Viking Life

Social hierarchy
Kings/Chiefs: These were the highest-ranking people in society. There would always be a chief of
an area. The chief was often chosen from the Jarls by Karls as the free men made up most of
society. They could also be selected via fights. They only participated in hard labour during
battles. The King role came about in the later parts of Viking times around the 10th century Kings
could become separate from Chiefs and rule multiple Chiefs’ areas at once.
Jarls were the wealthiest nobles and ranked second in the hierarchy. They had protection from
other Vikings(mostly Karls) that they paid and kept slaves to help farm their land and keep their
large homes running smoothly. There would often be one Jarl that would become chief of the
area by defeating another chief in battle. The Jarls were often respected to gain power in a
position due to their wealth. They would only battle as chiefs and that was the hardest labour
they would usually take part in throughout their lives.
Karls were the middle of the order. They were farmers craftsman, sailors and fisherman. They Social structure of Viking adaptation of
could also be warriors paying off debt to the higher orders or simply taking part in battles for
rewards. Feudalism
Thralls were slaves. They would do whatever the n jarls told them and were sold at a Source:
marketplace. They were captured in war and were a heavily prized reward for warriors and their
superiors who may have gained ownership of the slaves. https://www.thedockyards.com/hierarc
hy-viking-age-social-classes-norsemen/
Women no matter whether they were born into more powerful roles than other men were still
considered inferior. The women of Viking towns would look after men’s farms and property
whilst the men were raiding or trading.
What jobs could Karls have?
Karls could be farmers and craftsmen working in shops or on boats as
traders rather than on land with little shelter like the thralls. Nearly
all Karls were farmers and trading and crafting was in their spare
time. They needed many skills, since if they weren’t wealthy enough
they couldn’t have slaves and needed to build and repair their
houses, grow a lot of their own food and be successful breeders of
animals. They could also become warriors for the Jarls who supplied
them for the chief/King in battle, even though they were free people
they still were often sent to battle. Karls were very important to
society with their trades bring food to the Viking homelands which
were mostly infertile until the Vikings began raiding and gaining more
land. They would bring back crops and new breeds of animals. The
merchants were also brought luxuries for the higher orders of Vikings
to show their loyalty. Karls paid tax directly to either Jarls or the
King/Chief. The Karls would also often have land and brought money
to the economy via rent from Jarls and the hiring of thralls.
A Karl holding his items of trade
Source:
https://www.oup.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0021/58053/Oxford-B
ig-Ideas-Geography-History-8-ch6-The-Vikings.pdf
 Women
Women were in almost all cases considered to be inferior to men no
matter the power they were born into. Women could still run their own
businesses and go to battle alongside men but with fewer rights in
inheritance, divorce and voting at Things. Women if they were not in
battle were more often taking care of children and the property of their
husbands whilst they were in wars or away working. Due to Viking men
often being Karls and raiders/traders women were often brought back
items such as silk, wool and other clothing materials which they would
turn into clothes. These clothes could be sold or worn and were actually
a large part of the Viking economy and convenient for Vikings.
A woman taking care of her child and
weaving wool.
Source: https://bit.ly/3ywcWEk
Thing
• The Viking Thing was an essential part of Viking
society. Only Vikings who owned land could attend
the annual event. The main purpose of the Thing
was to create new laws and change existing ones.
The law speaker was tasked with remembering all
laws and announcing them each year at each
event. Disputes were settled, sometimes with
fights to the death. Divorces and marriages
occurred alongside trials to decide whether law
were broken. Since Vikings believed in good
reputation, they rarely broke rules, yet even if
someone was found guilty and didn’t pay the
required fine that was punishable by death. The
idea of reputation and proposal of death made
laws very powerful among Vikings.
Viking thing(Political Assembly being held with the law
speaker and landowners.
Source:)
https://historycollection.com/vikings-formed-worlds-oldes
t-existing-parliament/
Longhouses
Viking longhouses were the standardized houses for most Vikings. The name long doesn’t totally mean
size but rather refers to the houses all being rectangular. The shape of the house was often based off
Viking boats. The more important the person was the larger their house was. The houses were on
average around 5-7 metres wide and 15-75 metres long. The larger houses were own by Jarls and the
smaller ones by Karls depending on their wealth. The thralls could not own property in most Viking
times and areas. This meant that the thralls often lived in the Jarls’ longhouses. The houses
architecture almost always followed the same design. This consisted of two rows of columns holding
up high roofs with animal or item storage on either side of the house depending on the whether the
farm the house was on had whichever one the Viking owner required. In the center were sleeping
areas and fireplaces where the food was made, and families would meet. In larger houses communal
gathering could occur. The roof was a triangular shape that would often bow in or out resembling
longships which most Vikings were familiar with or skilled at building. The roof was also supported by
sloping posts on the outside of the longhouse. Interior of Viking longhouse
Source:https://bit.ly/3l642KW

Depending on the location of the house and the available materials in that area along with the wealth
of the owner the longhouse would be made from wood and clay. In other circumstances the houses
would be made from stone, clay, straw occasionally mud and grass on the roof. The houses were
almost always located on farms and housed a family that often revolved around one or two people in
the family and then extended family lived with them or a group of warriors would live together.

Viking longhouse labeled

Viking longhouse exterior
Source: https://bit.ly/3yAlj1G
Source:
https://schoolhistory.co.u
k/a-level/viking-society-ad
ministration-and-livelihoo
d/
 Viking Farms
Viking farms were essential to all kingdoms and empires and still are. Vikings however lived
in rocky and mountainous land alongside long winters that drowned plants and caused
them to die in the cold the land was usually not suitable for farming. The Viking lands also
had fewer rivers than other places. This meant farms were clustered around rivers and due
to the cold animals had to be kept in barns throughout large parts of the year. The Vikings
took good care of their land by plowing and sowing it with oxen. They then planted barley,
rye and oats. They harvested all these and hay before the winter and then fed it to the
animals and their family. Flax and hemp were also grown with flax for linen to make clothes,
blankets and curtains and hemp for ropes on their ships and around the house. The animals
they kept were pigs, cattle, sheep and goats for meat, skins and wool for clothing. They also
often kept horses or oxen occasionally for meat but usually for assistance plowing and
sowing the ground. Wealthier farmers would have thralls complete work like this and would
also sometimes have the luxury of apple orchards on their farms. Another luxury was honey
farming. Occasionally Vikings if they had a beehive on their farm would extract the
honeycomb take all the honey out of it and use it to sweeten their food and drink. Then
they took the honeycomb and crushed it into water for a less sweetened honey.

A Viking farm harvesting crops and ploughing

ground.
Source: https://bit.ly/3JcLeBK
Viking farm with longhouse.
Source:
https://www.historyonthenet.com/lif
e-on-a-viking-farm
Viking clothes
Viking clothes for men were often trousers and tunics
with more layers depending on the weather. Women
often wore full body dresses with pants and shirts
underneath. Both would also often wear hats for warmth
made from leather. The clothes on the inner layer of both
men and women were made from linen due to the
comfort on skin as opposed to wool and other animal
materials. The outer layer was often wool due to its
durability and the fact that it keeps the wearer warm
even when it is wet. Wealthier Vikings wore imported
materials and more expensive and cosmetic clothes.
Instead of linen they wore silk. They also often wore wool
still but with cloaks that had fur trimmings on them.
Embroidery was another luxury for the rich. Most Vikings Karl and woman in typical cheap
coloured their clothes with low quality dyes for purely clothes.
cosmetic reasons. The boots we made from goatskin and Source:
https://norse-mythology.org/viki Reasonably wealthy Viking
calfskin which was softer than cowskin. The shoes were
ng-clothing-jewelry/ wearing reasonably expensive
tight around their ankles for warmth. Vikings also wore
clothes.
belts with necessary survival equipment such as knives.
Source:
https://www.hurstwic.org/histo
ry/articles/daily_living/text/clot
hing.htm
 Dagmal: Nattmal:
Dagmall was the morning meal Nattmal was the evening meal
for Vikings which they ate an for Vikings. It consisted of stews
hour after rising. Adults would with meat and vegetable all
from the farm or fish from
often eat leftovers from the
Meals and previous night which was
rivers or the ocean for coastal
living families. They also had
almost always stew along with
diet of A bread and some fruit. Children
bread and more fruit. Most
Vikings drank buttermilk or if
would eat porridge, fruit and they were wealthier ales and
Viking bread with occasional
buttermilk. Both may eat some
mead. They also drank and ate
more luxurious sustenance at
honey as a sweet treat. feasts for celebration and
tradition

Viking bread from crops

grown on farm.
Viking porridge with pork and Viking Wild boar stew
Source:
onions. Source:
https://www.medieval.eu
/viking-bread-and-food/ Source: https://www.medieval.eu/viking-br
https://en.natmus.dk/historical-kn ead-and-food/
owledge/denmark/prehistoric-peri
od-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/fo
od/bread-and-porridge/
Herring were common around Scandinavia and
Vikings ate a lot of them.
Source:
https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark
/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/foo
d/
Healthy Viking snacks could be bought at markets.
Source:
https://en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-
1050-ad/the-viking-age/food/fruit-and-berries/
Two traditional Viking meals*
recipes.
Lamb Stew:
1 lb lamb meat, cut into cubes
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 potatoes, chopped
2 cups chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried rosemary
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter
Viking Stew/Scouse
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sc
ouse_%28food%29
Recreations based off archeological finding in Viking remains and oral history as well as limited written
Directions: Flavoured cod bake
1 lb cod fillet
1.In a large pot, melt the butter and sauté the
1 lb potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
lamb until browned on all sides.
1 onion, thinly sliced
2.Add the onions and continue cooking until
2 cloves garlic, minced
the onions are soft and translucent.
2 cups heavy cream
3.Add the carrots, potatoes, chicken broth,
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
1/4 cup grated cheese Large quantity of cod a
4.Cover the pot and bring the stew to a
Salt and pepper to taste commonly eaten fish in viking
simmer.
2 tbsp butter times.
5.Reduce the heat and let the stew simmer
Directions: Source: https://bit.ly/3Lj7ufW
for about an hour or until the meat is tender.
1. Cook between 300 and 400 degrees
6.Serve hot.
2. Grease a baking dish with butter.
7.Viking Fish and Potato Gratin:
3. Arrange a layer of sliced potatoes on the bottom of the dish, followed by a
Ingredients:
layer of sliced onions.
4. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces and place them on top of the onions.
5. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the fish.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Pour the heavy cream over the fish and potatoes.
8. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden
brown and the fish is cooked through.
10. Serve hot.
 3 Things a Viking craftsman would make
Swords:
Vikings relied heavily on their fighting ability seeing as
they were raiders for a large part of their history.
Archeological discoveries have showed that the Vikings
were extraordinarily ahead of their time. For most of
their time, Vikings made swords out of iron and
sometimes steel like most the rest of the world was
doing. The discovery of the Ulfberht swords in 9th-11th
century in Northern Europe (Primarily Norway but
some spread around other parts of Europe possibly
due to war or raiding or trade )shows that the Vikings
had invented a material known as crucible steel from
which they made their swords. The Vikings discovered
this nearly 1000 years before it was discovered again in
England in the 1800s. This material may have been use
for other tools and weaponry however there have been
no discoveries of this due to the wealth required to buy
such an exotic item. The sword were also discovered
with inscriptions on them of names suggesting they
could have been a sign of status among Vikings. This
means swords would have a large cultural and a
practical role and therefore would have been one of
the most important items a craftsman would make.
Remains of the
blade of an
Ulfberht sword
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ulfberht_swords
Jewellery:
Despite their fictionally ragged appearance and lack
of self care, remains of Vikings from burials where
they were given riches for the afterlife show that they
had both their weapon and many pieces of jewellery
regardless of their wealth. Crafting jewellery was an
essential for all craftsman as it was great for trading
and gave wealthy people somethings to admire from
their jewels. The jewellery in Viking time was also
often important to raiding group and warrior groups
as they would often be symbolised by something
such as an animal of great power. The jewellery came
in many forms, with broaches, rings, belts and
necklaces which were all found with the Oseberg Ship
which shows the jewellery as a sign of wealth. The
jewellery was made from silver, iron, bronze, gold
and occasionally other materials. The jewellery could
also be a sign of rank. With important warriors
wearing more gold than simple karls living on farms.
Viking
Jewellery with
arm-bands,
broaches,
necklaces and
rings.
Source:
https://norsespirit.com/blogs/norse_viking_blog/vik
ing-jewelry-history-and-uses
Longships:
Archaeological discoveries surrounding the Vikings are most
commonly and famously discoveries of their longships. Viking
craftsman who made the longships were well ahead of their
time. Archaeological discoveries show how unique the ships
were, with a mast and oars, shallow drafts and double-sided
boats. The mast and oars allowed longships to move with and
without wind. The craftsman used a unique technique of
placing wool, animal hair, moss and other materials mixed
with tar in between planks in the ship to make the ships
watertight and sit higher in the water allowing it to navigate
shallow waters such as rivers to travel inland. The double-
sided ships and shallow draft meant the Vikings could perform
quick getaways. All these put together meant the Vikings had a
huge advantage whilst in battle and raiding which was
essential when the Vikings sought out new land as their land
was bad for farming. The ability to craft ships was also
important for funeral when wealthy nobles or leaders would
be buried in a longship which the Vikings believed carried
them to the afterlife. Viking longhouse roofs also used the
shape of longships. Overall, the cultural and practical
significance of longships made them an important craft for
every craftsman.
Oseberg ship discovered in Norway
that shows the skill of viking craftsman
in building longships and the cultural
significance of them with two wealthy
women found onboard.
Source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oseberg
_Ship
 Viking Sagas
“The Saga of the Volsungs”:
This Icelandic saga, also known as the
"Volsunga Saga," talks about the story
of the legendary hero ‘Sigurd’ and his
family. It is about love, betrayal, and
revenge, as Sigurd sets out to avenge
his father's death and fall in love with
the beautiful Valkyrie Brynhild.
Throughout it he encounters dragons,
dwarves, and a powerful ring that
brings both fortune and tragedy.
"The Saga of Erik the Red":
This saga talks about the
adventures of the famous Viking
explorer ‘Erik the Red’, who led
the first Norse settlement in
Greenland. It is about exile,
discovery, and conflict, as Erik
and his followers struggle to
survive in a harsh and unfamiliar
land. The saga also tells of Erik's
son, Leif Erikson, who is said to
have discovered North America
almost 500 years before
Christopher Columbus.
"The Saga of Grettir
the Strong": This saga
follows the adventures of
‘Grettir’, a powerful and
independent and selfish warrior
who is both loved and feared by
his fellow Icelandic warriors. It is
a story of heroism and tragedy, as
Grettir battles trolls, ghosts, and
other supernatural foes, but
ultimately meets his downfall
through his own pride and
stubbornness. The saga is notable
for its vivid descriptions of
Icelandic landscapes and
customs, as well as its exploration
of themes such as strength, honor,
and the dangers of isolation.
 What did Vikings do for Entertainment

Vikings spent a lot of their time indoors due the cold nature of
Scandinavia. To fill the time, they participated in activities such
as storytelling, board games, music, sword fighting, gambling,
sports and children simply played with toys. With Vikings
having rich oral history Skalds who were professional poets
could make large quantities of money by remembering stories
and telling the tales of supernatural being fought by Viking
heroes. Vikings played mainly two board games(Based off
Archaeological findings and spoken history). These games were
Carved and smoothed rocks
Hnefatafl which was a war game similar to chess where the
from a viking house
players would fight and attempt to catch the enemies’ King, as excavation believed to be
well as ‘Nine Men’s Morris’ another strategy game. Vikings parts to a board game.
enjoyed listening to music played on horns, lyre and harps.
They also enjoyed sword fighting and practicing their fighting Source:
abilities. Some Vikings would gamble on rolls of dice and board https://bit.ly/3mUI1iN
games. Some Vikings preferred to carve toys for their kids to
play with and finally others loved to wrestle and race in water
and on land for fun.
 Viking Gods and Goddesses
Odin: Odin lived in Valhalla and warriors slain in battle would meat the mighty chief of the Viking gods. He
gave one of his eyes in exchange for wisdom and used it to rule the other gods and Valhalla. He was
Image of Odin. Image of Thor.
associated with runes and the god of poets.
Source: Source:
https://www.worl https://en.wiki
dhistory.org/imag pedia.org/wiki/
Thor: Thor, known for his fierce and powerful nature was the god of thunder and lightning and was often e/7588/odin/ Thor
depicted wielding his hammer, Mjolnir, to defend the world against evil forces. In addition to his association
with storms and weather, Thor was also seen as a protector of humanity and a symbol of strength and
courage and a role model for all Viking warriors.

Freyja: Freyja was associated with fertility, love, and war, and was revered as a powerful figure among both
men and women. Her influence extended beyond the realm of mythology and into the daily lives of the
Vikings, as she was believed to offer protection and prosperity to those who worshipped her.

Image of Loki.
Loki: In Viking religion, Loki was a complex and enigmatic figure, often associated with mischief, trickery, Source:
and chaos. He was also considered a shan Viking religion, Loki was a complex and enigmatic figure, often https://en.wiki
associated with mischief, trickery, and chaos. He was also considered a shape-shifter and a master of Image of Freyja. pedia.org/wiki/
Source: Loki
disguise. While some Viking myths portrayed him as a malevolent force that caused trouble for the gods, https://norse-mytholo
other tales depicted him as a valuable ally who helped them out of difficult situations.pe-shifter and a gy.org/gods-and-creat
master of disguise. While some Viking myths portrayed him as a malevolent force that caused trouble for ures/the-vanir-gods-a
nd-goddesses/freya/
Image of
the gods, other tales depicted him as a valuable ally who helped them out of difficult situations. Hel.
Source:
https://ww
Hel: In Viking religion, Hel was the goddess of the underworld and the afterlife. She was responsible for w.worldhis
tory.org/H
receiving the souls of those who died of natural causes or old age. While Hel was not as prominent in el/
Viking society as other gods and goddesses, her role as the ruler of the afterlife was significant, and her
name was often invoked in funeral rites and ceremonies.
Viking Funerals
Vikings had multiple types of funerals. Some Vikings
burned their family and friends in boats with their
possessions with the idea that the smoke would carry the Remains of a Viking ship burial in Denmark.

Vikings to the afterlife. Others would bury people in ships Source: https://www.asncvikingage.com/burial-practices

with their possessions that they would require in the

afterlife. In all the different ways everything came back to
taking people to the afterlife where they would live an
enjoyable life superior to life on earth. These ceremonies
with ships were often limited to the wealthy but the
poorer Vikings could also be buried or burned in a
cheaper version of these ceremonies. At the ceremonies
family and friends would celebrate the person going to Burning of a Viking ship.
Source :
the afterlife and would drink alcohol and have a party to https://www.asncvikinga
celebrate the life of the dead person. ge.com/burial-practices
How did Vikings treat their dead
The Vikings had a strong belief in the afterlife, and they had a unique approach to
how they treated their dead. When a Viking passed away, their body was washed
and dressed in their finest clothes. Then, they were placed in a ship or a grave
alongside their possessions, such as weapons, jewelry, and food. The ship or grave
was often decorated with symbols that represented the Viking's beliefs, such as
Thor's hammer or the Valknut. The Viking's family and friends would then gather
around and pay their respects.
After the funeral, the Viking's body was either buried or set adrift on the sea. If
they were buried, a mound was built over their grave to signify their status and A Viking watching a loved one be sent to
importance. If they were set adrift on the sea, the ship would be set on fire, and the the afterlife.
Viking's body would burn along with it. This was believed to send the Viking's Source:
spirit to the afterlife. https://blog.vkngjewelry.com/en/viking-
The Vikings believed that dying in battle was the ultimate honor, and those who funerals/
died in battle were often buried with great ceremony. They were believed to go to
Valhalla, the hall of the slain, where they would spend eternity fighting and
feasting with other warriors.
Overall, the Vikings treated their dead with great respect and believed that their
spirit lived on in the afterlife. Their funerary practices were an important part of
their culture and provided a way to honor and remember their loved ones who had
passed away.
References
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