Vikings na Terra Nova: uma análise acerca do imaginário nórdico na América

Abstract

This monograph is proposing to shed light on the problem of how was the process of elaboration of the idea of the Norse presence in America before Columbus. For that, is studied the intellectual production of researchers of the field in the period beginning in the 1830s, with the release of Antiqvitates American, and extends until shortly after the discovery of the archaeological site of L'Anse-aux-Meadows, in the current Canada, in 1960. That is, is analyzed the trend of construction of this idea, from initial speculations to become a subject of a widespread study both in the "Old" and in the "New World". Based on these considerations it is possible to identify a nordic imaginary in two regions of the American continent: in the United States and in Brazil. This imaginary often relied on "archaeological myths" to legitimize itself, which was gradually being evidenced throughout this period. However, it was necessary for it to remain active, even using questionable media, for more rigorous research and critical documentary were performed.