Despite spending a lot of time in mud or blood, Vikings had good hygiene. Excavations of Viking sites have shown tools such as tweezers, razors, ear cleaners, combs, etc. They also bathed at least once a week, more than most at the time who often only bathed a few times a year.

Blessed Þórsdagr, a day named after the god Þórr, one of the strongest members of the Æsir and keeper of Mjǫllnir. Þórr once found himself fighting old age, but despite inevitably losing the fight, he had to be brought to his knees before giving up. 🖼 By Pascal Quidault.

Hail to Vár (or Vór), a Norse goddess associated with overseeing oaths, vows, and other private agreements made between couples. She is good to invoke as a show of trustworthiness, but she may punish the oath-breakers who don't keep their word. 🖼 "Her oath" by Corey McGill.

Nástrǫnd (Dead Body Shore), is a place of punishment in Hel and the afterlife for those who have committed heinous crimes, such as murder and oath breaking. Níðhǫggr also lives here, and is said to be among the serpents that feed on the corpses. 🖼 "Hel" by Massimo Porcella.

Blessed Óðinsdagr Twitter/X. Óðinn, the highest god, is often depicted as one-eyed, and seeking knowledge. His wisdom was mostly gained through self-sacrifice and determination, while his ravens Huginn and Muninn provide him with news from all the realms. 🖼 By Fernando Issamo

Yggdrasill (ᛁᚴᛏᚱᛅᛋᛁᛚ. Old Norse potentially meaning "Óðinn's Steed"), is the name of the world tree. Yggdrasill is a massive and sacred tree that is said to connect the nine worlds in Norse cosmology. Yggdrasill: The Mundane Tree (1859). By Finnur Magnússon (1781 - 1847)

Huginn ("thought"), Muninn ("memory"), are two ravens belonging to the highest god, Óðinn. These ravens provide Óðinn with information from all across the world, because of this he is also given the name, Hrafnaguð (Old Norse for "Raven-God" - "Hrafn-Guð") 🖼 By InnerSpirit.

Iceland 🇮🇸

Quickly find what you need on any device at anytime, try out our new publicly available site/database dedicated to allowing users to search for and find articles to read, whether it's a Norse god, or a Hávamál translation, knowledge is at your fingertips. valhalla.macbeibhinn.scot/search.html

Stephen Pollington, author of "WODEN: A HISTORICAL COMPANION," recently published two excellent new books: "RUNES: A GUIDE TO THEIR HISTORY AND USAGE" and "MEAD HALL: A GUIDE TO FEASTING IN EARLY MEDIEVAL ENGLAND." Check them out!

The Saga of Erik the Red (Eiríks saga rauða, 1880) and a work-in-progress Scots translation of the Hávamál is now available in the Valhalla+ app, time to light the fire and share the epic tales of one daring man on an ever-changing journey. macbeibhinn.scot

The Galloway Hoard was discovered by detectorist Derek McLennan at Balmaghie, Kirkcudbrightshire, #OTD in 2014. Deposited around AD 900, it is both Scotland’s earliest Viking-Age hoard and the richest ever found in Britain and Ireland. 📸National Museums Scotland

In Norse mythology and paganism, Gungnir ("the swaying one") is the spear of the Norse god Óðinn. Known for always hitting it's target, it is said that come Ragnarǫk, Odin will ride out with his spear and fight the wolf Fenrir (Fenrisúlfr) with it. 🖼 By Jakub Jagoda.

Krákumál (Lay of Kráka) is a skaldic poem attributed to or composed by a dying Ragnar Lodbrok, likely written in the Scottish Islands. The poem reflects themes of heroism and defiance as he meets his inevitable end. Read it here: valhalla.macbeibhinn.scot/?id=Krakumal

Whether you're looking to increase your knowledge, or are simply looking for something to read, we've got you covered. Check out our new Valhalla site, search and discover hundreds of articles, including gods, Hávamál translations, runes, and more: valhalla.macbeibhinn.scot/?id=aslaug

Modern reconstruction of a "Knarr". This ocean-going merchant ship features a broad, rounded hull and high freeboard for optimal stability - perfectly built for carrying up to 30 tons of supplies, livestock, and goods on Viking trade and colonization journeys, powered primarily

Final voyage for Viking ships. Three 1,200-year-old Viking ships that have stood the test of time are embarking on their final and possibly riskiest journey to their new forever home in Norway u.afp.com/Sdta

#BookologyThursday 📚🕯️#Death #Baldr In Norse mythology, Baldr was slain by his blind brother Höðr, tricked by Loki into hurling a mistletoe dart which was Baldr's sole vulnerability. Asgard's grief echoes as Hel claims him, yet #rebirth awaits post-Ragnarök. 🌱💖 📙Source:

Before the Viking Age came the Germanic tribes. From 50 B.C. to 300 A.D. they filled much of Northern Europe - ancestors and relatives of the later Norse. Long before the first Viking ships sailed, Frisians, Saxons, and Vandals were already clashing with Rome and shaping the

In Icelandic folklore, the Yule Cat, Jólakötturinn, is a giant cat on the prowl at Yuletide. It looks for people who are insufficiently dressed in new attire for the Yuletide festivities and eats them whole! #caturday art Iren Horrors