Learnings: Blessing the Ship

The keel of the Saga Oseberg Viking ship, a replica of a 9th century vessel. / c. Viking Age

The keel, pictured here, was the backbone of the ship. According to legend, there was a christening ritual for boasts called "blooding the keel." The term seems to hint at some kind of human or animal sacrifice to please the gods. However, it was likely just a metaphor. Metaphors and similes were often found in Norse poetry and legends. "Blood in the keel" may have meant getting the ship's feet wet, or putting here in the water.