NORMAN
Over the years I have had an interest in the subject of the English Saxons and Normans, because they makeup about 70% of my heritage. I have 34 different Anglo-Saxon surnames of direct ancestors on my family tree and 13 Norman surnames. Saxons, Angles, Jutes--All Germanic tribes from the area of northern Germany invaded what is now England (Angle-Land) around 450 AD. They were at first invited to protect Britain from other invaders, Picts, Irish, but decided they would like to settle there themselves. They likely intermarried with some of the Britons (a Celtic tribe), but most of the Britons were pushed into Wales, and some to the Scottish border. So the Saxons were now in control of Britain, until Danish Vikings made headway, and later in 1066 AD when the English Vikings were finally overcome by Scandinavian Vikings. Rolf The Ganger (called ganger because he was too fat to ride a horse and had to go on foot) was given land in what is known as Normandy, France (Normandy-land of the Northmen), to pay them off, and keep them from pillaging the rest of the country. So they decided England was ripe for picking in 1066 AD. and William The Conqueror led his French speaking Vikings into England. All these people were considered Germanic--part of the many early Germanic Tribes.
To get a good "feel" for the early Viking mindset, I suggest one of my favorite books: Beowulf, there are many translations of it. Two of the best are from: Howell D. Chickering Jr. and another from: Seamus Heaney. Also a great book on the Norse Myths: Kevin Crossley-Holland, The Norse Myths.
Karlton Douglas
EAST TENNESSEE HOME PAGE