Summary of ‘Children of Ash and Elm’ by Neil Price: A Detailed Synopsis

Introduction

What is Children of Ash and Elm about? This book outlines the Viking Age from 750 to 1050. It explores the lives and culture of the Vikings through historical evidence, challenging popular stereotypes. Neil Price emphasizes their role as traders, explorers, and colonists while addressing their complexities as a society.

Book Details

• Title: Children of Ash and Elm
• Author: Neil Price
• Pages: 656
• Publish Date: August 25, 2020
• Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval, European History, Archaeology
• Ratings: 4.18 (6,420 ratings, 919 reviews)

Synopsis of Children of Ash and Elm

Viking Age Overview

Neil Price’s *Children of Ash and Elm* presents an extensive narrative on the Viking Age. This period, spanning from 750 to 1050 CE, marked significant expansion for Scandinavian peoples. As traders, raiders, and explorers, they stretched from North America to the Asian steppes. Traditionally, Viking history has been seen through the eyes of their victims. Price, however, takes a bold approach, recounting their story through archaeological evidence and textual history. From the infamous raids to vibrant trade networks, the book highlights interconnectedness and complexity. This comprehensive history serves to dismantle stereotypes, showcasing Vikings in their full humanity. Not just fierce warriors, they were also skilled artisans, innovative traders, and influential leaders. They shaped the sociopolitical dynamics from Eastern Europe to the depths of the ocean on their longships.

The Pre-Viking Migration Era

The first section of Price’s work delves deeply into the Migration Period preceding the Viking Age. This era is transformative, shaped by monumental events like the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Supervolcano eruptions and climatic shifts compelled populations into mobility and settlement. Price chronicles how cultural and spiritual narratives developed in response to these upheavals. By exploring Norse mythology, he gives insight into how these early peoples viewed their cosmos. He introduces key figures like Björn Ironside. He led a notorious expedition to attack Rome. The narrative graphically illustrates how these journeys reshaped societal structures. Price also emphasizes the influence of myth in shaping personal identity among the Norse. Complex notions of personhood and gender roles emerge, offering a more nuanced view of individual lives. The Vikings’ relationship with nature, their gods, and even each other all threads into this intricate framework.

The Viking Phenomenon: Raids and Expansion

Moving into the Viking Age itself, Price examines the catalysts behind the Viking phenomenon. He discusses how socio-political developments and expanding trade networks set the stage for raiding. Here, the story of successful incursions unfolds, revealing how daring maritime culture played a crucial role. They journeyed along the rivers of Europe and the coasts of North America. Raids began as isolated incidents, evolving into coordinated invasions. Price powerfully illustrates this shift using vivid examples. The reader learns of legendary raiders, their motives fueled by economic pressures and resource scarcity. As riches flowed in from newfound territories, the societal hierarchy transformed significantly. However, Price does not shy away from the brutality of these raids. He provides a balanced depiction of the violence inflicted upon conquered societies, particularly focusing on enslaved individuals.

Colonization and Enduring Influence

The final section transitions into the lasting implications of Viking expansion. Costly raids led to settlements in places like Iceland, Greenland, and even Newfoundland. Price discusses the cultural exchanges that followed these expeditions. He candidly addresses how Norse societies blended with existing cultures, reshaping European landscapes. Price’s writing continually emphasizes their cosmopolitan nature. He details how they established trade routes that led to intimate relations with other cultures. Stories of women like Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir showcase the extraordinary range of Viking lives. Gudrid is noted as the most traveled woman of her time, embodying the exploratory spirit. Throughout the book, Price critiques misrepresentations of Viking culture. He tackles problematic misconceptions surrounding militarism and purity. His insights reveal a populace driven by complex sociocultural dynamics, rather than simple bloodlust. This text dismantles myths, painting the Vikings as a multicultural society with vast influences. This rich context uplifts the expansive narrative of the Vikings beyond mere mischaracterizations.

Conclusion: A Comprehensive View

*Children of Ash and Elm* serves as both a resource and a revelation. Price’s balance between rigor and readability appeals to both scholars and casual readers alike. His narrations are vibrant, linking archaeological discoveries with literary traditions. The text navigates a broad range of topics including religion, politics, art, and economics. It consists of meticulous research supported by a rich bibliography. Price’s ability to present the multifaceted aspects of Viking life shines throughout. He refuses to romanticize or vilify, instead opting for a humane perspective that reflects on their experiences. Ultimately, *Children of Ash and Elm* enriches our understanding of this complex society and its far-reaching legacy.

Alternative Book Cover

Quotes

• “Free will existed, but exercising it inevitably led to becoming the person you always, really, had been.”―neil price,Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings
• “There is a sense in which this viewpoint is looking through the wrong end of the historical telescope, defining (and often judging) a people solely by the consequences of their actions rather than the motivations behind them.”―Neil Price,Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings
• “Strangely, Asgard also contained temples, cult buildings where the gods themselves made offerings—but to what or whom? The mythology of the Vikings is one of only a tiny handful in all world cultures in which the divinities also practised religion. It suggests something behind and beyond them, older and opaque, and not necessarily ‘Indo-European’ at all. There is no indication that the people of the Viking Age knew what it was any more than we do.”―Neil Price,Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings

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Key Figures in Viking History

• Björn Ironside: A legendary Viking warrior known for his raids, including an expedition to sack Rome. His leadership exemplifies Viking ambitions during their expansionist phase.
• Gudrid Thorbjarnardóttir: Noted as the most traveled woman of her time, Gudrid’s journey to Vinland adds depth to understanding Viking explorations and women’s roles in society.

Key Takeaways

• A New Perspective: The Vikings are often viewed through biased historical lenses. Price seeks to present their story accurately.
• Complex Society: The Vikings were traders and settlers, not just raiders. Their worldview greatly influenced Europe.
• Cross-Cultural Exchanges: Vikings engaged with various cultures across Europe and Asia, showing a capacity for adaptation.
• Understanding Raids: Viking raids were fueled by socio-political and economic factors, not simply barbarism.
• Gender Dynamics: Vikings had fluid gender roles, challenging prevailing notions about their societal structure.

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Reviews

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About the Author

Neil Price is a distinguished archaeologist specializing in Viking Age Scandinavia and shamanism, with a profound understanding of the sociology of the Vikings.

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Conclusion

We hope you found this synopsis of Children of Ash and Elm enjoyable. These summaries provide a glimpse into the richness of the original work. If intrigued, the full book promises an in-depth historical journey worth exploring. Here is the link to purchase Children of Ash and Elm.

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