dailyprompt-2072

The Impact of Viking Heritage

Audio Podcast

This may sound unusual, but I am most interested in the smallest percentage of my ancestry heritage, which has sparked a sense of curiosity and fascination within me. I didn’t think much about my heritage until The History Channel broadcasted their Viking series, a captivating exploration that aired over a six-year span. The intricate stories of exploration, conquest, and the rich culture of the Vikings illuminated a distant past that I had barely considered before. As I delved deeper into the narrative, I found myself drawn to the nuances of lineage and how even the smallest percentage of Viking heritage could connect me to such a storied history. This revelation has inspired me to research further, uncovering the threads of ancestry that weave together the tapestry of my identity and prompting a richer understanding of my family’s origins and their journey through time.

Doing a DNA test, I find that I am around 40 percent from English heritage near Cornwall, England, a region known for its stunning coastline and unique cultural identity. This area has a rich history steeped in maritime tradition and folklore. I discover that I hold over 50 percent of German Bavarian descent, a lineage that connects me to a region celebrated for its beautiful alpine scenery, traditional festivals like Oktoberfest, and its vibrant history in the arts and sciences. With most of the remaining heritage tracing back to Viking territories of Norway and Sweden, I am reminded of the seafaring spirit and adventurous nature of those ancestors who explored and settled across vast areas of Europe, intertwining their stories with mine.

Watching the Viking series has stirred something deep within me. As I observe how these Norse warriors expanded their reach—sailing across treacherous waters, raiding coastal villages, and establishing footholds throughout Europe—I can’t help but reflect on the darker aspects of their conquests. Their expansion wasn’t just about territory or treasure; it often came at the cost of human suffering. The pillaging of towns and the brutal assertion of dominance likely included acts of violence, including unwanted sexual encounters—an unspoken but historically plausible reality of war and invasion. As unsettling as it is to consider, I find myself wondering if my own existence is somehow tied to that legacy. Perhaps, buried deep in my ancestry, I may be the product of one of those encounters—a living echo of a moment that was never meant to be remembered, yet somehow shaped the course of generations.

For some reason, I related to the Viking series very strongly, as it resonated with my fascination for adventure and exploration. The intricate storytelling, coupled with the rich details of Viking culture, captivated my imagination in ways I never anticipated. One will never know why I became so interested in the Viking heritage, but the epic battles, the strong familial ties, and the relentless pursuit of glory struck a chord within me. As I watched the entire series throughout its airing on The History Channel, I found myself not only engrossed in the drama but also enchanted by the historical elements that were artfully woven into the narrative, which deepened my appreciation for the Norse legends and their significance in shaping modern history.

Daily writing prompt
What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?
View all responses

My Heritage

Podcast

My mother’s heritage is of German descent. My father’s heritage is of English descent. If their families did not immigrate to America, I would not be here. My mother was born in Minnesota and her mother was from Bavaria Germany. My dad was born in Iowa and his roots trace back to England, Scotland areas. They met in Colorado, married and seven years later my time on earth began. This is an abbreviated version of my parents’ story.

My mother’s mother immigrated to America sometime in 1890. All I have heard was that she was seven years old at that time and she came from the Bavaria Germany area. I never heard who she came with or how she ended up in Minnesota. During that time, I read somewhere that many children were sold to couples that were going to America those days so that child could have a better life than what was going in Germany at that time. I will never know the true facts on this history. My DNA tests show that 42% of my heritage is of German Descent.

My father’s heritage is from England and the Scotland area. My dad had an uncle that traced their heritage to Cornwall England back to 1532. That area apparently had tin mines and as the need for tin diminished and many started to immigrate to greener pastures. Many moved to Australia and America. My dad’s family migrated to America before the Civil War and sometime ended up in Iowa as farmers. My DNA shows that 49% of my heritage is of English descent.

The remaining 8% DNA shows Scandanavian, Norway, Sweden Area heritage or Viking history.

With that, I am most interested in my grandma’s history. How did she get to America and who did she come with? What part of Bavaria did she come from? Also, where did the Viking heritage come from? Were my relatives’ victims of the Vikings when they were attacking and pillaging England? I doubt I will ever know anything about this history.

I am proud that my families were able to live and suffer the adversities of immigrating to another country and start a new life that is the base of the life I have been very fortunate to live. This is the last frontier. If things go bad, there is not a wild frontier in the world. It will be up to the ones living here to fix the country.

Daily writing prompt
What aspects of your cultural heritage are you most proud of or interested in?
View all responses