Who Were the Vikings?

Who were The Vikings? 

The era of the Vikings was from 790-1066CE. The Vikings (Norsemen), came from Scandinavia (Denmark, Sweden and Norway). The Vikings were fierce warriors who conquered many parts of Europe. They weren't only skilled warriors, they were also successful and adventurous traders and explorers, talented poets and skilled shipbuilders and craftsmen. The Vikings ships were known all around Europe for being strong and sturdy. The Vikings spoke Donsk Tunga (Danish tongue). However, they didn’t call themselves the Vikings, they were known as the Scandinavians. Throughout the 8^th-11^th century, many Vikings travelled to other countries, “A-Viking” means to go exploring. The Vikings have been a huge influence on the modern day society.

Important people in Viking History

Erik the Red, given his name after his strikingly red facial hair, was born in Norway. However, his father was banished for murdering several people- as Erik was still a child he left with his father to Ireland. Once Erik grew up, he followed in his father’s footsteps, and was exiled from Iceland for 3 years. After this, Erik decided to venture towards the west.  He discovered an island that he later named Greenland. Even though it was covered in ice and snow, he misnamed it, in hope that tourists would believe it was more appealing then it was. Colonists soon came after hearing about the discovery, and the population became more than 5000, making Erik rich and wealthy.  He then named the town Brattahlid & named himself the chief. However, despite his successes he eventually died of disease in 1002 AD.

One of Erik’s sons played an important role in Viking history. Leif Erikson was born in Iceland at around 960AD. Following Viking traditions, Leif didn’t grow up with his family, instead he moved in with a man called Thyrker. Erik captured Thyrker from Germany and took him to Iceland. Thyrker taught Lief everything he needed to know and at 12 (When Leif was considered a man) He travelled back to his father. Soon after, on his way back to Greenland, Leif travelled off course and found what is currently called Nova Scotia, which at the time he named Vinland. Leif Erikson is famous for finding North America, however his death is not confirmed.