The Most Famous Norwegian Viking, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Norwegian Viking you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 5, 2024 07:10
Deciding who stands out among the Norwegian Vikings helps us understand their impact on history and culture. It's an opportunity to evaluate their adventures, conquests, and contributions to the modern world. A ranking can illuminate the characters of these fierce warriors and intelligent explorers whose actions centuries ago still echo in today's narratives.
By participating in this ranking, you contribute to a broader appreciation of Viking heritage and its influence beyond Scandinavia. Your votes help assign value and recognition to each figure, distinguishing those who have left the deepest imprints on both lore and land. Join in shaping this dynamic historical assessment.
Who Is the Most Famous Norwegian Viking?
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162votesHe is considered the first king of Norway and united the various small kingdoms into one nation. He is known for his successful military campaigns and his legendary long hair.
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223votesHe is known for founding the first Norse settlement in Greenland and for his son, Leif Erikson, who is believed to have been the first European to reach North America.Erik the Red in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Swedish Viking
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316votes
Mulad · Public domainHe is known for discovering North America, specifically Newfoundland, over 500 years before Christopher Columbus. He is considered a national hero in both Norway and Iceland.Leif Erikson in other rankings- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Swedish Viking
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous European explorer
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419votesAlso known as Saint Olaf, he is known for his efforts to convert Norway to Christianity and his military campaigns against the Vikings who opposed him. He was later canonized as a saint.Olaf II of Norway in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Swedish Viking
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516votes
Hugo Hamilton (1802–1871) · Public domainHe is a legendary Viking warrior and ruler who is said to have raided and conquered much of Europe during the 9th century. He is the subject of many stories, including the TV show Vikings.Ragnar Lothbrok in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Swedish Viking
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Barbarian
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69votesShe was a Viking explorer who sailed to North America with her husband, Thorfinn Karlsefni, and is believed to have been the first European woman to give birth in North America.
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79votes
Erik Werenskiold · Public domainShe was a powerful queen who ruled over Norway in the 10th century and is known for her beauty and intelligence. She was also involved in several political marriages and famously rejected the proposal of the Swedish king, leading to a war between the two countries. -
81votes
Wilhelm Wetlesen (Norway 1871-1925) · Public domainHe was a Viking warrior who fought in many battles and eventually became the king of Norway. He is known for his military campaigns in England and for being killed in battle at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. -
93votes
Zeichner: C. I. Schive, Lithograf Bucher in Bergen · Public domainHe was a Viking king who ruled over Norway and is known for his military campaigns in Scotland and Ireland. He earned the nickname "Barefoot" because he refused to wear shoes to show his toughness. -
109votes
Peter Nicolai Arbo · Public domainHe was a Viking warrior and ruler who is believed to have been the father of Harald Fairhair. He is known for his successful military campaigns and for being the founder of the royal dynasty that ruled Norway for over 400 years.
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Ranking factors for famous Norwegian Viking
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Historical significanceConsider the Viking's impact on Norwegian history, their involvement in important events, and their role in shaping Norse society.
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Military prowessAssess the Viking's success in battles, raids, and conquests. Evaluate their leadership skills and their ability to inspire and lead warriors.
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Exploration and colonizationConsider the Viking's efforts in exploration and colonization, especially their voyages to new lands, establishment of settlements, and their impact on trade and culture.
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Cultural contributionsEvaluate the Viking's influence on Norse mythology, art, literature, and craftsmanship. Consider their contributions to the overall cultural legacy of Norway and the Viking Age.
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Legacy and lasting impactAssess the Viking's enduring fame and how their actions continue to be remembered and celebrated today. Consider their influence on subsequent generations, both within Norway and beyond.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Norwegian Viking. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Viking is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1249 views
- 161 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Viking once every 24 hours. The rank of each Viking is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous norwegian viking
The Vikings were a seafaring people from Scandinavia who raided and traded across Europe during the 8th to 11th centuries. Among them were the Norwegian Vikings, who were known for their fierce fighting skills and their explorations of new lands. Many famous Norwegian Vikings have made their mark on history, from the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok to the explorer Leif Erikson. However, when it comes to determining the most famous Norwegian Viking, opinions differ. Some argue for Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway who famously invaded England in 1066, while others favor Olaf Tryggvason, the Viking warrior who converted to Christianity and became the King of Norway. Regardless of who takes the top spot, there is no denying the enduring popularity of these legendary figures in Norwegian history.
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