Recent research indicates that Norwegian Vikings were more violent than their Danish counterparts. According to a new study, more than one-third of the examined Norwegian Viking skeletons show signs of violence as a cause of death, whereas only six percent of the Danish skeletons exhibit similar evidence. Furthermore, a higher number of swords have been discovered in Norwegian graves compared to those in Denmark.

Anne Pedersen, a senior researcher at the National Museum of Denmark (Nationalmuseet), comments that the differences in incidences of violence and burial weapons may be attributed to varying burial customs between the two countries. She points out that it might have been common in Norway to bury men with their swords, a practice that may not have been as widespread in Denmark.

Additionally, her own studies indicate that there are regional differences within Denmark itself, with Jutland (Jylland) displaying a greater number of weapon graves than eastern Denmark. This could suggest that a more rigid societal structure in some areas led to weapons not being used to signify status during burials.

Pedersen also highlights that the lack of skeletal material from certain areas in Denmark, due to soil conditions, may result in an underestimation of the number of violent injuries.

While the study comes with some caveats, Pedersen believes it may pave the way for further investigations and explanatory models regarding the historical differences between the two Viking populations.