More likely it was because the Vikings worked as mercenaries around Europe and for the Byzantines. There is a railing in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul with runes carved into it by bored Vikings. They would’ve picked up items from all over the world in the process. They’ve also found Islamic coins in hoards found in Scandinavia.
The owner of this ring probably didn’t even know what was carved on it, it just looked nice.
What are the odds that a Viking raider wore this ring ironically?
More likely it was because the Vikings worked as mercenaries around Europe and for the Byzantines. There is a railing in the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul with runes carved into it by bored Vikings. They would’ve picked up items from all over the world in the process. They’ve also found Islamic coins in hoards found in Scandinavia.
The owner of this ring probably didn’t even know what was carved on it, it just looked nice.
https://www.cnn.com/2015/03/19/europe/sweden-viking-arabic-ring