Today’s Hermipedia Feature: Viking Ship
Viking set sail, leaving her village in the dark, stormy night on her Viking Ship. She didn’t know where she was going, except away, and sailed many days and nights before seeing a lone island in the distance.
There were many times repeated on the sea in her Viking Ship, as if she sailed in circles. It was after the worst stormy night, when she thought she may perish into the tossing waves, that the sun appeared, and she caught a glimpse of Hermit Island on the horizon.
Thanks to her sturdy Viking Ship with overlapping planks of flexible wood, and a single spine or keel foundation, she survived to see her refuge over the wave caps in the distance, before taking on too much water.
Types of Viking Ships
Viking ships came in various sizes, and were used for different functions. For example, a Karve was a smaller type of Viking ship that was used for human or livestock transport, and could handle very shallow depths. Other types of ships were Knarr, Faering and Longships used by the Vikings.
Viking Ships: Longship Construction
Viking’s ship was called a longship that is designed for speed, exploration and warfare for Vikings, and can even land on beaches. It is double-ended, so that it can change directions easily, and travel both directions without turning the boat.
The overlapping split-oak planks are just one inch thick, and are stronger than any sawed plank of wood. They form layered ribs riveted together, that make the hull of the ship both strong and supple.
Ship Navigation for Vikings
Vikings were very precise in their navigation, and knew the tides, landmarks and sailing routes well. They used routes passed down from ancestors, and could even spot the position of a whale in the water, to know the proper direction and navigation of their Viking ships.
Love the illustrations! The part about the “dark and stormy night” reminds me of one of my favorite children’s books.
Which one is that Kristl?
I showed this to my daughter, and she loves the drawing. Now she’s suddenly inspired to create something similar.
I like that Pepper:) It gives me an idea!
Interesting! The Vikings were really amazing sea farers. How they transported livestock on those small boats is beyond me. This is a great way to teach kids!
They were amazing, huh. Hermipedia is fun for the kids and parents hopefully:)
what a neat idea… I love the illustration and the story behind its conception; I think it is wonderful that it is a family collaboration.
Thanks Amy! I really love to sit down with my nephew, and go through ideas and sketch together–so much fun:)
I love the illustration. Thank you for sharing.
I absolutely love the artwork.
This is really interesting, and I’m enjoying it a lot. It’s so unique, and the story is so educational. I feel like I”m learning as I read it!!
Can’t wait to hear more. I love that Pepper’s daughter is inspired to draw/write because of this!! 🙂
Thanks Rhonda! I’m so glad parents are liking it too:)