vikings

Vikings In Control

They were fierce, heartless Barbarians who Seized and looted many European lands

from the 800’s to 1000’s. They made their sneaky attacks at the crack of dawn killing

anyone who came axe length away. Including innocent babies defenseless children of all

ages, and helpless women. ( The Celebration Program)

During their time, these people never called themselves “Vikings.” This name isn’t

even meant to be the name or a group, but an activity. The base word vik was simply

another name for a pirate. Therefore, to go a-viking meant to fight as a warrior. The

Northmen, which is another name for Vikings, lived in small communities that were

ruled by either a king or a chief. People were divided into three classes being noble,

freeman, or slaves. The nobles were usually considered Kings because they were people

who were wealthy. The freemen were farmers, merchants and people who served the

ruler. Last, but not least slaves were Scandinavians whose ancestors had been enslaved.

(The Celebration Program)

Even though Vikings are addressed by one very large group, there are actually three

kinds of Vikings. They are Norwegian, Swedish and Danish. The Norwegian Vikings

were actually the group that began the raids in Lindisfarne in 793. They raided England,

Ireland, the Isle of Man and Scotland. Because of Ireland’s fertile farms, rich churches

and monasteries, it was a big target. Norwegian pirate chief Turgeis attacked Ireland

from 839 ...