How did Vikings treat their wives?

Vikings treated their wives with a degree of respect and equality, allowing them to own property, participate in divorce proceedings, and share responsibility for managing farms and homesteads. The Viking women enjoyed a high level of social freedom, protected by law from unwanted male attention, and were able to receive gifts from their husbands, including clothing, jewelry, and land.

Viking Marriage and Relationships

The Vikings had a complex and multifaceted approach to marriage and relationships, with polygyny being common among wealthy and powerful men, who would often have multiple wives and concubines.

FAQs about Viking Wives

Q1: Did Vikings treat their wives good?

Viking women were treated relatively well compared to women in other societies during the same period, with rights and freedoms that were uncommon elsewhere.

Q2: Were Vikings loyal to their wives?

The Vikings believed in fidelity, not just in the context of marriage, but also in terms of loyalty to friends and family, which was an essential part of their social code.

Q3: Do Vikings used to share their wives?

There is no historical evidence to suggest that Vikings shared their wives as a common practice, and this notion is likely a myth or fantasy.

Q4: How many wives can a Viking have?

Some Viking men had multiple wives, with the number of wives often dependent on their wealth and status, while others had only one wife.

Q5: Viking women – How was their life in the Viking age?

Viking women lived a life that was marked by hard work and responsibility, but also enjoyed a high degree of autonomy and respect within their society.

Q6: Did Vikings bury their wives with them?

It was a common practice for Vikings to be buried with their wives, slaves, pets, and livestock, which was a way of ensuring that they were accompanied by their loved ones in the afterlife.

Q7: What was a female Viking called?

Female Vikings who fought were known as Valkyries or Shield-maidens, and were revered for their bravery and martial skills.

Q8: What did Vikings do with their babies?

Viking parents would sometimes abandon their newborn babies if they were unable to care for them, although this practice was later outlawed by Christianity.

Q9: What was the average age of marriage Vikings?

Viking women typically married between the ages of 12 and 15, with the marriage arranged by their families, but with the woman having some input in the decision.

Q10: What happens to the first wife in Vikings?

In Viking society, the first wife was not necessarily divorced or abandoned if her husband took additional wives, but her status and position within the household might be affected.

Q11: Was virginity important to Vikings?

Virginity was not highly valued in Viking culture, and sexuality was seen as a natural part of life, with the boundaries of proper conduct being regulated by law.

Q12: Did Vikings love their children?

Viking parents loved and cherished their children, who were seen as a vital part of their family and legacy.

Q13: What did Vikings gift their wives?

Viking husbands would often give their wives gifts on their wedding day, which might include jewelry, clothing, and other valuables.

Q14: How did Vikings treat female slaves?

Female slaves were often treated as sex slaves by their Viking captors, and were subjected to abuse and exploitation.

Q15: Did Vikings have children out of wedlock?

Viking society did not stigmatize children born out of wedlock, and illegitimate children might even be acknowledged and supported by their fathers.