Unveiling the Myth: Are the Anglo-Saxons Vikings?

Contrary to popular belief, the Anglo-Saxons are not Vikings. While the Vikings, predecessors of the Nordic council, were primarily pirates from Scandinavian countries such as Denmark and Norway, the Anglo-Saxons were a distinct Germanic tribe, residing in the southern region of the Elbe River. This area is now known as Niedersachsen.

The Nordic Council and Its Influence

In common parlance, when we refer to the Nordic, it encompasses a range of countries including Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and some degree of cooperation with Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia. This region represents more of northern Europe, but it is influenced by centuries of intertwined history. In a fantasy context, the term "Nordic" is often used to represent a germanization of the word "north," as evidenced in languages like Danish, where "nordlig" means "northern." The term "Nordisk" in Danish refers to the North Germanic people based on language, and in German, the equivalent is "nordische."

The term "Nordic" is more aesthetically pleasing in English, but in reality, it is primarily used to denote the Nordic council and not as a general term for northern Europe in a real-world context.

The Origins of the Anglo-Saxons

The Anglo-Saxons, as a term, is used to describe a mix or culmination of two distinct subtypes: the Nordic subtype from their Germanic forefathers and the Atlantic subtype from their British forefathers. It is important to note that the Ingvaeonic tribes, part of the Nordic subtype, still exist within the broader Anglo-Saxon identity. However, the Anglo-Saxons, as the English people we know today, are a distinct entity apart from both Britons and any continental groups like the Saxons. The incorporation of Britons was a crucial step for the Anglo-Saxons to develop their identity.

The Anglo-Saxon migration did not occur all at once. Instead, it was a gradual process spanning several hundred years. Prior to the Anglo-Saxon migration, the Britons were already being assimilated. The Anglo-Saxons, thus, formed a newer hybrid group from various tribes, including Britons, the Ingvaeones, and other continental groups.

The DNA Evidence

Contrary to the notion that modern English would have higher Scandinavian DNA percentages, samples extracted from earlier Anglo-Saxon graves and later Viking graves in England were almost indistinguishable. Additionally, a Nordic DNA sample from a gladiator grave in York, dating back around 200 AD/CE, suggests that Nordic DNA began making its presence in the British Isles over 600 years before the Viking Age.

In conclusion, the Anglo-Saxons were a unique group with a blend of Nordic and Atlantic traits, distinct from the Viking peoples. The myth that they are the same must be debunked based on both historical records and genetic evidence.