num_pages: 175
description: "Besides worshipping their gods, the Northern people loved to hear tales of their exploits. The Viking poets, known as Skalds, were highly honoured members of society and welcomed wherever they went. They were presented with generous hospitality and rich gifts in return of their stories - stories that relieved the monotony of everyday life, that provided an escape from worldly troubles and gave promise of better things. As the wind raged in the darkness outside, the people would gather from near and far. From the snow-covered hillsides they came and from the frozen valleys. They entered their lord's chreeful hall with hearty greetings, meeting friends new and old. Heavy cloaks were cast aside to steam in the heat of the great central fire; from the highest king to the lowest thrall, each in his place, warm before the flickering flames. A crowded hall eagerly anticipating the story that was about to begin."
language: English
title: The Viking Gods: Pagan Myths of Nordic Peoples
titlecomplete: The Viking Gods: Pagan Myths of Nordic Peoples
ratings_count: 10
publisher: The Aquarian Press