It all started when Vikings began trading and raiding Christian kingdoms in Europe. After a few trips to England or France, they noticed Christians had some pretty fancy stuff—like silver, slaves, and books with gold letters. “Maybe their god is onto something,” a Viking might have muttered while pocketing a stolen chalice.
But here’s the kicker: early Vikings didn’t abandon their old gods overnight. They practiced “double faith”—praying to Christ for winning trades and to Odin for a good death. It was like having a spiritual insurance policy. “Just in case one god is on vacation,” they figured.
