The ethos of the Timahoe Heritage Festival is to share our love and knowledge of our fascinating history and heritage, with a fun filled, all inclusive, family friendly event, which takes place on June 3rd & 4th, 2023, in Timahoe Co. Laois.
We’ve gathered together some Viking Facts for kids to enjoy, and hopefully learn a little about the rampaging Scandinavians, before coming face to face with them over the June bank Holiday weekend!
Did you know?
The Vikings were seafaring people from Scandinavia who lived during the Viking Age (roughly from the 8th to the 11th century).
They were known for their longboats, which were sleek and fast and could sail across open oceans as well as shallow rivers.
The Vikings were skilled warriors and often went on raids to steal treasure, food, and other valuable items from other lands.
They had a rich mythology and religion, with gods and goddesses such as Odin, Thor, and Freya.
Vikings were also skilled craftsmen, creating intricate jewelry, weapons, and tools.
They were known for their horned helmets, but in reality, Vikings did not wear horns on their helmets.
The Viking language was Old Norse, and many words from Old Norse are still used in modern English today.
The Vikings established settlements in many parts of Europe, including Ireland, Scotland, England, and even as far as North America.
Viking society was divided into different social classes, with kings and nobles at the top, followed by farmers and craftsmen, and then slaves at the bottom.
The Vikings left a lasting impact on the world, with their culture, language, and mythology influencing many aspects of modern society.
Words we got from the Vikings
There are many words in the English language that have been borrowed from Old Norse, the language of the Vikings. Here are some examples:
- Berserk – meaning “frenzied” or “wild”
- Heathen – meaning “non-Christian” or “uncivilized”
- Saga – meaning “a long story”
- Thrall – meaning “a slave”
- Skirmish – meaning “a minor battle”
- Reindeer – meaning “a type of deer”
- Ugly – meaning “unpleasant to look at”
- Ransack – meaning “to search thoroughly”
- Mire – meaning “wet, swampy ground”
- Gawk – meaning “to stare stupidly”
It is estimated that around 1,500 words in modern English are of Old Norse origin.
Viking Facts for Kids - Dublin
The Vikings founded Dublin in the late 9th century. The city was originally known as “Dubh Linn,” which means “black pool” in Irish, and was so named because of the dark pool located at the mouth of the River Poddle, where the Vikings first established their settlement.
Dublin became an important trading center for the Vikings, who used the city as a base for raiding expeditions along the Irish coast and into the British Isles. The city also served as a hub for trade between Scandinavia, the British Isles, and the rest of Europe.
The Vikings ruled Dublin for over two centuries, from the late 9th century until the early 12th century. During this time, the city grew in size and prosperity, with the Vikings building many of the city’s most important buildings and institutions.
Dublin was an important center of Viking art and culture. The city’s Viking rulers were skilled craftsmen and artists, and they left behind many examples of their art, including metalwork, jewelry, and sculpture.
The Viking influence on Dublin can still be seen today in the city’s architecture, place names, and cultural traditions. Many of Dublin’s oldest buildings, such as Dublin Castle and Christ Church Cathedral, were built by the Vikings, and the city’s street names still bear the marks of its Viking heritage.
- Christ Church Cathedral was was founded under the Viking king, Sitric Silkenbeard.
