This is the first in-depth study of the various traditions about the famous Jómsvíkingar and their stronghold, the Jómsborg (usually identified with Wolin).
This famous band of warriors established their fame on the one hand by forming a bridge-head of Scandinavian sovereignty in Slavic territory, on the other hand by their fateful oath they took to either conquer Norway or perish, which they did in the battle of Hjørungavåg.
The book studies various literary traditions about the founding of Jomsborg, traces the careers of the single named chieftains of the Jomsvikings as well as studying the battle of Hjørungavåg, and analizes other traditions of Scandinavian rulers connected with the Jomsborg.
Morawiec is able to show how heavily the political situation in 12th century Denmark influenced the literary depictions of this Viking Age gang of warriors, despite the many factual details still transmitted over the centuries.
Deutsch
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