The everyday life of a Viking was likely more mundane than movies would have you believe. After hanging from Yggdrasil, the tree at the center of the universe, Odin was gifted the knowledge of the runes. These realistic Viking tattoos also serve as calling cards to fellow fans. The Vikings were Germanic pagans. They’re used as both rites of passage and medallions of honour and it’s a fantastic way to illustrate the passage of time in the show. A Viking ship tattoo may represent your desire to forge ahead through stormy seas. It's Clive. Gullinbursti tattoos represent Freyr’s trusty sidekick: a wild boar. But there are certain historical texts from the Viking Age that give us some idea. The theory is that if the Vikings wore them, they were used in ritual ceremonies. A Norse owl tattoo may represent a belief in destiny. Horned gods in paganism often represent fertility, abundance, and life itself. The Arabic scholar described the ink as dark green in appearance, but it was likely dark blue as that was the color that would have been achieved using wood ash, which was the skin coloring agent of those times. They also received their dowry back if their marriages didn’t work out. These faith systems include the Egyptians, Jewish peoples, Christianity, and Chinese mythology. They were concerned with appearance, esoteric symbolism, and body modification. So far archaeologists have not discovered any ancient remains of Vikings who covered their bodies with tattoos. It also may be a suitable symbol for someone who has trouble letting loose and could afford to get into some mischief. And even then, there is no evidence that these helmets were specific to Vikings. They can choose who dies on the battlefield and will yield that power if there’s a soldier they don’t like. This is very similar to the Kabbalistic tree of life, which has ten nodes. These gutsy Neo-traditional Viking tattoos have a classic comic book feel that works so well with legendary subject matter. This keeps them occupied for now, but eventually, they will catch up. He was such a fantastic runner; in fact, he could carry Odin across the boundaries between worlds. Seeing as they were such great travelers, they likely came across the art form on one island or another. He is one of three cursed offspring from the giantess Angrboða and Loki. Tattoos have been around for a long time. Skoll and Hati are Fenrir’s giant wolf offspring, currently locked in an eternal chase. Odin cast them into the sky, having one chase the moon and the other the sun. He runs between the dragon Nidhoggr at the bottom of the tree and the eagle above. They would fight and hunt in a trance-like state, full of primal fury. Although the great wolf Fenrir is restrained, he is destined to kill Odin at Ragnarok. This is the perfect way to honor a heroic character. The term Valkyries translates to “Choosers of the Slain,” which is pretty metal. Viking raven tattoos represent worldly knowledge, education, and travel. It’s not hard to see why the dwarves built a magical chain to restrain him. If you’re a fan of Viking culture and its values, it can be hard to choose the perfect symbol for your tattoo. They would perform rituals to get in touch with the wolf’s essence and were so ferocious they may have inspired werewolf folklore. The object would then be placed in a large body of water to find and kill that person. The symbolism of a Skoll and Hati tattoo could be a couple of things: Ratatoskr is a little red squirrel who runs up and down Yggdrasil, stirring up trouble. Speaking of Viking burials, the flaming arrows and floating funeral pyre is likely a myth. As with any ancient belief system, there are some really fun mythological beasts in the Norse universe. In this context, a Viking ship may make a nice memorial tattoo. There, they will fight alongside Odin in Ragnarok, a great honor for a Viking. But there’s something to be said for laying out a plan from the very beginning, going all out on the first try. Even without a background in Norse mythology, you may have heard of Odin. A sketchy Viking tattoo will be deeply saturated and a little rough around the edges, looking as though it were ripped out of an artist’s sketchbook. [5]. While the Vikings might not have worn many tattoos, Europe is chockful of cultures where tattooing was a more common practice, and the Norse and Germanic cultures have countless great motifs for breathtaking, meaningful tattoos. Don’t confuse these for pure decorations, though. A Gungnir tattoo symbolizes protection, magic, and sacrifice. Before converting to Christianity, they followed Norse Mythology. Even the Vikings’ appearance struck fear in the hearts of their opponents and victims. Because the axe is so crucial for a Viking lifestyle, it can symbolize Viking values. These Norse warriors overwhelmed opposing forces with their fighting skill. Most characters in Vikings have tattoos, and Floki is no exception. This would ensure smooth sailing into the afterlife. The intricate skin markings depicted creatures and animals like griffons, panthers, and deer. This includes Fenrir, the great wolf, and Hel, the goddess of the underworld. He pierced himself with it while hanging from the tree of life and later had runic symbols carved into it. In fact, Satan’s image as a horned creature was created with direct intent to demonize the pagans. Although the descriptions by the Arabic travelers of the Viking tattoos they observed vaguely mention unfamiliar patterns, trees, animals, and little else, it is not difficult to imagine what symbols would have been so significant to the Vikings that they tattooed them on their bodies. There are so many creative ways to depict this powerful deity. In these pieces, animals and plants mingle together. When doing your Viking research, you’re going to come across some cool looking symbols. They bathed much more often than other Europeans of the time. Just maybe not as much mischief as Loki, who gets pretty carried away sometimes. Viking art has many design elements in common with Celtic, Germanic, the later Romanesque and Eastern European art, sharing … These photo-realistic portraits pay homage to today’s pop culture Vikings. After the Borre style came Mammen pieces, inspired by other European depictions of animals. Another misconception about Vikings are their beards, both the length and color. A Pazyryk princess’ body was also found frozen in the Altai mountain range with perfectly preserved tattoos. His death is also what triggered a series of events that will lead to the battle of Ragnarok, so this tattoo may represent fated events. I'm totally kidding. When in doubt, it all comes back to Odin. We specialize in historical knotwork and Celtic ornamental style Tattooing . They are often depicted as literal giants, which may be an oversimplification based on the English translation. You may prefer his counterpart Frigg, the goddess of motherhood, foresight, and wisdom. link to Why is Northern Europe Mostly Lutheran? This black and grey tattoo is classy and sits perfectly on the upper arm, beginning at the shoulder. Fenrir tattoos may also represent unrecognized potential. Their expeditions were more often about trading than bloodshed. If you want to remind yourself not to become obsessed with material goods, or you’re just a big fan of the story, a Sigurd & Fafnir tattoo will suit you well. Neo-traditional is a dazzling style for epic characters because it’s somewhat realistic, but everyday colors and details are taken to surreal heights. It may be a memento mori for a dying planet. Viking ships are long, somewhat ornate, and they have points on each end. It’s a fitting tribute to a cult of brave and noble people. Jörmungandr was once cast into the sea by Odin, where it grew until it encircled the entire earth. They travel around the world, then whisper to him all that they have seen. Vikings were skilled at agriculture and spent a lot of their time farming. If you read the above description and asked yourself, “wait, who are the children of Fenrir?” this is your answer. Other sources also mention the Vikings as having been tall, for instance in the East Frankish chronicles called Annals of Fulda . It is said that Vikings were all muscle and sinew, generally adorned long intricate braids and had tattoos running through their bodies. They were women who chose to battle next to their male counterparts and are prominently featured in the TV series Vikings. The most famous example of an Urnes piece is on wooden panels in a church in Urnes, Norway. Rune tattoos can be a cool shout out to other enthusiasts. There are no sources that support that Vikings were tattooed since the human body cannot be easily preserved with skin intact. Men would also wear thick, leather body armour for protection and have a shield for protection from sword strikes or blows from axes. There are many symbols from the Viking age that have deep spiritual meaning. Aside from fearsome Vikings and master fairy tale writer Hans Christian Anderson, Denmark may be best known for the most recognizable toy concept ever created — Lego. Having a Norse animal tattoo can be your way of befriending that animal’s spirit, taking their qualities on as your own. Tyr tattoos represent his bravery and valor. He can create rivers and purify water with his antlers. He also symbolizes fertility, but he has less of a dual nature than his sister. Viking art, also known commonly as Norse art, is a term widely accepted for the art of Scandinavian Norsemen and Viking settlements further afield—particularly in the British Isles and Iceland—during the Viking Age of the 8th-11th centuries CE. The triquetra was later appropriated by Celtic Christians who used it to represent the Holy Trinity: Father, son & holy spirit. Why Do We Have Misconceptions About Vikings? There have been no archeological finds of Viking remains that demonstrate or indicate the presence of tattoos on their bodies (there are only skeletal remains). Image source. It’s easy to assume they did. This doesn’t exclude the possibility that Vikings didn’t bother with tattoos, but there is simply no conclusive evidence this was the case. There is so much in the Norse mythology of the Vikings, you’re bound to find something that resonates with you. This story has a lot of twists and turns, but the central theme is greed. To put this symbol in the home of an enemy puts them into a deep slumber, though it isn’t specified for how long. A Ratatoskr tattoo may represent someone who likes to cause mischief or someone who doesn’t mind rattling a few cages to get what they want. These markings would have meant a lot to the Vikings, and they likely would have been unrecognizable to others.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'scandinaviafacts_com-banner-1','ezslot_7',111,'0','0'])); Here are the likeliest candidates for how the Vikings tattooed themselves: The Vikings were religious people. The Troll Cross – Viking symbol for protection. As he is many people’s entry point into Viking gods, Odin tattoos are quite popular. There is some evidence to suggest that horned helmets existed around the Viking era. The all-father has two raven sidekicks, Hugin and Munin. She’s a complicated goddess in that she symbolizes both fertility and death, love and war. There are so many epic stories about Odin, but they all boil down to these essential traits: Wisdom, sacrifice, and esoteric knowledge. Both men and women love to have Viking tattoo on their body. It’s been around since the time of the Vikings. This mask is a protective symbol and would be worn into battle to intimidate a Norse god’s opponents. She’s a popular character for artwork, and her name is one of the only Norse surnames to make it into Western society. Because skin is so fragile, it almost never survives in burials. Did Vikings Have Tattoos? Berserk is defined as wild and frenzied actions. These tools are made from animal bone and include combs, tweezers, razors, and even ear cleaners. If you have to endure something difficult, either physically or mentally, arming yourself with a Vegvisir tattoo will be a token of hope and divine protection. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'scandinaviafacts_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_3',112,'0','0'])); In 1991, scientists discovered the well-preserved remains of a male along the border of Italy and Austria that was carbon-dated to be approximately 5,200 years old. This is a popular tattoo design among people who follow a pagan way of life. A very handsome Thor ready to battle in all his might. Neo-traditional tattoos are characterized by bold, smooth color fills, and your artist won’t shy away from black ink. New burial site excavations show they also left them behind on their The swords are broad and grooved, of Frankish sort. The Frost Giants in Norse mythology are also known as Jotnar. Did Vikings have Tattoos? People usually get Viking tattoos because of their Scandinavian background or love of Norse mythology. Popular Viking tattoos include the compass tattoo, called the Vegvisir. So there is a splash of blood on the parchment of Viking history. Interestingly, many faith systems have a “tree of life” they make reference to. This symbol is not from the Viking Age, however; it dates to the 17th century, from an Icelandic book on magic. Not sure which animal’s energy you vibe with? Nidhogg tattoos represent the idea of falling from grace. But a shaman (male or female) may have worn them in ritual. The runes are an ancient divination tool. Are you someone who likes to shake things up? A Jörmungandr tattoo could represent fate or just a love of bad-ass sea monsters. It can also represent the natural “threes” in life: past, present, future, beginning, middle, end, or earth, water, sky. Illustrative is a handy catch-all term for tattoos that feel “drawn on” rather than photo-realistic but don’t fit any of the above categories. Wearing a troll cross tattoo offers that same kind of magic protection. A rune is a symbol carved or painted onto a stone, piece of wood, or rock. These modern Viking tattoos are an excellent way to breathe new life into old characters. He flew above the worlds, eventually landing on a wall near Geirroð, the giant’s castle. For today’s Viking enthusiast, there are many designs to choose from. Let’s take a little Viking history lesson! You can see how an artist would have fun imagining her. The Vikings indulged in beauty products and self-care. They are also said to guide lost souls to the underworld, a task Odin takes on as well. Norse mythology is rich with interesting legends, Gods, and Goddesses. This creature has also been known to cause the universes in Yggdrasil to tremble. Then we can talk about different designs for your inner Nordic nerd. In Norse mythology, Tyr is the original god of war. You can say a lot without saying much at all. Concrete evidence that the Vikings tattooed themselves is lacking, but detailed historical accounts indicate that these Norse warriors did have prominent markings on their skin, including the Vegvisir and Helm of Awe, that likely added to the mystique surrounding them.eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'scandinaviafacts_com-box-3','ezslot_9',105,'0','0'])); The Vikings were courageous warriors who fought without fear of death, but there were beautiful craftsman and artists among them. Odin would often disguise himself as a bear when mingling with mortals, so a Viking bear tattoo represents his traits of wisdom, strength, and mysticism. The general consensus is that if Vikings had knowledge of tattoos, they would have done them. He’s motivated by pleasure, money, sex, and other earthly appetites. Like the Scythian chieftain’s body, these mummified remains were confirmed to be several thousand years old. It’s also a legendary sea monster known to terrorize sailors. When you want your tattoo to tell a story, you need a placement that makes sense. The Svefnthorn translates to “sleep horn,” and this symbol could help a hard-working Viking get a good night’s rest. I have been unsuccessfully trying to research whether my viking ancestors wore tattoos and what the designs looked like if they did. Realistic black and grey Viking tattoos are every bit as striking, sometimes even more so. So let your freak flag fly, and find the tattoo artist of your dreams for your illustrative Viking tattoo. Vikings likely had beards, but they were kept in more conservative styles. Loki is part of the trickster pantheon, a common theme in many belief systems. The Nidhogg is a dragon/serpent who came up from hell and spends most of his time gnawing at the base of the Yggdrasil, which could throw the world into chaos at any moment. The Viking age went through a few phases with their art pieces, and being aware of these aesthetics should help you narrow down the right Viking tattoo style for you. What about the rest of the Norse? Viking tattoos were consist of ancient Norse symbols, various knot patterns or dark green symbols of trees. Many of our friends from yesteryear weren’t really the best at keeping clean. But did they have tattoos? They are like date palms and their skin is reddish". Vikings had tresses. There are two worlds of Thor tattoos: the ones inspired by mythology, and the dedications to a particular popular Marvel character. A Viking stag tattoo represents grace, purity, and healing. Did Vikings have tattoos? This boar wasn’t like any other boar, which is already a revered creature in Viking culture. Geirroð ordered his servant to capture the bird, and Loki decided to torment the servant by waiting until the last moment before flying away. When Baldur began to dream of his death, Frigg made every object on earth vow not to harm him. The tattoo styles we most commonly associate with the Vikings are from the age’s popular art styles. The devouring of the sun and moon will be one of the events that signals Ragnarok’s beginning. A lot of people wonder what the Vikings looked like. Feb 16, 2021 - Explore Nic's board "Viking tattoos", followed by 262 people on Pinterest. The Svinfylking, or boar warriors, would ritualize to get in touch with the spirit of a wild boar. In general terms, horses represent the concept of wildness in Norse mythology. Here are some of our favorite Viking tattoo artists to get you started. Here are a few of the most common designs: Borre is an art style that has been found in artifacts from Iceland, England, and Russia. They crossed the Atlantic long before other Europeans figured it out. According to 10th century Arabic traveler Ahmad ibn Fadlan: Each man has an axe, a sword, and a knife and keeps each by him at all times. From the 8th through the 11th centuries, the Vikings terrorized towns and nations throughout Europe. If you’re stuck on this decision, why not get a Viking warrior tattoo? Viking socks Another popular Viking tattoo is Freya, the goddess of sex, fertility, and gold. This finding is significant concerning the Vikings, who lived thousands of years after the Iceman because it shows that the art of tattooing had existed for millennia in Europe. In the Urnes style of the mid 10th century to the 12th, all of the above ideas seem to exist together. Right now, the serpent slumbers with its tail in its mouth. Gungnir is a magical spear that belonged to Odin. Most ancient belief systems are animistic, meaning they see spiritual presence in objects and animals. in a void of fire and ice at the beginning of time. Can that guy ever leave well enough alone? Because of the enduring appeal of Viking legends, they are popular fodder for movies, comic books, and tattoo art. While there were red-headed Vikings, there was likely a good mix of hair colors in the culture. Despite their popularity, the real history of Vikings is actually a bit of a question mark. Viking traveled half of the world in 8,9, 10 and 11 century. If you like the idea of a Freyja tattoo but want something more masculine, consider a Freyr tattoo design. Take Odin, the King of Gods, for example. He was known as a joyful and pure personality, a god filled with light. Here’s a fun language fact for you, “Berserker” is a term from the Viking Age used in modern English. Troll cross is a bent piece of iron worn as an … Incredibly, the Iceman, as he is affectionately known, had markings on his skin that are believed to be the oldest known evidence of ancient people tattooing themselves. Freyja tattoo designs can remind you to find beauty in all things. Baldur is the son of Odin and Frigg, making him Thor’s little brother. In recent years Celtic Tattoos have enjoyed a revival. Speaking of keeping it minimal, these simple Viking tattoos are striking in their subtlety. A Berserker tattoo may represent your admiration for these warriors or a desire to get in touch with your primal instincts. This giant octopus-like creature is an agent of chaos. At least, there’s no evidence to suggest they did. An Arabic scholar named Ahmad Ibn Fadlan traveled to the Volga area (modern-day Russia) at the caliphate’s request in what is now Iraq. The Helm Of Awe is a circular alchemical symbol that resembles a sun. Viking axe tattoos tend to represent bravery, honor, and industriousness. Being such excellent explorers, Vikings were known for their ships. The sun represents masculine “father” energy, vitality, and power. This makes Oseberg Viking tattoos a popular style because they seem to interact with the wearer. In both Norse and Celtic paganism, the sun features prominently as a magical figure. Eikþyrnir is a stag who stands on Valhalla’s roof, grazing on leaves from Laerad,  a tree that grows there. Who’s the best at fighting in a battle scene? Runes are divine symbols but also work as a writing system. The most famous story about Tyr is how he lost his hand. As for hairstyle, to proclaim their Viking roots, Norman men shaved the … In Nordic traditions, this was a symbol for Odin, who encompasses those attributes. You can think of Vegvisir as a magical compass. There are nine realms within Norse mythology, and they all exist on a world tree or tree of life known as Yggdrasil. See Norse Mythology vs Christianity to learn more. With their attention to hygiene, it would only make sense to keep their body hair neat and tidy. to learn more. If you feel like you need a little extra support in life, a Viking mask may just do the trick. Another historical account of Viking tattoos also came from an Arabic source, as an emissary by the name of al-Tartushi described seeing tattoos on Vikings’ arms and chests visiting a busy trade hub in Hedeby, which is now a part of Germany. Maybe a Norse mythical figure tattoo is in your future? The seemingly opposite concepts become more related when you think of the birth/death cycle. Mjölnir translates to “lightning” and has the power to create it in the skies. When someone has “gone berserk,” they are entirely out of control, which is a clue to this symbol’s meaning. Odin is also a shapeshifter with several animal familiars. That may be a radical approach, but an Ulfhednar tattoo may do the trick for you. See Did Vikings Have Long Hair? A Berserker would be a member of the bear cult and call on bear spirits to assist them in battle or hunts. Fenrir is a great wolf who will one day kill Odin, and his children will devour the sun. Most Viking history was written by their enemies, or Catholics and Christians who disagreed with their pagan beliefs. A Nidhogg design may be for you. They were world explorers and outdoor adventure enthusiasts. This is also related to the 3 phases of the visible moon: waning, waxing, and full. Badass Thor tattoo. A lot of details about the Vikings, who didn’t keep written records, have been lost through the sands of time. If you’ve struggled with anger or addiction, you may connect with the symbolism of the chained wolf. In a black and grey tattoo piece, every last detail shines through. [1] https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/were-norsemen-tattooed-evidence-ink-rugged-rusiyyah-008351, [2] https://www.ancientpages.com/2018/03/24/how-common-were-viking-tattoos-in-the-norse-society/amp/. The ancient Egyptians tattooed themselves as evidenced by skin markings found on female mummies dating back to around 2,000 B.C., along with brass implements believed to be used as tattooing tools that have been dated to around 1,450 B.C. Viking tattoos are popular because Viking left a mark in history. In doing so, Tyr knew he would lose his hand once Fenrir discovered that he’d been deceived. While the bears and wolves served Odin, the Svinfylking are related to fertility gods Freyr and Freyja. Here’s a handy guide to zoomorphic symbolism in Viking tattoos. These elaborate carvings would adorn wood and metal items, often giving them a zoomorphic look. The points on each end were not just for show- they were valuable when cutting through ice. While getting a tattoo in a traditional Viking style is a cool choice, it can be equally fun to bring these ancient designs into the 21st century. A Scythian chieftain’s body was discovered frozen in Siberian permafrost, with its skin tissue preserved. They have a distinct look, making them popular subjects for tattoos. Each are epic tattoo designs in their own way, and represent roughly the same ideals. But it’s important to note that the mythology of Marvel is loosely based on the Viking legends. However, whether Vikings also wore tattoos remains uncertain. The Icelandic sagas, which form the main body of historical accounts about the Vikings, were written after the fact (and by Christians). Thor is mostly known for his hammer and winged helmet, but Thor mask tattoos are another great looking symbol of this thunderous deity. His official job title would be mythological messenger. For the Viking lifestyle, an axe is essential. They are still sold in spiritual shops today. No. This triple triangle knot is often seen at burial sights and is commonly accompanied by Odin. To gain Fenrir, the great wolf’s trust, Tyr had to place his hand in Fenrir’s mouth. There are 2 Runic alphabets: The Elder Futhark with 24 symbols, and the Younger Futhark with 16. You can always add more details later, but it’s harder to take them away. The Younger Futhark is divided into the “long branch” or Danish style, and the “short twig” or Swedish and Norwegian style. It may look cool in a tattoo, but Vikings did not wear horned helmets in battle. Did they actually have tattoos though? Odin is, among other things, a guide who ushers souls back and forth from the afterlife to the land of the living. A Viking bear tattoo piece is similar to a berserker tattoo piece in that you want to connect with the bear’s spirit. https://scandinaviafacts.com/how-the-vikings-got-tattoos-and-why Nobody knows for sure whether the Vikings had tattoos or not. Vikings left behind nearly no writings, except for Runic scripts on rocks. The Arabic author Ibn Fadlan described the Vikings as follows: ”I have never seen people with a more perfect body build. [3] https://sonsofvikings.com/apps/fireamp/blogs/history/viking-symbols-and-meaningseval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'scandinaviafacts_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_8',118,'0','0'])); [4] https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/tattoos-144038580/, [5] https://www.historyonthenet.com/viking-tattoos-historical-or-not. The tattoos he saw depicted animals and trees, along with unfamiliar patterns. You’ll be able to capture the essence of the culture, but you may have to unlearn some things first. It pays to be picky in your search for the perfect match. The below tattoo designs are of Sleipnir, Odin’s favorite horse. Vikings are best known for their epic tales. A Yggdrasil tattoo may represent an eternal quest for knowledge or a feeling of interconnectedness in your own universe. The Kraken isn’t just a delicious spiced rum. It can also just express a love for Viking culture because the images have become so intertwined. Curiously, most of what was written about Vikings was recorded in the 13th century. Kattegat’s boat builder and eccentric resident has a couple of tattoos on his head, and here’s what they mean. As health-conscious people, sleep hygiene was essential to the Vikings. See How Vikings Got Tattoos and Why to learn more. The Vikings masters of intimidation, which involved aspects of their appearance. Vikings were known to have birds as pets and sometimes messengers at sea. Frigga represents love and destiny, and she is a sky goddess. The word Nidhogg was used in Viking culture to describe someone malicious or dishonorable. As a college professor who has taught about the history of Northern Europe, he wishes to respectfully promote, not just the region's history, but its culture and people as well. These pieces are characterized by twisting shapes, with animal heads and paws. A costume director for the Opera, Carl Emil Doepler, further cemented the image in our minds. The most important knowledge about the physical appearance of the Vikings comes from archaeological finds of skeletons from the period. This would have been both to honor the animistic beliefs in Norse mythology and to represent abundance. It sounds wholesome enough, but in Norse mythology, it is also used as a magical weapon. [1]eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'scandinaviafacts_com-box-4','ezslot_12',138,'0','0'])); Are modern depictions of Viking clothing accurate? A Tupilaq tattoo may represent the desire for vengeance or an admiration for ancient magical practices. A Svefnthorn tattoo would symbolize rest after a long journey, protection from enemies, or vengeance. During the Middle Ages, Volga was a bustling trade center, and the Vikings had strong trade relations with the Arab world.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'scandinaviafacts_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',137,'0','0'])); It was during these travels that Ibn Fadlan encountered a people who were known locally as the Rus, and whom he called the Rusiyyah.