Peaceful or Not So Peaceful

Peaceful or not so Peaceful

Compare and contrast essay

By: Scott Kempenich for Scandinavia to 1800

The time period of early Scandinavia is one based on a lot of opinions due to the evidence that is left. Most of the ideas that spread have a general foundation of how the Nordics lived. However some items contain major differences on the society and how it was ran. Two sources are "The Vikings" by Else Roesdahl, and a second article called "From Ice to Now Scandinavia History" by Dr. John Hendrickson. Both pieces are dedicated to the "Viking Age" and are useful guides. At the same time they do contradict each other a lot and this is a prime example of how Scandinavian history is based on many personal beliefs.

In both writings, the authors talk of the weapons that were used. In Roesdahl there seems to be more of a view that swords were being used and their sacredness was very improtant. In the book the author states that swords were handed down for generations and were often decorated with gold and silver (Roesdahl, 142). She writes that axes were used but weren't the main weapon. In Hendrickson's writing he feels that axes were used more often. He believes they were used because of the durability and that they were easy to forge out of the materials the Vikings had. Also, the authors contradict on the styles of fighting, as Roesdahl feels that the battles began with rock throwing and speeches being made. In "From Ice to Now Scandinavia History" the author believes that more of a sneak attack style was used and that once battles began they were over quickly. Time is one thing that