Throughout history, Vikings have been portrayed as graceless and boorish pirates. They were well known, and feared, by those they conquered. They seemed intent on wreaking havoc on all civilizations, and blithe of the well being of their own. These accusations have originated, though, mainly from the victims of Viking conquests, and have, in most cases, been exagerated. Although Vikings have the stereotype of being cruel barbarians, they actually lived complex, emotional, and civilized lives.

             The word "Viking" has many different interpretations. Most scholars belive it originated from Viking victims from such words as "vikingr" (Old Norse for "pirate"), "wic", and "wicingas" (Old English for "pirate"/"sailor"; "encampment")(p.13, Magnusson). The word "Viking", however, is used as a broad term for any Scandinavian (Norseman) during the Middle Ages.

             According to popular beliefs, Vikings were pirates, and the results of their piracy were devastating to those they conquered. Many of these views are correct. Vikings raided other countries. They looted treasure, destroyed towns and villages, and killed many people. Records of these terrible raids exist in the literature, and by word of mouth of the people in the countries they invaded. This may seem appalling to the modern ear, but invasions were executed by many cultures in the Middle Ages, not just by the Vikings. "In a turbulent period, when piracy and casual raiding were a commonplace of everyday life all over Europe, the Vikings happened to be more successful at it than most other people; and they paid for it by getting an extremely bad reputation."(p.10, Golding). Vikings had little other to be identified with. They had very few written records, or literature, or works of art as many other cultures were developing at the time. Naturally, they became known for what they did best.