Viking Facts and Resources

Curious facts you might not know about Vikings...

Whale bone plaque was often used as an ironing board with an iron that was made from a heated lump of glass.

Birds’ foot bones were often used as sewing needles.

Every few days the Vikings would rub the fat from sheep or other animals into their goatskin boots to keep them soft and waterproof.

The Vikings liked ice-skating and made the blades for skates by carving the leg and foot bones of animals (eg. cows and horses).

Viking warriors looted treasures from churches and monasteries, seizing the priests and monks to kill or sell as slaves.

There was no unity between the Vikings from different areas: they fought each other as fiercely as they fought their enemies. 

Swords were their most treasured belongings. They gave them names like ‘Leg biter’ and ‘Adder’. The blades were sharp on both sides and were up to 90cm long.

The Vikings only had a first name, such as Erik or Harald. To distinguish one from another they had nicknames for surnames - Audun the Bad Bard was so-called because he stole some lines from another poet! Eirik the Red had red hair.

Facts from The Gruesome Truth about the Vikings by Jillian Powell 2012 Hachette Children’s group UK