Viking (Norse mythology)
Heroic son of Vífil, father of Thorsten, wielder of Angervadil.
Viking is a legendary figure in Norse mythology, known primarily from the Icelandic saga *Þorsteins saga Víkingssonar* and referenced in *Frithiof's Saga*. He is the son of Vífil and Eimyrja, and the father of Thorsten and Thorer. His story includes heroic feats, magical artifacts, and conflicts with giants and sorcerers, and he has been compared to a man of the same name on runestone Sö 54 in Bjudby, Södermanland, Sweden.
- Father
- Vífil
- Mother
- Eimyrja
- Children
- Thorsten, Thorer, and eight other sons by Finna; son Ring by Hunvor
- Known for
- Possessing the magic sword Angervadil and the dragon ship Ellida
- Spouse
- Hunvor (first wife), Finna (second wife)
- Field
- Norse legend and saga literature
Lore & Background
Viking grew up in Bornholm and by age 15 was the biggest and strongest man of his time. He owned the magic sword Angervadil, inscribed with Runic letters that blazed in war and dimmed in peace, originally taken by Vífil from Björn Bluetooth. His dragon ship Ellida, a gift from Aegir, was the first ship in the North, large as a fortress but faster than an eagle, with planks grown together rather than nailed. Viking helped the Swedish princess Hunvor against the giant suitor Harek the Ironhead, slaying him in a holmgang with his magic sword, but could not marry her until after age 20. He then went viking and befriended Halfdan, son of Ulf, becoming foster-brothers. Together they overcame the witch Dis and her husband Jokul Ironback, stoning Dis in her bed after she was paralyzed by the dwarf Lit. They rescued Hunvor and Ingeborg from Ingjald Strout, and Viking married Hunvor, with whom he had a son named Ring. After Hunvor's death, Viking married Finna and fathered nine sons.
Reader's Guide
Viking's significance lies in his role as a foundational hero in the saga tradition, linking the legendary past to later figures such as his son Thorsten and grandson Frithiof, who inherit his magical sword and ship. His story reflects themes of honor, magic, and kinship common in Norse sagas, and his comparison to a historical runestone suggests a blend of myth and possible historical memory. The saga details his adventures, including battles with giants, sorcerers, and rival families, and his legacy endures through the continued use of his name and artifacts in later tales. His character embodies the ideal of the Viking-age warrior, yet his narrative also includes elements of romance, foster-brotherhood, and the consequences of pride and revenge.
Did You Know?
- Viking's magic sword Angervadil blazed in war and gleamed dimly in peace.
- His ship Ellida was the first in the North, with planks grown together instead of nailed.
- He was compared to a man named Víkingr on runestone Sö 54 in Sweden.
- Viking married Hunvor after rescuing her from the giant Harek the Ironhead.
More in Characters
Elsewhere in Vikings
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