What is the dragon head on a Viking ship called?
THE DRAGONHEAD (ON drekahofud) The dragon – also called serpent (ON ormr) – (perhaps modeled after the Midgard Serpent) was a primary motive for the royal longships, but also other magical beings could be used as dragonheads on some ships.
Why was the dragon head on a Viking boat?
The Viking longships owned by kings and chieftains often had a head from a mythological animal in the bow, it offered protection from sea monsters and men, bad weather and raids along the voyages.
Did all Viking ships have dragon heads?
However, Viking ships came in many different forms, among which there were big-bellied cargo ships and, indeed, the speedy longships which facilitated raiding and gave the Vikings the edge over their contemporaries, but which far from always had the intricately carved dragon-heads that are so entrenched in popular …
Why are Viking ships called dragon ships?
Instead, the ships would sometimes be lashed together in battle to form a steady platform for infantry warfare. Longships were called dragonships (drakuskippan) by the Franks because they had a dragon-shaped prow.
What is on the front of a Viking ship?
Vikings used longships to make raids and carry their warriors. Often, the prow (front) of the ship was decorated with a carving of an animal head – perhaps a dragon or a snake. Cargo vessels were used to carry trade goods and possessions. They were wider than the longships and travelled more slowly.
What does Drekar mean?
The drekar, or dragon-headed longships, were stealthy troop-carriers. They could cross the open oceans under sail and then switch to oars for lightning-fast hit-and-run attacks on undefended towns and monasteries.
Why do long ships have dragon heads?
Skilfully carved animal heads often featured as figureheads at the front of longships. These heads – those of dragons and snakes were popular – were designed to provoke fear in the spirits of whichever land the Vikings were raiding.
What is a Viking Knarr?
‘The Knarr was a type of old Norse ship built for long sea voyages and used during the Viking age for Viking expansion, transport and especially trade. The Knarr was a cargo ship; the hull was wider, deeper and shorter than a longship, and could take more cargo and be operated by smaller crews.
What is a Viking ship with a dragon head called?
Ancient Scandinavian Viking ship decorated with a dragon head and the inscription Valhalla. Isolated on white, vector illustration An ancient Scandinavian image of a Viking ship decorated with a dragon head. Isolated on white, vector illustration An ancient Scandinavian image of a Viking ship decorated with an ancient pattern with a dragon head.
Where can I find the big dragon head swing Viking ship?
Focus on the head Head of a dragon on the front of the Viking ship Drakkar. Focus on the head People in line waiting to board the big dragon head swing viking ship at funfair in a public amusement park. Guests swing like a pendulum from the dragon ship
What is the significance of the dragon on a Viking ship?
The Gokstad Viking ship in 1880 when it was discovered. Many Viking ships were equipped with a dragon head on the bow. The dragon was one of the most famous symbols of the Vikings. Vikings believed the dragon could protect them against evil spirits at sea. Vikings built their ships beside a river or an inlet of the sea.
What kind of boat has a dragon head on it?
Boat nose in the form head of a dragon. Fragment of a nose of a galley of vikings in the form of the carved wooden head of a dragon Wood element Scandinavian Drakkar. Viking ship. Close-up of a wooden element of a Viking ship Viking boat close-up, coast of Naeroyfjord, Norway.