First Children Encyclopedia

(Marvins-Underground-K-12) #1

The Vikings


It is called “Futhark” (“foo-thark”).^91


Viking homes


Viking families lived in houses made from wood,


stone, or turf. A hole was left in the roof to let out


smoke from the cooking fire. People sat on stools or


benches around the fire and slept on raised beds.


Iron and
wood spear

A small statue
of a Viking god
called Frey

Runes
The Vikings carved poems and
inscriptions using symbols called
runes. Each rune was made of straight
lines, so it was easy to carve them on
wood or stone.

Viking warriors
carried wooden
shields and wore
armour made
from leather or
chain mail.


Story-telling
To entertain each
other, the Vikings told
long stories about their
heroes, gods, and great
warriors. The stories
were called sagas.

Long
woollen
socks

Iron
sword

Goat-skin shoes

Warrior duty


Being a brave warrior


was very important to


the Vikings. They could


be called up to fight at


any moment, so they


always dressed


ready for battle.


Round
wooden
shield

Padded
leather
tunic

Helmet with
noseguard

Chain-mail
shirt

Swords and
spears were
used for
fighting.
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