Learnings: The Figurehead

The prow of the reconstructed longship Saga Oseberg / Contemporary

Figureheads, as seen here, were often sculpted into wild animals or monsters. They were not just decorations; they were intended to frighten the protective spirits, or landvættir, of hostile territories.

When the Vikings wanted to ensure a successful military or commercial expedition, they showed the ship's figurehead as they drew near the shore to intimidate the landvættir of their rivals and enemies.

When they were visiting a friendly territory, the Vikings did not want to offend or frighten the local spirits. On these occasions, they would remove the figurehead from the prow for a less threatening arrival.