Not the same Vikings: Genetic study reveals surprising differences between Iceland and Faroe Island

A new genetic study revealed distinct Viking origins for the Faroe Islands and Iceland, challenging previous assumptions about the uniformity of Norse settlements in the North Atlantic. The research, led by Dr. Christopher Tillquist from the University of Louisville, analyzed Y-chromosome data to uncover surprising differences in the genetic heritage of Viking settlers in these two island groups.

The study, titled "Genetic evidence points to distinct paternal settlers of the Faroe Islands and Iceland," was published in the journal Frontiers in Genetics. Dr. Tillquist and his colleagues from the University of Wyoming and the University of the Faroe Islands focused on genetic markers in the male lineage of the Faroese population. Specifically, they analyzed Y-chromosome data from 139 Faroese men, examining 12 genetic markers known as short tandem repeats (STRs).

By comparing this data with genetic profiles from 412 men in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Ireland, the researchers were able to reconstruct the genetic picture of the Viking populations that settled these islands. The findings revealed a striking contrast between the genetic profiles of the Faroe Islands and Iceland. The Faroese samples resembled a broad range of genotypes from throughout Scandinavia, indicating diverse backgrounds among the settlers. In contrast, the settlers of Iceland displayed a distinct genetic profile, with genotypes appearing to come from a relatively similar gene pool.

Dr. Tillquist commented on the significance of these findings. "Scientists have long assumed that the Faroe Islands and Iceland were both settled by similar Norse people," he stated, according to Archaeology Magazine. "Yet our novel analysis has shown that these islands were founded by men from different gene pools within Scandinavia." He further added, "Our results demonstrate that Viking expansion into the North Atlantic was more complex than previously thought."

The researchers employed a novel method called Mutational Distance from Modal Haplotype to assess variations of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within STRs. This innovative approach allowed them to uncover a "founder effect" in both populations—a genetic signature left by small groups of settlers, indicating low genetic diversity among the first settlers. Using this method, they demonstrated that the haplotype distribution in the Faroe Islands most closely resembled that in Norway and Denmark, with some influence from Sweden, but differed significantly from that in Iceland.

The study suggests that the Vikings who settled the Faroe Islands were distinct from the populations that later settled in Iceland. One group, diverse in their Scandinavian origins, established themselves in the Faroe Islands, while another and more genetically divergent band of Vikings colonized Iceland. These separate genetic signatures have persisted to this day, revealing separate migration paths and challenging previous notions of homogeneity among Viking settlers.

Interestingly, the lack of interbreeding between these populations, despite their geographical proximity, offers new insights into Viking social structures and settlement patterns. According to Lenta.ru, Dr. Tillquist noted, "There doesn't seem to have been any interbreeding afterwards between these two populations." This observation challenges assumptions about the uniformity of Viking settlements and suggests a more complex narrative of Norse expansion.

The implications of this study are significant for understanding the history of Viking exploration and settlement in the North Atlantic. As reported by Discover Magazine, the geneticists concluded that a band of Viking men from all over Scandinavia colonized the Faroe Islands, while a separate group with a relatively similar gene pool settled in Iceland. This discovery clarifies the picture of Viking expeditions and allows a new perspective on their history, revealing a more nuanced story than previously told.

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago of 18 rugged, windswept islands in the North Atlantic, were settled by Norse settlers between A.D. 872 and 930, as noted by Archaeology Magazine. Historical accounts such as the Færeyinga Saga name a Viking chieftain, Grímur Kamban, as the leader of the colonization. However, the exact origin of Grímur Kamban and his followers has never been clear. The genetic data now indicates that they hailed from throughout Scandinavia, not just one particular region.

These findings enrich our understanding of Viking migrations, offering a clearer picture of how Norse settlers shaped the genetic landscape of the North Atlantic. As reported by Medievalists.net, "Each longship that set sail for these distant islands carried not just Vikings, but distinct genetic legacies." The study demonstrates that Viking expansion into the North Atlantic was more complex than previously thought, shedding light on the diverse origins of the settlers and their enduring genetic signatures.

In conclusion, this groundbreaking research offers a new perspective on Viking exploration and settlement, challenging long-held assumptions and highlighting the complexity of Norse migrations. The genetic distinctions between the Faroe Islands and Iceland underscore the varied origins of Viking settlers and contribute to a deeper understanding of their history in the North Atlantic region.

Archaeology Magazine, Discover Magazine, and Medievalists.net were among the websites that covered the finding.

This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq