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Hej! I am Asbjorn, Australia's own Danish-born Viking–and this accounts for my exciting self-discovery!
It feels incredible to ever know about my lineage, my culture, and the people whom I belong with. That sense of belongingness, the wonders of history, and the characters it made alive in the minds of modern people surely give me a fascinating idea!
How good does it feel if you learned you most probably come from a civilization of strong, tactical military units, sea pirates, and mercenaries? It feels like getting inside the television, dressed up as one of the characters, and now living among the strongest in the world you were once just wondering about!
My name is Asbjorn – a Viking name. My Mother is from the Faroe Islands which is a North Atlantic island group and an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, also settled in by the Vikings.
I have come up with what I think is a fantastic idea as I discover my culture, my lineage, and their attributes. I have been led into the great possibility that my lineage comes from the renowned “Vikings”, particularly the seafaring military mercenary unit called “Jomsvikings”. They purportedly made an enduring name for themselves in the 8th through the 11th centuries for being tactical warriors, smart traders, and dauntless explorers.
Who were the Jomsvikings?
Who were the Jomsvikings?
If you haven’t known yet, the Vikings were Scandinavian warriors mostly from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden who raided much of coastal Europe in the eighth to tenth centuries. These people are characterized as savage barbarians raiding civilizations for riches and women. Still, the larger historical importance of the motives and culture of these people also facilitated many changes in Europe, from economic activities to elite warfare. From what has been noted, Viking culture showed independence, self-reliance, loyalty, modesty, generosity, compassion, courage, and wisdom.
In Viking culture, society was divided into three classes, the Jarls (aristocracy), Karls (lower class), and Thralls (slaves). Karls can have upward mobility but Thralls remain as slaves. But among the society, comes an elite group of military mercenary units–elite units whose legend lived long after these characters themselves had faded from modern people’s memory. They were the Jomsvikings from Jómsborg– a semi-legendary Viking stronghold at the southern coast of the Baltic Sea, that existed between the 960s and 1043.
I was born in Bornholm, approximately 100 km north of Jomsborg, wherein many Jomsvikings came from, including Sigvaldi Strut-Haraldsson and his family. Jarl Sigvaldi was the semi-legendary chieftain of the fabled Jomsvikings and commander of their stronghold - Jomsborg.
My DNA “could” possibly show ‘Joms’ blood running through my veins! 💯
At the heart of Viking culture lies the Viking ships. These extraordinary vessels — longships in particular — shaped the lives of the sea-faring Jomsvikings and altered the history of Europe. Vikings are craftsmen and artists when it comes to shipbuilding. The longships were usually adorned with carved dragon heads at the bow, which was believed to keep evil spirits away. The dragon head coupled with a large square, the red-striped sail would come to be known as the signature of the Vikings. These ships sailed, along with the Jomsvikings who were not only feared and dreaded for their mercenary skills but also revered for their discipline and obedience to a strict code of conduct.
Violation of the rules was punished by higher officers and could even result in expulsion from the order. There was also a code of honor among the Jomsvikings – it was forbidden to gossip or criticize other members or quarrel with them. Jomsvikings were said to be not allowed to flee during a battle unless the enemy vastly outnumbered them. Even then, they weren't allowed to just run for their lives - they had to retreat in an organized manner.
Although semi-mythical, these legends and myths of the Vikings and the culture, make me proud of my newfound knowledge, and thus I am very enthusiastic about sharing this new passion with the Australian people.
Being able to celebrate Viking Culture with a bunch of beautiful people, is not only a self-discovery but the beginning of a wonderful life journey I have yet to travel!
I am proud of Mjolner–my very first Viking Ship –and I am ecstatic as ever to become its builder! It’s high time I get to share this piece of camaraderie with all of you!
Velkommen ombord!
Asbjorn,
Mjolner’s Builder—Jomsviking descendant.
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