Vikings primarily worshipped Norse gods like Odin, Thor, and Loki through animal and human sacrifices known as "blots". As the Viking Age progressed, some converted to Christianity but others held onto traditional polytheistic beliefs. Thor, the god of thunder, was seen as the most powerful and was depicted as a huge bearded man who rode through storms throwing his magical hammer Mjollnir.
2. Table of Contents
Map……..p1 Religion……….p14
Background……..p2 Religion Continued………..p15
Social Structure………p3 Clothing………p16
Housing……….p4 Art and Music……….p17
Housing Continued………p5 Art and Music Continued………...p18
Food……….p6 Fun Facts………..p19
Family Life……….p7 Conclusion……………p20
Marriage ………p8 Site bibliography…………p21
Marriage Continued……..p9 Picture Bibliography………..p22
Marriage Extra……..p10 Picture Bibliography
Childhood………p11 Continued………..p23
Childhood Extra………p12 Book Bibliography………….p24
Education………..p13 Credits………..p25
3. Map
Here is a map where Ancient Vikings
would settle or raid different
areas, which are highlighted
according to each century. The
reasons why Vikings would attack
other empires is because they
came from a colder area of the
world so it was hard for them to
farm fresh food and animals.
But, if they could take over a
warmer and richer area then they
had more resources to work with.
Vikings also needed a good spot
that may have already been
deserted to hide their treasures
and goods. Their sailing skills
were amazing and they would
mark down different coasts that
were useful, to perhaps sail once
again. After months out at sea their new village or territory. The ships would sail mainly near
they would find a good area to London, Ireland, or France. Vikings would usually
raid or trade and settle there raid, trade, kidnap, or kill. They grew good at these by using new
leaving some men behind to rule tactics from enemy rulers that they held captive.
4. Background
Vikings were known as raiders, merchants, and thieves who killed many
innocent civilians. However, what many people don’t know is that they
weren’t always that way. Actually, they began as pleasant sailors wondering
the sea to catch different fish. They were called Norsemen. The Norsemen
suddenly had trouble catching enough food to feed their families and to sell.
In a fast amount of time this small group of sailors and explorers turned into
a raging group of plundering Vikings that took over and killed anyone and
their land in site. Even though at the time they were the tallest group of
people, and had fierce and tactical strategies on the battle field, they were
also excellent sailors and had their own ways of living. From their warm
clothing, and supplies they could last a few months at sea, during extreme
temperatures. Vikings are quite important in our history today, because they
were some of the leaders to new parts of the world and gave valuable routes
around coastlines to travel upon. They had perseverance, indomitable spirit,
and lethal weapons. This era was called the Viking Age, which was recorded
from the late 700’s to the mid 1080’s.
5. Social Structure
Kings came from ancient royal families but the royal blood
didn’t always keep them in power. To decide upon a new
King King, the free subjects would vote for the best ruler. But,
Kings that lose their support of the chieftains may be killed
Chieftains or exiled. Chieftains or nobles were landowners and
warriors as fierce Vikings. The freemen had some large
Women farms and could own up to about 30 slaves. They were
also fishermen, boat builders, or craftsman. And, slaves
Free Men unfortunately had the hardest jobs, having to follow
their master’s every command until they could
finally pay off their debt, which most of them never
Slaves accomplished. All of the slaves were from
Scandinavia, and some were born into Viking families as future slaves. Slaves
had no rights to vote or take part in government affairs. Though, women
Vikings were greatly respected. The richer women had the ability to have
slaves and assistants, and carried keys around their waist to all of the
household locks.
6. Housing
There were many different types of Vikings houses that were usually settled in
groups so it was easy to find food or supplies. Low wooden or stone
longhouses, were made from reeds, straw, or timber, but sometimes turf was
used, and the walls were supported by wooden ports to help with all of the
weight from the roof. The Small buildings next to a Viking home was either for
barns, smithies, a bath house, a smoke house, or they preserved fresh meat
(fish). On richer lands, several farms would be in a group settlement so that
they could earn more money by selling a higher and richer quantity to the
freemen.
7. Housing Continued
Although Vikings could build and live a structured lifestyle, they also had some buildings
that had culture behind them. When they would invade a land they would also have
structures that they decided to keep such as: churches, smithies, and family homes.
The food that they would farm was placed in wooden or iron barrels. The cutlery and
plates were made from wood or iron, which was made from a method called smithys.
Smithys were a kind of pot that were heated over fires, holding liquid, to create
different shapes like a blacksmith would do. Inside a Viking house was a few beds on
the back corners, a cooking table, and a low fire to cook, that had rocks circling
around it. Outside of their homes they would wash their clothes and garments in a
bucket of water, and then dry them on a light cord that had wood beneath it. If it were
to rain, they would leave the clothing spread out, inside their house, next to the fire
pit. The men would slaughter the animals, work in the garden or fields, and cut wood
for daily fires to keep warm. But, if they needed some water to cook or clean with they
would got to a nearby river, and fetch for it with a bucket. Most of the young children
would take on this task. However, only the wealthier Vikings could afford a lot of land
to supply them with resources, and the poor had to sleep on stacks of branches with
barely any blankets or padding.
8. Food
In the poor seasons, food became scarce so they could only eat porridge
and bread made from barely and oats because it wasn’t warm enough to
grow wheat. The sheep, cattle, pigs, and goats provided meat and dairy
for winter months. Vikings held great feasts for celebrations or trading
and military expeditions, and the host would earn great honour and
respect. There they would eat meat such as: beef, pork, or lamb would be
roasted or stewed in the kitchen and served in the hall. Then the food
would be heavily seasoned with garlic or mustard. For day to day food
they would usually began with stew that was made from vegetables and
meat. (peas, carrots, lamb, turnips, etc.)
9. Family life
Even nowadays almost every Scandinavian new each other in each country, having known their ancestors.
Every Viking family member played their part and respected those who were brave and loyal. If a
family member was harmed others would seek revenge, and try to hunt down the one who had
committed the crime. This could lead into fights, which could have sometimes continued for
generations, and unfortunately event into countless murders. The father had the most power in the
family. If he thought a baby was weak he could let it die. But, he had the most responsibility to farm,
garden, chop many blocks of wood to prepare for winter, and take care of the smithy. When a Viking
farmer died, the oldest son would inherit the farm, and the rest of the family would be forced to move
to another farm. Mothers also played an important part. She would wash and dry clothes, prepare and
cook dinner, clean the house, and care and teach the children. If the husband (Viking) would leave on
an sea expedition or for battle, the sons would be a replacement of their farther, for the time being.
But, if they had no male children then they would request for a neighbour or cut down on their
resources. The children, if younger then the age of about eight, would get to play, learn, or take on
smaller tasks like fetching a bucket of water or help wash clothes. The older female children would be
sent to help their mother, learn some reading and writing, and educate the younger siblings. The older
male children would learn to battle from their father, and help their father with daily tasks. (Mainly in
the fields) There was only a small amount of education because fighting was more important to them.
Children who were older had to work hard, and were sometimes sold to other farms for punishment.
10. Marriage
Most children by the age of 12 to 16 are married. The women
were expected to run the household, immediately after
marriage. Yet, sometimes had help from the other family
members too. Marriage was decided between two
families, but the women had a say. Once the couple was
married it meant that the two families were ‘united’ and had
to celebrate events together and take care of each other.
11. Marriage Continued...
Women didn’t completely become part of her new husband’s family, at the
beginning. She would instead continue to live with her family, but if he
was abusive or didn’t work hard to support them then she could divorce
him. So, this harder for the man. A divorce took place when witnesses of
the women being mistreated came and said words while they sat in their
bed. If they had young children together, the children would
automatically go to the mother after the divorce was final.
However, older children would be divided between the two parents
according to wealth. The women would also inherit most of her
husband’s belongings, so at the time divorcees had the most power of all
women. Also, the children had rights to inherit all of their fortune after
they had divorced.
12. Marriage Extra
BIRTH BABIES
-THE BABY WOULD -COULD BE KILLED BY LAW
ALWAYS GO TO THE FREE -WELCOME BABIES WERE
MOTHER GIVEN NAME SPRINKELED
-IF A SLAVE HAD A BABY WITH WATER AND PUT
THE BABY BELONGED TO ONTO THE FATHERS KNEE
THE SLAVES OWNER
13. Childhood
Babies were given little Thor’s-hammer charms in
order to keep them safe from sickness and evil
spirits. Names: Boys, took fathers name so Eric the
son of Karl would be Eric Karlsson. Girls, took
mothers or grand-mothers name. Children didn’t go
to school, they would help there parents work
instead. They learned Viking history, Laws and
religion from verbal stories and songs. They would
play with toys such as wooden boats and whistles.
14. Childhood Extra
Vikings Both Canadians
-Must go to war -Are educated by
-Live in the school system
-Play with toys
longhouses -Live in houses
-Learn from stories
-don’t go to or apartments
and songs
school -Have technology
(sometimes)
-Know how to -Know the values
-Help parents work
trade of money
(sometimes)
-learn from -Most have a high
parents school degree
15. Education
The education of ancient Vikings wasn‟t similar as today‟s learning and education.
Viking children wouldn‟t leave to school at a designated place or at a certain
time. Instead, they would stay home, learning to read or write in different
Scandinavian languages. These lessons would be taught by parents or relatives.
But, wealthier families who didn‟t care to teach their children
themselves, would hire tutors to help children learn to read and write, and
music and art. Once the child reached a certain age they would continue their
daily lessons, but be assigned household work. If they were female they would
learn to make clothing, cook, and do the laundry. If they were male they would
help their father on the farm, and continue the manly duties. (Chopping
wood, catching and slaughtering animals, making fires, etc.) However, boys
would mainly be taught to fight with swords and different assortments of
weapons, because the Vikings found it more important to learn how to battle
than to be educated. Not everyone was educated though, if their parents were
too busy or hadn‟t learned to read and write themselves. So, some adults could
never write or read, which was very important if they were to travel.
16. Religion
At the start of the Viking Age Vikings had many beliefs in different gods which is called a polytheistic religion.
(Because they believed in more than one religion or god) They believed that by sacrificing rulers of their
clans, they would earn the god‟s trust so that there would be no evil forces to come their way. But, one of
these sacrifices was called “blot”. This happened when the Vikings were sent some sort of message or sign
from the gods that they needed to kill an animal, or sometimes human. There were many different types of
blot that occurred in almost each month of the year, but the steps to perform the blot are as follows. The
first step was to kill the animal and take out all of the blood and internal organs. Then, by placing the blood
of the animal inside a large wooden bowl, it would be taken and placed on „horg‟. The Vikings that sacrificed
the animal, and other citizens and priests would all knee in front of the horg and repeat sacred words that
the priests would chant. Now, it was time for the priests to take the bowl of blood form the horg, and run it
over a flame several times by continuously chanting the same words. They would then repeat the process but
with the animal‟s internal organs. Once all of the limbs of the animal reached a good temperature, the blood
of the animal would gently be tossed onto those who had chanted. This would then conclude the blot ceremony
and the Vikings would be free from all worries preformed by the gods. But, Instead of building places to pray
and worship their gods, the Vikings would use the outdoors to willing ling pray when needed. Sometimes they
would create temples but only the wealthy had the ability to do so. The ruler or King of the clan of Vikings
decided that families must pray and say grace before they were to feast, and on certain holidays or
ceremonies. As the 10th century began, Vikings suddenly turned to the Christian religion. Though, some stuck
to the polytheistic religion new cultures and events were introduced. But, by the end of the Viking Age almost
all of them had become Christians. This meant that they also believed in new gods and creatures including:
Bestla (the giantess), Bor (son of Buri), Odin, Vili, Ve, (sons of Bor and Bestla) Angrboda (the frost giant)
Loki, (married to Angrboda) Fenrir, Jormungand, Hel, (children of Angrboda and Loki) and Thor.
17. Religion continued
In North Mythology, Thor the god of the thunder, was said to be the most powerful god of them all.
He is one of Odin’s and Jord’s sons, he’s married to Sif, the fertility goddess, with his sons Mani
and Modi, and his daughter Thrud. He also had an assistant names Thialfi, who is also a messenger
for all the gods. He was usually classified as a humongous man with a read long beard, and eyes
made of lightening. Although his appearance was frightful he was portrayed as the protector
towards mortals and all gods. The Vikings believed that when a thunderstorm occurred, it was
really Thor who was riding among the cloud in heaven on his golden chariot, by large white goats
named Tanngrisni and Tanngnost. But, when there were lightening flashes, it was because Thor
was upset and had thrown his hammer called Mjollnir. The Mjollnir was said to have the ability to
cast lightening bolts, and when thrown to come right back to Thor. He also had iron gloves to lift
the hammer with, which he would use when preparing to fight other gods. He wore a large belt
called Megingjard that was two times his godly strength, and the hall Bilskirnir was in “the place
of might” in his honor. From one of the tales according to the Norse mythology, Alviss (a dwarf)
requested Thor’s daughters hand in marriage, and that she had excepted. Thor couldn’t have had
his daughter marry Alviss, so he decided to question why Alviss should marry her if he has no
wisdom because he is so short. Thor continued to question him until the sun had rose and all of
the dwarves were turned into stone because Alviss had run out of time to explain himself.
18. Clothing
The clothes were made of wool, linen, and animal skins.
Skilled women made there own clothing from sheep's
wool. The wool was cleaned in order to spin it. The
Vikings died the wool to bright colors such as
green, yellow, red, purple, and, brown. Men wore
tunics and trousers and women wore long dresses
with a long apron.
19. Art and Music
Vikings music was very different from ours today. For example, reports have stated that written music
and letters about some of the ancient songs were apparently terrible, and reminded some of insane
animals. However, the instruments when played, were much more peaceful and somewhat like the
ones we have today. There were: pan flutes, horn pipes, lyres, rebec, and a lur. A pan flute was mainly
created from cow horns and many other animal bones put together forming a rectangular shape. A
pair of horn pipes were a like the Scottish bag pipes, other than the fact that there was no bag, just
bones. And there were the string instruments including: a lyre, which was played by linking strings
together, similar to a modern guitar. A rebec which was somewhat like violin and a harp put
together, except it was made from a different material. But, the last instrument which was the lur was
made from oak wood that would lead into two directions near the middle, having holes, and link
together again at the end. However, the musicians were either skalds, or jesters who were partly
mistreated. Skalds, on the other hand, had the opportunity to travel across seas to send a song or poem
from one Viking to another, and they had to be a talented speaker and singer. (Somewhat like a
messenger) The art of the Vikings, however was much different. Artists would carve designs on most
of the religious temples and churches to state which religion was welcomed there. They would also
create drawings and paintings from clay to show animals on rune stones, to represent those who had
died. In families, Vikings also hanged ornaments usually made from either silver or gold that would be
hung around and outside of homes. Sometimes, Vikings would come across different lands that had
jewellery, paintings, and different crafts that they would bring back from places such as:
India, Africa, Greece, Rome, etc. The last form of art was large ivory or wooden carvings of specific
gods, or signs to show who’s territory it was.
20. Art and Music Continued
The festivals and holidays of the Ancient Vikings include: Jul,(celebration
of the ending year, in winter from December 20th-January 2nd/Christmas)
Thurseblot,(smaller festival in honor of the god Thor, occurring just
before Spring) Disting, (Before spring occurs, near the end of winter)
Valisblot, (a feast honoring Odin‟s sons) Ostara,(Festival celebrating the
spring goddess and fertility and birth) Walpurgis, Einharjar, Sigurdsblot,
Midsummer, Lithasblot, Mabon, and Winter night. One of the festivals
was called “Midsummer”. Midsummer was celebrated by the Vikings when
the sun was at it‟s height. (i.e. it was the sunniest time of the year)
During this period, Vikings would travel and begin raiding different
empires. This meant that midsummer was in honor of the newly Viking
power over land. It was also said to be one of the longest time of the
year, and the days following midsummer would slowly last for a shorter
time, so days weren‟t as long. (The sun began to go down earlier in the
day) They believed that the god Baldur had died (been sacrificed to show
honor) and is reborn on Jul. (Christmas) Also, the god Sigurd was said to
have been captured on Midsummer by hid brothers Hagan and Günter.
As a matter of fact, midsummer is still celebrated by Scandinavians each
year at the beginning or end of June, and can last for two days.
21. Fun Facts!
-M e d i c i n e f o r t h e s i c k , w a s m a d e f r o m h e r b s p r e p a r e d b y w o m e n
-S l a v e s c o u l d b u y t h e i r f r e e d o m , i f t h e y h a d e n o u g h m o n e y
-W o m e n b r u s h e d t h e a n i m a l s b e f o r e t h e y u s e d t h e m t o m a k e
clothing
-V i k i n g s w e r e e n t e r t a i n e d b y h o r s e r a c e s a n d f i g h t s ( a l i k e b u l l s )
-V i k i n g s a t e o l d e r h o r s e s , w h o w e r e n o l o n g e r u s e f u l
-S l a v e s w e r e s a c r i f i c e d w h i l e a t t e n d i n g t h e i r o w n e r ’ s f u n e r a l
-V i k i n g s s o m e t i m e s s h o w e d o f f t h e i r s k i l l s b y r o w i n g a l o n g s i d e
ships
-A c t i v i t i e s s u c h a s , w r e s t l i n g , r a c i n g , a n d f e n c i n g w o u l d o c c u r
even at festivities
-A s p o r t a n d h e a l t h y e x e r c i s e f o r V i k i n g s w a s t h r o w i n g r o c k s l o n g
distances
-C r e a t e d i c e s k a t e s b y t y i n g t w o b o n e s t o g e t h e r w i t h a s o f t s h e e t
underneath
22. Conclusion
Ancient Vikings are very important in our history. They are
the ones who helped shape the world we have today. Even
though they may have been destructive, they were still
people and they had their own
religion, culture, language, and way of living life.
23. Site bibliography
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor
http://www.arild-hauge.com/elife.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/vikings/food_01.sht
ml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/vikings/fami
ly_life/
http://www.historyworld.net/wrldhis/PlainTextHistories.as
p?historyid=ab86
http://www.viking.no/e/life/ewomen.htm
http://www.wizardrealm.com/norse/holidays.html
26. Book Bibliography
Livesey, Robert, Smith, A.G. The Vikings. Toronto:
Stoddart Publishing Co. Limited, 1989.
Pearson, Anne. The Vikings. Great Britain: Hamlyn’s
children’s books, 1993.
Steele, Philip. The Viking World. London: Lorenz Books,
1998.
27. Credits
Title Page………………………………………..………………………………………………………………....Kat and Leah
Map………………………………………………………................................................................…………..Kat
Background………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..……..Kat
Social Structure………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Leah
Housing…………………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………….Leah
Housing extra……………………………………….....................................................................….……Kat
Food………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...…….Leah
Family Life…………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………..……Kat
Marriage………………………………………………………....................................................................Leah
Marriage Continued.............................................................................................................Leah
Childhood…........................................................................................................................Leah
Childhood Continued………………………………………...................................................................Leah
Education…………………………………………………................................................................…….....Kat
Religion………………………………………………………................................................................……..Kat
Religion Continued……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Kat
Clothing…………………...........................................................................................................Leah
Art and Music…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….….…..Kat
Art and Music Continued………………………………………………………………………………………..…………..Kat
Fun Facts……………………………………………………………………………………………………….……Leah and Kat
Site Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………….…………Kat and Leah
Picture Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………………..Kat and Leah
Book Bibliography……………………………………………………………………………………………………..……….Kat
Books……………………………………..…………..................................................................Leah and Kat
Pictures…………………………………………………………………………………………………….…………Leah and Kat
Sites…………………………………………....................................................................……..Kat and Leah
Credits………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Kat and Leah