Why did Vikings convert to Christianity?

Explain why Viking rulers converted to Christianity between c.878 and c.1000. [8 marks]

Mark scheme (levels-based):

L2 (3–5): Identifies political and trade reasons; notes specific examples (Guthrum, Harald Bluetooth, Icelandic Althing); limited analysis.

L3 (6–8): Sustained analysis: (a) political alliance — Alfred required Guthrum's conversion as condition of peace (878); conversion created a shared religious identity with Christian English rulers; (b) trade — Christian merchants throughout Europe preferred dealing with Christians; conversion opened trade networks; (c) legitimacy — converting gave Viking rulers the support of the Church and access to its administrative capacity (literacy, record-keeping); (d) genuine belief — some conversions appear sincere (Harald Bluetooth's runic stone at Jelling celebrates Christianity and Danish unification together). The Icelandic Althing vote c.1000 shows conversion could be a pragmatic collective decision to avoid civil war between pagans and Christians.