Customer Reviews

Women in Old Norse Society

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This is Jochen's companion volume to "Old Norse Images of Women," which focuses on images of women in Norse literature. These literary images *may* be more Christian patriarchal fantasy than real. "Women in Old Norse Society" looks at the reality of women in the Viking Age, using the Icelandic Sagas and the recorded Laws as the main sources of information. Jochens argues that the sagas are both historical and literary sources.

Paganism lasted much longer in Scandinavia than the rest of Europe, which meant women there enjoyed a more equal relationship with men for a considerably longer time. Jochens explores the Pagan-Christian conflict very fairly, looking at both the advantages and disadvantages the shift to Christianity brought for women. For example, in pagan times women had little say in whom they married, and Christianity brought the advantage of female consent. Jochens looks in great detail at important female issues such as marriage, reproduction, leisure and work. Especially fascinating is the "economics of homespun," or how women's economic contribution of woven cloth eventually became the main medium of exchange.

One of my favourite aspects of Jochen's writing is her frequent use of Old Norse words, clearly explained, adding a fascinating linquistic layer. She references her work meticulously, making it a very scholarly read, yet it is highly readable for anyone interested in women's history.

It is amazing how much information she managed to pack into this book, without overwhelming the reader AND with keeping it interesting. She included Old Norse (Icelandic?) language in the text without taking away from the content or causing confusion. (I don't speak either.) It actually added to the book. She covered all facets of Norse society and also noted the differences between how the Icelandic and Norse cultures developed over the years. It is definately a book that I recommend for anyone interested in historic Norse society, especially the female culture.

This is a very interesting book. She uses Christian books to understand women's role in Pagan Iceland. It seems to me she goes out of her way to find female suffering. If the Christians say something negative about the Pagans. She sees that as a fact, but if a Christian shows women with power in Pagan Iceland, then she thinks this is just a Christian romance of their Pagan forebearers.
This is a good book, but with flaws.