What is a viking?

What is a viking?
Many people have this image that pops into their head the moment you say viking.
The idea is a drunken, violent, brutish and dirty fellow with a horned helmet. This stereotype couldn't be further from the truth. the Norse were a vibrant and sophisticated culture with trade routes that stretched from the the middle east to the coast of North America. Many Norse men (and women) were farmers, merchants and skilled craftsmen. This is a far cry from the fur clad warrior hacking people to bits with an ax. Although that was sometimes done as well, it wasn't the sole focus of this diverse and many layered people. many of the Noble class embraced the raiding and fighting way of life, as did many poorer farmers and craftsmen. Of course all would take up arms when it was their own homes targeted by vikings. But lawsuits were as eagerly taken up as arms. Poetry was as highly praised as strength. Intelligence and cunning were qualities as highly praised as weapons skills. When I tell the ancient stories of the north, I always try to keep in mind that I must remain true to the diverse faces of the Norse culture and show many facets, not just the bloody battles and great kings, but also the wise farmers, shrewd merchants, brilliant craftsmen and poets who populated that world.