Vikings+by+TylerA-GMS


 * Vikings **

Vikings had a large effect on medieval European society. Vikings terrorized Europe from the 700’s through the 1100’s A.D. While many Vikings acted as pirates, the majority of Vikings farmed. Vikings had a very unique religion with many gods and goddesses.

=Viking Origins= During the years 700 through 1100 A.D. Vikings terrorized Europe. Vikings originally came from Scandinavia. They spoke a Germanic language with two main dialects. The Vikings main reason for invading Europe consisted of gaining more land due to their homeland becoming over populated, and no land for farming being available (Cohen 379). =Viking Arms and Armor= Although all Viking men carried a weapon, it was not always for battle but just a form of protection or a show of wealth. Most men had only an axe for a weapon because weapons took a large amount of skill to make they cost large amounts of money. For example, one sword cost thirty-two oxen. Only the richest in Viking society had a complete set of weapons which included a sword, axe, short-sword, shield, chain-mail, and helmet. Vikings loved decorations. For example all weapons would have decorated sheathes or handles ([|www.hurstwic.org]). =Viking Society= Since Vikings had to provide their own food they mainly farmed or partook in other peaceful craft and lived in small villages. Each village had a ruling council called a Folkmoot. The Folkmoot dealt with making laws, holding court, and deciding on military action. Most Vikings lived in one-story houses made of wood or stone with a thatch roof. These houses often had only on room and everyone in a family including grandparents would live in that room. Vikings divided into three social classes (Cohen 378). Highest on the list, Nobles or royalty, below the Nobles the Freemen, or middle class, and at the bottom the slaves. Slaves had little to no rights and almost always stayed in the slave class for life. When Vikings died the other people in the village buried that person on an elaborate boat with many of their possessions such as weapons, gold, armor, and food. Sometimes they even buried their dogs or slaves with them (Cohen 380). =Viking Religion= According to Norse mythology, Odin, Thor, and Frey, the most important of the Norse gods and goddesses, received prayers for successful harvests and lives. Thor controlled the weather, Frey controlled love and agriculture, and Odin ruled the gods and goddesses. The days Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday got their names from the Norse gods and goddesses. In order to contact the gods straight lined shapes called runes were put into certain patterns to contact the gods. By the 1100’s all Vikings had converted to Christianity. The reason the Vikings converted to Christianity came from their contact with Christian communities and thought that Christianity was better than Norse mythology (“Religion” 380). =Viking Actions= During the Middle Ages the Vikings did many important things. For example, in 793 the Vikings raided Lindisfarne. In 845 they gained a large amount of land from a French king to prevent the sacking of Paris which gave birth to the Normans. In 860 Vikings attack Constantinople. In 1000 Leif Eriksson, a Viking explorer, lands in North America (www.historytimelines.org). Finally in 1066 William the Conqueror becomes the first Norman king of England (“The Vikings” 35).

In conclusion, Vikings had a very complex and interesting society. They had their own religion. They had organized villages. And, they had the power to take over much of medieval Europe. Works Cited

· Cohen, L Sidney. “Viking Life.” __World Book Encyclopedia__. 2001 Ed. · “Religion.” __World Book Encyclopedia__. 2001 Ed. · “Vikings Weapons and Armor.” [|www.hurstwic.org]. Web. 23 Mar.2011 · Cohen, L Sidney. “Vikings.” __World Book Encyclopedia__. 2001 Ed. · “Viking Timeline.” [|www.historytimelines.org]. 23 Mar. 2011. · “The Vikings.” __People of Long Ago__. · Cohen, L Sidney. “Vikings.” __World Book Encyclopedia.__ 2001 Ed.