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Long before surnames became a common way to distinguish one Olaf or Astrid from another, nicknames were the go-to method of identification. While historical figures were often given quirky monikers—from Albert the Peculiar to Zeno the Hermit—the Norse Vikings took things to a whole new level in terms of absurdity and humor.
Paul Peterson, a current teaching fellow in Scandinavian and German at Augustana College in Illinois, dedicated his advanced studies to Norse nicknames, completing both his master's thesis and doctoral dissertation [PDF] at the University of Minnesota on the subject. He explains in the abstract, 'The abundance of nicknames in Old Norse literature is unparalleled, and recurring nicknames offer a key to understanding saga transmission, cultural history, slang, and etymology.' Not to mention, some of them are downright comical.
Many—though not all—of the nicknames Peterson references are drawn from a collection of Icelandic settlers from the 9th and 10th centuries called Landnámabók (The Book of Settlements), which can be grouped into three categories: 'those related to physical appearance, mental traits, and one’s actions or behaviors (whether virtuous or not).' More often than not, these nicknames aren't particularly flattering.
Monarchical nicknames—both legendary and historical—are often highly descriptive, frequently accompanied by an explanation that provides context for the king’s epithet. Here are a few examples:
1. Óttarr the Vendel Crow: This nickname was earned after Óttarr was slain in a battle at Vendill, with crows feeding on his body afterward.
2. Hálfdan the Generous and the Stingy with Food: This paradoxical title comes from a tale that describes the king as generous with gold but miserly when it came to feeding his men.
3. Walking-Hrólfr: Hrólfr, a royal count, earned this name because his size made it impossible for any horse to carry him, so he had to walk everywhere.
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4. Magnús Barefoot or Barelegged: King Magnus ventured westward to the British Isles, where he and his men embraced the kilt fashion of the region, bringing it back to Norway. His choice of attire became particularly significant after an injury to his bare leg during battle ultimately led to his death.
5. Haraldr War Tooth: There is some ambiguity in the legends about Haraldr—whether he earned his nickname due to naturally striking (and yellowed) teeth, or whether it was the result of a mystical gift that allowed him to regrow teeth, including those lost on his wedding night.
Occasionally, even the nicknames of non-royal Vikings came with explanations, no matter how obscure. For instance:
6. Billy Goat Bjǫrn: This nickname came about after Bjǫrn dreamt of a 'rock-dweller' and awoke to discover an additional male goat among his herd, which quickly multiplied and made him wealthy.
7. Ǫlvir the Friend of Children: In Medieval Iceland, it didn't take much to earn this particular title. Ǫlvir became known as the friend of children because, according to Landnámabók, 'He did not allow himself to catch children on spears, as was customary among Vikings.'
8. Þórir Leather Neck: Likely a derisive nickname, Þórir earned it after attempting to craft armor from inexpensive cowhide.
9. Ragnarr Hairy Breeches: The story behind this moniker—Ragnarr wearing his hairy breeches while slaying a serpent to win his wife’s hand—makes sense as a significant event, but it leaves us wondering why he chose to wear the fur pants in the first place.
10. Þóra Hart of the Castle: Like many women’s nicknames, this one refers to beauty. Þóra was said to be so striking that she stood out from other women as a hart (or stag) stands out from other creatures.
11. Þorbjǫrg Coal Brow: Her nickname alludes to her dark hair and eyebrows—but among the Vikings, it wasn’t meant as a compliment.
12. Hallgerðr Long Pants: As the wife of a legendary hero, Hallgerðr’s nickname refers to her unusually tall stature and, presumably, the long pants she would need to wear.
Many nicknames have survived without much explanation (though some are obvious enough that you could probably figure out why the nickname was given). A surprising number of these are openly insulting, featuring crude sexual references or 'bathroom humor':
13. Kolbeinn Butter Penis
14. Eysteinn Foul-Fart
15. Herjólfr Shriveled Testicle
16. Ásný Ship-Chest (or: Ásný The Busty)
17. Þórir Billy Goat’s Thigh
18. Skagi the Ruler of S**t
19. Ásgeirr the Terror of the Norwegians
20. Bǫðvarr the Little Bear
21. Auðr the Deep-Minded
22. Finni the Dream Interpreter
23. Olaf the Witch-Breaker
24. Vemund the Word-Master
25. Hlif the Castrator of Horses
26. Astrid the Wisdom-Slope
27. Ófeigr the Grimacer
28. Tjǫrvi the Ridiculer
29. Vékell the Shape-Shifting
30. Þorfinnr the Splitter of Skulls
31. Bjarni the Tall Man with a House
32. Hjǫrleifr the Amorous
33. Þorgeirr the Frantic
