7 Viking Proverbs About Life
One of the best ways to know our present and our world is through the study of the past. If we look at our roots, we will open the door to many answers related to today’s world. For example, reading Viking proverbs about life, about death, about the future of society and people …
Viking society is seen by many as a group of savage pirates who only thought about war, looting, and death. However, despite the violence of their groups, they also counted and generated great sources of knowledge and their proverbs are a good example of this.
In fact, beyond the Viking proverbs, their societies created a powerful iconography and legend that was harnessed centuries later by talents such as the writer JRR Tolkien, who drew on their stories to create Middle Earth or Stan Lee and his comic book characters. today known to all thanks to the cinema.
Excellent Viking proverbs to learn to live better
Beyond the unfair summary that points to them as simple violent looters, history tells us that they were good merchants and artisans. In addition, they created beautiful jewels as easily as they invented fables and stories that have survived to this day, since their religion and iconography were very rich and complex, something that can be seen in their proverbs.
Eye with power
A saying widely used by many people says ‘tell me who you hang out with and I’ll tell you who you are’. The Vikings were already aware of this. Dangerous friendships, especially with powerful people, could have dire consequences for the humble, the weak, the one who had everything to lose when push came to shove.
You have to be cautious
In addition to being great warriors, the Vikings were wise, and that made them farsighted. Therefore, when you enter a place, enter a conversation, get a new job or start a business, to give several simple examples, always keep an escape plan. Take a good look at how you can get out of any place, space, job, business, etc., if you don’t want to find yourself in a possible dead end.
Friendship
The Viking civilization highly valued friendship, camaraderie, and companionship. From their proverbs we observe the importance they gave to caring for the circle of support, understanding the value it represents.
Prudence
We also find that Viking proverbs remind us of the importance of being sensible and consistent. Not all the money in the world can be as useful as the use of intelligence and wisdom to get out of any problem or mess, even in the confines of the world, for this civilization had some of the most daring sailors, capable of reaching the shores Americans before Christopher Columbus.
Live the life
It should also be remembered that the Vikings were lovers of the good life, good food and enjoyment. For them, life was a way forward and death a natural leap, for there the Valhalla of warriors awaited them.
Better not tease too much
We can interpret this Viking proverb in different ways. On the one hand, it speaks to us of prudence. On the other, it reminds us of that saying that states that ‘if you see your neighbor’s beard burn, put yours to soak’. Better to be prudent and fair in life.
Best bird in hand …
We end with a wise proverb that more than one has used in its various meanings and formulas. It reminds us that in order to preserve some rights or give shape to some wishes, in many occasions we will have to renounce others. Thus, it is probable that on many occasions we are tempted to renounce freedom, to sacrifice it momentarily. This, the last of the Viking proverbs, invites us to reflect before doing so.
