Children of Ash and Elm
We often picture the Viking Age as a blur of longships, axes, and relentless raiding, a simple story of brutal conquest. But this narrow lens misses the intricate, global tapestry of a people who were far more than just warriors. Neil Price reveals a society of sophisticated traders, daring explorers, and profound spiritualists whose influence stretched from North America to the Middle East. You might find yourself reconsidering every historical narrative you thought you knew, especially when you realize how easily we reduce complex cultures to a single, convenient stereotype. This episode unpacks how their fluid identity, vast trade networks, and immersive spirituality shaped the medieval world, challenging us to see history not as a fixed saga, but as a living, breathing, interconnected story.