Jul - How The Vikings Celebrated Christmas feat. Historian Herleik Baklid [History Documentary]

In this documentary we explore Norway’s rich history of Christmas/Jul traditions that have been lost to time with Norwegian cultural historian Herleik Baklid. Beginning in the Viking era, we look at the pagan history of the winter solstice and Jól, theatrical human and animal sacrifices (Blót), the importance of beer (Øl), the swearing of oaths (Heitstrenging) and the terrifying pagan goat figure (Julebukk).

In the Christianised Medieval era, we examine Pre-Christmas traditions such as street patrols (Julevakter), fasting (Vannfaste), the household cleaning ritual (Julevask) and the bathing tradition (Julebad). As we approach Christmas Eve, things take a frightening turn with supernatural beliefs such as the Wild Hunt (Åsgårdsrei), North Norway’s Jul-Anders and the Icelandic Yule Lads.