Hard The Truth About Vikings Quiz / Test | European

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1. In which century was the term "Viking" first used by historians to describe the Scandinavian raiders as far back as the 8th century?

Answer: 18th

The term "Viking" comes from the Old Norse noun 'viking' which referred to an overseas expedition. The term was adopted by historians in the 18th Century to describe the Scandinavian raiders who attacked and settled in Britain from the late 8th century.

It was only in the 20th Century that the meaning of the word "Viking" extended to all the people of Scandinavia who lived at that time, not just the seaborne raiders. Thus, the period from the late 8th to the mid 11th century is now known collectively as the "Viking Age".

2. The first Viking raid on the British Isles happened at Lindisfarne but in what year?

Answer: 793

"It was the summer of seven ninety three..."
Perhaps you remembered this from listening to the Horrible Histories team's rock song on the Vikings? Either way, 793 is the date generally used by British historians as the beginning of the Viking Age in Britain, due to the attack on Lindisfarne off the coast of Northumberland.

It is believed the Inner Hebridies of Scotland were under Viking control by 847. 802 was when the island and religious community of Iona in Scotland was sacked.

3. All the souls of Viking warriors who died in battle were taken to Valhalla.

Answer: False

In Norse mythology, it was said that only half the number of fallen warriors were taken to Valhalla to dine with Odin. The other half were to be taken by the goddess Freyja to her dwelling, F�lkvangr.

4. The Vikings were renowned shipbuilders. Their longships have become an integral part of the Viking image but what were their smaller cargo ships called?

Answer: Knarrs

Knarrs had a shorter, wider and deeper hull compared to those designed for longships allowing them to carry more cargo. They were used to transport items such as wool, ivory, timbers, furs and pelts as well as slaves. The only knarr ship that has been found relatively well preserved was discovered in Roskilde Ford in 1962 and is currently undergoing restoration at the Viking Ship Museum there.
The other ships are all types of longships.

5. The Emperors of which Eastern empire employed Vikings as their bodyguards?

Answer: Byzantine

The Byzantium Emperors used Viking mercenaries as their own personal guard and they became known as Varangians. The empire later became the Ottoman Empire.

6. Which modern day Irish city became a centre for the Viking slave trade?

Answer: Dublin

Dublin became not just a local but an internationally important trading centre. By the mid-10th century it had trade links to places such as Constantinople and Italy. Dealing in silks, gold, weapons, horses and silver it soon became one of the most prosperous trade centres in Europe.

However, it is perhaps most famous - or infamous - for its links to the Viking slave trade. It has been argued Dublin had the largest slave markets since the fall of Rome!

7. There were three social classes in most Viking societies which would be the equivalent of Upper, Middle and Lower classes today. Which section of society was the 'Middle' class?

Answer: Karl

Karl is perhaps a lesser known term than Jarl. These were freemen and who had a trade or were skilled workers: the farmers, smiths and traders of society.

Jarls were the nobility: the leaders of their people. These people were distinguished by their wealth, their ships, their estates and their followers. They were to provide security for their people and uphold their honour.

Thralls were the slaves and bondsmen of society. They had no rights and no say and were obliged to work for their master. This word is actually still used in the English language today, meaning "to be in someone's power"

Valkyrie's are part of Viking mythology and not a status in Viking society.

8. Berserkers were feared Viking warriors who were said to go in to battle wearing the pelt of which animal?

Answer: Bear

Some sources say it was a wolf pelt but it is more generally agreed that Berserkers wore some kind of cloak or shirt made from the pelt of a bear. They were even more feared than the regular Viking due to their tendency to enter an uncontrollable, trance-like fury in battle and cutting swathes through the enemy with their ferocious attack.

9. The Vikings were known for fighting in a shield-wall formation and they had a number of manoeuvres to try and break the enemy line. What tactic was known as the 'Svinfylking'?

Answer: Boar's Snout

The Svinfylking is known today as a "Boar's Snout" - although it is sometimes also called a "flying v". This tactic involved creating a wedged shape formation which protruded from the main line of the shield wall. Men would pile in to its centre and charge at the enemy in an attempt to punch through the enemy lines.

10. Vikings fought with horned helmets.

Answer: False

Absolutely false! Would you really like to wear a horned helmet in to battle? Imagine the force of an axe being swung at your skull? If it catches one of those horns you can guarantee a broken neck! At least without them you have a chance to dodge the blow. Also the added weight would have undoubtedly slowed the men down. No...the greatest myth about Vikings, that they wore horned helmets in to battle, is entirely false.

While it is entirely possibly they wore horned helmets for ceremonial purposes they were almost certainly kept away from the battlefield.

Source: Author ScottishGal

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor gtho4 before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

The Truth About Vikings Trivia Quiz

So you think you know about the Vikings do you? Let's see if you can separate the facts from the fiction surrounding these raiding people!

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