The Norsemen, often referred to as ‘Vikings,’ made an unannounced arrival in Europe, striking fear with their raids and pillaging across the continent. Viewed as divine punishment, they were perceived as savage warriors by many. However, in truth, they were remarkable explorers and traders, venturing as far as North America.

Mastering the art of seafaring, they established numerous settlements along coastlines, evolving into major trade hubs.
The Norsemen didn’t organize themselves into traditional armies. Instead, each man was expected to be a seasoned warrior. Unlike other civilizations, cavalry wasn’t utilized, and battles were fought solely on foot. They favored minimal armor, relying heavily on their round shields for defense. A warrior without a shield was considered vulnerable. Their weaponry included various melee weapons, Norse longbows, and rocks sourced from the battlefield terrain.

One of the most celebrated Norse explorers was Leif Eriksson, son of Erik the Red. Leif achieved renown as the first Norseman to land on Vinland, located in current Canada. Described as strong and formidable like his father, Erik the Red, who was exiled from Norway due to murder.