The Vikings' reputation for violence has been debated among historians and archaeologists. While it's undeniable that they were involved in battles and raids, the extent of their brutality may have been exaggerated over time. According to experts, the Viking Age coincided with a violent period in European history, where wars, slavery, and raids were common. The Vikings' attacks on monasteries and towns were often seen as particularly heinous due to the cultural differences between them and their Christian victims. However, it's also possible that stories of Viking brutality were embellished over time.

Source: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/vikings/were-the-vikings-really-that-violent