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Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce?

Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce? (Lesson Plan)

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Lesson Plan - Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce?

The lesson plan for Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce? is designed to support parents and carers using Elective Home Education. It provides a flexible structure for learning about the Vikings — where they came from, how they travelled, what they believed in, and why they became known as such fierce warriors.

Inside, you’ll find clear learning goals, creative projects, discussion questions, and comprehension tasks to suit learners of different ages and interests. The plan includes both written and hands-on activities and can be used as a single session or as part of a broader study of history, mythology, or ancient civilisations.

Everything is written in plain English, so even if you’re not confident with history, you’ll be able to guide your child through the lesson. The printable format is ideal for learning offline, and the open-ended questions encourage curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.


This topic is part of our Info Zone collection. You can read the full topic, once logged in, here: Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce?

You’ll also find a full Lesson Plan and a handy Parent Q & A sheet, for this topic, ready to use..

Lesson Plan
Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce?
OverviewThis home education lesson explores who the Vikings were, what made them so fierce, and how they lived, believed, travelled, and fought. Suitable for learners aged 8–16, with creative activities and discussion points for all abilities.
Learning Objectives - Understand where the Vikings came from and why they travelled
- Explore Viking life, beliefs, gods, and longships
- Think critically about their reputation for fierceness
- Encourage independent thought and curiosity about history
Estimated Time45–90 minutes (adaptable)
Starter Activity Ask: "What do you picture when you hear the word ‘Viking’?"
Look at a cartoon image of a Viking longship. What do you think it was used for? Why do you think people feared Vikings?
Read and Learn Read the learning resource Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce? together or independently.

Then discuss or think about:
  • Where did the Vikings originally come from?
  • What was a longship, and why was it important?
  • Did all Vikings fight and raid, or did they have other jobs too?
  • What did the Vikings believe about death and the gods?
Optional extra: Look up the days of the week and discover which ones are named after Norse gods!
Activities Comprehension Questions:
  1. What three modern countries did the Vikings come from?
  2. Why were Viking longships feared?
  3. Name two Viking gods and what they were known for.
  4. What was Valhalla, and who went there?
  5. When and how did the Viking Age end?

Creative Task:
Draw a Viking god or goddess based on what you’ve read (e.g., Thor with his hammer or Freyja with her cats). Label your drawing with symbols of their powers.

Timeline Task:
  • AD 793 – First Viking raid on Lindisfarne
  • AD 866 – Vikings take York (Jorvik)
  • AD 1000 – Leif Erikson sails to North America
  • AD 1066 – Battle of Stamford Bridge
Deeper Thinking Big Question: "Why do we remember the Vikings more as warriors than as settlers, farmers, and explorers?"
Talk about how history is told — are fierce stories more exciting than peaceful ones? Does it change how we see them?
Creative Projects - Make a cardboard or paper Viking longship and decorate it with dragon heads and sails
- Invent your own Norse god or goddess and describe what they look like, what they rule over, and what powers they have
Review & Reflect Ask your learner:
  • What surprised you most about Viking life?
  • Would you have wanted to live in Viking times? Why or why not?
  • Do you think the Vikings deserved their fierce reputation?
Extensions & Homework - Research Viking place names still found in the UK (like "-by", "-thorpe", "-kirk")
- Watch a documentary or animated Viking series suitable for your learner’s age
- Write a short story set in Viking times — will it be about a raid, a journey, or a peaceful farm life?
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