25 Viking proverbs about friendship, war and life

The Vikings lived in Scandinavia from the 8th to the 11th century. Viking phrases and proverbs of this people are powerful for knowledge, because they contain the wisdom of a legendary and brave people that fills our eyes with wars, conquests and adventures.

Certainly the Vikings were ruthless warriors, but they were also very resourceful. Experience generates knowledge, and for this reason we present below a selection of 25 Viking phrases about friendship, war and life that can inspire you in your day to day.

Viking proverbs: phrases of life

1. Too much beer, and a man’s heart will be open for all to see – The Separate Saga of Saint Olaf, c.151.

This advises us not to become the drunken buffoon at any party, since we may say something that we later regret.

two. Error is the result of letting fear rule your actions – The Saga of Harald Hardrade, c.46.

Letting worries get in our way is never good. Be bold and if necessary, back off.

3. A person should not agree today with what he will regret tomorrow – Bandamanna Saga, c.10.

The rush is not good counselors. Take care of yourself in the future and don’t agree to do something if you really don’t want to do it.

Four. Defend your own judgment and not what others say – Gudmundur Johnson.

Don’t let other people’s perceptions of you affect who you are. Trust yourself.

5. No one is a fool if they know when to shut up – The Saga of Grettir, c.88.

Too many words can lead to embarrassment. As is often said, flies do not enter a closed mouth, and therefore, we must know when to remain silent, is what this Viking phrase wants to tell us.

6. Not all clouds that darken the day bring rain. – Heitharvega Saga, c.7.

Hard times are going to happen, this Viking phrase tells us. But let’s not forget that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Viking proverbs: Phrases of warriors

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7. It’s better to fight and fall than to live without hope – The Saga völsunga or Saga of the Volsungs, c.12.

A classic Viking phrase, which tells us that it is better to fail than not to try, since we will learn from our own mistakes.

8. Where the wolf’s ears are, the wolf’s teeth are close. – Volsunga Saga, c.19.

You have to be alert in your surroundings. Seeing smoke often means fire.

9. Fight your enemies in the field, don’t burn yourself at home – Volsunga Saga, c.21.

This Viking phrase of warriors invites us to face challenges head on, instead of waiting for them to find you.

10. When men meet enemies in battle, a strong heart is better than a sharp sword. – Volsunga, c.19.

Your tools by themselves cannot take you far: it is the attitude that makes us truly different.

eleven. Even in the scabbard, the sword must be sharp; the mind and spirit must also be within the body.

This Viking proverb reminds us that wherever you are in life, do not forget to take care of your mental and spiritual well-being.

12. Only a coward waits to be taken like a lamb from the fold or a fox from a trap – Saga Laxdaela, c.40.

Don’t put yourself in danger. If you find yourself in a difficult situation, take steps to fix it. That is what this Viking phrase tells us.

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Viking proverbs: Phrases of friendship

13. Nothing good can happen to people who break their solemn vows – The saga of Hrafnkel Freysgothi, c.6.

Keep your promises, no matter what, reminds us of this Viking phrase. Don’t let the wind take your words away.

14. We are often sorry to say too much and seldom sorry to say too little. – The saga of Hrafnkel Freysgothi, c.7.

Silence is valued again. It is better to remain silent and be considered a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.

fifteen. Never cheat on your teacher – Saga of Njal, c.86.

Always be good to those who care for you and do not bite the hand that feeds you: This popular saying is very reminiscent of this Viking phrase.

16. Making big resolutions, then letting them go, only ends in disgrace. (The Saga of King Olaf Trygvisson, c.9)

It is often said that whoever covers a lot, squeezes little. And this Viking proverb tells us how quitting can be more embarrassing than ever to start. So we must be realistic in our efforts.

17. Gold is little consolation for the dead relative – Saga of Örvar Odd, c.11.

No amount of wealth is more valuable than an irreparable loss.

18. The one you trust the most can disappoint you the most – Fljotsdale Saga, c.23.

Be careful who you trust. Being hurt by a loved one is much more painful than being hurt by a stranger or an enemy.

Quotes of vikings (vikingsthe Serie)

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The Vikings have been idolized, glorified and immortalized throughout history, and in recent years they have been raised among the masses by movies and television series such as Vikings. Therefore, we collect here some phrases of this acclaimed fiction.

19. Never fight unless you know that luck is on your side. (Lagertha).

twenty. I want to have a story to tell my son (Knout).

twenty-one. Why does your God need silver and gold? must be greedy (Ragnar Lodbrook).

22. I am as I am and I will not change, neither for you, nor for my brother, nor for anyone (Roll).

23. Let the man who believes he descends from the gods learn that he is human after all (Earl Haroldson).

24. When you’re dreaming, you never know what’s going to happen (Ubbe).

25. It’s okay and it’s good to talk about responsibilities, but there are other things in life (King Egbert).