Children of Ash and Elm by Neil Price is an absolutely compelling and thorough exploration of the Viking Age, which spanned from 750 to 1050, and saw the Scandinavian peoples expand like never before. As a reader with a deep curiosity about the Vikings, I found this book to be an eye-opening experience that goes beyond the stereotypical narratives of violent raiders. Price masterfully tells the story of the Vikings on their own terms, showcasing not just their seafaring prowess but their intricate political structures, cosmology, religion, and rich material culture.
What I found especially fascinating was how Price sheds light on the Vikings’ contributions to the wider world. While they are often remembered for their raids, Children of Ash and Elm reveals how they also exported new ideas, technologies, beliefs, and practices to the lands they encountered. They weren’t just invaders; they were explorers, traders, colonists, and, in many cases, changemakers. From the eastern shores of North America to the Asian steppe, they left a legacy that is often overlooked in popular narratives.
The book stands as a corrective to the centuries of distorted views of Vikings that have been shaped by medieval clerics, Victorian imperialists, and even Nazis. These appropriations, which reduced the Vikings to mere caricatures of maritime violence, miss the true sophistication of Viking culture. Price brings the Vikings back to life through the latest archaeological and textual evidence, showing them as complex, multifaceted people whose influence was far-reaching.
In addition to the historical depth, the way Price intertwines individual stories into the broader context of Viking history is captivating. He introduces readers to figures like Eirík Bloodaxe, who fought his way to a kingdom, and Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir, the most traveled woman of her time. These personal stories humanize the Vikings and provide a lens through which we can better understand their world.
What truly sets this book apart is the way it conveys the Vikings’ world in its entirety. The writing is not only academic but deeply engaging, making complex historical details accessible without losing the rigor of scholarly research. If you’re looking for a definitive history of the Vikings that captures their culture in all its richness, Children of Ash and Elm is the book to read. It’s an essential addition to anyone’s understanding of the Viking Age and a reminder of how much there is to learn about this fascinating civilization.