Orkney Norseman at The Welkin, Liverpool

The Norse are known for their Scandinavian fighting spirit; their passion for pillage and plunder; and longboats and hand axes. But who brew the beer for these feisty Vikings? Because the fighters were often away trying to fight their way into Valhalla, it was the simple vintage folk that were left behind that became the Norsemen, who brewed, farmed and traded to keep the village in check. These humble folk of the fjords may have been retired or injured fighters, or those who were simply inadequate at leading a pillage; but had other skills to offer the community. It would have been these people riding on horseback to other villages to other villages under the Viking’s protection; negating trade deals until the fighters weren’t satisfied with the goods produced and went raiding as a means to get their money back on any faulty produce. So spare a thought for these hard-working village folk who watched all their hard work torn to shreds which their fighters returned announcing they’ve just pillaged the village who brews their beer.