The existence of mystery schools in the Viking Age (800-1200 CE) is deduced from myth and folklore. The poems of the Edda display the structure and content of cultic texts used within the framework of initiatic organizations. Later, in Medieval Europe, we hear about secret societies associated with the Wild Hunt, Odin, and the Einherjar. Their mysteries centered around the runes, which were already deployed magically in Ancient Germanic times (400-800 CE). The runic alphabet, or Futhark, is found in the archaeological record from the second century onwards. But its roots are far older.
Dates tends to be the most dubious part of most theories. The development of Nordic culture almost certainly began prior to the Ice Age, and the cataclysmic event that brought on its sudden emergence circa 120k BC. The caverns and catacombs snaking through the continent, typically ignored, had to have been carved out before or during the Ice Age.
Dates tends to be the most dubious part of most theories. The development of Nordic culture almost certainly began prior to the Ice Age, and the cataclysmic event that brought on its sudden emergence circa 120k BC. The caverns and catacombs snaking through the continent, typically ignored, had to have been carved out before or during the Ice Age.