Vinland in der Gelehrtenwelt des Mittelalters (Chapter 8)

In 1961, the Norwegian couple Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad uncovered archaeological remains of a Viking expedition at L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, confirming Norse presence in North America over 400 years before Columbus. The discovery provided tangible evidence of the 'Vinland' described in medieval sagas, such as the Grænlendinga Saga, which detailed the Vikings' arrival and their encounter with sweet dew on grass. This study, by Rudolf Simek, explores the motivations behind the Viking voyages—whether driven by adventure, resource scarcity, or other factors—and examines their nautical prowess, worldviews, and historical narratives. It also addresses misconceptions, including 'Viking Hoaxes,' that emerged in the U.S., highlighting the intersection of history, archaeology, and medieval scholarship.

Simek, R. (2016). 8. Vinland in der Gelehrtenwelt des Mittelalters. Vinland!, 99–108. https://doi.org/10.17104/9783406697210-99