Viking culture was a complex mix of seafaring, farming, trading, raiding, and sophisticated craftsmanship, centered around Norse paganism (later Christianized) with a strong oral tradition, runic writing, and distinct art. Society was hierarchical (jarls, karls, thralls), valuing personal hygiene and warrior ideals, but most were farmers and traders, not just pirates, known for detailed metalwork and their iconic longships. Key elements included their mythology (Odin, Thor), legal assemblies (Thing), and strong family/community life, all while exploring and expanding through trade and conquest.

Daily Life & Society
Occupations: Primarily farmers, fishermen, craftsmen (blacksmiths, weavers), and traders; raiding was a seasonal activity for some.
Social Structure: Divided into Jarls (nobles), Karls (freemen), and Thralls (slaves), with free people able to speak at assemblies.
Family: Life centered on farms, with whole households working together; children were treated like small adults, learning skills early.
Hygiene & Appearance: Valued personal hygiene, with bathing and grooming seen as important for status and religious reasons.

Beliefs & Religion:
Norse Paganism: Worshiped gods like Odin and Thor, believing in realms, fate (wyrd), and the end of the world (Ragnarok).
Rituals: Practices included personal devotion, community cults, and belief in prophetesses.
Conversion: Gradually converted to Christianity between the 8th and 12th centuries.

Skills & Arts:
Seafaring: Master shipbuilders, creating fast, versatile longships for exploration, trade, and raiding.
Craftsmanship: Highly skilled in metalworking (jewelry, weapons), wood carving, and textiles.
Trade: Extensive trade networks across Europe and Asia for goods like spices, silk, amber, and furs.

Law & Governance: The Thing: An assembly where free people made laws and settled disputes.
Oral Tradition: Stories and laws passed down orally, with runes used for inscriptions.

Misconceptions: Not solely savage pirates; they were complex people involved in trade, farming, and community. Modern depictions often overemphasize warfare and neglect daily life, hygiene, and cultural sophistication.