Vikings
for Kids
Sail into the world of Norse explorers, fierce warriors, legendary gods, and magnificent longships that conquered the seas!
Vikings Topics
Dive deep into the fascinating world of the Vikings through our comprehensive educational resources
Vikings: Who Were They?
Discover the truth about the Norse seafarers from Scandinavia — skilled sailors, traders, and explorers who shaped the history of Europe and beyond.
Viking Gods and Norse Mythology
Meet Odin, Thor, Loki and the other powerful gods of Asgard! Explore magical worlds, epic battles, and the famous Viking myths that are still told today.
Viking Longships
Uncover the secrets of the legendary Viking longships — the fastest, most flexible vessels of their time that carried Vikings across oceans and up rivers.
Viking Warriors
Learn about the fierce Viking fighters, their weapons and armour, battle tactics, and the legendary berserkers who struck fear into their enemies.
Viking Language and Runes
Decode the mysterious Viking runes! Learn how the Norse people wrote using angular symbols carved into stone and wood, and discover what these ancient messages mean.
Journey Through Time
Explore the key events that shaped the Viking Age and changed the course of history
The Viking Age Begins
Vikings raided Lindisfarne monastery in England, marking the start of the Viking Age and three centuries of Norse expansion.
The Great Heathen Army
A massive Viking army led by the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok invaded England, conquering kingdoms and establishing Viking rule.
Normandy Founded
Viking leader Rollo made peace with the King of France and received land that became Normandy — "Land of the Northmen."
Leif Erikson Reaches America
Leif Erikson, son of Erik the Red, became the first European to reach North America, landing in Newfoundland nearly 500 years before Columbus.
End of the Viking Age
King Harold Hardrada of Norway died at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, and William the Conqueror (a Viking descendant) won at Hastings — marking the end of the Viking Age.
Viking Facts for Kids
Get ready for some jaw-dropping facts about these legendary Norse explorers!
No Horned Helmets!
Despite what you see in movies, real Vikings did not wear horned helmets into battle! This idea came from 19th-century opera costumes. Viking helmets were actually simple metal caps with nose guards.
Ship Burials
Important Vikings were sometimes buried inside their ships! The Oseberg ship, discovered in Norway, was buried with two women and incredible treasures including wagons, animals, and beautiful carved sledges.
Thor's Magic Hammer
Vikings wore Thor's hammer amulets for protection, just like people wear crosses today. These small metal pendants were shaped like Mjölnir, the hammer that Thor used to protect humans from giants!
The Days of the Week
Many of our days of the week are named after Viking gods! Tuesday is Tyr's day, Wednesday is Odin's (Woden's) day, Thursday is Thor's day, and Friday is Frigg's day!
Viking Board Games
Vikings loved playing board games! Hnefatafl ("King's Table") was their favourite — a strategy game where a king tries to escape while attackers try to capture him. Game pieces have been found in many Viking graves.
Surprisingly Clean
Vikings were actually very clean compared to other people of their time! They bathed weekly, combed their hair daily, and even made bleaches and combs from bone. Some Vikings were nicknamed "the Fair" or "the Well-Groomed"!
Explore More History
Continue your journey through time with these other fascinating historical periods
Ancient Egypt
Explore the mysteries of pharaohs, pyramids and ancient Egyptian civilisation.
Ancient China
Discover the wonders of Ancient China — from the Great Wall to the Silk Road.
Ancient Greece
Uncover the birthplace of democracy, philosophy and Western civilisation.
Ancient Rome
Discover the might and legacy of one of history's greatest civilisations.
Medieval Times
Journey through the age of knights, castles, and feudalism.
World War 2
Learn about the global conflict that changed the course of history.
