🐉 Why DRAGONS & PORTALS are on Viking Age Churches

Why do "Viking churches" have dragons? At first, it seems odd—weren’t Vikings more about raiding than religion? But after taking a fresh look into stave churches with a visit to the Chapel in the Hills, these medieval wooden masterpieces mark a pivotal moment in Scandinavian history: transitioning from Old Norse mythology to Christianity.

Stave churches emerged in Norway around the 11th century, built entirely of wood with intricate carvings. Though once numbering nearly a thousand, only about 30 remain today. Their design reflects Norway’s rugged geography, abundance of timber, and late conversion to Christianity—largely influenced by King Olaf in the 10th century. As stone cathedrals rose in Europe, Norway’s builders applied Viking shipbuilding techniques to construct these stunning wooden churches.

But what really sets them apart? Dragons. Just like medieval cathedrals had gargoyles to ward off evil, Norse dragon carvings adorned these churches—showing how Christianity blended with Viking traditions. Another fascinating detail? The rooster weathervane, a Catholic symbol ordered by Pope Nicholas I, which merged with Norse folklore as a sign of vigilance and protection. And then there are the intricate portals—many featuring fantastical creatures like dragons and serpents, which some interpret as references to Ragnarök, the Norse apocalypse, symbolizing the ongoing clash between good and evil."

The Chapel in the Hills in South Dakota is an exact replica of Norway’s Borgund Stave Church and reflects the country’s Lutheran heritage, which took hold after the Reformation. Oddly enough, stave church replicas have also appeared in the Midwest, particularly in states with strong Scandinavian roots like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota. Today, the Chapel in the Hills serves as both a tourist site and a place of worship, holding summer services steeped in tradition.


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⛪ 52 Churches in 52 Weeks is a weekly spiritual series that worships at different churches throughout the United States. The project aims to exemplify love, understanding, and bridge the gap between different Christ-focused religious affiliations. If you'd like to see what happens next, LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and hit NOTIFICATIONS.


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▶️ Timestamps:
0:00 Chapel in the Hills Preview
2:09 Stavkirke Flashback
3:15 Stave Replicas
4:53 Worship
6:24 Norwegian Time Capsules
7:47 Why Stave Churches Are Different
9:56 Norwegian Construction
12:19 Dragons
13:46 Rooster
14:56 Wooden Heads
15:28 Portal
16:13 Lutheran Tribute
17:16 Church Service
18:30 St. Jude


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🎵 Music:
Alexander Nakarada - Fólkvangr
   • Dark Viking Music by Alexander Nakarada "F...  


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