Seven Viking Proverbs About Life
One of the best ways to better understand the present world is to study the past. Analyzing your roots opens the door to many answers. These Viking proverbs are the perfect example. They offer interesting perspectives on life, death and social and human evolution.
Many people think that Vikings were just a group of wild pirates who only thought about war, plunder and death. Yet they have also created great sources of knowledge. These proverbs are an excellent example of this.
Viking societies have also created impressive iconography and legends. These were used by talented artists such as writer JRR Tolkien. He used their stories as the basis for his creation of the Middle Earth. Another example is Stan Lee and his cartoon characters who are known worldwide.
The Vikings have something to offer other than the unfair simplification that only shows them as violent marauders. Historians tell us that they were also successful merchants and craftsmen.
They also made beautiful jewelry, just as easily as the fables and stories they invented are still known even in modern times. Their religion and iconography were very rich and complex. You can say a lot about these qualities by reading the proverbs of the Vikings.
Viking proverbs tell us to be wary of power
“If you eat cherries with the powerful, you risk the bones falling against your nose.”
A very popular saying these days is, “You can tell someone by the kind of friends they have.”
Vikings were aware of this. Dangerous friendships, especially with powerful people, can have disastrous consequences for the humble or weak. That’s because such people have a lot to lose when it comes down to it.
You need to be careful
“Analyze your way out before you go in anywhere.”
The Vikings were not only great warriors, but also wise Vikings. This made them cautious. That’s why you should always have an escape plan when you start a new place, a conversation, a new job or a new business.
Think about how to escape any place, space, job, or business venture. Otherwise you may find yourself in a closed alley with no way out.
Friendship
“If you can find a faithful friend and want him to be useful, open your heart, send him gifts, and travel often to see him.”
The Vikings valued friendship and comradeship. In Viking proverbs you can see the importance they placed on taking care of your friends.
Prudence is a value of the Vikings
“There is no better baggage to carry than common sense and a clear mind. In distant lands it is more useful than gold and brings the poor out of trouble.”
This proverb reminds you of the importance of being sensible and sober. Even all the money in the world can’t save you if you don’t have intelligence and wisdom. These can get you out of any problem or mess, even on the borders of the world.
Remember that this society had some of the bravest skippers. In fact, they reached America even before Christopher Columbus.
Live your life
“Live with hope while you live, the agile always emerges. I saw the flames of a large house, but at the door lay a dead man.”
You should also remember that Vikings loved good food and fun. For them, life was a road that always led forward. Death was a natural transition and Valhalla awaited the warriors.
Don’t ridicule others
“The house of the one who mocks others ends in a fire.”
You can interpret this proverb in many ways. On the one hand, it tries to tell you something about caution. On the other hand, it is about paying attention to what is happening around you. It is best to be careful and sober in life.
One bird in hand…
“Better a free bird than a captive king.”
We conclude our article with a wise proverb that many people can use in different ways. It reminds you that in order to protect a right or fulfill a wish, you will often have to give up others.
Thus, you may be drawn to the prospect of giving up your freedom in an impulsive moment. This Viking proverb invites you to think carefully before you do.
