Viking Tents- Simple But Useful

Historically speaking, Vikings are not readily recognizable for their being nomadic like the Mongols, The Great Plains Native Americans, The African Bantu, The Huns, The Gypsies or the Eskimo. The thing that made Vikings distinct compared to nomadic people is that, though they may be expansive, they do not plan to roam the world throughout their lives searching for something to consume. The Vikings always had in mind to make permanent settlements on areas they managed to pillage. They have the tendency to wipe out non-negotiable enemies and “cleansing” their land before settling on it. The Vikings have conquered almost half of entire Europe; from the British Isles, the Balkans and the western half of Siberian settlements. They nearly conquered the American continent and almost become the pioneers of New World, if only they were not driven by the Inuits.

If they were not nomadic people, then how important are the Viking tents for them? Though the Vikings do not roam around the world and being the kind of people who are capable of cultivating horticulture and domestic livestock, there is a strong sense of warrior culture in both male and female populace. The whole aspect of their civilization revolves around wars and fighting. From their fashion to their religion, the Viking psyche is centered on the goal of dying an honorable (violent) way. The male Viking warriors allude to the ferocious characteristics of their gods. The female warriors allude to the wise and fierce personalities of the Valkyries, sacred battle maidens who bring dead souls either to their heaven, Valhalla or to their hell, Niflheim.

Vikings therefore, though they are not as restless as the Mongols and other nomads, are very adventurous. The fulfillment of their lives revolves around their own personal quests for fame and glory or a grisly death. Whether they live or die, it is always a win or win situation for them when they embark on a perilous quest to pick a fight with foreigners. For this, tents are just as important as the permanent settlements they left behind, with their wives and small children tending their property.

A Viking tent has a simple shape but they are quite spacious for a single warrior to dwell. These tents are elongated chambers with two triangular ends of the length. Picture the metal framework of a playground swing and the image of their wooden framework would be recognizable. The A shape structure of a Viking tent looked simple yet attractive. Each A-shaped pair of poles attached together is a seat of three long beams connecting both the triangular pillars on both ends. These beams are attached on three points of the triangle top frames. Then a fabric is draped over it the skeletal structure, fastened on the three linear beams and the triangle stands on the edges. The two flaps of either one or both ends of the tent would be the entrance to the mobile shelter of a Viking adventurer.

Some of these tents have a draconian image etched on the top of the crossed pillars of their frames. The purpose of these designs on their roof is to exude pride and instill fear upon those who see their humble dwelling.

Many campers find the Viking tent simple yet very fascinating that they create one with relative ease and enthusiasm. Despite the terrible reputation these Nordic Warriors left on their enemies, one could not deny some of their good innovations which make them a remarkable civilization forged on violence and courage.