Our Maps and the Vikings

Three years ago, when historian and DNA researcher Sturla Ellingvåg first contacted us, we didn't think much of it. After all, he was just another guy with a Youtube channel who asked for permission to use our maps in his videos. (As you know, this had happened many times before.)

Then his book about the vikings and Norwegian history got in the finish line, and he again went for a Grasshopper Geography map. We then stayed in contact, occasionally fixing up a map for him to suit his latest research or lecture.

One of his talks this summer took place in a nearby town here in northern Norway. The event was part of a festival celebrating coastal traditions and the water bodies that surround us - a really fitting setting for some colourful river maps.

It was great to see our maps in action, how they were integrated into the stories that Sturla told us about the vikings and their ancestors. He is an excellent storyteller with a great sense of humour, an immense amount of knowledge, and a clear passion for his work. Even during our private conversations, he always came back to Norwegian history with an entertaining anecdote or fun fact. We really enjoyed spending time with him and learning about the local history and culture.

The book he wrote in collaboration with Wolfgang Wee, 12000 år med norsk historie (12,000 years of Norwegian History), will soon be available in English under the title The Roots of the Vikings. We're looking forward to reading it!