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Home Life
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Viking homes would not seem comfortable to us. They were dark and smoky, with no windows and little furniture except for shelves, stools, and chests for clothes. The hall of a big farmstead was up to 131 feet (40 meters) long, and the sagas tell of feasts where 100 people sat down together. Benches and tables could be hauled up to the roof, out of the way, when not in use. Women were in charge of the home, and they looked after the farm when the husband was away. Although they did not have equal rights with men, they fared better than women in many other societies of the time. Children did not go to school. They helped around the farm and learned the skills they would need to survive as adults.
(A) UTENSILS
Cooks used iron pots, bowls of soapstone or pottery, and wooden plates. People ate with a knife and spoon, or with their hands. Forks were not used.
(B) HEARTH
In the centre of the house was an open fireplace, called a hearth. It gave warmth and light, and the food was cooked here.
(C) MEAT AND VEGETABLES
Vikings ate much meat and fish, but they also grew vegetables such as cabbages and parsnips.
(D) WOOL
Clothes were mostly made from wool. This woman is spinning yarn. A loom, for weaving the yarn into cloth, stands against the wall.
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Previous:
Back
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Book:
The Vikings
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Section:
The Vikings
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Chapter:
Home Life
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