Unearthing My Schlichting Ancestry: A Voyage of DNA Discovery with iGENEA
Family name Schlichting
Discovering my Viking heritage and unexpected familial connections through a DNA test conducted at iGENEA has drastically reshaped my perspective of my family history, prompting a reevaluation of my self-perception and understanding of the Schlichting lineage.
My DNA test with iGENEA has completely shattered my perception of the Schlichting lineage, revealing new facts about their migration histories and even previously unknown relationships. The results offered unexpected knowledge about this branch of my family tree, allowing me to better understand my roots and familial identity. While I had always had a general sense of my German ancestry, this granular view of my genetic makeup brought forth a whole new level of understanding about the historically rich and diverse path my ancestors had taken.
Always believing that my family roots were deeply embedded within Germany, the DNA test revealed something far more complex. My Schlichting ancestors were not always in Germany, their presence brought about by migrations from Scandinavian countries. It was a revelation to learn that my lineage also included a Viking heritage. This newfound knowledge caused me to reassess my understanding of the Schlichting family and my self-perception. With this expanded view of my lineage, I realized that I am not only a product of Germany but also an echo of the Viking ancestors that had once charted a course for this very lineage.
The test results also surfaced a relation to other families whom I previously had no knowledge of. It feels like our worlds have expanded, has become more diverse and richer with these discoveries. The Schlichting family legacy is no longer an isolated story but one that shares chapters with other families, through marriages, alliances, and fostering relationships that traversed geographical boundaries. I feel more connected now, not only to my ancestors but also to the broader human story of migration and relationships.
Above all, the experience of this DNA test with iGENEA has reaffirmed the old adage that we're ultimately products of our past. My self-understanding has been deepened, broadened by these revelations, which are allowing me to see beyond my immediate legacy. My identity has been enriched by acknowledging the Viking lineage, and I've grown more empathetic after realizing the interconnectedness of our family histories. This DNA journey, essentially, has helped me extrapolate a more vibrant and varied image of myself, standing on the shoulders of my ancestors.
H. Schlichting