These tall, blonde men were taught to run, jump, wrestle, row, ski and ride when they were young. Women also learned domestic skills, such as sewing, embroidery, cooking and spinning wool. They were also taught to be skilled seamen and invented the sail and the art of rigging so that boats could tack into the wind. Both sexes learned to sing, recite and compose poetry and tell the sagas - epic tales of Norse heroes and gods. Poets would recite the sagas at assembies, weddings and funerals and other big occasions. Here they would also play music and dance.Some also leaned to read and cut runes, the letters of the ancient alphabet.
The Vikings believed in gods such as Thor the Thunderer and Odin, the chieftain of Valhalla, which warriors entered upon their deaths. Often they were buried with their jewellery and weapons. Death in battle was the most honourable death. As well as believing in gods and goddesses the Vikings also believed in giants, dwarves, elves and Valkyries who guided the warriors through Valhalla. Some time before 1000 AD, however, most of the Vikings converted to Christianity, perhaps because of the Irish influence on their culture.
The Vikings were excellent artists, skilled at making furniture, jewellery and silver utensils. Their artworks included silver figurines, detailed tapestries and ivory chessmen. They also liked to dress in bright colours and women often wore bands of gold around their long hair. Wealthier women wore silk and linen underwear.
In 878 King Alfred, who saved England from being conquered by the Vikings, eventually made a truce with Guthrum, the Viking chief. This required him to be baptized and for the Vikings to live in the Danelaw, i.e. The Danelaw included counties north of an
Go To Page: 1 2
