Vikings, often depicted with horned, fierce helmets, are fascinating historical characters. Around the 8th to 11th centuries, these seafaring folk lived in what we now call Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, and Denmark). Vikings weren’t just famous for their bravery in battle. They were much more. In this article, you’ll learn some fun and informative Viking facts.
Viking Origins
The word “Viking,” originally, was used to refer to an occupation and not an ethnicity. Vikings, adventurous sailors, and merchants embarked on trade voyages and explorations of other lands. Their toughness and resilience were due to their harsh climate.
Viking Ships
Vikings are famous for their durable and innovative longships. These longships could be used for trade and war, but their dragonhead or snakehead carvings in the front were meant to keep away evil spirits. Vikings were adept at navigating the ocean and rivers with ease, giving themselves a distinct advantage.
Viking Clothing
Vikings did wear helmets that had horns. They wore clothes made from wool, animal hides, or linen. Their outfits included tunics, trousers, and cloaks. Helmets tended to be simple and functional, made mostly of iron.
Viking Society
Viking society consisted of different classes, such as Jarls or nobles, Karls or farmers, and Thralls or enslaved people. Jarls represented the highest-ranking Vikings. Karls, on the other hand, were responsible for farming and trading. Thralls would be captives of raids or from other lands who served Viking masters.
Norse Mythology
Vikings were known for their mythology and gods. Odin (the Allfather), Thor (the god of thunder), and Freyja (the goddess of love) are just a few of the Viking gods. These gods, goddesses, and deities were an important part of Viking Culture and influenced Viking Rituals and Beliefs.
Viking Raids
Viking raids on foreign lands are well-known. Vikings raided Europe’s monasteries, villages, and towns to steal valuables. Sometimes, they captured people and enslaved them. These raids brought fear to many.
Viking Exploration
Vikings were skilled navigators who reached North America much before Christopher Columbus. Leif Erikson, a famous Viking Explorer, is believed by many to have settled in Vinland (now part of Canada), which Christopher Columbus discovered.
Viking Art
Vikings were excellent artists and artisans. They created beautiful weapons, intricate jewelry, and sculptures. Viking art can be found on the Oseberg ship burying, which was found in Norway.
Runes
Vikings had a runic alphabet for writing. Runes, a form of communication in Viking society, also held magical and mystical importance. Many runestones that are inscribed with a message still exist.
Viking Feasts
Vikings celebrated with feasts, gatherings, and other festivities. These gatherings are known as “blots,” and they often involve sacrifices offered to the gods. Viking feasts were a mix of bread, fruit, fish, and vegetables.
Viking Food
Viking diets varied by region but were largely based on what they could find locally. Their diet consisted of a lot of fish, like herring or salmon, along with meat from cattle and sheep. Vikings ate grains like barley and Oats. They also used milk to produce cheese and butter.
Conclusion
Vikings were an interesting group with a rich cultural heritage and history. In addition to their warrior reputation and fierce spirit, the Vikings were also talented explorers. It is important to teach children about Vikings so they can understand the importance and value of culture and traditions. When you next hear about Vikings, remember there is much more to them than meets the eye.