sweden, Norway, and Denmark), the Vikings were not ethnically homogenous (as you'll see below).
Many of the people who made up these raiding bands were opportunists eyeing land ownership and opportunities away from their homeland. In fact, these legendary warriors and sailors very likely occupied lands in what is today Newfoundland, Canada as early as 1021 A.D. (over 450 years before Columbus's first voyage to the Americas).
A Closer Look at Viking DNA
According to recent DNA analysis, Viking DNA is not linked to one particular location or ethnic group.
The results, published in the prestigious journal Nature, trace the Vikings' migration across Europe from Scandinavia. More importantly, the study also suggests that many people who would have identified as "Viking" (that is, as members of this warrior class) had roots outside of Scandinavia.
The study shows Viking ancestry in different regions, including the British Isles, the Baltics, Russia, and Ukraine. This result puts the stereotype of blue eyes and blonde hair to rest completely.
This study also suggests that the Vikings could be categorized into four separate groups based on their direct ethnic background:
- Scandinavian Vikings
- British Vikings
- Finnish Vikings
- Slavic Vikings
Was The Term “Viking” a Race Or a Job Title?
The word "viking" likely comes from the Old Icelandic word "víkingr," which means something like "pirate" in modern English.
More importantly, though, the Nature study also suggests that many people who would have identified as "Viking" (that is, as members of this warrior class) had roots outside of Scandinavia. (However, the people we now call "Vikings" likely would have never called themselves that.)
Although it's not a professional job title in the traditional sense, the term "Viking" had less to do with a warrior's location, ethnic background, or even gender, and more to do with their activities (fighting, raiding, plundering, etc.).
Thus, “Viking” should be considered a description of identity, not an ethnic group name, since many Vikings belonged to varying ethnic backgrounds.
Are you a Viking Descendant? Genomelink Can Help You Decode Your Viking DNA
Leading DNA analysis company Genomelink used the Nature study as the basis for its Viking Report. This landmark report can provide comprehensive details about your DNA relation to these ancient warriors and a thorough analysis of the history of Vikings.
Researchers sequenced the DNA of 442 men and women who had markers of Viking identity (battle gear, plunder, etc.) from archaeological sites across Europe and Greenland. Genomelink’s Viking DNA index is generated using this ancient DNA database.
So if you’d like to find out if you’ve had Vikings in your ancestry, sign up today to begin your DNA analysis journey using your raw DNA report.
Your history is astonishing; don’t delay your results.
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