[MR] Ancient Origins: Viking Gruel Wasn't All That Bad

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends, Especially Vikings:

Today's Ancient Origins is offering a very interesting story on Viking
diets, particularly on gruel. Author Alicia McDermott makes the interesting
cast that their staple food, gruel, was actually made tasty by the
addition of imported (or pillaged; they were Vikings after all!) spices,
fruits, nuts, etc. Her research is partly based on clues found in the
sagas. The story is found at
https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/viking-food-0014285
.

A video link is included that leads to a short, but high-quality film on
how Viking food was prepared for travel. This film is from a group called
"Hands On History". It is followed by a number of other brief films,
several on Viking cookery and diet.

A second video link offers a slightly longer film, "Viking Age Food and
Cooking". This film shows re-enactors at a living history museum preparing
food. I'm not sure if the dog wrapped up in a green blanket that zips
through a couple of scenes is truly period. You have to judge that for
yourself.

Between the article and the films, there is a lot here for a Viking
Scadians to learn from.

Yours Aye,


Lord Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆