Viking Ships!

 "Lord, protect us from the men of the north."   

If you lived around the year 800, you might have said just such a prayer as you saw ships like this looming on the horizon.

The Gokstad ship

Ships like this carried Viking warriors to terrorize the coasts of Europe.  In fact, Vikings traveled all over the world in these ships - to exotic locations such as China, to Greece (where they served the royal family as mercenary guards) and even to America, long before the advent of Columbus.

Outside of Oslo, Norway, is the Viking Ship museum. It's one of those fun tourist places that is also a fascinating peek into history.

My brother Jay does a "selfie" while my nephew Anders - and a Viking ship - photobomb!

The Viking Ship museum contains the most well-preserved Viking-era ships in the world.

Notice the oar holes in the side.
There was a solid decking, and possibly tents set up for shelter on deck as well

The reason these ships are so well-preserved is that they were buried in a grave for a noble person.  The Oseberg find was one of historical importance.  The ships, and other artifacts that were dug up from the ground were discovered to be in beautiful condition.  Other artifacts were found too.

In the 1960s, a Norwegian jeweler named David Andersen did a line of jewelry based on originals from this important archaeological dig.  This ring is an example from the collection:

Inside the inscription reads: Copy Original Year 300.

I know this because I wear mine every day.  It looks a lot better and shinier than the one I found a photo of! (In fact the one above looks like it was just dug up from the ground after a thousand years.)

My ring - silver looks better when you wear it

Notice the small circles in the pattern
I've often wondered if they represent the maker's mark

I wear mine as my connection to my Nordic heritage.  It is a wrap-around ring with a beginning and an end.

It's strange to think of burying an entire ship, but it's great that they did, because now we get to see them up close and personal.

After more than a thousand years - grace and symmetry of form

There are two large ships on display here, along with other items found at the burial site.  It is a remarkable thing to see these ships up close.  First, they are beautifully crafted.  Secondly, I have often marveled that the Vikings dared venture across the sea in these vessels.  They are not that large, but would be light and easily maneuverable.  Back in the day, they would have a tall mast and colorful sails.

My ancestors were brave men and women, and beautiful crafts people, don't you think?