Gold Finger Ring
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle only mentions Danes, or vikings, of this time as violent barbarians and they only appear in the Chronicle as the opposition of the English kings and only in the context of war.[2] This ring, however, may suggest that the Anglo-Saxons and the barbarous warriors that the monastic texts made the vikings out to be were not so different after all. This gold ring resembles a Danish arm ring dated to the 9th century in both shape and style, with the two ends tied together opposite a wider, decorated side. These rings were given by Scandinavian kings and other leaders to their allies and underlings as gifts to secure loyalties.[3] In much Anglo-Saxon literature, such as Beowulf, there is much evidence for ring-giving as an Anglo-Saxon custom as well.[4] This suggests possible peaceful interaction between the vikings and the Anglo-Saxons but also shared culture and style.
Most monastic texts, such as the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, attempt to distance themselves as much as possible from the “Danes.” They were only mentioned as sly, bloodthirsty enemies. The monks were unwilling to admit anything shared--culturally or otherwise--between the Christian Anglo-Saxons and the pagan vikings, not only because of the vikings’ invasion of England but also their rejection of the Christian faith. Therefore, the view we have today of the two peoples suggests that they had nothing alike. The vikings were raiders, pillagers, and warriors rather than the more civilized people the Anglo-Saxons were written to be. The ring, however, shines a light onto what may be shared style and culture between the two peoples, and if they had this custom alike, they surely had other things alike as well.
