Viking, Norse, Heathen

What is authentic Viking, Norse and Heathen is wildly debated.  It is true that fiction has blurred history.  But the real confusion existed long before the TV shows and movies.  Most things heathen were recorded after the fact by Christian monks.  Religions do not tend to speak accurately of other religions.

Best Example:  The 10th century Muslim author Ahmad ibn Fadlan described the Norsemen as fairly filthy.  Later Englishmen complained that the personal hygiene of the Norsemen challenged the English men's standing with the ladies.   

So if I get something wrong, please do use the contact page.