Vikings were a fascinating warrior culture. Their homeland and domestic culture were profoundly rich and peaceful with beautiful art and epic fables and a love of seafaring that allowed them to settle Greenland, Iceland and even Canada for a time. On the other hand, they were fierce warriors at sea and the images of them pillaging villages of their resources were certainly earned.

Interest in viking culture and heritage persists today and our fascination with these warriors of the water continues to grow.

Photos by Thomas Mues, Coralie Mercier, and David Blaikie