Discovering the Vikings

The term "Viking" is derived from the Old Norse word "vikingr," which means "raider". Vikings were known for their seafaring raids and explorations, making "raider" the correct choice among the options.

The Vikings originated from Scandinavia, which includes modern-day countries like Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. They launched their raids on England from this region during the late 8th to early 11th centuries.

King Alfred, known as Alfred the Great, successfully defended England against Viking invasions in the late 9th century, notably at the Battle of Edington in 878, which halted their advance and established his rule.

The Vikings were highly skilled shipbuilders, creating longships that were fast, flexible, and capable of navigating both open seas and shallow rivers. This expertise allowed them to explore, trade, and raid effectively.

Wednesday is named after Odin, the chief god in Norse mythology. The name comes from Old English 'Wōdnesdæg', meaning 'Woden's day', directly linking it to Odin.

Zeus is not a Viking god; he is a deity from Greek mythology. Odin, Thor, and Freya are all prominent gods in Norse mythology, which is associated with the Vikings.

Besides raiding, Vikings engaged in trading and settling. They established trade routes and settlements, which were crucial for their economy and cultural exchange, making 'trading and settling' the correct answer.

The Vikings often targeted monasteries in England because they were wealthy, poorly defended, and held valuable resources. This made them prime targets for raids, unlike castles, schools, or markets.

Thursday is named after Thor, the Viking god of thunder. The name comes from Old English 'Þūnresdæg', meaning 'Thor's day', distinguishing it from other days of the week.

Some Vikings settled in the East of England, particularly in areas like East Anglia, where they established significant communities and influence during the Viking Age.