Scandinavia
What is the name of the region where the Vikings lived, made up of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark?
Scandinavia
What did the Vikings use to navigate while traveling?
The sun and stars
The Vikings gained wealth by raiding and doing what else?
trading
Who was the chief god of the Norse gods?
Odin
What were the letters of the Viking alphabet called?
runes
Name one of the three countries that were part of the Viking homeland.
Norway, Sweden, or Denmark
Why did the Vikings need excellent ships?
The different regions of Scandinavia in which they lived included many islands and other challenging geographical features, such as fjords and mountains. Most travel was by water.
What does the phrase “to go a-viking” mean?
to raid
Who was the Norse god of thunder?
Thor
What is the definition of ransom?
money paid to release someone being held captive
Why did many Vikings live near the coast instead of far inland?
They relied on the sea for travel, fishing, and trade.
What island did Eric the Red name to attract settlers?
Greenland
Which description best fits the Vikings?
fierce raiders
Who was the Norse trickster god?
Loki
What word describes attacking other places to take wealth?
raiding
What is the name for deep, narrow parts of the sea with high cliffs found in Scandinavia?
Fjords
Why did Eric the Red name the land Greenland?
To make it sound appealing and attract settlers
What skill were the Vikings best known for?
Shipbuilding and sailing
What was the home of the Norse gods called?
Asgard
What word describes exchanging goods with others?
Trading
What did it mean to go 'a-viking,' and how does this show the Viking way of life?
To go "a-viking' meant to sail away on a raiding voyage. The Vikings raided and plundered European towns and villages and held people for ransom.
Was Greenland an accurate name for the land? Why or why not?
No, because much of the land is icy and cold.
Why was sailing important to Viking daily life?
It allowed them to raid, trade, and explore.
What was the palace where fallen Viking warriors went after battle?
Valhalla
What were the fiercest Viking warriors called?
Berserkers