Who is King Canute from Valhalla?
For those wanting a classic Viking hairstyle for men you can’t go past the ultimate warrior King Canute from Valhalla. King Canute draws inspiration from Cnut the Great (Canute the Great), who held the titles of King of England, Denmark, and Norway, overseeing what historians collectively term the North Sea Empire in his reign. Cnut is acclaimed for skilfully bringing together Danes and English, earning him the designation of “the most effective king in Anglo-Saxon history” by many scholars.
King Canute’s Hairstyle
King Canute has a very simple hairstyle to recreate however it will require you to have long hair (past shoulder height). You will shave both sides of your hair but rather than braiding the remaining hair, simply comb backwards and into a ponytail. To complete the look consider checking out these Viking-inspired no-slip hair ties from The Longhairs. To complete the look, consider growing a full beard, approximately 2-3 inches long. If you are looking to do something more intricate with your hairstyle but still after the Viking-inspired look, check out our article- Best Viking Braids for Men.
Why do all Vikings seem to shave part of their head?
The depiction of Vikings with half-shaved heads in popular culture, including TV shows like Viking Valhalla, often draws inspiration from historical sources and artistic interpretations. While the portrayal of Vikings with half-shaved heads may not be entirely accurate for all Norse individuals during the Viking Age, it reflects certain historical and cultural practices. From my research there are a few reasons why we believe the Vikings may have often shaved half their head.
Symbolic Meanings: In some cases, the half-shaved head could have held symbolic significance, representing a rite of passage, a mark of accomplishment, or a commitment to a particular deity or belief system. In Norse mythology, the god Odin is often associated with wisdom and magic, and some depictions show him with a distinctive hairstyle, which could have influenced such practices.
Practical Reasons: Vikings were seafarers and warriors who faced harsh conditions during their expeditions. A half-shaved head might have been a practical choice, reducing the amount of hair that could get caught in helmets, braids, or even the bowstring of a bow and arrow. This could make it more convenient for activities like combat, sailing, and archery.
It’s important to note that historical records about Viking hairstyles are limited, and much of what we know is based on archaeological findings, sagas, and artistic representations. The portrayal of Vikings in popular culture often involves a degree of creative interpretation to make the characters visually distinctive and intriguing for modern audiences. As a result, the half-shaved head may be more of a stylistic choice than a historically accurate representation for many Vikings.