dijous, 29 de maig del 2014

The decoration on this sword is very similar to others found on runic stones.  Might it have been a runic spell for battle at sea?  Tell us more!
Image:  MMB Exhibition "Vikings:  Beyond the Legend"

dimecres, 28 de maig del 2014

Though there is no historical evidence, the sagas relate that the Vikings used a sun compass for navigation.  Convince us with a story. 
Image:  WGBH Educational Foundation

dimarts, 27 de maig del 2014

This kind of limestone tombstone is almost exclusive to Gotland in Sweden, and features mythological scenes.  What sea journey might they have embarked on, and what battle were they engaged in?  Tell us its story!
Image:  MMB Exhibition "Vikings:  Beyond the Legend"

dilluns, 26 de maig del 2014

The Íslendinga saga tells a marvellous tale, of a boat that was shipwrecked on a crossing from Norway to Iceland in the thirteenth century.  Four men managed to survive thirteen days by feeding off the walrus-hide tackle with butter, the only part of the ship that was salvaged.  Put us in the picture.
Image:  http://seajunk.com/cargo/pirate-ship-block-and-tackle-rigging/

divendres, 23 de maig del 2014

This magnificent clothespin features a dragon's head and would have been dipped in gold or silver.  Create an intrigue around its creation, use, loss or trade.
Image:  MMB Exhibition:  "Vikings:  Beyond the Legend"

dijous, 22 de maig del 2014

The Vikings dedicated a lot of time and effort to cramming and sealing the planks with moss or animal hair that was soaked in tar.  Yet the ships were also designed to be wonderfully flexible and elastic, and this meant that in rough seas they were particularly vulnerable to leaks.  Tell us more about those leaks.
Image:  www.thomasoneil.com/journeys/iceland.html

dilluns, 19 de maig del 2014

In early Icelandic law, boats featuring dragon head prows had to keep away from harbours, in case the terrifying head disturbed the peaceful land spirits, or landvaettir.  But let's say that one defied the law, sneaking into the harbour...and let's not stop there...you go on...
Image:  www.scandinaviancentre.org/munin/Photo.htm