Were Vikings Racist?

Vikings against racism. Today and every day.

Scandinavian Design Studio is against the use of traditional symbols from Norse mythology by white supremacists and hate groups. 

There is a misconception that Vikings represent white purity. In reality, scholars have proven that Vikings traded with, married, and interacted with people from a range of cultures in their trade routes from Canada to the Middle East. While no one would describe Vikings as non-violent, to quote Scandinavian studies scholar Natalie Van Dusen of the University of Alberta - "They were pretty much everywhere and they had peaceful relations, and non-peaceful relations."

When we post items with images associated with Vikings or Norse Mythology, this is done in an effort to reclaim them from hate groups. We do not promote hate or racism or the idea of a “pure ancestral homeland.” 

Want to learn more about this subject? Check out these resources:

Time Magazine: White Supremacists Have Weaponized an Imaginary Viking Past. It's Time to Reclaim the Real History

University of Alberta Scandinavian studies scholar Natalie Van Dusen: White supremacists are misappropriating Norse mythology, says expert

Norwegian American Newspaper article by Scandinavian studies scholar Terje Leiren: The Vikings were not who you thought they were