This afternoon 5 friends and I danced at the Ranui Fair (held, funnily enough, in Ranui). After we performed there was a group of Norsemen who demonstrated Viking warfare. 'Twas interesting really.
What is known as the Viking age is the period in history from c. 790 a.d. - 1066 a.d. Vikings were ship-borne warriors and traders, although the term 'Viking' is sometimes used to denote any Scandinavian from the Viking age. The word 'Viking' can be traced back to many different roots, and consequently no one knows what it actually means. The area referred to as Scandinavia is the countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the north-western part of Finland.
The Vikings were also great explorers (and invaders), venturing to places like Iceland and Greenland, and even further afield, to Newfoundland (off the east coast of Canada). There is archaeological evidence that show the Vikings even reached Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq.
Contrary to popular ideas, Vikings did not wear horned or winged helmets. Viking helmets were made of hard leather reinforced with wood and metal for the common men, and the chieftans wore an iron helmet with a mask. Another popular misconception is that Vikings used skulls as cups. This comes from a myth, and may also come from other Germanic tribes.
Adam Dawson said...
From what I've read, the word 'viking' was used by the Norsemen to describe their sea-borne raids. It was probably used like this: "Hey Karl, we're going a viking next week. Lots of loot and slaves. Want to come?"
March 18, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Celia said...
Mada that dialoge is way too modern for the vikings don't you think?
March 18, 2007 at 5:39 PM
Julian said...
I was there, so I can say that the girls did very well in front of an audience that was very distracting. The other items, apart from the vikings, didn't even compare with what they did.
March 18, 2007 at 7:35 PM
IC said...
Briar, my litle brother read your post over my shoulder and says you won't be able to prove all that and he loves to criticize everything and above all, likes prove people wrong.
March 18, 2007 at 7:53 PM
Vi said...
Haha I'm part viking!
March 18, 2007 at 8:41 PM
Angel said...
Which little Brother? The one next to you in age or the youngest?
March 18, 2007 at 9:13 PM
Celia said...
Vi, How much of you is Viking?
March 18, 2007 at 9:16 PM
Angel said...
BTW Julian, thanks for the complement :-D
March 18, 2007 at 9:21 PM
Vi said...
Re Celia: About a quarter or so. :-)
March 19, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Heather said...
To Insaity Calling's little brother: I may not be able to prove all of what I said, but you can't prove to the contrary. If you can please let me know.
Signed, Briar
March 19, 2007 at 11:04 AM
IC said...
The one next to me in age ROBERT!!!
March 19, 2007 at 1:47 PM
Adam Dawson said...
Vi, it would be practically impossible for you to be at least one quarter viking, as there have been no full blooded vikings for centuries.
March 20, 2007 at 9:05 AM
Heather said...
Hear, hear. Vi, to be 1/4 Viking one of your parents would have to be half Viking.
March 20, 2007 at 10:20 AM
Angel said...
Oohh, Vi! Which One?!?
March 20, 2007 at 3:28 PM
Vi said...
In this case let us refresh our memories "A quarter or so" in this case i'm using the "so" which could mean anything.
March 20, 2007 at 6:23 PM