Investigates the complex lives of famous Vikings, examining their spirituality, ambitions, and legendary adventures beyond mere conquest.

Vikings. One of history’s most recognizable archetypes. These hardy warriors enjoyed fighting and conquering, but there was much more to the culture than physical might.

A deep sense of spirituality and purpose permeated the Norse societies that dreamed beyond their borders. And Norse history is a tapestry of adventurers, kings, wayfarers, queens and conquerors who etched their names into legend.

Norse Fighting Heroes tells the stories of some of the most (in)famous Vikings in history. From the wanderlust of Bjorn Ironside to the boundless ambition of Harald Hardrada, the lives of these people were anything but black and white. Get to the heart of their wants, loves, fears, reasons for living and dying.

• Cover
• Halftitle
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Author’s Note
• Introduction
• Chapter 1: The Dragon Slayer and the Allure of Ambition
• Chapter 2: The Valkyrie and the Princess
• Chapter 3: The Dynasty of Shaggy Breeches and Eternal Fame
• Chapter 4: The Boneless Warlord and the Blood of Kings
• Chapter 5: The First Christian King of Scandinavia
• Chapter 6: The Queen Mother and the Ingenuity of Norse Women
• Chapter 7: The Norse Alexander the Great
• Chapter 8: The Warrior Poet and the Wisdom of Verse
• Chapter 9: The Deep-Minded Matriarch and the Uncertainty of Starting Again
• Chapter 10: The Vikings of the East and the Founding of a New Kingdom
• Chapter 11: The Saintly Sinner and the Brave Pagan
• Chapter 12: The Well-Travelled Voyager and the Mystery of Runes
• Chapter 13: The Wanderluster and the Mediterranean Sojourn
• Chapter 14: The Exile and the Discovery of a Lifetime
• Chapter 15: The Siblings of Luck and Savagery
• Chapter 16: The Hard Ruler and the Path to Greatness
• Chapter 17: The Norman Conqueror and the Conquest of England
• Chapter 18: The Crusader and the Holy Calling
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Plates