Discovering Ancestral Ties: An iGENEA DNA Test's Unexpected Revelations about My Messner Lineage
Family name Messner
An iGENEA DNA test provides unexpected revelations of Scandinavian and Eastern European heritage linked to my Messner ancestors, bringing forward new insights into my family history and self-understanding.
Undertaking a DNA test at iGENEA has been a transformative experience with unexpected revelations about my origins and ancestral background, specifically related to my ancestors, the Messner family. What I presumed about my lineage has been significantly altered, teaching me a valuable lesson about identity and roots.
I had always been made to believe that I hailed from a predominately Western European lineage with deep roots in Germany. The Messners were reported to have been of solid German origin. Certainly, while the results upheld some portion of my German heritage, it also unveiled a surprising twist. Contrary to my belief, I discovered a substantial mix of Scandinavian and Eastern European DNA.
This Scandinavian link was particularly surprising. Unearthing a strong Viking DNA lineage, the test revealed my ancestors were part of the Norse adventurers and traders who left their homeland in search of new territories. To think that the blood of robust Viking warriors course through my veins thrilled me. This newfound Viking connection adds a layer of historical intrigue to my self-understanding.
The Eastern European link was another bolt from the blue. My DNA revealed traces of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. The Messners, it appears, had Jewish origins intertwined with their roots, contradicting the staunchly German-Christian narrative I had known. While this revelation was initially a shock, it made me dig deeper into the past. I found records showing that several Messners had indeed moved from Eastern Europe to Germany during various periods of migration.
Both revelations have positively changed my self-understanding and perception of my family history. I feel a renewed sense of connection and respect for my ancestral lineage. This experience has made me realize that our identities are far more complex and exciting than what family tales or conventional history may suggest.
I’m grateful to iGENEA for facilitating this voyage of discovery, which has enriched my sense of self. Understanding your roots can indeed bring a profound perspective about your presence in the world, and it's reminded me that we are all connected in a multitude of unexpected, fascinating ways.
R. Messner