There are many Viking stereotypes that are hardly true. These exaggerations range from their lifestyle to their physical appearance (they did not wear horns on their helmets, for example; this stereotype was due to their anti-Christ reputation). Tacitus said that the "barbaric" Vikings were actually a free and noble people. Men were excellent fighters. Women were moral and obedient (p.14, Golding). Vikings were not extremely barbaric. They had a class system and religion. They had other practices besides merely sailing and raiding. They were also capable of showing an extent of different emotions. "."savage" Vikings were not devoid of the noble emotions. If a Viking"s anger could be terrible, his love could be strong and tender.".

             The Viking class system was much like other class systems during the Middle Ages. The supreme ruler of the land was the king. Below the king were the Viking men, the Viking women, and at the bottom of the list: the slaves. Slaves usually were captured enemies of the Vikings. They tended to farm-work and housework. Vikings" slaves were not considered human by their masters. In fact, it was common to kill a slave of another Viking as an act of revenge (this was similar to killing a goat or calf). Killing a slave, at times, was even considered a noble way for a man to stand up for his rights (p.20, Magnusson).

             Viking men were trained to fight bravely and fiercely for their possessions at a very young age. They were usually taken away from their mothers to be raised by men. Boys were raised this way to become warriors (the noblest of professions). In the midst of all the warlike training, Viking boys grew into a special relationship with their fathers. The greatest single bond was between a father and son. A man"s legacy need not die with him if he had a son. A son was expected to avenge his father"s death. This vengeance often resulted in family feuds that could last many generations.