Written by Ergi (noun) and its adjective form argr (or ragr) were among the most severe and dangerous insults in Viking Age Scandinavia, denoting a male who is not masculine, a coward, or overly feminine. Often I have heard it mentioned in context of a discussion on homosexuality in the Viking Age. Most often this primitive thought comes from American men who have never served in the armed services
Meanwhile, in the birthplace of Vikings, the military openly celebrates LGBT+ pride months with parades. The Swedish military has allowed openly GLBT+ citizens to serve since 1976. Today, the Swedish military actively seeks LGBT+ citizens with the use of pride flags in recruitment posters. Of course they do, this is not the Viking Age. So let’s look at that word ergi.
The word generally referenced a male rape victim. While the rapist was thought manly, the victim was shamed.
I am glad we live in a more enlightened time.