Norse Gods & Realms
Known as the All-Father, this god rules Asgard and seeks wisdom above all else
Who is Odin
These fast, shallow-draft ships allowed Vikings to raid coastlines and sail rivers
What are longships
This versatile weapon was the most common tool of Viking warfare
What is an axe
The system of symbols used by the Vikings for writing, carving, and magic
What are runes
This monstrous wolf is prophesied to devour Odin during Ragnarök
Who is Fenrir
Most Vikings lived in long, narrow homes built primarily from this material
What is wood
Historians generally date the beginning of the Viking Age to this year
What is 793 CE
This thunderous god wields the hammer Mjölnir and protects both gods and humans
Who is Thor
The 793 attack on this English monastery is traditionally considered the start of the Viking Age
What is Lindisfarne
This defensive formation involved warriors locking shields to create a unified wall
What is a shield wall
This is the oldest known runic alphabet, used during the early Viking Age
What is Elder Futhark
This enormous serpent encircles Midgard and is destined to battle Thor
Who is Jörmungandr
This fermented honey drink was commonly consumed during feasts and celebrations
What is mead
This Frankish emperor was crowned in 800 CE and frequently clashed with Viking raiders
Who is Charlemagne
A shape-shifting trickster whose schemes often lead to disaster for gods and giants alike
Who is Loki
This North American land, described in the sagas, was explored by Leif Erikson
What is Vinland
Despite popular imagery, Viking helmets almost never included this feature
What are horns
Long narrative tales that recorded Viking heroes, feuds, and family histories
What are sagas
Odin’s legendary eight-legged horse, capable of traveling between realms
Who is Sleipnir
This public assembly served as a court, legislature, and meeting place
What is the Thing
This treaty established Viking control over Normandy in exchange for loyalty to the Frankish crown
What is the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte
This goddess rules the cold realm where many who die of sickness or age are sent
Who is Hel
The Vikings referred to Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire, by this name
What is Miklagard
These feared warriors were said to fight in a trance-like fury, ignoring pain
Who are the berserkers
This medieval Icelandic collection of poems preserves much of Norse mythology
What is the Poetic Edda
This hound stands guard over the gates of Hel and breaks free during Ragnarök
Who is Garmr
These professional poets preserved history and legends through spoken verse
Who are skalds
This famous battle in 1066 marked the end of the Viking Age in England
What is the Battle of Stamford Bridge
This one-handed god of law and justice sacrificed his hand to bind the wolf Fenrir
Who is Týr
This Old Norse word referred broadly to going on overseas expeditions, raids, or voyages
What is víking (or vikingr)
The Old Norse term meaning “bear-shirt,” which is the origin of the modern word “berserk”
What is berserkr
This god was believed to have gained knowledge of runes by sacrificing himself to Yggdrasil
Who is Odin
This fire giant wields a flaming sword and leads the final assault against the gods
Who is Surtr
This legal tradition relied on spoken law, reputation, and communal enforcement
What is customary Norse law (or oral law)
his Scandinavian king is credited with uniting Norway and promoting Christianity
Who is Harald Hardrada