Vikings Myth Busters

The Vikings wore helmets with animal horns.

• True

• Myth

Answer explanation

During the Viking age, helmets were typically fairly simple: a bowl with a prominent nose guard.

All Viking men were warriors, who's job was to raid other lands.

• True

• Myth

Answer explanation

Some vikings did sail and raid other lands, but most were also farmers.

The Vikings were excellent shipbuilders.

• Truth

• Myth

Answer explanation

The Vikings were brilliant at making boats and ships.

Their longboats could fit 60 people in at a time!

The Vikings smelled bad, and they rarely took baths.

• Truth

• Myth

Answer explanation

Vikings bathed once a week, which was more than other European communities.

They also designed tweezers, combs, and razors to groom themselves.

Thor was the most popular Norse God that the Vikings worshipped.

• True

• Myth

Answer explanation

The Vikings believed in many gods, including Thor, the god of thunder.

The Vikings wore animal skins.

• True

• Myth

Answer explanation

Vikings wore robes and gowns made of wool and animal leather to keep them warm.

Vikings ate mostly plant-based foods that they grew on their farms.

• True

• Myth

Answer explanation

Vikings ate animal flesh, fish, and grains that they harvested.

Vikings buried the dead in boats.

• True

• Myth

Answer explanation

Important Vikings who died would be put on their boat with all of their belongings, including their animals, and then would be pushed out to sea.

It would also be on fire!

Viking Means "Pirate Raid."

• True

• Myth

Answer explanation

Old Norse was the language that Vikings used.

In the Old Norse language ‘Viking’ meant ‘pirate raid’!

"Thursday" comes from the Norse language, which Vikings used.

• True

• Myth

Answer explanation

Thursday was named after Thor!