Were there Saami at the same time as the Vikings and if so how did they interact?

by Lolarora

I know very little about saami history apart from the racism and discrimination they had to endure during the 20th century

DaphneDK

The Sami and Vikings were contemporay in Scandinavia.

According to Stephen Mitchell (Witchcraft and Magic in the Nordic Middleages) Viking belief in witches and spirits were influenced by Sami shamanism.

According to Snorri Sturluson, Tore Hund had received a coat from the Sami which through Sami witchcraft could not be pierced by iron.

Searocksandtrees
S0pdet

All I have to say is from Philip Parkers "The Northmen's Fury: A History of the Viking World"

He doesn't go too deeply into their relationship. He does mention that there was trade between the two groups, the Saami supplying furs, though we are not sure what they received in return. After the introduction of the Borgarthing law the interactions were reduced as the law attempted to prevent Christians from interacting with the Saami. Overall there were more peaceful interactions than aggressive and the Saami seem to be linked with shamanistic/witchcraft type characters.