The Scottish Vikings Full History

Orkneyinga Saga
US/CAN: norse-combat-s...
UK/EU: amzn.to/3ua7TIG
In the period from the 8th to the 15th centuries during which Vikings and Norse settlers, mainly Norwegians and to a lesser extent other Scandinavians, and their descendants colonised parts of what is now the periphery of modern Scotland. Viking influence in the area commenced in the late 8th century, and hostility between the Scandinavian earls of Orkney and the emerging thalassocracy of the Kingdom of the Isles, the rulers of Ireland, Dál Riata and Alba, and intervention by the crown of Norway were recurring themes.
Scandinavian-held territories included the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, the Hebrides, the islands of the Firth of Clyde and associated mainland territories including Caithness and Sutherland. The historical record from Scottish sources is weak, with the Irish annals and the later Norse sagas, of which the Orkneyinga saga is the principal source of information, sometimes contradictory although modern archaeology is beginning to provide a broader picture of life during this period.
Norse contacts with Scotland certainly predate the first written records in the 8th century, although their nature and frequency are unknown. Excavations at Norwick on the island of Unst in Shetland indicate that Scandinavian settlers had reached there, perhaps as early as the mid-7th century, consistent with dates produced for Viking levels at Old Scatness.
From 793 onwards repeated raids by Vikings on the British Isles are recorded. "All the islands of Britain" were devastated in 794[36] with Iona being sacked in 802 and 806. (These attacks on Christian settlements in the islands of the west were not new. In the 6th century Tiree was raided by Pictish forces, Tory Island was attacked in the early 7th century by a "marine fleet" and Donnán of Eigg and 52 companions were murdered by Picts on Eigg in 617.) Various named Viking leaders, who were probably based in Scotland, appear in the Irish annals: Soxulfr in 837, Turges in 845 and Hákon in 847. The king of Fortriu Eógan mac Óengusa and the king of Dál Riata Áed mac Boanta were among the dead in a major defeat to the Vikings in 839. Another early reference to the Norse presence in the Irish records is that there was a king of "Viking Scotland" whose heir, Thórir, brought an army to Ireland in 848. Caittil Find was a reported leader of the Gallgáedil fighting in Ireland in 857.
The Frankish Annales Bertiniani may record the conquest of the Inner Hebrides by Vikings in 847. Amlaíb Conung, who died in 874, is described as the "son of the king of Lochlainn" in the Fragmentary Annals of Ireland also suggesting an early date for an organised kingdom of Viking Scotland. In the same source Amlaíb is also recorded as having gone to the aid of his father Gofraidh who was under assault from Vikings in Lochlainn, circa 872. Gofraidh died in 873 and may have been succeeded by his son Ímar who also died that year. A lament for Áed mac Cináeda, a Pictish king who died in 878, suggests Kintyre may have been lost to his kingdom at that time. The Isle of Man may also have been taken by the Norse in 877 and was certainly held by them by 900.

[@ClaraBell3452]

With half Norwegian half Scottish ancestry, I find this is really interesting. Thanks for keeping the history alive

[@vikingkrigare5329]

Americano?

[@DavidVega-wi5pr]

Yes me too 🇧🇻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿. Along with Spanish 🇪🇦

[@RRiffe]

What does his nationality have to do with his ethnicity ? ​@@vikingkrigare5329

[@logicgamingwizzardtv2294]

same here but i also have Choctaw in me as well 😂

[@sudzonicful]

I'm a very proud native of the North Isles, the norse genes run through our blood here we even look scandanavian. Nice work my friend 😁

[@celticscribe7887]

Only a quarter of the population of the northern isles has scandiScandinavian ancestry, although shetland slightly more. I think I remember reading that orkney had a lot of planters from fife which might've had something to do with it but idk.

[@gstraveler1]

I live in a town called Largs in West Scotland. It was the site of a battle in 1263 which I believe was the last between the Vikings and Scots, The Scots fought them off despite being outnumbered. There's a statue of Magnus the Viking on the waterfront.

[@dnjnnn]

And an absolute 5 star chip shop 🤣

[@mariapalmer5671]

The Scots also cheated . They waited til there was going to be bad weather . The Vikings were sitting in Lamlash bay hanging around waiting for them , they spent all summer visiting craft shops and little cafes 🙄😆. Eventually the Scots turned up . The Vikings lost a lot of boats and supplies and men getting over to Largs .......and were only just beaten .

[@rosieposie601]

you probably know my cousin Scott Wilson, he is a plumber in Largs!! Ha ha!

[@gstraveler1]

@@rosieposie601 If I ever need a plumber Rosie, I'll look him up :)

[@rosieposie601]

I am sure he would be good he used to be an engineer in Kazakhstan where he met his wife suprised you don't know him!

[@tamsmith291]

As a Scotsman I thank you for this upload! Awesome man!

[@katipohl2431]

Thanks to people like you we feel proud of our history and heritage. Somehow these are ideas of honour, morals and pride I grew up with.

[@hm9120]

You grew up with the idea that keeping slaves was okay as long as you let them escape during times of war?

[@makhsdar8693]

@@hm9120 yes, because in the past u needed them to develop more

[@arroganceinvictus]

@@hm9120 yes.

[@luxetitan2673]

Wow, this is fascinating. There really is so much to still learn. What are Norwegian men made out of, it's apparently greatness. We in society really need to make a effort to be a lot more like our ancestors.

[@Thor-Orion]

You need to look into Scythian history. I’ve got Norse ancestry, but I’ve got even more ancestry that I would consider Gothic. The Norse are awesome, but they’re not unique in being awesome, Celts, Germanics, Slavs, Norse and Mediterraneans (which I am not at all) have great histories and mighty warriors that have achieved incredible feats. The thing that connects all these different types of Europeans is Scythian heritage. The population that became Scythian came out of a group called Sintashta, which took control of the Pontic Steppe border region in the third millennium BC. They were a population of Corded Ware warriors that moved east to secure the borderlands and set up trade routes. They’re the ones who built the Kurgan Mounds.

[@arundelacroix222]

I love your style of explaining history...not just dates/times....you explain as a story...that's how history should always be taught. My father taught me history this way. It makes history come alive!

[@Peg__]

My Grandpa was like that. Its the reason I remember his words than any of my other elders.

[@jamiehowdoi3558]

As a Scotsman. Our government has been invaded by people who are absolute wanks. People who don’t care about our people or our heritage, and who would sell us out to whoever pays the highest. I know it’s not really related to this video but I thought I’d share that. My family originally were from the isle of skye. Great video, I watch every video. Thank you for reading my pish if you do.

[@badgermacleod2037]

Clan MacLeod ?

[@galenbjorn443]

Same as in Scandinavia, I'm a Swede and it's horrible to watch what is happening. In 20-30 years we have completely forgotten our history, and are replacing our own people

[@graybeard3291]

The entire west is facing the same fate, wolves being led by sheep

[@ljnv]

@@galenbjorn443 so instead of complaining, let's come up with ideas to change it.

[@kiss_my_axe_Skjaldmaer]

I couldn't agree more Jamie. It kills me to see what's happening.

[@joesan3956]

My MacNeil roots go back to Barra, Scotland who were Norse-Gaels. We used to pride ourselves on our King Niall of Ireland roots, but recent DNA proved no Irish ties and mostly Norse. They say the MacNeils were the last of the Viking Raiders. We were also the best pirates at sea ahrrr. Btw this was an excellent video. Thx so much for sharing.

[@paulmcneill581]

Your 100% right about the DNA from the vikings

[@lazarus8447]

Damn, I knew the Scottish were badasses but DAMN. Never been prouder of having Scottish heritage.

[@thevis5465]

You aren't Scottish. You're probably a yank, heritage means nothing

[@praisethelordpig1212]

The Scottish are indeed major badasses

[@mclem7670]

Every upload of yours is like your reading my mind. Good job on the content. Old blood American here with Scottish roots homesteading in Appalachian highlands.

[@LokiLivewire]

I have been fascinated with Norway, Vikings and Norse Mythology for as long as I can remember. Absolutely clueless what sparked this fascination, but I'm glad it did. I enjoy your videos so much. I'm constantly amazed at what I know & more importantly, what I don't & learn from you. Great channel. Keep being awesome 🤔

[@samlosco8441]

I recently read a book generally covering Viking history, and a few sections were dedicated to the Vikings of Orkney, the Shetlands, Hebrides, etc. It was interesting but honestly hard to keep up with, all the different earls and infighting combined with the way the Norse named themselves made it so confusing at times

[@badgermacleod2037]

I've been waiting a very long time for this to be touched upon. I'm from Northern Nova Scotia (Cape Breton) & we were taught our clan history by our parents. It was all clans not just mine. My friend's had to know their history as well, no kidding. There were huge numbers of Scott's that settled here during & after the Highland clearings... that's a horrific chapter of Scottish history. The clan seat is Dunvegan castle on the isle of Skye & is still occupied by the chief to this day. Clan MacLeod is of direct Viking origin but there's some uncertainty about the clans origins. Was it Olaf the Black the king of the isle of Mann or Magnus the last King of Mann ? There are plenty of septs of the clan with each having their own rich colorful history's, some really nice tartans & badges too. Clan MacLeod was part of the great heathen army that invaded East Anglia in 865, not particularly appreciated by those in the south at the time but who wasn't invading the southern kingdom's back then ? Although the clan was chartered as early as 1229, these area's were firmly Norse Gael before 800 CE. The great heathen assault in the south of 867 took Jorvik (modern Yorkshire) first & this lasted long after 878. The army simply moved into East Anglia and Northumbria which helped consolidate Danelaw, modern scholars state that Danelaw was an especially ‘free’ area of Britain compared to other's. Every page of Scottish history is drenched in blood, that's not a good thing. The savagery of highland warfare was mercilessly brutal, a tad nauseating for some. Anyway, I loved this video & it's very much appreciated. Thank you so much & Hold Fast !! Skôl good sir.

[@govang5191]

And sadly the clan had sold there people and were Reprimanded

[@ianledger6063]

Yorvik was not Yorkshire, it was just the City of York.

[@Arcticwind-xw6qg]

Yes I know Cape Breton well. Some of the best athletes in Canada come from there.

[@badgermacleod2037]

@@ianledger6063: The highland clearings was a dark chapter of Scottish history. Not many know about it.

[@randyross5630]

You Days Ended Viking! When the War Master! The War Master of Scotland, Chief of the Clan Soon to be Known as the Great Clan Ross, the 1st Earl of Ross Fearchar! The Son of the Priest, with his Great Armada of Ross and his Great Army of Ross and his cousin the King's Troops (Malcom) Blockaded and Sacked the Viking Fiefdoms in and around Scotland, One by One, with the War Master Fearchar the Progenitor of Ross' taking your Lands and Gold making the Ross' the most Richest and Powerful Family in the Highlands for Generations! The War Master and Chief the 1st Earl of Ross Fearchar's Wife was the Queen of Mann! We Subdued You! We Subjected You! We Ruled You! Vikings! Ha! What a Joke Compared to the Red Reapers of Ross!

[@sethgibson4155]

I’m an American, and after taking a DNA test I have been fascinated with my Scottish heritage. I have a lot of respect for the ancient Norse, and how my family (McNeil of Barren) have been affected by the Norse.

[@jessupshutt3557]

An amazing video! I have Irish blood and from what I've heard there were Irish Vikings although I haven't learned much about them. I always love learning more about ancient cultures such as the Vikings, Knights, and many many more!

[@ranamcmahon7653]

I'm Scottish, Norwegian, English and Welsh. I love your videos 😍❤️ So happy you made this on this subject. Thanks

[@paulibarra5449]

you do a great job and I am proud of you that you talk about the viking culture and sell books about the history of the vikings, your work is great to keep our culture alive and keep the history of our ancestors alive, thank you very much for your work

[@patricedeavila4771]

Your videos are always very interesting. This one was extra interesting and I feel like this was full of historical bed-time stories should have been handed down from the elder generations in my family. Thank you for helping to mend our collective stories.

[@sandramartindale3702]

I have a Scottish viking bloodline and am very proud of it this video made me even more so thanks so much man

[@nickfarris1481]

Found out recently after believing I was Irish and German descent for my whole life, I'm actually Scottish and Norwegian descent, predominantly Scotch from the north and northwest highlands with some Norse. Could not be more proud of my ancestors Pictish blood and Norse too. Awesome video.

[@willbee6785]

Scotch is a drink. You mean Scottish.

[@melvinmayfield470]

NOW, You 'touch' heart & nerve, sinew & marrow! For of this 'stock', is my Most-Beloved, Paternal-GrandFather!! THANK YOU, for even broaching this topic, so near & dear to me!! I may not agree, with all you say, but upon my blood, I delight, in hearing you say it!! Peace & Victory, to You Brother!

[@berniv7375]

The sagas make for fascinating reading. The vikings played a big part in Scottish history that there is no doubt. I am a Scottish patriot and an Internationalist and I believe that the Norse people have a way of thinking and doing that if emulated could contribute greatly to the building of a better world.🌱

[@Sarahofthewoods]

Thanks for giving me even more reasons to honor and love my ancestors!

[@ashleyskates6247]

I just found your channel recently, and I’m so happy I did! You definitely fill in the gaps in my own research in my ancestry and explain things so well. My heritage is all over Denmark, Norway, Normandy, UK, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and Iceland. Love how much effort you put into all of this to help people like myself!

[@niiightshadeee]

Was just thinking about how I wish I had something new of yours to watch!! I recently did some reading up on the Picts and their mysterious alphabet. I heard that their cave etchings are in danger of being underwater due to rising sea levels… would love to see them before it’s too late!

[@josephmccrory618]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/epyTdGhtrNSjorM

[@Sherriedc]

You make me want to take a history course on Norway.

[@The_s1kguy]

Great video as always man! Would love to see one about the Irish Vikings and their history. The remnants of their reign here can still be seen to this day in most towns on the east/south east and with surnames and much more

[@snoway397]

Knowledge made entertaining and energetic, appreciated. 👍

[@evol1349]

Clan McDougall here. thanks for the upload. Buaidh no bàs.

[@ljnv]

Thanks im Australian with Scottish, norwagian ans danish ancestry. I love Scotland so much especially the Highlands the scenery, the history etc. Im actually moving to Denmark in April thankfully. Ive lived in Edinburgh for 2 years then covid and had to move back home😕. Looking forward to getting back to Europe 😁😁 ill try to master the Patato throat 😅

[@govang5191]

Tit tut tut tit , In Skippy language it means , Gd luck

[@jesse8737]

A lot of Aussie’s in this comment section. I’m aussie- Dutch and Scottish dad and Irish mum 💪

[@fredrobicheaux5403]

Jeg er Skotsk/Norsk....takk for videoen!

[@2W0D3N]

As a blue eyed red head from Australia 🇦🇺 my family blood lines run deep in Norse and Celt history. This is one of my favourite videos from you. Cheers for all your knowledge 👍🏼

[@jesse8737]

My dad is half Dutch half Scottish. Mum is Irish 💪 from Sydney

[@josephmccrory618]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJWadIqDoJaIrsU

[@ma.2099]

Just learned of my Scottish ancestry. Turns out it’s very close to my generation. Only out 1 generations roughly so it explains my red hair blue eyes and general body build very well! Time to start watching some of this and see what’s up

[@2W0D3N]

@@ma.2099 I recommend watching and learning and much as you can of the Norse/Germanic traditions as we all migrated from there originally and explains so much of our modern society and human behaviour. Don’t worry about the tv shows, and Vikings are cool but it’s the knowledge in the traditions and beliefs that is definitely life changing

[@JosephWilsonProductions]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I have done research on my family surname which is Wilson. We came from Scotland originally and we are a sept from Clan Gunn. The Gunn Clan has both Norse and Pict roots. Proud of these great warriors! Thanks again for mentioning my clan. Wish we had more info on them in the early times...

[@helygg8892]

Did some research a few years ago and found out I might be decended from a viking who settled in Scotland and got our name from a cheiftan who was impressed by the Vikings fighting and bravery defending the land so he gave him what became our family name and our moto means victory through work

[@callummackay4412]

My family, my clan, the Mackays were the bitter enemies of the Norse in North west Scotland (where you showed Sutherland) We managed to stick around untill the clearances. Fascinating history thanks got sharing

[@celticscribe7887]

I think my family are a legendary off shoot of mackays, With A Strong Hand brother 👊🏻

[@callummackay4412]

@@celticscribe7887 Haha indeed friend. Mackays went all over the world as great mercenaries and engineers!

[@savagestrike8459]

Great video, I've been studying a lot about this since my ancestry results came back with a majority of Scotland, Ireland, England, and northwestern France but with a 10% Norwegian! So I assume that small number has got to reflect viking/norman ancestry from 1000 years ago! My family has some of the surnames to back it up I think too. I hope we see more of Ireland and Scotland in the new vikings series coming out!

[@remi1988]

I asked another youtuber if he could talk about the subject norse. Then a day later you pop up on my front page. Amazing :)

[@GothicXlightning]

Hail WILLIAM WALLACE Odin is with him💙🌿

[@marioserrano6333]

I'm from Glendale CA and have many friends that are first generation Scots. Their parents are from Scotland and still have aunts and Uncles over there.

[@paulmaxwell7788]

I have 2 cousins who are first gen American from Scottish parents,they grew up in Glendale,CA .small world😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇺🇸

[@marioserrano6333]

@@paulmaxwell7788 I graduated high school in 1982 I might know them.

[@paulmaxwell7788]

Family names McGrory,John and Alex?

[@marioserrano6333]

@@paulmaxwell7788 we all went to school together, know each other very well. As an adult more John cause Alex move to Florida. Have them both on social media.

[@TorturedSoul76]

Vikings made to the southwest of scotland. I remember going to a dig as a kid an being told it was a Viking settlement.

[@spikewillow4552]

Another great video ! Thanks for sharing brother

[@James_744]

The age of guilt is over. We will not apologize for our achievements. Our history cannot be used as a weapon against us. We are in debt to no one. Our glorious past is a matter of pride and joy for us. Whatever we have done in the past only inspires us today for even greater deeds tomorrow. Those who feel we have wronged them should be happy they are still alive.

[@mclem7670]

Triggered 😆

[@Boudicaisback]

Thank you

[@josephmccrory618]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJWadIqDoJaIrsU

[@BrentTheGent1]

North East Scotland Heathen listening in. Thanks for covering this man.

[@janicelindegard6615]

I'm so excited to find your channel. I am Scottish, English, and Danish. I tell my husband I'm going to watch one side of my family raid and invade the other side when I watch "Vikings."

[@MiBibliotecaOscura]

I heard somewhere that some Scottish clans have viking origins, that would be great if you can make another video to explain this 🙂 Great video, thank you!!

[@Evanmonster1]

That is very true. The MacLeods, are direct descendants of Norwegian vikings. Same with the Gunns, even though there is a lot of debate to this day of the origins of the clan. The MacDonalds and MacDougalls have Norse/Celtic origins. There's a good number of them that have nordic roots.

[@MkNasty911]

I am a MacDonald and still live locally to the original 'homeland'. It is rumoured that Ivar the Boneless settled in Skye and many MacDonald's from this area claim to be of his lineage...I have never found any evidence of this when researching my own lineage. Due to the poor registries undertaken by Highlanders at this time it is very difficult to accurately trace anything passed 1700.

[@victorcampbell1868]

Clan Rollo as well too

[@ianmacrae4963]

So pleased I got on to your Video, fascinating stuff. Thank you my Norwegian Brother!

[@vyvii3293]

As a Scottish person - well done on the accent! 🤣 this was a brilliant video and really great to hear abiut our joined history and kinship.

[@sonsofodinunitedbybrothers9613]

Great work like always brøður. Its funny when I first started to watch the video you had exactly 666 thumbs up and I always hit the like button at the beginning of the video but I didn't want to mess up the count of 666 Thumbs up but just out of curiosity by the end of the video I went and checked it again and it was at 690 thumbs up and I was very happy for you for getting so many in such a small span of time

[@Crackalack]

You earned a sub because of your amazing choice of tartan.

[@allurah47fontaine14]

Thank you for this! In the last couple of years I learned my genealogical ties to these places and MY people! You explain things very well again thank you.

[@abelramirez7320]

I love learning about viking history

[@Myriel67]

I am from Slovenia. But I made a DNA test, and discovered to have a DNA from Scotland too. I was ver surprised! I always liked that country. I am so proud!!! They are my kind of people!!!

[@Elleebeee]

Incredible man. such a clear and concise video 🤘🏻

[@farrukhsheikh5118]

My Mother is a Manson from Scotland and Mansons are a sept of the Gunn Clan. Proud of my heritage 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@glennmacleod3776]

My MacLeod ancestors are from Mealasta, Uig (Vik), Isle of Lewis, where the Norse Lewis Chessmen were found. My Y-DNA result is Haplogroup I1 (M253) Z73+ (L1301+, L1302-), and most of my genetic matches are in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Russia. A few years ago I was informed of a very close genetic match with a Swedish Viking (VK555) discovered in the Salme Viking Ship burials in Estonia, dating from around 750 AD. He was one of four warriors buried with shouldered swords next to the 'chief' who had a gaming piece in his jaws, and was closely related to the four 'brothers' and their 'uncles' also buried in the ships. Isotopes of their teeth indicate they were all from the Lake Malaren region in Sweden, and their swords are very similar to Swedish examples. Great video as usual, I really like the way you present them.

[@KweenAshuntae]

Even though I am black American, I feel a strong connection with my Scottish ancestors. I'm of the Hunter Clan

[@josephmccrory618]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJWadIqDoJaIrsU

[@victorcampbell1868]

lol xdxdxd

[@matthewbroughman6344]

I did some research into my name and what I found said my family comes from a viking settlement in the orkney islands very interesting video thanks for another one

[@sdev2749]

Love your videos, I learn so much that I NEVER would have known had you not started this channel. Thank you

[@Fires755]

I saw your Montana video awhile back thank you for correcting those things love you!!!

[@ancestorarchaeologist2824]

I love your channel--you really bring Vikings to life! I have many Norse Viking ancestors as well as Scottish royalty, and love learning about my noble and fearless ancestors. I wish to correct Mel Gibson's wrong portrayal of William Wallace as 'Braveheart'. Robert the Bruce was actually Braveheart. His closest and most trusted friend, The Good Sir James--to the Scots (The Black Douglas to the English), promised The Bruce on his deathbed, to carry The Bruce's heart to the Holy Land. Back then, everyone felt compelled to fight in the Crusades and The Bruce had not yet gone. The Black Douglas carried The Bruce's heart in an enameled lockbox around his neck. As he was traveling through Spain, King Alphonso XI of Castile asked The Black Douglas and his men to help him to fight off the invading Muslim Moors. One day, while returning to the main group from a smaller side battle, he saw a fellow countryman, Sir William St Clair (Sinclair), alone, surrounded and outnumbered. Though greatly outnumbered, Douglas would not abandon his countryman. He and his men rode in to assist St Clair, knowing it was sure death. As he rode into battle, he took the lockbox from his neck, flung The Bruce's heart into the melee, and shouted "Fight on, Braveheart! I shall follow!" The Black Douglas had never known defeat, in his approximately 70 battles, until that Battle of Teba. He is still considered to this day, to be the fiercest and most feared Scottish warrior in history. He was the boogeyman in stories that English parents told to their children. On my mother's side, I am a direct descendant of Robert the Bruce, and on my father's side--The Black Douglas. The 2 best friends are reunited in the marriage of my parents. :) Also, Thorfinn 'Skullsplitter' Einarrsson (son of Torf-Einarr) is my 31st great-grandfather, and his great-grandson, Thorfinn 'The Mighty' Sigurdsson is my 28th great-grandfather. I also have a branch leading back to Rollo, who I believe is the half-siblilng of Torf-Einarr, as well as 3 branches leading to Ragnarr Loðbrók---one through his son, Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye (daughter Thora) and two through Björn Járnsíða, by sons Refil & Erik. Would love to see Norway before I die.

[@Supermanrs]

I recently found out after doing my DNA ancestry that I am a large percentage of Scottish. As well a being from Sweden, Denmark, Wales, of course European/ northwestern European. Which just fits cause in the 15+ years that I have been a pagan. I have always been drawn to the Celtic and Norse traditions. So now I am looking into the Norse and Celtic traditions even more then ever before and you channel was been a wealth of knowledge. It has allowed me to learn so much that I didn't know. So thank you for the bottom of my heart. I greatly appreciate all that you do. Keep up the great work. Hail Odin and may Thor keep you safe. Blessed be.

[@liamburton6865]

Nice I have a long family line from Orkney. Very insightful, thank you

[@MamzelleHepzibah]

My family name is Scottish (crawford) and my Father and Aunt have the viking blood condition (hemochromatosis) A story of my family I remember was of two brothers who raised an army and defended their town from an attack. According to some history my family descended from Thor the Long who was a Danish Chieftain. William Wallace is said to be a cousin as his mother was a Crawford. It’s a bit sad that the movie Braveheart doesn’t name the Crawford family. According to history he went to his Uncle and Cousin’s because his own family wouldn’t fight the English. I am also very English lol 😂 My grandparents met during WWII. My grandfather was a medic who parachuted into the beaches of Normandy. I can’t even imagine what he saw. He met my grandmother in England and they married there and again here in the states because it wasn’t recognized. I love your videos because they remind me of family stories. We are made of so many different people and carrying their stories throughout the generations is what keeps them here ❤

[@Scotland_the_Brave1984_McCabe]

Watching this I feel so proud, I love my country, lived here all my life 😁😁😁

[@halfpinthero912]

I love this video. One of your maps shows Peterhead. That is my home town and I trace my ancestry back 7 generations at last count. All of whom are within a few miles of Peterhead so it is likely all those before them were likewise from this area. That makes me a descendant of a Pict. We have a local story of a Thain that defeated a viking army on the cliffs above Pennan. However in general we are proud that we have never been conquered militarily, but also we are proud that we have never tried to conquer anyone else. That is what makes us unique.

[@garymcatear822]

You should do a video on the Gallowglass...Scottish and viking mercenaries. These were said to be the most feared warriors in Britain at the time, they were from the western isles of Scotland and they would hire themselves out as bodyguards to kings and such...they were kinda like the hound and the mountain from Game of thrones. The Gallowglass had a code...they would kill even their Gallowglass brother or father in order to achieve their goal and claim their prize, they used the battle axe as their favoured weapon. Perhaps you have already done a video on the Gallowglass, i haven't checked because i have only just discovered your channel.

[@uiimairgrandchildrenofivar5894]

Having almost all my families being Norse-Gaels, I loved this video. The Isle of Lewis, Dumbarton, Arran, and Skye is where we called home.

[@rochellebridge1684]

I have ancient Scottish and Norwegian Ancestors. This is so cool 😎

[@jimbryan3819]

Always appreciate learning new Viking facts!

[@warlord5295]

I did actually find out with help from a company called my lineage and I found out my family came from Norway and settled in Scotland after they were kicked out of Norway by one of the kings with others by someone named Sigurd. I also learned my ancestors did fight for the Scots against the British in the time of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. What I was shocked about was they remained pagan for a very long time but locals did not like this. I did learn the my family fought against their harassers and put up a good fight but eventually all but five were dead the last 5 was a couple and their 3 children 4 members were executed at a Christian church and it was the you gest who was alive he eventually had children but they were raised christian to spare their lives from the church I guess I didn't get the memo because I'm pagan myself. Hahaha

[@MkNasty911]

Hi Just wanted to correct something not to be a smart ass but because you genuinely seem interested in your lineage. Wallace and Bruce fought against the English, Britain wasn't a thing until many centuries later. Your family at this point was fighting for independence from a nation that seen them as worthless peasants. At this time all of mainland Scotland was catholic. Not sure of the dates this began but by 1150 almost the entirety of the country was catholic. In later centuries once Britain was formed as a protestant land, the highlanders remained catholic and fought to re-establish a catholic monarch - Bonnie Prince Charlie. This was the cause for the Jacobite rebellion and the last battle on British soil, Culloden. I hope you continue to investigate the part your ancestors played in Scottish independence. I am sure it goes much further back than what you have found, although it is extremely difficult due to the poor registries kept prior to 15/1600's. :)

[@warlord5295]

@@MkNasty911 thank you for the correction keep mixing Britain and England up all the time. And yes it is true that Scotland for the most part was catholic and my ancestors being pagans during catholic Scotland likely wouldn't have ended well anyway and I am keen to find out more about my family's role in the scottish revolution especially since they kinda have a thing for revolutions since they also fought in the American revolution.

[@MkNasty911]

@@warlord5295 Yes, I cant imagine being pagan during those times would have ended many other ways than being burnt at the stake. Seemed to be a favourite form of religious prosecution here during those times! I used an online library called Ancestry to trace back as far as 1200 in Southern Scotland but going past 1700 in the Highlands is very difficult. Most lived in mud huts known as 'Blackhouses' so we can't really expect that record keeping would have been a priority for them lol Good luck in your research!

[@warlord5295]

@@MkNasty911 totally understandable it irritates me that the church butchered my relatives but what you do. And during the 1700s I can understand that record keeping wasn't much of a priority and I can imagine my ancestor Benjamin had damn good reason to start settling in the colonies and fighting as a minute man in 1776.

[@DJJinxC2006]

I was actually thinking of asking if you could do something on the Scottish connection, you have my gratitude.

[@isk3755]

"weren't successfully invaded" Except by the Irish. Scoti were an Irish tribe that invaded it and took over it and gave the country its name. If it weren't for the Irish Scoti in Dal riata and the Vikings then the Picts would have remained. Though the Scoti were subjects of the Picts for a while things changed for both of them. Those in Scotland around the time of the Romans were "replaced" for the most part. Only 10% of Scotland carries their DNA. The rest is Irish majorly and Viking Norwegian depending on where you are. You can see this with the language of Scotland being a branch of old Irish Gaelige. The people that lived in Scotland have successfully defended many invasions but not all.

[@ianledger6063]

Well said. There are a lot of mistakes in this video.

[@mclem7670]

McMac 😆

[@isk3755]

Would like to caveat that it is not just Irish and Norwegian that Welsh influence in South western (William Wallace's last name literally means Welsh) Scotland exists, as well as English in South East especially Edinburgh. The DNA of Scotland is a mix of a variety of European ethnicities. And small French influence via Norman settlement (Robert the Bruce comes from Robert De brus and he was a Norman Aristocrat implant into Scotland) although you can see that as just more Norwegian but I don't know. It's still majorly Irish and Norwegian (and Pictish) more than any others.

[@sanderson9338]

Ireland was founded by British people. It is common sense to reach Ireland the first people came via Britian. The Scoti never defeated Scotland they barely held a small part of the West, they integrated with the Native Picts and other tribes as opposed to conquered.

[@sanderson9338]

Your DNA statements are false the whole of the North East of Scotland has almost pure indigenous blood with a scattering of Scandinavian. Dal rata married into the Picts never beat them. The Scoti were subjects to the Picts and the North East still has Pictish bloodlines till this day. The whole of Grampian to be precise.

[@bear0907]

Great and very interesting video! Thank you

[@kurtbogle2973]

Bruce Fummy does Scottish History Tours. I think it would be interesting for you and Bruce could collaborate on some stories.

[@Grasshopper-SonLawnService]

Thank you for sharing this information

[@erikdfier]

This is fun read and a great story to tell. How the Vikings Inadvertently Created Scotland: In 839, King Ailpín of the Dal Raita Scotts met a confederation of several Pictish kings in battle. Ailpín’s Scotts were routed, and the king was killed. As the Picts impaled the hapless ruler’s severed head on one of their spears, however, a large force of Vikings broke from cover and rushed them. It is not really known why the Vikings were there in such force, but it is likely that they were waiting to take further advantage of the turmoil to weaken the native resistance to their expansion. The Vikings smashed the Picts, scattering their army and killing their kings. Ailpín’s son, Cináed (remembered to history as Kenneth MacAlpin) took his father’s place as king of the Dal Riata Scotts. Taking advantage of the power vacuum the Vikings had just created amongst the Picts, Kenneth (who may have been half-Pict himself) began successfully taking over Pictish kingdoms. By 848, Kenneth MacAlpin was being called the king of the Picts and the Scotts. This unification of Picts and Scotts (however incomplete it may have been) did not come a moment too soon, for a massive Viking fleet of 140 ships descended upon the Scotts’ kingdom of Dal Riata. The Scotts were able to retreat east, into Pictish territory where they were now more welcome, depriving the Vikings of total victory and further unifying Kenneth MacAlpin’s kingdom. Soon people did not speak of Dal Riata and Pictland anymore, but called the whole region Alba. While various political changes throughout the next few centuries led to the country being called Scotland, it is still called Alba in the native Scottish-Gaelic language today. While it would take many years, many wars, and many great leaders to turn a land of warring tribes into one people, it was the Vikings that catalyzed this change. Source: sonsofvikings.com/blogs/history/vikings-in-scotland

[@kurtbogle2973]

This Scottish/ Viking thing I think would be even more interesting if you and Bruce Fummy would maybe compair notes on a video. Maybe have the same stories covered from both sides. You could banter back and forth if you wanted. I think it would add depth, and perspective to a already wonderful series.

[@freyatilly]

Really interesting and informative. Thank you for what you do.

[@marinakaiser7639]

I stumbled upon your channel and find it so interesting and informativ that i subscribed at once😊Greetings from Germany 🙋‍♀️❤🖤‼

[@peterlund8203]

SKÅL! Great info on our common past and myths/sagas. Please do a vid on Svend Tveskæg and the Danelaw. Let me know when you're going to Læsø, I wanna tag along.

[@Texas_Roofer_01]

I have watched a lot of your videos. This is my favorite being a Ferguson. My lineage is all over Scotland, Northeastern Ireland and Scandinavia.

[@MammaCass]

Really loving your content thank you for all your work 💕

[@TheAaronRodgersTao]

Love the tartan part at the beginning. Very funny.

[@ryanm7832]

Hey there! I'm new to your channel, but I'm already a big fan! Just wanted to say thanks for this, and all the other videos. I was born and raised in Texas, but through DNA testing and extensive genealogical research, I found connections to Vikings on my maternal grandmother and maternal grandfather's sides! My grandmothers family descended from the Crawfords, who trace their lineage to Thor(longus?), a Scottish Viking chieftain. On my grandfather's side, I traced our roots back to 1066, when William the Conqueror invaded Britain. One of the only people named as a companion of the Conqueror was my ancestor William (Guillame) Malet, who was descended from Norse Vikings through Rollo's Normandy.

[@joshuajohn8644]

Thank you for this video I'm a decendent of Orkney Íslands and Shetland clan Gunn peace or war.

[@amanb8698]

I'm a McDonald on my mom's side. The Clan MacDonnell was descended from Norse-Gaels. Norwegians who came there and mixed with the Gaels who earlier had came over from Ireland and settled the Western Coastal Islands of Scotland. Clan MacDonnell is said to be descended from Somerled who was born of a Norwegian descended Viking Father and an Irish descended Gael Mother. Through their maternal line they maintained ties to Ireland. They spoke Gaelic which evolved into Scottish Gaelic. However they had mixed ancestry of Norwegian and Scottish Gael ancestry and later they intermarried with many Irish Gaels when they went back and forth from there . The went onto to become Gallowglass. Gallowglass were mercenary warriors who often fought in service of Irish Lords and lived a life much like Samurai, they took to service to Lords in exchange for land, title, and property or roamed the Irish countryside looking for work like Ronin. Many of these Gallowglass settled in Ireland particularly in service of the Norman Irish Burke Clan (De Burgh) (themselves of Romanized Viking Norman (Northman/Norseman)-Gaulish ancestry and who later mixed with Irish Gaels) who had become vary prominent in Ireland and England since the Norman invasion. This is how the McDonald/MacDonald, MacDonnell/McDonnell, McConnell/MacConnell variations of the name is found in both in all over Scotland and all over Ireland. Later some MacDonnells went to Antrim an set up a sept. Clan MacDonnell is one of the strongest Clans in Scottish history. They were nominally Roman Catholic and took the Jacobite side allied to the French, later they were massacred by Clan Campbell who took the Protestant English side. The original Gallowglass were said to be bigger in size and stature thought to be owing to their partial Norse heritage. Later many Scottish Clans became Redshanks another group of mercenaries. Interestingly enough on my fathers side I'm part Norwegian, and my family came from Southwestern Norway around Bergen, which ironically was the source of many of the Vikings whom went to Scotland and Ireland. And I'm part German and another irony, many Germans later went to Bergen during the Hanseatic League time much later.

[@trublu849]

Love this..got Scottish - Norwegian ancestry :)

[@MrWhitewolf7]

The Highlanders Rory and Robbie did the Scottish Viking gimmick in the WWE.

[@runenummedal6957]

Bra video, alltid spennende med vikinghistorie!

[@RyanKeithJ2]

The Keiths and the Gunns had a 500-year feud... allegedly. Some say the battles are all myths, but my favorite myth is this: "the Keiths had a champion of outstanding size and strength known to history only as 'Caidh Mor', or 'The Big Keith', who wielded a two-edged claymore" "There is a tradition that during the fight Big Keith was assisted by the devil in the shape of a large raven who perched on his shoulder and helped him by tearing out the eyes of some of the Gunns. " A nod to the Odin, maybe... Love your work!

[@susanschaffner4422]

Tremendous presentation. I'll have to watch again to absorb all the details. Thanks. Love the kilt.

[@w_ulf]

Awesome vid. You have perfect fluent English skills.

[@jasonck9635]

Love your videos , they help me to understand Viking culture a lot more !

[@leeteague1484]

Haló from sunny 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (it is actually sunny here in Glasgow today for a change 😀) loving your videos, thanks for uploading your sources really helps for extended research. My madien name is Mcneill so my paternal side are all from the Isle of Bara in the Hebridies at the beginning of our family tree research I wanted to do one of those ancestry DNA kits and I discovered I had 28% Scandinavian DNA. I was so intrigued, to think after 1000 years my DNA is more than 1/4 Scandinavian, probably not that much of a surprise though since we are so close to Norway. Fascinating all the same. Thanks for all the great info you provide Mar sin leat 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤟

[@cheechchong8569]

You're a Marvel, a treasure and all round Legend! A true spokesman for our culture. Surely run for president

[@thepatrys666]

Thanks for video - As always great and informative! I would gladly listen to something about Southern Baltic (Interactions between Vikings, Slavs and Balts) as Im myself from the Western Pomerania (Szczecin/Stettin). Cheers and health brothers!

[@fraserwyllie8840]

I have 10% Norwegian blood and I find this very interesting. Keep up the good work bro.

[@fraserwyllie8840]

And 90% Scottish lol

[@Gypsypriestess]

This video is really really interesting. My sister just took an ancestry test and 23 and me ancestry test both of them said that she is more Scottish then Welsh and I can’t remember what else she said but I’m about to go take an ancestry test and see what else is in our bloodline. My grandmother apparently was welsh but we weren’t really sure. Our great great grandmother used to tell us all these different stories and we were kids. And it sounded more like she was Scottish but she had a interesting folklore stories used to tell us.When my sister took it has fever shocked because we couldn’t believe that I always wanted to find more about our heritage in our history. I always had a fascination with paganism and different things like that. I always thought my ancestry runned a lot deeper but I wanna go find out more information. I’ve been to Scotland twice in my life and I really enjoyed it it’s a beautiful country.

[@norsekoda5938]

I don't have my family names, however doing my DNA history without a family tree. I had to do the research to see what people migrated and traveled where. I also have my name being anglicized from Kerr to carr. Being created from the Norman's, so I had to reverse engineer my roots... it's cool knowing that I am at the least dependent from the clansman of Rollo with the small possibility of veins related to Rollo since it is thought that it was one of his sons that was Kerr and created my scottish clan. I'm more norse than scottish so I'm leaning more intimate to the Norman's that Scottish. Great video brother skal and thank you