First Advisor
Dr. William Henry York
Date of Award
Spring 6-16-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology and University Honors
Department
Psychology
Language
English
Subjects
Trauma, Saga, Middle Ages, Viking, Iceland, Drengskapr
Abstract
Trauma is a fundamental part of human experience and the ways in which human beings experience trauma differs drastically depending on the time and culture represented. Research on trauma in the Middle Ages does exist, however, often offers windows into very narrow intersections within the study of historical trauma. Other cultures and particularly oral traditions lack the same attention from scholars in trauma. The specific experience of Vikings as referenced in the oral tradition of sagas offers a unique window into the traumatic experience of Vikings as well as how they responded to trauma. This unique response to trauma is important for us to study because of what it can say about the current understanding of trauma today. The study of historical trauma in European communities as well as Viking culture through sagas show us ways in which trauma and trauma treatment exists outside of medical context and lessons that can be applied today in the treatment of trauma on societal and individual levels.
Recommended Citation
Vogt, Kagan, "Trauma in the Middle Ages: The Viking Experience of Trauma through Saga" (2025). University Honors Theses. Paper 1656.
Included in
Behavior and Behavior Mechanisms Commons, Cognition and Perception Commons, Cognitive Science Commons, Community Psychology Commons, Mental Disorders Commons, Other Psychiatry and Psychology Commons, Other Psychology Commons, Other Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons, Other Sociology Commons, Psychological Phenomena and Processes Commons, Theory and Philosophy Commons