The Vikings magical life on the other side of fear
Odin, the Viking God for war and death was the ruler of Valhalla (Viking heaven) where the key rule for being allowed entry was to live fearlessly. Odin was the creator of the world and of the first man and woman; Ask and Embla. To see everything that happened in the world Odin sacrificed his one eye and for his never ending hunger for wisdom, growth and transcendence he hanged himself on the tree of life for 9 days and nights. This also translated into daily life mentality for the Vikings that unless you made a sacrifice of some kind you did not earn your reward as written in the Grettir Saga, c.17; "Work not done, needs no reward". Odin´s symbol was the Valknut, which is composed of three interlocking triangles representing that past, present and future and that all your actions or non-actions have big consequences for how your life plays out. Odin who could transform into an eagle had a powerful symbolic impact on the Norse beliefs as in addition to represent strength and freedom the eagle also meant he was watching the actions of the Vikings from high above. As an animal lover Odin looked unkind to those who did not treat animals well. The same went for those who did not treat others within their community with respect and kindness regardless of their social standing. To a be true Viking meant to be fearless in order to gain access to Valhalla where the Vikings would be re-united with their fellow warriors and enemies, including their pets and here prepare and train for their higher purpose; Ragnarok, the finale battle between good and evil (Loki). Gaia (Earth) would re-boot itself killing all humans with floods and fires for restart of a new earth. The Viking´s belief in Valhalla was not about it being a static paradise but a place of continuous preparation for the ultimate battle, representing their dedication to the greater good. Every warrior, including their enemies who died honorably in battle, regardless of their cultural or religious background, could be admitted to Valhalla as an Einherjar. In their eyes, 'killing' heroic enemies in the battlefield was viewed as facilitating their passage to their next stage of existence or level in what they perceived as "the game of life" which had different levels. In Valhalla, which was the second level in "the game of life" they would as comrades with their "former" enemies prepare for fighting together in the third level, which represented the finale battle. With this, the expansion of their territories also included the effort of gathering courageous warriors for Valhalla in preparation for Ragnarok. The mindset and perception of reality is reflected within the Icelandic Sagas which reefer to it being common among the Norsemen to tell jokes and have a sense of humor even in the middle of deadly battles due to knowing that their life continued after death into the next level in "the game of life". The Vikings knew that the opposite of fear was love, which they viewed as force that was key factor in making them limitless and able to achieve what they did. They further believed their life was not random, and that they where born with a predestined life (blueprint) including time of death. The divine forces governed different aspects of life and nature translated to Gaia being a living organism and that all living; people, nature and animals where connected. They also believed that other beings such as trolls and elves existed in other parallel realities and at times would drop in. The strict Viking honor code, which consisted of 9 commandments for the Norsemen created a shared consensus of how life was to be lived, The Vikings where on a mission for the greater good where being UNPLUGGED was essential so that they could experience life as it really was; a magical adventure. In modern terminology the reference would be to be unplugged from the Matrix, the creator of the illusion of fear. The Vikings had a high level of consciousness, which was reflected in all parts of their lives. With mastering to control their inner world and be free of external negative influences (Loki) they where able to live life to the fullest banding together young and old together with their beloved animals roaming the earth venturing fearlessly into the unknown as explorers of the world to win the game of life.
Holistic belief system and going ALL IN was the only way
Family was sacred in the Viking era. Women had equal rights, some chose to became viking warriors, while other chose to be in charge of the settlement. The Norsemen where creative survivors and always found solutions to how to always progress, including how to deal with the rough nature conditions. They where the first in the world to create the eco-friendly Turf house, which applied the turf wrapped around their house as thermal insulation. The children growing up learned by seeing what their parents did, not just by what they said. They knew children where born into the world with no fears and it was up to them to ensure this same mindset stayed with them throughout life and therefore essential to nurture the fearlessness from early age as the Vikings believed that after first years of childhood the behavior became more or less fixed for the rest of ones life. This was also reflected in their Volsunga Saga, c.18 with "Few are bold in old age that are cowardly in childhood".Their holistic rich spiritual belief system with direct connection to the divine and deep experiences with it created a sense of knowingness of their next lives. This awareness made them fearless, even for mortality like no others in history before or after. They where minimalists in lifestyle. This was essential when journeying to other countries and the need to be less vulnerable for enemy attacks. With their main focus on their inner world and detachment of physical belongings beyond what was essential meant nothing was stopping them from exploring the world. They loved and greatly enjoyed the finer things in life, but without attachment as being free to go anywhere, when they wanted was the most important for them. To connect to oneself, nature and others, while also boosting the immune system to master ice swimming was an important part of their training. Together with vigorous physical, mental conditioning and skillset training took place from early age and throughout life to survive and thrive. They had an inherent built-in hunger for growth knowing their life would be a result of "what and who they became" and that hard work, continuous skillset building and discipline built their character. They willingly pushed themselves to get to magical life on the other side of pain, suffering and fearlessness. Their minds where trained on not dwelling on things they could not change including the past and would label such people "unwise men" and lived according to the principles of the law of cause and effect to get the most out of life. Living and progressing was about being in the moment and possess optimistic forward thinking. Everyone where known as son or daughter of "their parents name", which also enforced the importance of parents to be role models. Animals played an important part of their lives and where admired with having a soul and feelings just like humans. The animals where respected and often viewed as like-minded to the Vikings, who also believed that they had their own soul animal, which they called a fylgje. When they died they where buried with their weapons, pets and animals they where close with. This often also included farm animals so they could travel together to the next life. At Valhalla their pets who had died before would wait for them to be re-united. To the Vikings it was of great importance to live a life of significance and leave a worthwhile legacy for future generations. To achieve this goal setting was key, as without direction they would drift off course. They knew that on your soul´s journey to the next life all your earthly possessions where left behind and that in the game of life it was all about living on the other side fears and that your actions and who you become reflected this. This mindset resulted in living ALL IN and waking up each day with GRATTIUDE as with pre-destined death it meant one more chance of creating a worthwhile legacy, a new chance to ´earn` your passage to Valhalla and another day to embrace and be with their loved ones.
Brotherhood of likeminded from the beginning to the end
Their belief system enabled the Vikings to experience a life free fears, with self-control, love for themselves and their their tribe, which followed them from birth to grave and to their next realm. Forgiveness was important to the Norsemen in order to live a spiritual life. But, for viscious acts they believed in an eye-for-an-eye. But, they did not let the desire for revenge consume them or cause interferences with their daily lives. Due to their mastery of themselves they did not letting emotions gain control over their actions. With pre-destined death it was no time for grudges as it would interfer with living in the moment. Odin´s son; Baldr was the God for forgiveness.Their varied and rich balanced high protein diet with mostly fish, bread, vegetables, no sugar and limited if any salt resulted in a very healthy diet. Together with their vigorous physical training they where in top physical shape and superior to the people they fought against in the countries they conquered. In addition, they where known for their strong attention to hygiene with their weekly full bath and hair wash, daily face cleaning and body wash-ups, hair combing, smelling nice, enjoying wearing fine clothing and jewelry. In modern terminology they enjoyed to "dress for success", plus it was also of respect to Odin in case the moment of the pre-determined death was to take place that day. The attractiveness and hygiene of the Vikings was a major problem as the Christians only took a bath once year, plus did not take care of their physics like the Vikings with the result of the women being attracted and preferring the Norsemen. This caused big anger by the Christian Church toward the Vikings. When it came to fighting the Norsemen had the core belief of “strength through unity” which was a mindset essential for them to survive and thrive. The inner linked brotherhood was a vital part of their entire existence, and how they fought alongside willing to die for one another other while they operated as one unstoppable force. In battle they applied their 'shield-wall' technique where they side-by-side locked together with shields in front and pushed the enemies back. They did this until the enemies broke up and then they went for the attack with mission to leave no prisoners. The Vikings also had their own deadly martial arts practice developed called Glima for hand-to-hand combat that both men and women mastered, with the Children being trained in Glima from as early as 5 years old. They where all highly skilled in use of their weapons and would sleep with them and always ensure that they where within reach. The Vikings were known to have been the toughest warriors to have ever lived. They brought this mentality into all parts of life including exploring the world, as businessmen and enjoying life to the fullest with their ALL IN mentality. Their positive environment did not have a place for naysayers who where short lived with the Vikings feeling the source of this negative mentality that fueled fears originated from the trickster Loki (in Christian terms; Lucifer and in modern terminology translated to the Matrix). The Vikings worked hard, but also played hard with seizing every opportunity to celebrate. It being victories achieved, victories to become, marriages, the different seasons or honoring their ancestors through the blót the Vikings loved to meet up to dance, sing, eat, laugh and enjoy their favorite drink Mead, which was made by fresh honey. The Norsemen showed great kindness and compassion towards fellow members of their tribe with the mindset to always help each other when needed and food was to be shared. Those who had more would always share with those who had less. To the Vikings it was all about feeling alive and maximizing every opportunity to live to the fullest. A life not fully lived was not worth living as the game of life was meant be a fun journey with excitement, breaking boundaries, jokes and laughter taking place even in the deadliest finale battles of their lives.
With Odin the Vikings took on the world
Harsh winters, scarce food resource and large European countries outside Scandinavia expanding their territories represented a future threat towards the Norsemen as these countries at some point in the future could attack them. To survive and thrive this influenced the Vikings who where peaceful farmers to establish colonies in new countries. Together with their in-bourn curiosity and bravery to see the world as daring explores made the Norsemen to venture into unknown territories taking on the world with their raids and colonization. The Vikings where tactical fighters feared by everyone with their surprise attacks and state of the art clinker-built long boats, which would achieve high speed with their light and slender build, shallow bottom to go up rivers, ability to go reverse when needed for quick exit, with both sail and rowing ability. In a matter of a short historical time span of a little more than 250 years the Norsemen, few in numbers seized control over large parts of Europe, setting up colonies from Russia in East to North America in West. They where unstoppable due to their belief system based on fearlessness, culture of strong self-discipline and drive to explore and conquer. Being outnumbered did not worry the Vikings as they where immortals. Together with being superior warriors they took on country by country, followed with ruling of their local Viking Kings put in place. During the peak of Viking era the Norsemen where in control over large parts of Europe. For over four centuries they control Ukraine, Russia and Belarus (The name Russia originates from Rus, the Swedish Rus Vikings). For close to 100 years the Vikings ruled main parts of North East and Central England, including London. In Ireland the Norsemen established and controlled Dublin which was the key center for the western Viking expansion and trade ruled by Viking King; Godred Crovan, the founder of the inner Crovan Dynasty society and the great great grandfather of Viking King Gudröd Ragnvaldsso, the ruler Isle of Man. From the Northern Isles of Scotland, Oakney the Vikings invaded the Western and the Northern part of mainland. Their raids including seizing control over Paris, invading Spain, Italy, Greece and "Constantinople", which became the capital of the Roman Empire, in modern times called Istanbul. In addition the Vikings ventured in year 1000 to North America setting up a colony as the first Europeans reaching the New World. The Vikings had the mindset of everything being possible and that the world was their oyster with fear only being an illusion of the mind. Being committed true believers they where looking forward to their next life in Valhalla, and with a pre-set time for death meant that they could go full speed each and every day, living in the moment with nothing to loose. It was more a question about dying with honor and legacy as they knew their time would come regardless, which meant to go ALL IN was the only way. The Vikings belief system was of spiritual nature and not an organized fear based religion with middlemen between their Gods and them, which gave them a tactical advantage. In their raids they never tried to convert others to their own spiritual belief system. With their mastery of the core Viking traits; Imagination, Vision, Collaboration and Fearless little stood in way of their historical world tour. Seeing their achievements being a direct result of controlling their mind to confirmed the Norsemen´s beliefs that they where in full control of creating their own reality.
Creators of direct democracy representing ´We the People`
One of the oldest forms of democracy known to mankind is the Viking Althing. This assembly was a beacon of direct democracy, enabling local tribes to exercise their right to vote and make decisions on issues affecting their communities. At the heart of the Althing lay a philosophy rooted in collaboration, ensuring the survival and prosperity of the Viking society. The Vikings embraced an inclusive approach to decision-making, avoiding top-down hierarchies by involving all parties in the process. Guided by a strong facilitator or leader, they executed their choices made by the "majority rules principle" swiftly and cohesively, emerging as an unstoppable force. From households and settlements to tribes and leadership groups, every voice was granted importance. As the Viking tribes expanded across geographic boundaries, the Althing's philosophy evolved into a national democratic system. Established in year 930, this visionary approach to governance stands as one of the earliest examples of direct democracy in history. Its enduring principles being free of middlemen and special interest groups served as a barrier against the influence of politicians cultivating trust and accountability within the community. The key principles like transparency, majority rule, small central government and decentralized power prevailed. In their democratic model, the Vikings´s rights came from their Creator Odin and it was the Norsemen who gave rights to the government, not the other way around. The Vikings mindset on to how to respond to abuse of power was stated in the their quote; "All a people need in order to rise up against tyranny is a leader bold enough to take up the banner" in the Saga of Harald Hardrade. With the Norsemen being fearless this meant the rule of majority ruled was kept intact as otherwise those who did not serve the interest of the people where short lived. A similar model of direct democracy emerged in the early United States, specifically within the New England colonies such as Vermont during the 1630s. Even today, these colonies maintain the cherished tradition of town hall meetings, where majority decisions are made without intermediaries, upholding the timeless spirit of "We the People" championed by the Vikings a millennium ago. Switzerland stands as a testament to the successful implementation and development of the Viking model of direct democracy. An astounding 85% of Swiss citizens express trust in their government, a testament to the efficacy of this democratic approach. In contrast, the United States, with the exception of Vermont, struggles to maintain public trust, which continues to decline now standing at a mere 20%. The Vikings´s decision making model with its emphasis on the democratic majority rules principles played a critical role in preventing divisions within local communities, fostering unity and strength. The Viking Althing philosophy stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, unity, and inclusive decision-making from households, communities, businesses, local and central government. These ancient principles continue to inspire societies across time. By adopting the Viking mindset, we can fortify our communities and ensure that the strength deriving from unity triumphs over division with the Norsemen´s principle of; "Strength through Unity".
Viking Leif Erikson – First European to set foot in America
Norwegian Viking Leif Erikson who travelled more than a 1000 years ago with his sister Viking warrior Freydis Eiríksdóttir, brave team of 35 Vikings and little army of Forest Cats where to become to the first European to set foot in North America. This was 500 years before Christopher Colombus. Leif was the son of Erik the Red who discovered Iceland and was known to be a fearless explorer with an inner drive to sail into the unknown where no man had gone before. Traveling to the New World meant set sail in an open boat to go ALL IN with Viking sprit, with limited food supply into stormy unforgiving oceans not knowing if they would make it back alive to their families and loved ones. The brotherhood of Vikings put their trust in Leif who led them to the shores of Vinland in North America, where they established a colony. Leif´s mindset was conditioned like all Vikings with the four core Norse traits; Imagination, Vision, Collaboration and Fearless which when applied with hard work resulted in what was invisible and impossible to others was made possible. Together with strong self-esteem Leif knew he was destined for greatness, which resulted in him making history and a legacy of being the first European to discover America in the year 1000 A.D. With the trait of being fearless also meant a heart of love. On his return from his voyage Leif encountered a ship from Iceland sinking in the storm. Putting his life on the line once again he ventured into the storm and saved the men from drowning to bring the them back safely to their families in Iceland. Because of Leif’s kindness and sacrifice they awarded him with their ship as a token of their gratitude.
Leif Erikson Day - The official Viking day of America
To honor the Norwegian Viking Leif Erikson and the bold Viking spirit, which means pushing boundaries and make the impossible possible by hard work and applying the Norse traits; Imagination, Vision, Collaboration and Fearlessness the US Congress approved on September 2, 1964, and authorized the President of the United States to proclaim October 9th of each year as “Leif Erikson Day.” Jimmy Carter, Former President of the United States, stated; “The name of Leif Erikson symbolizes the triumph of the human spirit.”, while former US President Lyndon G. Johnson; stated “These qualities have long been a part of the American character and have preserved and defended our Nation since its inception”. The Leif Erikson Day has been made an official observance in seven states; Wisconsin, Minnesota,South Dakota, ,Illinois, Colorado, Washington and California. In 2012 the the day was made official in Las Vegas, Nevada by Mayor Carolyn Goodman and Christian Schoyen who travelled to Nevada from Norway to spearhead the initiative on behalf of Vegas Viking Lodge of the Sons of Norway (See video from KLCV Channel 2 of city hall ceremony) in conjunction with implementing the Leif Erikson drawing competition (CBS interview see video) in the Nevada School system to nurture the Viking sprit. Next followed the city transformation program by Christian applying the 1000 year old Norse Althing philosophy (see video trailer) which achieved a 75% crime reduction in the most dangerous Las Vegas neighborhood where the city had previously tried for 15 years to gain control without any success. Inspired by the quote of Lao Tzu´s;“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” Christian undertook the project to show the true power of the Viking spirit Leif Erikson had used 1000 years earlier for now Las Vegas, Nevada and the rest of America for them to replicate the same validated Norse blueprint to transform all their struggling communities.
The Norse Viking spirit is the US spirit
After the Viking era as we know ended, the ships, swords and artifacts remained in Scandinavia, but the Norse Viking sprit brought to the US by Leif Erikson lived on becoming the winning American spirit. The ancient Vikings nurtured individualism the same way as the Americans being believers in that "you reap what you saw". The Eagle which is the national symbol for the US also represents the Norse belief system and Odin as it shares the same spirit and traits. The Eagle stands for courage, strength and freedom and is unique as it flies higher than any other bird and when there is a storm comes it fearlessly flies directly into it, while all other birds tries to escape to safety. The Eagle is also not a follower of a flock like other birds, as it courageously flies in solitude deciding its own direction. The US with its positive mindset of where everything is possible and that greatness can be achieved by anyone who is willing to sacrifice, work hard, be fearless and be “ALL IN” was also the same mentality necessary for the Norsemen to survive, thrive and becoming the legends we will never forget. Those who achieve victories by pushing boundaries and fearlessly take the path into the unknown like the Vikings did are celebrated in the US. The America ideal of a true winner is the underdog who with two empty hands willingly endure the pain and struggle to make it, who keeps getting up again and again on his/her feet to claim her/his victory in the represents the hope, belief that anyone can succeed in America. Even when you fail in your attempts in the US you are respected and supported, with the encouragement of; “next time you nail it” by compassionate and supportive people cheering on you as they all want you to succeed. To be a true Viking 1000 years ago and today in the 21st century is about a commitment to become the best version of yourself through hard work on the other side of fear to create the life you desire. In the ancient Viking area, the success of the Norsemen was linked to being able to operate in a world of freedom, few restrictions/regulations and a ruling system by "We the People" in order to grow and prosper in the same manner as the later US Constitution outlined and intended. There are no other country in the world which embodies the Viking spirit more than America, known for being the #1 entrepreneurial country. At the same the US is also the most compassionate country with being #1 in the world in volunteerism. Helping one another has been an integrated part of the nations heritage from its foundation. The deep US compassion also includes strong love for their pets and animals, which was also of great importance to the ancient Vikings. In current time San Francisco, Seattle and New York being are among the top cities in the world for animal care and conditions. Surveys shows that thirty-six percent of Americans said their dog is their closest companion, 25% would die for their fury friend and 9/10 Americans with a pet feels that their pet is a family member with a soul and feelings like a human. Further, the American ideal of a strong self-belief and individualism translates to self-love in the way of embracing ones authenticity and uniqueness rather then conformity, which fosters a society of diversity. To dear to be different as the true you and stand for your opinions defies individual conformity and embraces the Viking spirit of being fearless. The winning bold entrepreneurial, individualistic and compassionate American and Norse Spirit is one and the the same. In every community and city in America you see the fearless modern-day Vikings who possesses the core Viking traits with the commitment to go ALL IN to win the game of life. These unique individuals taking on the commitment to succeed does it is with a redefined meaning of the necessary `sacrifice´ required viewed instead as a `future investment´. These extraordinary people are ranging from driven people in all walks of life ranging from hardworking entrepreneurs, unique community leaders such as the ones recognized and honored at the Leif Erikson Awards. In sports legends such as the Kobe Bryant's legacy mirror the spirit of the modern-day Viking through his relentless pursuit of greatness and unwavering resilience in the face of adversity, embodying the belief that setbacks are opportunities for growth and emphasizing the power of teamwork and unity. Brave soldiers, firefighters, and law enforcement officers embody the same fearlessness as the legendary Norse warriors. These selfless unique individuals demonstrate unwavering dedication and courage, risking their lives to protect our freedom and communities. Visionaries like Elon Musk, with their audacious pursuits and unwavering determination, channel the boldness and fearlessness of Leif Erikson's legendary voyage to America a millennium ago. With their Viking-blueprints, they fearlessly venture into the unknown, propelling mankind forward with unparalleled boldness and vision. These modern-day explorers embody the same audacity and fearlessness that characterized the Viking legacy, shaping a future where boundaries are shattered and new horizons are conquered. Awakening the Norse Viking spirit in those willing to commit to go ALL IN means individuals reaching their full potential, corporations growing and prosper, struggling cities regain control and America they greatest country on earth being empowered.
"Who dares, wins."
Viking Mythology - The Saga of Hrafnkel Freysgothi, c.9
THE VIKING SPIRIT IS JUST AS ALIVE NOW AS IT WAS 1000 YEARS
GO ALL IN
BECOME A LIMITLESS MODERN DAY VIKING IN THE 21ST CENTURY