Vikings-raids and War is a juvenile history book by Louise Spilsbury that I checked out from the library. I have always been fascinated by history, so I wanted to learn more about the Vikings. Who they are, and why they did what they did.

The word Viking means a pirate in the Norse language, and they were originally from Scandinavia. The first Viking raid started in 793 A.D. when they raided and looted a monastery in northern England. They were very brutal and killed all of them so that they could get their treasure. Vikings were very violent and brought terror to Europe and other countries that they raided. The most violent Vikings were known as berserkers because they were full of fury and out of control when they fought. They wore bearskins, believing they would have the strength of a bear and be as terrifying as one. They carried their weapons with pride and were not afraid to die.

They also made fast, silent ships and could travel long distances. Vikings used their ships as a means of travel to raid and pillage the coasts of wherever they landed, and on the front of their ships, they would have a carving of a dragon to strike fear upon those who saw them. Not only were the Vikings blood-thirsty in fighting, but they also worshipped violent gods and goddesses. They believed in Odin and Thor, which are part of Norse mythology and known in movies and books presented today. The Vikings believed that dying in battle would grant them an afterlife in a place known as Valhalla. And because of these beliefs, they would make sacrifices to appease the gods. Vikings would sacrifice horses to bring good luck and offer people as well. When Vikings died, they were buried with their possessions and their slaves. Some were buried in mounds, and the wealthier were buried in their ships. The Viking leaders were set on funeral pyres, where their bodies were set on fire.

If you enjoy history, I recommend you learn about the fearsome Vikings!