Recent research sheds new light on the presence of domestic cats in Viking Age Scandinavia, challenging long-held beliefs and revealing a more complex relationship between Vikings and their feline companions.
In a study published in Current Swedish Archaeology, Matthias Toplak presents a comprehensive reassessment of the significance of cats in Norse culture. By scrutinizing archaeological evidence, Toplak offers fresh insights into the roles cats played in Viking society, diverging from traditional interpretations influenced by medieval mythology.
While written sources from the Norse era depict cats predominantly in negative contexts, associated with sorcery and demonic symbolism, Toplak suggests that these depictions may have been influenced by later Christian perspectives rather than reflecting Viking beliefs. For instance, references to cats in Norse sagas often portray them in connection with sorcery or as attributes of mythical figures like the goddess Freyja, who purportedly rode a chariot drawn by cats. However, Toplak proposes that such associations might have been retroactively imposed onto Norse mythology from Christian or antique traditions.
Instead of relying solely on literary accounts, Toplak examines material evidence such as the use of cat fur in clothing and the presence of cat remains in archaeological sites. He notes a shift over time, with cats increasingly being buried alongside humans, suggesting they were valued as companions and possibly as pets. By the later Viking Age, cat bones became more prevalent in burials, indicating their integration into domestic life in Scandinavia.
Contrary to the notion that cats were included in burials for practical reasons like food, Toplak argues that they were regarded as household companions and pets, cherished by both high-status individuals and the general populace. The discovery of artifacts like the "gripping beast" motif on Viking swords and cat figurines further underscores the close relationship between cats and humans during this era.
In conclusion, Toplak emphasizes the multifaceted nature of cats' roles in Viking society, ranging from pest control to symbolic associations with magic and fertility. Their presence in high-status burials alongside other valuable goods reflects their esteemed status as domestic companions rather than mere utilitarian assets.
By reassessing the archaeological record and questioning traditional narratives, Toplak's study enriches our understanding of the dynamic interactions between Vikings and their feline counterparts during the Norse Age.
