Q & A - Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce?
The Parent Q&A Sheet for Who Were the Vikings – And Why Were They So Fierce? is designed to help you support your child’s learning at home. Whether you’re new to the topic or just need a refresher, this guide will give you the background knowledge and confidence to explore Viking history together.
It includes 20 carefully written questions with clear, detailed answers about Viking life, beliefs, warriors, ships, gods, and myths. The language is simple but respectful, making it suitable for all families using Elective Home Education, regardless of previous experience. You’ll also find creative prompts and extra ideas to help your child think more deeply and have fun while learning.
Use this resource however it suits you best — for discussion, revision, or as a learning companion to the Viking lesson plan. It’s fully printable, flexible, and designed to be part of a wider home learning experience that puts curiosity and family learning at the centre.
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| Tip for Parents | Use these questions and answers to guide learning and conversation. Encourage your child to explain things in their own words, draw scenes, act out parts of Viking life, or ask their own questions too. There’s no need to follow in order – choose what works best for your child. |
| 1. Who were the Vikings? | The Vikings were people from Scandinavia — modern-day Norway, Sweden, and Denmark — who lived during the Viking Age (roughly AD 793–1066). They were known as fierce warriors, but they were also farmers, traders, explorers, and settlers. |
| 2. What does the word "Viking" mean? | It comes from Old Norse and likely meant someone who went on a sea journey or raid. Not all Scandinavians were Vikings — only those who went "viking" (raiding or trading). |
| 3. Why were Vikings seen as fierce? | They carried out sudden raids on coastal towns and monasteries. Their fast ships and brutal fighting style shocked people across Europe. Stories of their bravery and violence helped build their fierce reputation. |
| 4. Did Vikings wear horned helmets? | No! This is a myth invented much later. Real Viking helmets were usually made of iron or leather and did not have horns — those would’ve been impractical in battle. |
| 5. What was a longship? | Longships were narrow, fast boats with sails and oars. They could travel across oceans and also go up rivers. They allowed Vikings to launch surprise raids and travel long distances to trade or settle. |
| 6. Where did the Vikings travel? | Vikings explored and settled in many places including Britain, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, Iceland, Greenland, Russia, and even parts of North America (before Columbus). |
| 7. What did the Vikings believe in? | Vikings believed in Norse gods like Odin (wisdom and war), Thor (thunder and protection), and Freyja (love and magic). They believed in many worlds, magical creatures, and a warrior heaven called Valhalla. |
| 8. What was Valhalla? | Valhalla was the hall of the slain. Vikings believed brave warriors who died in battle would go there to feast and fight forever, preparing for the final battle at the end of the world (called Ragnarök). |
| 9. What were Viking homes like? | Vikings lived in longhouses made of wood, stone, and turf (grass roofs). Families, animals, and even servants lived under one roof. A fire in the centre provided heat and light. |
| 10. Did women have rights in Viking times? | Viking women had more rights than many women in other places at the time. They could own land, run farms, and even get divorced. Some stories mention female warriors called shieldmaidens, though historians still debate if they were real or legend. |
| 11. How did Vikings fight? | They used swords, axes, spears, and round shields. They formed shield walls in battle. Many were skilled warriors, trained from a young age. They were fearless because they believed in honourable death. |
| 12. Did all Vikings raid and fight? | No, most Vikings were farmers, fishers, and craftspeople. Raiding was one part of their culture, but many also traded peacefully or settled in new lands to live. |
| 13. What laws did Vikings have? | Vikings had local assemblies called "things" where free men met to settle disputes and make laws. They valued justice, and punishments ranged from fines to exile (being forced to leave). |
| 14. When did the Viking Age end? | The Viking Age ended in 1066 after the Battle of Stamford Bridge, where the English king Harold defeated the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada. Christianity and changing politics also helped end Viking raids. |
| 15. What is Norse mythology? | Norse mythology is the system of Viking beliefs — stories of gods, magical creatures, and the nine worlds connected by the world tree Yggdrasil. These myths explained life, nature, and death. |
| 16. What made Viking society unique? | Vikings mixed warrior strength with farming, trade, and storytelling. Their culture was built on honour, loyalty, and bravery. They valued skilled crafts, clever navigation, and rich storytelling through sagas. |
| 17. Did Vikings have written records? | Most history was passed down through spoken sagas (long stories). They also used runes — symbols used for writing, often carved into wood or stone — but didn’t have books like we do today. |
| 18. What did Vikings trade? | Vikings traded fur, amber, iron, weapons, and slaves. They brought back silver, silk, spices, and glass from faraway places. Trade made them wealthy and connected them to many other cultures. |
| 19. Are there Viking influences in Britain today? | Yes! Many place names (like Grimsby, Derby, and Whitby) come from Old Norse. English words like "sky", "egg", "knife", and "husband" also have Viking origins. |
| 20. What are some common myths about Vikings? | That they were always violent, wore horned helmets, and were uncivilised. In truth, they had laws, culture, religion, skilled crafts, and explored new lands. Their story is much bigger than just raiding! |
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