Viking Longship

Viking Longship
Stainless steel pendant
24" Stainless steel snake chain
3/4" long x 3/4" wide

Longships have a substantial history in Scandinavia. Viking longships were wooden vessels that were extremely advanced for the time and characterized as graceful, long, narrow, and light, with a shallow-draft hull designed for speed. The earliest longship found and documented was from at least the 4th century BC. Originally invented and used by the Norsemen for commerce, exploration, and warfare during the Viking Age, many of the longship's characteristics were adopted by other cultures. The Norsemen had a strong sense of naval architecture and were experts in judging speed and wind direction, and in knowing the current and when to expect high and low tides. The character and appearance of these ships have been reflected in Scandinavian boatbuilding traditions to the present day. The Viking Longship signifies adventure, courage, and navigation through life.