Gelmir is your go-to platform for knowledge and resources about the Viking Age and Early Medieval Scandinavia. We are committed to providing credible, well-researched content and dedicated support for the Viking community. Our mission is clear: to offer an anti-racist, academically grounded perspective on the Viking Age, free from the distortions of white supremacist narratives.
Founded by Connor Benson and Jonas Lau Markussen, Gelmir is a collaborative effort that bridges the gap between academic research and the broader public, making knowledge more accessible and engaging.
Why We Created Gelmir
We saw a major gap in accessible, trustworthy information about the Viking Age. Many existing platforms are influenced by harmful ideologies, while museums and academic institutions often focus on national narratives that don’t always connect the dots across Scandinavia and Northern Europe.
We aim to:
- Highlight academic research and museum collections that are often difficult to access due to geographical barriers or institutional limitations.
- Provide English-language content to make this knowledge available to a global audience.
- Explore the relevance of Viking Age culture today, particularly its animist perspectives and communal customs, which can offer valuable insights in our modern world.
- Help people understand their cultural heritage and why it still matters.
Who is Gelmir For?
Gelmir is for everyone—whether you’re new to the world of Vikings or a dedicated expert. Our audience includes:
- Curious newcomers looking for an accessible introduction to Viking history.
- Hobbyists and reenactors passionate about bringing the past to life.
- Academics and researchers eager to share and engage beyond traditional institutions.
We want Gelmir to be a living, evolving space where people can interact, learn, and contribute. We feature spotlight articles on tattoo artists, reenactors, and artisans recreating Viking Age artifacts, as well as in-depth work from historians and archaeologists.
Meet the Team
Gelmir was created by:
Jonas Lau Markussen
Jonas Lau Markussen is an illustrator and author specialising in Viking Age art and Nordic ornamentation. Known for The Anatomy of Viking Art and The Anatomy of Germanic Art, he breaks down historical styles with clear illustrations, timelines, and concise historical contexts. Through his website, books, and YouTube channel, he provides educational resources and design tools, helping artists and historians engage with Early Medieval Scandinavian art.
Connor Benson
Connor Benson is the creator of Einarr’s Journey, a platform that brings Nordic mythology to a broader audience through art, storytelling, and community engagement. Through Einarr’s Mead Hall, he fosters a network of artists, craftsmen, and content creators, promoting their work and strengthening the community. He is also part of Wolfblood Apparel, curating and commissioning Viking Age-inspired collections. Driven by a passion for history and artistic expression, Connor works to keep Nordic mythology alive and relevant today
Gelmir is still in its early stages, having only begun active development in early 2025. We have already started collaborating with academics to produce content and are actively working to expand our team of contributors as we grow.
How You Can Support Us
If you believe in what we do, we’d love your support! You can help by:
- Signing up for our newsletter to stay updated.
- Following us on Instagram to join the conversation.
- Becoming a member to support our work and gain access to exclusive content.
Join us on this journey to uncover the Viking Age and its lasting impact on our world today!