50 Fascinating Facts About Viking Life

Dive into the captivating world of the Vikings with "50 Fascinating Facts About Viking Life". This book explores their incredible way of life, beliefs, inventions, and voyages, unraveling a culture rich in bravery, honor, and ingenuity.

Written by Jessica Suess, this meticulously researched book sheds light on the myths and truths surrounding these legendary Norsemen, offering readers an engaging and educational journey into the Viking Age. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of Norse mythology, or simply curious, this book is an essential addition to your library.

Key Features

• Unique insights into Viking culture: Discover little-known facts about their beliefs, rituals, and daily life.
• Diverse and captivating content: Learn how Vikings used jewelry as currency, navigated with magical sunstones, and turned their ships into shelters.
• Historical highlights: Explore their board games, battle strategies, and artistic expressions.
• A must-have for history lovers: Perfect for enriching your collection or gifting to a Viking enthusiast.

Preview of the Contents:

The Vikings and Their World

• The use of jewelry as currency
• Their seafaring skills and exploration of distant lands

Spirituality and Beliefs

• Oaths sworn on sacred arm rings
• The rituals of the Völvas, Viking witches

A Changing Civilization

• The shift from paganism to Christianity
• Their cultural exchanges with other European societies

This book offers a fascinating journey into the Viking Age, revealing the secrets of a culture that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

Table of Contents

1. The Vikings wore coins as jewelry and used jewelry as currency
2. The Vikings swore oaths before the gods on arm rings
3. The Vikings wore Mjolnir pendants for protection
4. The Vikings carried their ships across land and used them as shelters
5. The Vikings navigated the sea with sunstones and magic
6. The Vikings ate a lot of protein and were taller than their neighbors
7. The Vikings bathed every Saturday and were considered too clean by their neighbors
8. The Vikings dressed practically, but also appreciated imported fashions
9. The Vikings used brooches to fasten their clothing
10. The Vikings wore eye makeup, dyed their hair, and filed their teeth
11. The Vikings considered beards a sign of masculinity
12. The Vikings probably used tattoos as a form of body art
13. The Vikings participated in the practice of bog burials
14. The Vikings of Norway deposited ships in bogs as offerings to the gods
15. The Vikings believed in zombies and ghosts
16. The Vikings communed with the spirits of animals
17. The Vikings played many musical instruments
18. The Vikings transmitted information by word of mouth
19. The Vikings believed their runic alphabet was magical
20. The Vikings consulted witches about the future
21. The Vikings erected poles to curse their enemies
22. The Vikings had shieldmaidens, but they were rare
23. The Vikings lived in multigenerational households run by women
24. The Vikings had governing assemblies called Things
25. The Vikings often used outlawry as a form of punishment
26. The Vikings had multigeneration blood feuds
27. The Vikings were slave traders
28. The Vikings loved board games
29. The Vikings were fans of sports
30. The Vikings considered leeks and linen to be powerful
31. The Vikings valued furs acquired from the far north
32. The Vikings carried spears as their principal weapon
33. The Vikings prized swords as prestige weapons
34. The Vikings carried round shields painted in bright colors
35. The Vikings never wore horned helmets
36. The Vikings protected themselves with chainmail
37. The Vikings had special orders of knights
38. The Vikings loved to hear and tell stories about their deeds
39. The Vikings loved to trade insults, to a point
40. The Vikings had a calendar with two seasons
41. The Vikings celebrated Halloween
42. The Vikings celebrated Yule
43. The Vikings were proficient skiers and skaters
44. The Vikings worshiped their pagan gods in nature
45. The Vikings converted to Christianity
46. The Vikings left a legacy of mythology and stories
47. The Vikings influenced modern culture and language
48. The Viking Age ended, but their spirit endures