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.