Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - III. Period of the Vikings and Introduction of Christianity - A. The Viking Expeditions—A Northern Migration
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Viking Expeditions 33
cliffs until a favorable opportunity offered itself, when
the whole crew would rush forth with wild war cries
to plunder and to slay the terrified inhabitants, and
then as suddenly disappear with their booty.
Twenty pairs of’oars
are now raised, moving
with perfect time and
pushing the chief’s ship
out upon the smooth,
glassy waters of the
bay so that the spray
dashes about the high
bow of the ship. At
the lofty stern of the
vessel stands the helms-
man. The rudder is a
broad oar fastened
astern on the right side
of the ship, which is,
hence, called the star-
board to this day (steer
board) . Now comes a
slant of wind from the
land. A square-sail is
hoisted, the oars are laid down, and with good speed
the viking ship scuds over the sea on its adventurous
course. Proudly at the prow rises the gilded dragon’s
head with blood-red jaws, and the bulwarks shine with
a row of painted shields. The other ships follow in
close array.
From about the beginning of the ninth to the elev-
enth century viking expeditions poured forth from the
Viking Chieftain from the 6th century.
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