Learnings: The Hull and Mast

Close-up of the front part of the Saga Oseberg Viking ship, a replica of a 9th century vessel. / Contemporary

The hull of a longship was mostly made from a hardwood tree, chosen for its solidity. The hardwood was carefully split along the grain with an axe to make the boards flexible.

The mast of a longship was made from softwood, which offered not only flexibility, but length.

The trees used in building longships varied according to region. For example, oak trees were common in Denmark and were likely fashioned into longships. In Norway, ash or pine trees would have been used instead. This reconstructed ceremonial longship offers an excellent example of a typical hull and mast.