Database: Vikings

In Old Norse, a "vikingr" was a Norse man or woman who went raiding for gain and glory, both for themselves and their clan. To "go a-Viking" was one of the most exhilarating feats of bravery anyone could imagine.

Over time, the sword Viking became a general term to describe the hordes of Norsemen who raided and settled various parts of Europe between the 8th and 11th centuries. Somewhat less barbaric than their initial depictions, Vikings were in fact part of a larger and more complex social structure, as likely to trade with another culture instead of killing them.