How did the Norse Yule turn into a Viking Christmas celebration? In 940 to 961 AD, Haakon the Good was the king of Norway, and during his reign, the English court introduced him to Christianity. Haakon then tried to convert the rest of Norway. It must’ve been such an interesting time, with Viking Yule (or winter solstice) traditions mingling with newer Christian celebrations.
This week, because I was reading a Viking story and decorating my house for Christmas, I got curious about this era. I even went back to a few of the sagas (which make for wild reading, if you’re ever up for it) for clues. Here’s what I found!