Recent genetic research has shown that Orcadians have a significant amount of Viking blood running through their veins. We have all become accustomed to seeing our Viking ancestors as a fierce warrior race, but was there another side to them?
At first archaeologists were puzzled as to what the 2 thin sharply pointed long thin metal objects were. It was not until the deposits around the ‘pins’ were examined under a microscope that it revealed a gathering of fibres. Taking a sample of the fibres for further examination the boffins were able to determine that they were of a wool substance.
In an exclusive interview with The Orkney News head archaeologist Prof Hans Gnittink said:
“det er en overraskelse, Vær vennlig og snakk saktere?”
And went on to say:
“Snakk til meg på norsk”
Back in Orkney specialists at our own internationally renowned Centre for Nordic Studies a spokesperson told us that the finds in Norway have resulted in a re-examination of all the Viking warrior grave goods ever excavated in the islands. The preliminary results are astounding. The metal pins are found in all the graves.
It appears that Viking warriors were skilled knitters. Far from being a woman’s hobby as many of the ill informed today think of it, knitting was an essential part of the warrior’s training. Dexterity with thin sharp pointy pins and patience was part of the warrior’s way of destressing after a long day of pillaging.
62 researchers are now embarking on fully funded PhDs to explore this new side to our Viking warrior past that has been denied – until now.
Reporter: Fergus Graemsay