The Vikings barged onto the world stage at the end of the eighth century, taking to the seas over the course of 300 years from modern-day Scandinavia. On innovative vessels such as the longship, they traveled through and to large sections of the world including parts of Western Europe, the Mediterranean and Russia, and they even reached North America. Plundering communities and later building new societies, the Norsemen left a remarkable imprint on the world. HISTORY® explores Viking culture through the saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his family, a character based on a real historical figure.
Vikings™ follows Ragnar’s determination to conquer new places and acquire new lands. What started as a simple desire for adventure became an epic quest for expansion and power. Using innovative ship building and navigational techniques, the Vikings pushed the boundaries of technology, opening up new connections and linking continents. Yet they also left behind incredible damage and destruction. This series explores the Vikings through the epic tale of one community, showing how and why Vikings continue to fascinate people worldwide.
Vikings™ follows Ragnar’s determination to conquer new places and acquire new lands. What started as a simple desire for adventure became an epic quest for expansion and power. Using innovative ship building and navigational techniques, the Vikings pushed the boundaries of technology, opening up new connections and linking continents. Yet they also left behind incredible damage and destruction. This series explores the Vikings through the epic tale of one community, showing how and why Vikings continue to fascinate people worldwide.
Video Analysis Questions
1. WORLD OF DARKNESS.
View this video clip about the world at the time of the first Viking raids:
history.com/shows/vikings/videos/world-in-darkness
A. What did you learn from this clip about what Europe was like
at the end of the eighth century?
B. Who were in power during this time? How was the world changing?
C. What does Athelstan fear? How would the “Northmen” threaten his world and life?
2. THE REAL VIKINGS.
View this videoclip to explore Viking mythology and what we know now about Viking historyand culture.
history.com/shows/vikings/videos/the-real-vikings
A. What are some of the myths about Viking culture discussed in this episode? What do we know about Viking culture now and its influence on the world?
B. Why were pagan and Viking histories often incomplete or one-sided? What are some new insights about the Vikings you learned from this clip?
3. VIKING GODS. View this clip to learn about the Viking belief system:
history.com/shows/vikings/videos/viking-gods
A. Why did the Vikings need and want to please their gods?
B. What does the word “cosmology” mean? How does it relate to Vikings in the context of this video? How would you
describe the Viking cosmology?
4. VIKING EXPLORATION. Watch this video clip to gain insights into Viking travels.
history.com/shows/vikings/videos/viking-exploration
A. What are some of the reasons Vikings wanted to explore other lands and territories?
B . What were some of the techniques Vikings used in order to master the seas and conquer other lands?
View this video clip about the world at the time of the first Viking raids:
history.com/shows/vikings/videos/world-in-darkness
A. What did you learn from this clip about what Europe was like
at the end of the eighth century?
B. Who were in power during this time? How was the world changing?
C. What does Athelstan fear? How would the “Northmen” threaten his world and life?
2. THE REAL VIKINGS.
View this videoclip to explore Viking mythology and what we know now about Viking historyand culture.
history.com/shows/vikings/videos/the-real-vikings
A. What are some of the myths about Viking culture discussed in this episode? What do we know about Viking culture now and its influence on the world?
B. Why were pagan and Viking histories often incomplete or one-sided? What are some new insights about the Vikings you learned from this clip?
3. VIKING GODS. View this clip to learn about the Viking belief system:
history.com/shows/vikings/videos/viking-gods
A. Why did the Vikings need and want to please their gods?
B. What does the word “cosmology” mean? How does it relate to Vikings in the context of this video? How would you
describe the Viking cosmology?
4. VIKING EXPLORATION. Watch this video clip to gain insights into Viking travels.
history.com/shows/vikings/videos/viking-exploration
A. What are some of the reasons Vikings wanted to explore other lands and territories?
B . What were some of the techniques Vikings used in order to master the seas and conquer other lands?