Relics and Kinship

Two aspects of Viking life that are important to understand are the family lineage and items passed down through that structure. Mary A. Valante in her work “Family Relics and Viking Kingship in Ireland” explores aspects of Viking life. Valante’s work describes how important swords and rings were during the Viking Age. Both swords and rings were used daily and were symbolic of wealth. Valante writes, “But swords and rings were also symbols of power, even of the office of kingship. Kingship in the Middle Ages was hereditary…no special preference given to a first-born son in tenth-century Europe, so eligibility for kingship rested on one’s ancestry” (Valante 2013). Viking warriors would have passed down swords and rings for generations, making them a highly valued item for each family. Having a system of non-hereditary kingship would have been interesting. This most likely would have resulted in rivalries and duels to become the next Viking king.

 

Silar. Petersen Viking Sword Type X, Marszowice, 10th century. 2019. File:02019 0697 (2) Petersen Viking Sword Type X, Marszowice, 10th century.jpg – Wikimedia Commons

Rings

Valante explains the importance of rings, specifically the two types of rings the Vikings manufactured. Valante writes, “…rings during the Viking Age- they symbolized both riches as well as the kind of successful leadership needed to acquire those riches. Two types of Viking rings are known…arm-rings and finger-rings. Both could be used to conspicuously display the owner’s wealth and status, and both were used for their simple bullion value…” (Valante 2013). The differences between arm and finger rings are apparent based on how they are adorned. Valante mentions both types were common among the gentry rather than the freemen. The freemen, such as blacksmiths, would have created the jewelry for the elites. The design of the metal could be changed to fit many different preferences. The image below is an example of a Viking Age ring.

Anonymous. Ring. File:Viking – Ring – Walters 571850.jpg – Wikimedia Commons

Ancestry

Valante describes how relics were thought to be connected to ancestors. The Vikings did not practice a formal religion, which created a heavy emphasis on family lineage and ancestry. The Vikings had a goal of keeping their ancestor’s memories alive especially when so far from their homelands. Valante writes, “…symbols of how their ancestors came to be kings–through wealth, sacred leadership and military might. This sword and this ring were symbolic…of tenth- and eleventh-century Dublin, drawing on symbolism relating to the Scandinavian heritage of Dublin’s royal family…” (Valante, 2013). Dublin was among the most successful Viking settlements in Ireland. In post-Viking Ireland, there was a long lineage of Dublin kings that had links to Scandinavia.

Oaths

Valante also writes about the importance of rings and swords daily rather than on a symbolic level. Valante describes, “Thus both rings and swords were used by Vikings leaders every day. Only the wealthy could afford the fine swords Viking warriors used. Rings were given as gifts to followers and sacred rings were kept in the care of Chieftains and used to swear oaths” (Valante 2013). Oaths for the Vikings were important in terms of allegiance and ensuring protection. While swords were used to represent family lineage and power, rings were used to represent the binding oath that was forged.