As others explore, we decide to stay

We made it. We are on an large island that was named by a Norwegian sailor called Snowland. There are many people here already but yet it seems very organized and civil. All 68 people from the ships that came over here made it. In fact, 69 total made it. I had the baby while journeying here. It was an extremely traumatic experience but I managed to give birth to a healthy young boy we named Bjorn, after Leif's heroic uncle who saved his entire household during an attack. Not only did Leif and I manage to find a substantial piece of fertile land located in the southwestern part of the island, not too far away form Thingvelir; the place where the annual Althing takes place. With Leif's notoriety from his early Viking years, he is hoping to get involved in the Parliament system here in addition to establishing a small farm and raising livestock.

I am extremely satisfied to be living here. After all the times we have moved, attempted to settle, and moved once again, I feel as though we are finally going to stay put for awhile. Many are concerned that Snowland or Thule is getting too crowded. There are even explorers who are going further west to explore new lands. I guess they have found two new lands; one known as Greenland and the other known as Vinland. There is a man, named Eirik who was banished from our island and as a result, resided in Greenland. When he returned, he encouraged many to move and settle to this fertile, unpopulated, island. Neither Leif nor I were interested seeing that this man was technically a criminal. We weren't about to fall for it. However, some did and we have yet to here back about the how they are managing. I have a feeling as though many were lost during the journey seeing that it was extremely long and dangerous. Also, many in Snowland are talking about this Vinland land that has white beaches, wild grapes, and rolling green hills. However, many are hesitant to journey there because there is word that the natives are extremely dangerous and the journey itself is too long.

Although many people are still interested in exploration, Leif and I are completely satisfied to stay here in Snowland and finally raise a family. Leif and I separated from our families and our ancestors and I, many times, question that decision. I don't think I realized the severity of my decision to join Leif to his expedition with the Great Heathen Army. I miss them and to be honest, don't even know where they are. It is one of Leif and I's goals to determine if we have family here on this island and if so, reconnect. Family is the most important part of our lives and as of now, we only have one another and Bjorn. It once again, is a new beginning. I hope this new beginning lasts.

We are moving.....again.

After trying to settle in Novgorod and feeling as though we have not made any progress, Leif and I have decided to join close friends and journey westward in search of a place with many names such as Thule, Snowland, and Gardarsholm. Word is that some Norse seamen set sail westward in search of new land, new opportunity, and a new beginning. I also think they probably were fleeing from the power grip of King Harald Finehair. The land there is supposedly green, arable, and plentiful. When Leif asked if I would be capable of journeying once more, seeing that I am 6 months pregnant, I said yes. I do not want my child to be born a Rus child. Leif and I have already left our ancestors, homeland, and family. It is yet again, an opportunity to start anew; with Norse friends and maybe even family. I am not sure where my family is or what their plans are. However, I know that many Norse men and women who have been trying to settle in the British Isles as well as Norway are making the attempt. We are ready to settle in a land that still has vast amounts of fertile farmland. We are ready to settle in a place where we can make the decisions, laws, and rules. We are ready to live our lives rather than following in the shadows of others.

In order to make the journey westward, we have prepared, planned, and organized. Our friend, Olaf Eyjolfsson, has a cargo ship that he proudly prepared to use for the journey. There will be four cargo ships leaving from Novgorod tomorrow. The total count of people planning on going is 68. This includes men, women, children, aunts, uncles, grandmothers, and grandfathers. Two families have decided to have their youngest sons stay in Novgorod and maintain their ancestors’ graves. Although the sons are saddened to see their immediate family leave, they are excited for the opportunity to maintain their families land and make a name for themselves. We, meaning the women, have made extra clothing for the journey, dried plenty of meat for food, and determined what important family objects to bring. The men have sacrificed numerous of the larger animals for meat, gathered many of our longhouse oak pillars for our houses when we arrive, and mapped out our course. Apparently there are some islands along the way that are supposedly covered with sheep and as green as the grass in Viksfjord during the summertime. Once we pass those, we are supposed to begin a northwestward course once we hit land. I sure hope we get there. I am tired of moving however, I am excited for a new beginning….once again.

My family is journeying too.....

So, as Leif and I are still settling in Novgorod, I began to worry about my family. Something in me wanted so badly to know if they were still in Viksfjord or if they had along with many, moved and settled in another area. After a few weeks, Leif had finally received word from a fellow Norse trader that indeed, my brother and Snotra had sailed to a place called Jarlshof. The Norse, particularly men and women from my land took over the ruling class and many of the natives left. However, many remained there and now there is a mixing between Norse people and the people known as the Picts. I am still unclear why my brother and Snotra took their family there. I guess there is great opportunity for trade and profit. I can’t think of any other reason. However, based on the news Leif received, many of the names of places on this particular island are coming from Norse meaning. It is as if many of our people are spreading out and settling in many different forms. I just hope my family is safe. I guess this place they went to, for who knows how long, is walled in and is located on the tip of the island. The houses there are long houses and have thatch rooftops. For some reason that comforted me to hear. Just knowing my brother and Snotra might be safe and protected gives me great comfort. Maybe my brother went over there to try initiating in trading of his incredible artwork. Although he always helped my Father with the farm, his metalwork ability is amazing. He never had the opportunity to practice that in Kaupaung. However, maybe there is an opportunity there for him to practice and make great amounts of profit. My guess is that he decided to journey in search of opportunity. Just as I have. I sure hope he is safe.

Trying to Settle In

Trying to assimilate into a completely different culture is so difficult. Before, we were all together in a foreign place. But now, we are apart, amongst the foreigners and at times, it can be so tense. More than ever, I feel like we are "starting over." I really can't tell what the locals here think about us. Leif says that it will get better especially as we begin to initiate in trading and establish our farm. With some of the merchandise Leif acquired, we purchased some land and have begun "settling" in as best as we can. One day, as Leif went into town, I was thinking about my family. I wished so badly that my brother and sister in law were here. I often times wonder where my family is and if they are okay. Last I heard, my Father, Mother, LjúfR, and Snotra are still in Viksfjord but apparently some of my cousins and uncles have journeyed across the ocean to a place called York. Apparently, Leif received word that there are vikings there who have been given a huge amount of land due to a treaty made by King Alfred and King Guthrum. I guess many of these vikings are no longer pagan but Christians yet still have been raiding occasionally in the East and North. I didn't believe this at first, but then Leif handed me a coin that he had acquired during one of his trading efforts. The coin had St. peter on it but then had Thor's hammer and a Viking sword on it! I couldnt' believe it. Apparently, there are other vikings trying to assimilate into other cultures as well! I found myself wondering how much those vikings in the West are fitting in. Are they going to the point of burying their own dead in Christian graveyards? Are they keeping their traditional names or even giving non-Norse places Viking names? Are Viking women still wearing Norse garments or are they, like me, dressing more like our local neighbors to try to fit in. I don't know. It is such a different time now and days. I have even begun wondering if my child will be a true Norse baby if he is born in Novgorod. I guess we will just have to see.

Yet Another Journey. But This Time....East-bound.

So, a lot has happened since I last wrote. Leif's cheiftain, Ivar, was killed during a local feud between him and another chieftain, Igor. As result of this, Leif has been named the official "cheiftain" of the crew that originally left Viksfjord. After a few months of determining the direction the crew would be taking, Leif finally decided to take the crew and me, East-bound towards a settlement named Staraja Ladoga being run by people calling themselves the "Rus". Word is that fellow Norse-men have been settling there. It was previously established as a small craftworking and trading settlement and is currently, the gateway to the Baltic and other eastern powers. Leif has decided that as a crew, we need to enhance our trading relationships with eastern powers as opposed to continuing to rely on raiding for our prosperity in the west. Times have become somewhat difficult as numerous viking crews have been defeated by various sea-borne attacks and we are being forced to extend our power in other areas. Plus, vikings have already been establishing numerous settlements in the East. Leif thinks that we can grab a piece of the stew if we utilize our force and intelligence of trading.

Another big occurrence took place right before we left for our journey. The day before we packed up, I discovered that I was pregnant. I have yet to tell Leif. I am just too terrified of our circumstances. I will just be waiting, I guess.

After our arduous journey eastward, we decided to pass by Ladoga, taking the River Volkhov and stopping in a town named the "New Town." Here, Leif was instantly confronted by various leaders within the town. With his poise, he ensured them that we were here only to initiate trade rather than raid. After his discussions with various Norse men, we were soon welcomed into the small, fortified, hill top settlement. I have no idea what to expect here. We are definitely being watched upon with careful eyes. The first thing I noticed was that there are so many different types of people here. I noticed fellow Norse people but their dress seems so different than what I am used to. Also, there are people of different colored skin and dark hair. I just hope this will be a safe place to have my baby.

We have been here too long.

Hi There.

So, the last I wrote was before I joined Leif and his crew to a wintering location called Repton. Well, I have been here for awhile now and I am tired, ready to go home, and wishing I didn't come. My spirits are extremely low. There has been tension between some of the crews here and due to differing loyalties to different chieftains, some of the Vikings have parted ways. There is even two distinct places where we bury our lost ones due to the separation within the army. It's hard living at the wintersetl. Things are tight quarters and I have been revealed to the true lifestyle of the men. There are even women here whom the men took from their families and forced to become their slaves. I am ready to leave.

Word has spread that other vikings have been traveling to different places and founding longphorts. Apparently there has even been some places where we are more welcomed, rather more tolerated, than here. We are hated here. People look at us, especially the women, as beasts. I am ready to move to somewhere where it feels more like home.

Leif has mentioned that his cheiftain, Ivar, is interested in following the most recent fleet's journey last year, 859, that followed the coastline southwards and then ventured easterly to a place named Camargue in Frankia. Ivar thinks there is much more wealth to be found along the way. Leif thinks otherwise. He thinks the journey would be way too dangerous and we should either return home or head to a place with a name that means, "the black pool." After our recent defeat by King Alfred's fleet on the ocean, Leif has become concerned for our safety as a crew. We have already lost so many and not too long ago, an entire fleet that left from River Loire was defeated by a another ocean fleet from the East. The risk is just too high. I don't know what we are going to do but I am beginning to feel as though we, the Norse, are needing to either settle in or go home. I wonder what home is like. I wonder how Snotra's baby is. I wonder if I will ever become a mother.

Things are going to be very different

After Leif returned, things quickly began to change. To begin, Kaupang villagers and Viksfjord residents began to call him not just “Leif” but “Leif the Warrior.” I guess his accomplishments on his journey were extraordinary and thanks to him, our good friends Gisli and Eirik, survived during an island raid. Not only did he help bring home his fellow crew members safe and sound, he acquired incredible amounts of silver, animal furs, and even a couple ancient relics from a monastery on an island. He gave my father many furs for him to trade as a display of his gratitude towards my family for taking care of my while he was away.

It was after I heard of all his triumphs that I realized what I might be getting myself into. After talking with my father for a couple hours regarding the wintersetl plans, my father gave his blessing to us. Leif ensured my family that he would always remain truthful to the Honor Code and promised to place the family first. Meaning, that if the journey took a turn for the worse, that Leif would do all he could to influence the chieftain to return home. Leif discussed the incredible opportunity for our family. It was then that my emotions began to overwhelm me. I was saddened to leave but ecstatic to see the outside world. This was not only an opportunity for Leif but for myself.

It is 873 and we will be one of the first official groups of Norse men and women to settle over the winter. Leif emphasized that our crew won’t be alone. We will be accompanied by numerous crews from all over the region during the journey and wintering. He even called it an “army” of Vikings. I feel lucky and honored that I will be accompanying my husband. I will be one of two women going on the ship. I guess Leif told the chieftain that he wouldn’t return to sea without me. Seeing that Leif is the chieftain’s top warrior, the chieftain agreed to Leif’s request. The Cheiftain even said my presence would help distract his own wife from bugging him during the journey to the wintersetl location.

I have no idea what to expect except that things will be very different. I will not know anyone over there and don’t even know where we are going. Apparently it is the location of another monastery patronized by Mercian Kings and will prove suitable for our wintering. I guess we will just see. It is like a new sunrise in my life; a new beginning.

The Day I Had Been Waiting For

Today was the day I have been waiting for since the beginning of Spring when Leif left on his journey. My father and I had begun to pack up the remains of the furs he didn’t have the opportunity to trade while I counted the silver when I overheard the nearby blacksmith say that a large Viking ship was docking. Accidentally, I dropped the silver and instantly asked what ship. He said, “The Long Serpent.” I gasped. That was Leif’s ship. My heart began pounding as I began to run towards the dock. I saw beat up and tired looking men unloading mounds of furs, silver, and old books. Their once colorful shields that bordered the ship were tattered and faded. Their beards were longer and the sails were worn. Also, I noticed a few new people on board. Two were two older men with large crosses on their necks and the other was a young woman about my age. They appeared distraught, scared, and hungry. I had never seen a ship bring home foreigners. However, my curiosity about Leif quickly overshadowed my concern for the newcomers.
Panicked and overwhelmed by the commotion within the town and the townspeople, I peered through the crowd in attempt to see my husband. Was he alive? Did he die in battle? Is he okay? Where is he? Suddenly, I felt someone grab my hand. First I thought it had to have been my father trying to get my attention when I turned around, my eyes flooded with tears. There he was. I had missed those familiar eyes but at the same time, he looked so different. He smiled and gave me a long hug. I had missed his company so much and I had worried about him for so many nights. And now, he was finally home. Without words, I could tell he was exhausted so I simply grabbed his small bag and his ax as we made our way towards my father’s trading station. But before we began to walk, he stopped me and told me to wait. He bent down, searched through his small leather bag, and pulled out a beautiful sapphire brooch. Quietly, he placed the necklace around my neck and smiled. I didn’t ask any questions, just thanked him for his thoughtfulness.
After a couple of hours catching up with my Father, Leif informed us that he had to stay in Kaupang for the night. Tomorrow morning, the captain would be divvying out the profit and collected items to the Vikings. I don’t know, Leif seemed like himself but so different in so many ways. I hated not knowing what his life was like for the five months. I felt as though I had missed out but still was just so ecstatic that he was home safe. He said he had managed to find a plethora of new furs and silver jewelry for us to trade. He also informed us that our second cousin, Fjorgyn, who was additionally on the voyage, was killed by a Frankish man defending a monastery. His ceremony would be tomorrow morning as well. His family will be given one of the monks as a slave. Slightly confused, I didn’t ask questions but rather just listened. It was after a few hours of talking and hearing about his trip when Leif mentioned that he would be returning to one of the locations he visited next spring. It was then that he asked me if I would like to accompany him for his next voyage. Once again, my heart sank and skipped a beat. I asked him to clarify and he said that the captain will be taking an additional team there to build a camp for an elongated stay. I asked if all the wives were going to be asked and Leif informed me that only a few Vikings were told they could ask. I guess Leif had should incredible bravery in battle and that he would be assisting the captain during the next voyage.
After a moment of silence, I looked towards the ocean at the most incredible sunset I had seen over the slightly snow capped mountains. I realized that it was then, at that moment, that my whole life would change. It was then that I realized that I too, was going to be able to see more of the world. It was then, that I was terrified and excited all at the same time. I glanced at Leif, reached for his hand, and told him yes, I would follow him.

A Day in Kaupang

After a eating some delicious stew, my father and I had a wonderful nights sleep after a long day of walking at our family friends’ long house. My father and Domnall, the landowner, were dear friends growing up and even went on one journey together a long time ago. Both of them enjoyed a life of farming better than dedicating their lives to traveling. Our stay there was pleasant however there has always been tension between Domnall’s son, Olaf and me. Before I met Leif, Olaf had wanted to marry me but neither Domnall nor my father believed he would be a strong enough husband for me. As the youngest child, Olaf is not only extremely immature and a poor worker, he is an extremely small man. His nickname in the region is, “Olaf the little hunchback.” So, seeing Olaf was somewhat awkward. Needless to say, I was pretty excited to leave early in the morning for Kaupang.

The journey from Domnall’s farm to Kaupang is fairly treacherous but very doable if traveled patiently. The distance between my father’s farm and Kaupang is small, but there is a large rock outcropping we have to pass before coming into the town. Kaupang itself is situated on the western side of a tidal inlet by Viksfjord and is fairly small. I have heard of other markets that are much larger than Kaupang but I just cannot imagine it. Kaupang, to me, seems like a busy town already!

After hiking for a few hours on the extremely rocky trail, my father and I finally arrived to Kaupang. Instantly, I looked for Leif’s ship and saw nothing. But still, I kept my hopes high. I made a sacrifice to Freya last night and woke up to a beautiful sunrise. I thought to myself, “this could be the day his ship sails into harbor.”

Although my father visits Kaupang frequently, it is always exciting for him as well because there always seems to be new people and new things that have just arrived. My father once thought he would move the family from the farm into Kaupang during the summer season. However, it just would have been too difficult to find more helpers to take care of the farm while he was away. The farm is his main priority anyway. Trading is just an additional thing he does to help Leif while he is away. Although it only takes 10 minutes to walk from edge to edge of Kaupang, there are so many people there! This summer, there were almost 1,000 people living here! However, right now, seeing that the winter is approaching quickly, there are only about 600 people in Kaupang.

While my father began to stake out a location to set up for the day, all the glass beads, pottery jugs, and coins on merchants’ tables distracted me. With a small payment of silver that I should have purchased new sewing needles with, I decided to treat myself to a new brooch with an amethyst stone within its design. I thought to myself, if this was the day Leif’s ship was going to arrive, I would be ready and look particularly nice for him.

Leif's Ship

Today was an exciting day! Neither my brother or Hvlar are able to accompany my father to Kaupang. So he asked me to come along! Ljúfr and Hvlar have a lot of work to do with the animals and land before winter comes but my father needs to go into Kaupang to trade the last of the furs and silks we have before the market becomes quiet. My mother and Snotra rarely accompany my father or Ljufr when they journey but I have always been eager to venture outside the farm so I think he knew I would be up for the three day journey.

Although I hate seeing the silks being traded, Leif will be proud to see that his efforts in obtaining them were worthwhile. Also, I love going into Kaupang! I love seeing all the new materials for spinning, beautiful jewelry, and interesting ironworking. However, I have to admit, my favorite part about going into Kaupang isn’t all the shops, the craftsmens’ new creations, or the opportunity to find some new glass beads, it is seeing the ships. They completely peak my curiosity and I cannot wait to see them sailing on the ocean once again. The last time I had seen a ship was when I watched Leif sail off for his last journey. My family traveled with me to Kaupang to see him off and bid him farewell. I will always remember the ship he left on.

It was so beautiful and powerful looking. Made entirely of oak, the warship boat had 16 pairs of oars and a huge sail made of wool. I guess it was one of the first warships to attach the steering oar to the starboard side of the ship. Leif informed me that this improvement would make his entire journey safer. It was at least 20 meters long and 4 meters wide with its stern-post carved as a dragon’s head. When I asked Leif how they knew how to direct this beautiful boat, he affirmed me that they were all knowledgeable about how to use information from the winds, tides, and stars to guide their way. I have to admit that the first thing that came to mind when my father asked me to come along was whether or not I would see Leif’s boat sailing into shore.

The journey to Kaupang takes an entire day so we will be making a stop before hiking over the rocky terrain into Kaupang at a family friends’ long house. They always are so welcoming and hospitable when we arrive. Then, we will be making our way in town. I cannot wait.

A Visit to Alfdis and Alarr's Stone

After a cold’s night sleep, we (my mother, Snotra, and I) decided to make a visit to grandmother Alfdis’s runestone to make sure the plot was still in order and to give a small sacrifice to Thor. The runestone is placed in front of a small but beautiful creek that my father, LjúfR, and our dear friend, Hvalr Huskarlsson, came upon one day during a journey to the Godi's farm. My father freed Hvalr’s father after he saved my mother’s life during a market brawl and after my grandfather passed away. However, Hvlar has remained living and working at the farm and since, has become like a brother. Anyway, back to my grandmother. The year before I was born, grandma Alfdis died of pneumonia after a long winter and my mother and father decided to commission a runestone in her and her son’s (my uncle) names. My uncle, Álarr, was killed during one of his campaigns in the south 5 years after my grandma died. He was a very well known warrior in our region and his death was mourned deeply. We never did get his body back to Viksfjord. (I really hope Leif is alright. I worry so much for his safety. Last night I had a nightmare that he died after being killed in Jotungaro. I was sitting at the foot of his runestone, weeping while holding onto the brooch he gave me as a gift after his last campaign to the west. Thankfully, the sharp winds woke me up early.)

Our walk was somewhat of a long one. Last night I made sure to spend extra time at the spindle making my father and brother’s new winter tunics, knowing that we would be away from the farm for the majority of the day. Once we passed the Goði’s farm, we knew we were close. Although my family regularly attends community rituals and gives small sacrifices to Thor, we are not especially ritualistic like our neighbors. In fact, there has been somewhat of a change in our region’s religious affiliations and religious membership. Many of our region’s families have begun going to a new building with a giant cross in its center rather than the Godi’s farm during community rituals and celebrations. I can’t see my family attending that ritual. Our loyalty remains with our Godi.

After another 10 minutes passed the Godi’s farm, there it was, the stone. As my mother began to quietly weep as we approached, I once again, read the stone to myself. It was so beautifully transcripted and carved into a stone about waist high. Grandma Alfdis and Uncle Alarr would be pleased. After we had a moment of silence, Snotra placed our sacrifice of a new wool scarf on the stone and we all together read the stone aloud. It reads;

He offered battle in the south. She offered what no wife or mother in Viksfjord will again. To the Son and Wife of Hassmyra, a bridge exists in their names.

I wonder what Grandma Alfdis was like. Apparently she was the best “maiden in Viksfjord.” And apparently, I have her nose. May she and Uncle Alarr rest in peace.

An Early Morning, A New Season Coming

Hi there. My name is Alfdis Jonsdottir. I am a 22 year-old Norsewoman from a small lowland farm located near Viksfjord and Kaupang, Norway. I currently live on the small farm that my father, Jon Brunnsson, and brother, LjúfR Jonsson, run. The farm is primarily focused on raising livestock and some crops. The soil is extremely rocky here and the winters are long; making it difficult to grow and harvest lots of crops. My husband, Leif Eymundrsson, is currently away on a “voyage” to God knows where. I hate when he leaves but he always seems to return with the most beautiful of things; silver broaches, blue silks, and lots of furs. If we are lucky, we get to keep these precious gifts for a short while until the market returns in the summer. Unlike my brother and father, Leif is a trader and a viking. He travels, obtains valuable foreign rarities and trades them at Kaupang, a seasonal market. As a result of his voyages and my father's farm, we live comfortably and hold a fair status within the region. However, I would rather him be at home and working on the farm. I am already 22 and still, have no children. I love being home with my family and helping with the farm, but I am ready for a family of my own.

The days are growing shorter and the nights are growing colder. The winter is soon approaching and my family is preparing for a harsh one. After making our last trip to the market to trade the remaining of our furs, my mother Gunnvor, could sense that this winter was going to be a long and dark one. Although we worked all summer on repairing our turf rooftop and even constructed another fireplace within the long house, the nights in my lofted sleeping quarters have already proved bone chilling. And it is not even winter yet! We have made an addition to our long house for the animals so that they have more room to sleep and so we don’t have to suffer from their stench as much. My brother’s wife, Snotra Brossdottir, and I are ecstatic about the improvement. Especially Snotra! She is pregnant again and has been feeling ill from the smoke and stench of the animals. I hope her baby makes it this time. Last winter she lost her first born after a 15 hour labor. It was heartbreaking. I am just so happy she is still so strong and healthy.

Sometimes I love this place and sometimes I wish I could travel with Leif down south. I wonder what he is doing right now. Last I heard from one of Leif’s fellow sailors, the men found an unprotected house of precious royalties whose only residents were older men in robes. I just hope he returns safely. Although we were arranged to marry by Leif's family with prossion from my Father, I really do have affection for him.

I better go now. It is an early and brisk morning and I need to help my mother, Gunnvor, with the breakfast stew. We also have to take care of the farm today for my brother and father have returned to Kaupang for one last attempt at selling our products to the season’s last travelers and nearby farmers.

Until next time,
Alfdis