Psychological & Battle Differences Celts vs Vikings

The ancient celts and the Vikings of old both played a role in forming large amounts of Europe as we know it today (Ireland/Scotland and Scandinavia respectively), but their methods and their daily lives differed in many ways despite having similar belief systems (such as in magic, runes and semi-religious beliefs).

Principally, these differences were apparent in their core motivations - efforts that were clearly made apparent out of battle and in-battle. 

Though the Vikings were probably far more superstitious in *some aspects than the Celts, Vikings had a supremely realistic mindset and especially when it came to being objective. Celts valued their beliefs but were often spending much time feasting or preparing their next gathering. This isn't to say, that Vikings did not enjoy themselves, but they were in many ways, more work-a-holic than Celts. 

Vikings also were very attracted to novelty and were incredibly curious and loved exploring, they had a great taste for detail and powerful ambitions, of course you could say similar things about Celts, but celts had a more ''arranged'' ambition - meaning everything had its strict place and time. Group thinking and being employed by various fierce armies showed how eager they were to win.

Going back in time requires much research, and much can be written about these differences - so much that I can make a book but for now I'm going to list the main differences.

Celts VS Vikings Differences in Mentality and Living

• Vikings often lived off of and thrived off of Adrenaline, their battle technique of ''hit-and-run'' when pillaging clearly shows this trait. Their ability to adapt on the run was well honed and their aggressive me vs the world mentality allowed each of them to synchronize themselves in Aggression. Celts on the other hand, sprung up to battle primarily to defend tradition and to defend themselves, if an offensive was taken, it was more about honor as an initiative versus honor regardless. That isn't to say that Vikings didn't have values, but their initiative was not as much based on a written order but rather a shared instinct. In that Vikings were obviously more instinctual and celts using more passion according to a well-emphasized goal.
• Oddly, despite the above facts, Vikings decorated themselves a lot more than Celts, celts held their affinity to art & beauty more as an internal passion, or one placed in objects, Vikings styled themselves up and made a unique name for themselves. Imagine nowadays, if one were to wear an outfit that is out-of-style, most will be criticized or mocked, but a Viking wore outfits that were not alike to other cultures, and people accepted them at some point. Therefore, a Viking was marked by his dominant attitude and not caring about the societal standards posed by other cultures, so as long as it mattered to themselves, and could strengthen their resolve, this appreciation for beauty of their own kind was less about art and more about them deliberately being truly unique.
• In terms of superstition, both Vikings and Celts used runes and other ''magical symbols'', they both have a powerful affinity for symbols but Celts had unique ambitions with these symbols, in that they made them more towards art as ages went on, Vikings continued using the symbols for motivation and guidance, their belief in them was never faltering. Even today, Scandinavia tends to exhibit the most ''magical thinking'' traits out of any population group [1]. Those with Scandinavian heritage may find themselves believing in the power of numbers [2] (as with Swedes) and the power of symbolic writing [3].
• Vikings may have been ruthless at times, but they were scarily objective, they were mission-oriented and once the mission is complete, the aggression dies down. Thus, they were extremely focused warriors but action-oriented when action is expected to be needed [4]. Celts were fierce for sure, but it seems emotional havoc and duties were of the highest reasons for Aggression - though, what can't be ignored is a Celt, similarly to Vikings, just won't put down their weapon and are far to stubborn to give up [5]. A Celt's battle-strategy is relentless and tactical, a Vikings battle-strategy was often again, mission-oriented but in-person, was instinctual and calculating. They were not all about force. They knew when and how to draw their weapons.

*NOTES: One could argue that the superstitions of both cultures helped to create the notoriety we know of today in Irish and Scandinavian craftmanship. The incredibly fine furniture produced by Danes and Swedes and the attention to detail is an amazing element of their society. Persistence and self-discipline may be two of the traits that have carried over from ancient times.

*****OTHER MAIN SOURCES*****

The truth about Vikings: Not the smelly barbarians of legend but silk-clad, blinged-up culture vultures

Drinking Customs of the Vikings

10 Things You Should Know About The Ancient Celts And Their Warriors

In/Tags: psychological differences celts vikings, celts vs vikings, viking, scandinavia, superstition vikings, superstition celts, magical thinking scandinavia, power of symbolic writing,