The article critiques the romanticized image of Vikings, emphasizing that much of what we understand about them has been shaped by historical interpretations that lack concrete evidence. Roland Ludger Scheel, a Scandinavianist, highlights that the Viking Age was predominantly an oral culture with no written records, resulting in an understanding of the Vikings that relies heavily on external perspectives from both contemporaneous Europeans and later descendants who constructed sagas to depict their ancestors. These sagas have contributed to a glorified view of the Vikings as noble barbarians and maritime entrepreneurs, perpetuated throughout the Middle Ages.

The romanticization has created a narrative where Vikings are seen not only as warriors but also as heroic figures, which overlooks the complexities of their actual historical roles. Scheel explains that the Viking Age is often misunderstood; it is characterized by a lack of self-representative sources and is informed mainly through the perspectives of others. This leads to a selective and sometimes distorted portrayal of Viking society, culture, and accomplishments. He argues that the narratives shaped during the High Middle Ages sought to construct a sort of 'own antiquity' for Scandinavians, which feeds into the modern understanding of Norse history.

Furthermore, Scheel asserts that these romanticized views have implications for how contemporary societies relate to their Viking heritage. The article calls into question the authenticity of popular depictions found in modern media and discussions surrounding Norse mythology and Viking legacy, urging a more nuanced understanding of this significant historical period that goes beyond the myths and embraces the multifaceted realities of the Vikings' lives and legacies.