Viking Cats & Dogs Against Hate and Fascism
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It's time to Reclaim Norse mythology from Extremists
Ever since the late 19th century, Norse mythology and ideas about the Vikings have been exploited by nationalist and far-right groups. In the 1930s, Nazi Germany propagated the notion of a Germanic race. This was partly modeled on how they imagined the Vikings to have been: strong, intelligent, and supreme. The SS used the Tyr rune (ᛏ) to symbolize military leadership. Neo-Nazis picked this up and grew more visible during the 1990s. We saw it here in Sweden when they hijacked Norse mythology, the Vikings, culture, and even the Swedish flag. The world has also witnessed terrorist attacks in which the perpetrators used the phrase “See you in Valhalla”. The discussion about how this possibly functions as a message among white supremacists, is an ongoing one in this moment.
Surrender to Hate? Never!
So what does this actually mean? Should those of us who are interested in Norse mythology and Viking history find another hobby, just to avoid being seen as fascist white-power adherents? The answer is a simple but loud NO! We must continue—together—to reclaim the narrative. By reading and sharing what archaeologists and historians have established in their research on the Viking Age, for example:
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Trade between groups from all over Europe and even from Asia took place in many locations around Northern Europe as early as the ninth century.
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The Vikings were open to learning about other cultures and forged alliances with groups ranging from Canada to the area around present-day Afghanistan.
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Viking crews lost members and then recruited new ones along their journeys. Surviving British texts show that authorities (probably the church and the state) condemned people who emigrated with Viking bands.
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What we later call a nation-state—with clear national borders and the ideology of nationalism—did not exist at this time. It is therefore ironic that white-power nationalists use Viking narratives as a foundation for exclusion.
Never About Historical Accuracy
Dorothy Kim, an Asian American medieval literature lecturer at Brandeis University in Massachusetts, argues that the far right’s use of Nordic lore has never been about historical accuracy. It's been about exploiting and twisting certain details to garner as much attention as possible. Through that, they've sought to activate other white-power groups and terrorists worldwide. She sums it up by saying the far right’s intention “was never about historical accuracy […]; it was always about constructing narratives” (Kim, 2017).
Anti-Fascism T-Shirts
So let’s join forces and reclaim the narrative of the Viking Age from fascists and white supremacists! History and mythology do not belong to them. This brand is not for those who want to use apparel as a way to exclude others or to claim superiority. It’s for people who want to celebrate their love of Vikings, Norse mythology, and their pets (who, let’s be honest, are already pretty superior 😉). That’s why we’ve created a small range of anti-fascist and anti–white supremacy apparel. With these designs, you can proudly show your love for your cat or dog and for Viking culture. At the same time you stand up against hate.
Let’s not stay silent or give in to hatred. As Bob Marley wisely stated: Overcome the devils with a thing called love!! ❤️
/Lotta, Viking Creatures Co
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For a fun and accessible way to explore the Viking Age, check out the Grimfrost Podcast, with interviews from scholars, archaeologists, and enthusiasts.; https://grimfrost.se/pages/grimfrost-podcast
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