Vikings are Scandinavians, the ancestors of modern Swedes, Danes and Norwegians. Being both naval robbers and traders in one person, they terrified the whole West European coast for many years, famous as fierce and ruthless warriors. Not afraid of death in battle, they really were terrible opponents. However, the desire for fame and prey made them not only robbers, but also fearless navigators who crossed huge distances on their Drakkars.
The Vikings are not only Scandinavians, but also some tribes of the Baltic Slavs.
“Slavic Vikings” are sometimes called ushkuynikov – river pirates, which, however, not only robbed in Russia, but also traded on occasion.
Contrary to popular belief, the Vikings’ most common weapons were not axes and swords, but short (about one and a half meters) spears with heavy and sharpened tips that could both be pricked and chopped.
The source of the mad courage of the Vikings in battle was their religion – they believed that they would get to Valhalla, their paradise, only having lived a decent life. Death in battle provided Viking a place in Valhalla.
Especially brutal Vikings were called berserkers. Before the battle, the shamans usually gave them a decoction of fly agaric so that berserkers would not feel pain from the wounds.
Before the battle, the Vikings usually heated themselves, driving into a rage and entering a state of warlike insanity, usually inflicting pain for themselves. So, often the warriors before the attack gnawed the edges of their shields, so that this very pain can be furious.
Among the Vikings, the custom of blood vengeance was widespread, often leading to the death of whole births.
Vikings never had their own coins, using the money of various countries.
Vikings never wore horned helmets, which they are often credited with.
Despite the fact that Vikings are credited with the way of life of the robbers, almost all of them were primarily farmers, and only then – by the soldiers. For predatory raids they were pushed by the overpopulation and scarcity of the Scandinavian lands of those years.
In their free time from raids, the various Viking tribes willingly fought among themselves.
Judging by the archaeological finds, the average duration of the Vikings did not exceed forty years.
All the Vikings had bad teeth, as the coarse grain contained in their bread contributed to the rapid wear of the teeth.
The sword was considered the most honorable and expensive weapon among the Vikings. A good sword cost fabulously expensive, and often there was only a jarl (leader). Simple warriors were content with axes and spears.
Vikings rarely fought in the ranks, preferring a single fight.
