If you think Viking history books are all about raids and longships, you’ve got it all wrong! They are far more complex than how Hollywood has painted them, pulling us into a world of seafaring warriors, sacred rituals, and fierce politics.
So who were the Vikings, exactly? They were Norse people from what is now Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, active roughly between the 8th and 11th centuries. Known for their explorations, trade, and sometimes brutal raids, they sailed across Europe and beyond, reaching as far as North America long before Columbus. But they were more than just warriors; they were also skilled farmers, storytellers, shipbuilders, and lawmakers, with a rich culture that still fascinates us today.
If you want to meet the real Vikings in history, or just crave stories set during the Middle Ages that feel ancient yet strangely familiar, this list has something for you. Whether you’re dipping your toe into Nordic lore or sailing full speed into the Viking era, these books will be your map and compass. Let’s sail right in.
1. Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings by Neil Price
Rating: ★★★★★
Five years ago, I started Children of Ash and Elm out of curiosity during a rainy weekend at my grandparents. Four chapters in, and I was hooked; not just on the swords and sagas, but on the people behind the myths. Since then, I’ve devoured dozens of titles, and I just can’t stop!
Neil Price’s writing is ranked at top because it:
- Is the perfect bridge between history and culture.
- Explores the Viking mind; how they saw themselves, their gods, enemies, and dead.
- Examines everything from burial rituals and magic to gender fluidity and slavery.
- Doesn’t sanitize the Viking world, and some chapters are deliberately uncomfortable to read; but that’s the point!
Price goes beyond the stereotypes to offer a rich and nuanced take. So, if you want to understand Vikings not just as warriors, but as complex, vibrant people shaped by their beliefs and environment, you must read the book.
2. The Age of the Vikings by Anders Winroth
Rating: ★★★★★
Anders Winroth’s The Age of the Vikings is one of the most balanced, intelligent, and readable books on Viking history available today. The best part is not only the intensive research but also the fact that it goes beyond raids/violence and focuses on trade, intellectual life, legal systems, and even the poetry of the Norse people.
After reading this book, you’ll see Vikings not through a stereotypical lens but as people who were warriors, farmers, traders and politicians. Winroth makes it a point to bring in archaeology and primary written sources but he doesn’t bombard his writing with academic jargon. So, what makes this one of the best non-fiction Viking history books is its ability to challenge assumptions without alienating readers.
3. The Viking Spirit: An Introduction to Norse Mythology and Religion by Daniel McCoy
Rating: ★★★★☆
The next in the list is The Viking Spirit, which is the perfect companion for anyone curious about It’s not a dry academic tome, but a lucid, engaging introduction to Norse mythology books that places each story within its cultural context.
The best part about McCoy’s writing is that he:
- Breaks down complex things in a clear and concise manner.
- Explains myths/concepts like Ragnarok or the Nine Realms in a way that feels neither dumbed-down nor overwhelming.
- Writes with an almost personal tone, like a knowledgeable friend walking you through an epic tale.
If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what Thor actually symbolized, or how Yggdrasil influenced Viking cosmology, this book of Vikings will give you clear, satisfying answers on the inner life of the Norse people; their gods, their rituals, and their spiritual worldview.
4. The Sea Wolves: A History of the Vikings by Lars Brownworth
Rating: ★★★★☆
Lars Brownworth’s The Sea Wolves reads like a page-turning epic, even though it’s packed with rich historical insight. It’s especially perfect for those who crave a story-driven approach. Brownworth does an incredible job of introducing individual Viking leaders and tracing their exploits across Europe and the Atlantic. You’ll meet notorious figures like Ragnar Lodbrok and Harald Hardrada; not as fantasy characters, but as real people.
Brownworth conveys the brutal reality of that time, while also humanising the figures involved. He covers the themes of ambition, greed, exile, honor and even desperation, that motivated dangerous journeys like raids. . For those who want a gripping, narrative-heavy overview of the history of the Vikings, this book is as close as it gets to a historical action movie in written form.
5. The Far Traveler: Voyages of a Viking Woman by Nancy Marie Brown
Rating: ★★★★☆
The Far Traveler offers a refreshingly different view of Viking life; through the eyes of a woman. Based on the true story of Gudrid the Far-Traveler, one of the most fascinating figures in the history of Norwegian Vikings, this book blends saga, archaeology, and historical investigation. Brown retraces Gudrid’s journey across the Atlantic, exploring ruins in Iceland, Greenland, and Vinland, the land many believe to be Newfoundland.
What I like about Marie Brown is that:
- She places female at the centre of it; a perspective that is usually missing in other traditional books.
- Her use of color and symbolism; from the white cloaks of spiritual women to the earth tones of Norse settlements, adds texture to the story.
- In this book of Vikings, she focuses less on the sword and more on migration, resilience, and the complexity of Viking family life.
- She blends memoir and scholarly investigation in an utterly unique way.
Fun fact: Gudrid the Far-Traveler is believed to be one of the first European women to set foot in North America; nearly 500 years before Columbus. Brown’s storytelling brings her incredible journey vividly to life, reminding us that history is full of bold explorers whose stories deserve to be told!
RELATED READING: 10 Myths About The Vikings Debunked
6. The Norse Myths by Kevin Crossley-Holland
Rating: ★★★☆☆
The next in the list is The Norse Myths, which stands out as one the best books on Scandinavian history. Holland’s poetic yet faithful approach captures the spirit and tone of the original sagas, making the myths accessible to modern readers without losing their complexity. The myths are presented not just as stories but as windows into the worldview and characteristics of the Nordic people and Norse paganism.
For example, tales of Odin’s quest for wisdom or Thor’s battles with giants reveal the values and fears central to Viking society. Crossley-Holland’s version gives readers an authentic sense of the sacred and the mysterious that surrounded everyday life during the Viking period.
7. Egil’s Saga (Translated by Bernard Scudder)
Rating: ★★★☆☆
Egil’s Saga tells the story of Egil Skallagrimsson, a Viking warrior, poet, and farmer whose complex character embodies many of the traits often associated with the Viking era; fierce loyalty, unyielding honor, and a deep connection to family and tradition.
Egil’s Saga seamlessly blends historical facts and storytelling. It offers vivid, detailed depictions of Viking combat, intense family feuds, strict honor codes, and the rich poetic traditions that were central to Norse culture. If you want to immerse yourself in a world with warrior spirit, cultural values and storytelling prowess, this is it!
8. Vinland Saga by Makoto Yukimura
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Vinland Saga is a remarkable example of a book about Vikings fiction title that respects historical accuracy while delivering intense drama and character development. This Japanese manga series combines elements of fantasy books with carefully researched details about the Viking expansion into North America across the Atlantic.
What I loved about this Viking book series is that it introduces young readers/lovers of graphic novels to the history and complexity of Viking life. Here’s how:
- It captures the complexity and depth, without compromising the excitement.
- It stands out because it portrays Vikings as multidimensional individuals rather than caricatures, highlighting their ambitions and internal struggles.
- It also gives readers a glimpse into the less commonly told stories of Viking exploration beyond Europe.
Fun Fact: Vinland Saga draws inspiration from the real-life Viking explorer Leif Erikson, who is believed to have been one of the first Europeans to set foot in North America; nearly 500 years before Columbus. He named the land “Vinland”, believed to be in modern-day Newfoundland or nearby.
9. Vikings: A History by Robert Ferguson
Rating: ★★☆☆☆
If you want a thorough understanding of that period, Vikings: A History is the perfect read for you! It covers their origins in Scandinavia, raids across Europe, cultural achievements, and lasting legacy. Wondering why this book stands out? Because of the academic rigour and accessible writing.
Ferguson draws on a vast array of sources (from archaeological findings to Norse sagas) to give readers a full picture of Viking society. However, its detailed nature may be dense for casual readers, but it is totally worth it in the end!
Ferguson also debunks popular myths and brings to light lesser-known aspects of Viking life, emphasizing their role as traders, settlers, and cultural transmitters. If you want a serious, scholarly, good book on Viking history, this is an excellent choice.
10. Northern Lore: A Field Guide to the Northern Mind, Body & Spirit by Eoghan Odinsson
Rating: ★☆☆☆☆
The last one in the list is this fascinating exploration of the Nordic worldview, spirituality, and cultural characteristics. It’s a blend of historical knowledge, folk traditions, and modern interpretations of Viking heritage.
This book is particularly valuable for readers interested in how Viking beliefs and customs have influenced contemporary culture and identity. Odinsson dives into rituals, symbolism (including white, red, and black colors significant in Viking culture), and the connection to nature that defined their mindset.
I found this online Viking history book so unique because of its insight on the spiritual and philosophical legacies. For those who want to deepen their understanding beyond mere facts, Northern Lore enriches the historical narrative with a cultural and mystical perspective.
Finally, diving into these books on Viking history has been an eye-opening journey for me. The Vikings were far more than raiders; they were innovators, storytellers, and deeply spiritual people who shaped European history in profound ways. These books (ranging from scholarly works to mythology and even fiction) paint a fuller, richer picture of the Viking world. I would really love to know if you agree with me or not. And which one is your favorite! Comment down below!
FAQs
1. Where did Vikings come from originally?
They originated from what is now Denmark, Norway and Sweden. They were seafaring Norse people active mainly during the 8th to 11th centuries. Their homeland’s rugged terrain, fjords, and long coastline shaped their skills as sailors and explorers, enabling them to navigate rivers and open seas alike.
2. What is the history of the Vikings?
They began as traders and explorers across Europe, Asia, and even North America. Eventually, they became known for their raids and military campaigns, attacking coastal towns and monasteries. But their influence was much broader; they founded settlements, developed trade routes, and contributed to the cultural and legal development of the regions they touched.
3. What makes Viking history so interesting?
What makes it interesting is that it contains not just tales of exploration but also deep cultural richness. Beyond the warrior image, Vikings were skilled artisans, poets, and legal innovators. Their mythology, rituals, and social systems reveal a society that was both brutal and sophisticated. The tension between their fearsome reputation and their everyday life (farming, family, faith) creates a compelling narrative that continues to captivate historians and readers.
4. Do Vikings exist even today?
Yes, genetic studies have confirmed that people of Scandinavia and parts of the British Isles, carry Viking ancestry. Culturally, the Viking spirit lives on in traditions, folklore, languages, and national identities. Today’s fascination with Vikings also keeps their history alive in literature, media, and scholarship, thereby bridging the past and the present.
