Magi takes most of its inspiration from Asian stories, and Europe is featured mostly through Reim, as well as something like Artemyra, Magnostadt or Sasan. All three are more of a mix of cultures by the end of it. Still, although Northern Europe is not shown as a geographical location, some references have still found their way into Magi.

First, I will quickly mention Imuchakk. Contrary to some people's beliefs, it is not very Scandinavian at all. Sure it's cold up there in the north, but cold isn't a Northern Europe exclusive concept! Still, the fact that the Imuchakk are known as warrior tribes who practice piracy, that is quite the Viking like idea.

Now, to the real Vikings of the Magi world! I am, of course, talking about the pirates of Aktia. The obvious pirate reference aside (I kind of explained it already), most of the children in Umm Madaura's pirate crew have names of Scandinavian origin. ビルギット Birugitto, that is, Birgit, is a Scandinavian name, short of Birgitta. Although Birgitta is known as a saint in Christianity, the origin of the name is actually in the name of a Celtic goddess, Brigit. More on this on the etymologies page. アーロン Āron, Aron, is a name that is generally known in Europe, including Scandinavia. It is of Hebrew origin. ヨーン Yōn, Jon, is a Scandinavian variant of the name John. ブロル Buroru, Bror, is a Scandinavian name, meaning "brother". The latter three are, in many translations, known with names such as Alon, Yon, Bhrol. Clearly, from a cultural perspective, these romanizations make little sense to me.

Of course, the references to Scandinavia with these characters are not limited to names only. Under Umm Madaura, they wear furs and horned helmets. Although the actual Vikings of history did not wear horned helmets (just think about how impractical they would be in battle!), they have become a common stereotype and symbol of the Vikings ever since the 19th century.

One more of our horned helmet fellows exist in Magi: the Al-Thamen member ビョルン Byorun = Björn. Björn means "bear". This, again, has been romanized as Byoln for some reason. I swear I'm correct when I say that it should be Björn; I do read Vinland Saga. ;) A pirate with a horned helmet and a Scandinavian name... surely it is acceptable if I headcanon him as an Aktian.

Final mention here is actually not about Scandinavia. One of the children on Umm Madaura's ship is called Eero. This is a Finnish name. Now of course, Finland is not Scandinavian but is right next to it and not many foreigners bother to differentiate them (as sad as that is...) Based on that, I wouldn't be surprised if Ohtaka had slipped a Finnish name in there as well.

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