My 12% Norwegian Norse Viking DNA Ancestry and Its Meaning for an Iranian-Born Conservative

My 12% Norwegian Norse Viking DNA Ancestry and Its Meaning for an Iranian-Born Conservative

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS Priest

Ancestry is more than just a set of genetic markers; it is a living testament to the journeys of our ancestors, their struggles, and their triumphs. The revelation that I possess 12% Norwegian Norse Viking DNA is more than just an interesting genealogical footnote—it speaks to the complex migrations, interactions, and historical struggles that have shaped both Europe and Iran. Born in Northern Iran, my DNA tells a story of warriors, traders, and explorers whose paths crossed over continents. It is a reminder that the blood of the fierce Norsemen flows through me alongside the ancient Iranic peoples of the Scythians, Sarmatians, Medes, and Persians.

The Norse-Viking Connection to Iran

The Viking world is often thought of as being isolated to Scandinavia, but the reality is far more complex. The Norse people were prolific traders and warriors who sailed as far as the Byzantine Empire and even Persia. The Varangian Guard, an elite force of Norsemen serving the Byzantine emperors, is well-documented, and Viking traders frequently traveled through the Caspian Sea, reaching Iran and beyond.

Historians such as James Montgomery and Christian Raffensperger have documented extensive Norse trade networks that connected Scandinavia with the Islamic Caliphates and the Persian world. Viking merchants sought silver, spices, and luxury goods, and their presence in places like the Volga trade routes facilitated Norse intermarriage with various local populations, including Iranic peoples.

The Alani-Viking Link

One plausible connection between my Norse DNA and my Iranic heritage is the Alans—an Iranic Sarmatian-Scythian people who had extensive interactions with the Norse. The Alans were known to have intermingled with European and Scandinavian populations, with some joining the ranks of Norse raiding parties and mercenary groups. It is no coincidence that Norse sagas mention warriors of Sarmatian and Alan descent fighting alongside Vikings. This further cements the idea that my lineage is a blend of these warlike, honor-driven cultures.

A Shared Warrior Ethos

As someone who was born in Northern Iran, the historical overlap between Vikings and the Iranic world carries a deep personal significance. Both the Norse and the ancient Iranic tribes shared a warrior ethos that emphasized honor, strength, and loyalty. The Viking concept of drengskapr (honor and bravery) mirrors the Iranic ideals of razmgar (warrior spirit). Both cultures valued freedom and despised tyranny, resisting foreign occupation with an indomitable spirit.

In many ways, the Norse were similar to the pre-Islamic Persian warriors who stood against Arab, Turkic, and Mongol invasions. The Vikings, like the Scythians, Parthians, and Sassanian Persians, valued individual courage and combat prowess. Their warrior traditions were later suppressed by encroaching Islamic and Marxist influences that sought to erase indigenous warrior cultures and replace them with submission to oppressive ideologies.

Christianity: The Unifying Thread

What truly ties this ancestral discovery together is Christianity. Both the Norse and the Iranic peoples experienced radical transformations when they adopted Christianity. The Vikings, once fierce pagans who raided Christian Europe, eventually became devout Christian warriors, forming the backbone of medieval European Christendom. Similarly, many Iranic peoples, including the Alans and Armenians, converted to Christianity before Islamic conquests forced conversions across Persia and Central Asia.

As a Christian conservative, I see my Viking ancestry as a reaffirmation of my commitment to the faith. The Norse once fought for Odin but later took up the cross, much like my own journey from Islam to Christianity. This is a powerful testament to the transformative power of Christ, who calls all nations and peoples unto Him. The Vikings became defenders of Christendom, and my own journey is a continuation of that legacy—standing against tyranny, Marxism, and Islamism, and upholding the values of faith, family, and freedom.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Strength and Faith

My 12% Norwegian Norse Viking DNA is not just a genetic curiosity; it is a testament to the deep interconnections between Europe and Iran, between Norse warriors and Scytho-Sarmatian horsemen, and between the struggle for freedom and faith in Christ. As an Iranian-American conservative, this lineage reinforces my dedication to defending the values that both my Viking and Iranic ancestors upheld: strength, honor, and an unyielding resistance to oppression.

The Viking legacy, much like the ancient Persian and Scythian legacies, is one of perseverance against adversity. As America faces cultural and ideological battles today, I stand firm in my belief that we must reclaim the warrior spirit of our ancestors—Viking and Iranic alike—to protect our freedoms, our heritage, and our faith. This is the call of history, and I am honored to carry it forward.