Vikings: Propaganda and Stereotyping

A close analysis of the TV show Vikings highlights how the Vikings were frequently stereotyped by their adversaries as barbaric, violent, and even cannibalistic. Such portrayals served as tools of propaganda, reinforcing cultural and religious divides. For instance, the English accused the Vikings of being cannibals who gained their strength from eating children, while the French described them as uncivilized and violent.

Similarly, the Vikings viewed other peoples with equal skepticism, struggling to understand how anyone could worship gods other than Odin. To them, those who didn’t share their beliefs were essentially atheists. These mutual stereotypes and misunderstandings likely exacerbated conflicts, making peace and long-term stability harder to achieve.

Why did other people feel the urge to misrepresent the Vikings? What are the main issues/factors which the anti-Viking propaganda deals with?