W Civ Final
Throughout the late tenth century in Scandinavia, many societies were adversely affected by the spread of Christianity. The Vikings were traditionally a pagan community believing in many gods and heathen rituals, such as human and material sacrifice. Through the influence of powerful Christian rulers many Vikings did convert to Christianity during the tenth century. Some converted from their heathen ways by choice and others were forced to except these ideas or be killed by order of the king. But as the new millennium approached, Christians and Pagans believed that an apocalypse would truly decide the future of the rightful belief.By the tenth century, the Roman Empire, France, and England had already been Christianized. In 962 A.D., Otto II, the Holy Roman Emperor, decided to try and spread the religion into Scandinavia. "Sending word to the Danish king Harald Bluetooth that the king must convert, the German emperor demanded that Denmark become Christian or he would invade"(84). This threat eventually led to an invasion on Denmark by the Saxons. Bluetooth called upon his heathen brother to help defend their country, but Otto's troops prevailed. Without much choice, the two heathen brothers opened up to Chris
The only thing that this new religion offered these people was a chance to continue living. Besides the few miracles like Hallfred and the three speakers who were taken over by supernatural force, the heathens were mostly converting in fear of the Norsemen from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. "Ragnarok and Armageddon were conjoined; the battle was between men, but it was also a battle between gods and between good and evil"(103). Olaf's troops fought hard and pushed back to Danes and the Swedes with no problems, however Earl Eric's Norsemen were the true test. After fighting long and hard, the Christians were in trouble. Fearing for his life, "Olaf jumped overboard"(107).
Some common words found in the essay are:
Christianity Hallfred, Vik Christ, Viking Olaf, Christianity Vikings, Orkneys Sigurd, Saxons Bluetooth, Christian Pagan, Ragnarok Armageddon, Vanir Aesir, Harald Bluetooth, tenth century, spread throughout world, battle evil, olaf trygvesson, spread throughout, king norway, battle svold, throughout world, late tenth, otto ii, harald bluetooth, late tenth century,
Approximate Word count = 1415
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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