When we think about Vikings, a lot of myths pop into our heads. These myths often come from movies, plays, and old stories. Let’s explore five common myths about Vikings and find out what’s true!
Many people imagine Vikings wearing helmets with horns. However, archaeologists have never found any Viking helmets with horns. This idea came from artists in the 1800s who thought horned helmets looked cool and decided to draw Vikings that way.
Some people think Vikings were dirty and smelly, but that’s not true! Vikings actually cared about being clean. Archaeologists have found Viking combs, tweezers, razors, and even wash balls. They made strong soap to bleach their hair blonde. The Old Norse word for Saturday, “laga dagr,” means “washing day,” showing they had a day for cleaning up.
There’s a myth that Vikings were super tall. An Arab traveler named Ibn Fadlan once described them as tall and strong. But in reality, Viking men were about 172 centimeters tall (5’7″), and women were about 160 centimeters tall (5’3″). This was a bit taller than people from other places at the time, but not giant-sized.
While battle axes were popular, the most common weapon Vikings used was the spear. Spears were cheaper to make than swords and needed less iron. Vikings used them for throwing or thrusting in battles.
We often call Norsemen “Vikings,” but “viking” was actually a word for going on raids. Not all Norsemen were warriors; many were farmers, traders, craftsmen, and merchants who lived peacefully.
Now you know the truth behind some popular Viking myths! Vikings were fascinating people with a rich history, and learning about them can be really exciting.
Design and craft a Viking helmet using paper, cardboard, or any other materials you have at home. Remember, Vikings didn’t actually wear horned helmets, so think about what a real Viking helmet might have looked like. Share your creation with the class and explain why you chose your design.
Research and create a poster about Viking hygiene practices. Include information about the tools they used, like combs and razors, and how they kept clean. Present your findings to the class and discuss how these practices compare to modern hygiene.
Make a chart comparing the average height of Vikings to people from other cultures during the same time period. Use this chart to discuss with your classmates how perceptions of height might have contributed to the myth of Vikings being giants.
Learn about different Viking weapons by creating models of a spear and an axe using craft materials. Discuss with your classmates why spears were more common and how they were used in battles. Share your models and insights with the class.
Participate in a role-playing activity where you take on the roles of different Norsemen, such as farmers, traders, and warriors. Create a short skit to demonstrate the daily life and activities of these people, highlighting that not all Norsemen were “Vikings” going on raids.
Here’s a sanitized version of the provided YouTube transcript:
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Viking Myths
When we think of Norsemen or the Vikings, many myths come to mind, created from the works of artists, stage productions, and Hollywood movies. Centuries later, let’s have a look at five of them.
1. **They Had Horned Helmets**
The Vikings conjure up the classic image of warriors going into battle with horned helmets. However, archaeologists have not found any Viking helmets with horns so far. This image is the result of 19th-century artistic license, as artists and costume designers loved the look and decided to depict Norsemen with horned helmets.
2. **Vikings Smelled Bad and Were Filthy**
Poor hygiene is one of the first things that come to mind when thinking of the Vikings. However, the Vikings were much more hygienic than we think. Archaeological excavations have found combs, tweezers, razors, wash balls, and ear spoons. They also made a strong soap with a high lye content that was used to bleach hair blonde. Additionally, the Old Norse word for Saturday, “laga dagr,” roughly translates to “washing day.”
3. **Vikings Were Tall Giants**
You may have thought that Vikings were giants. In 921, an Arab traveler named Ibn Fadlan came into contact with the Rus Vikings and wrote, “I have seen the Rus as they came on their merchant journeys by the Volga. I have never seen more perfect physical specimens, tall as date palms, blonde and ruddy.” However, archaeological evidence shows that the average height was a little shorter than today. Viking men stood around 172 centimeters tall (5’7″), while women stood at 160 centimeters (5’3″). This was slightly taller than the average Englishman, Frank, or Arab of the time.
4. **The Axe Was the Most Common Weapon**
Battle axes were one of the most common weapons used by Viking warriors, but even more common was the spear. Both were cheaper to make than a sword, and a spear required the least amount of iron. It was used for throwing or thrusting.
5. **They Were Called Vikings**
Most of us are familiar with the term “Viking,” which has become a word to describe Norsemen. However, “viking” was used more as a verb for the activity of going on raids. A small minority of people participating in raids were warriors, while the majority were in peaceful professions as farmers, traders, craftsmen, and merchants.
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This version removes any unnecessary filler words and maintains clarity while preserving the original content’s meaning.
Viking – A seafaring warrior from Scandinavia who lived during the Middle Ages and often raided and traded across Europe. – The Vikings were known for their longships and adventurous spirit as they traveled across the seas.
Myths – Traditional stories that explain the beliefs or natural phenomena of a culture, often involving gods or heroes. – Ancient myths often told stories about how the world was created and why things happened in nature.
Helmets – Protective headgear worn by soldiers or warriors to keep their heads safe during battle. – The soldiers wore helmets to protect themselves during the fierce battle.
Clean – Free from dirt or impurities; often used to describe something that is neat and tidy. – The archaeologists carefully cleaned the ancient pottery to study the designs painted on it.
Archaeologists – Scientists who study human history by digging up and examining ancient sites and artifacts. – Archaeologists discovered a new site that revealed how people lived thousands of years ago.
Tall – Having greater than average height; often used to describe structures or people. – The tall stone pillars were part of an ancient temple that stood for centuries.
Weapon – An object used in fighting or hunting to harm or defend against others. – The museum displayed ancient weapons that warriors used in battles long ago.
Spear – A long pole with a pointed end, used as a weapon for throwing or thrusting. – The warrior skillfully threw his spear during the battle to defend his village.
Norsemen – People from ancient Scandinavia, known for their seafaring skills and exploration during the Viking Age. – The Norsemen were skilled sailors who explored new lands across the ocean.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Learning about history helps us understand how past events have shaped our world today.
