The wild, plundering lives of the Vikings have been fodder for stories and myths for centuries. The terror and destruction they allegedly caused has filled books, movie screens and more. But there is more to this rich culture than these tales often portray. This book illuminates the facts about the rich Viking culture, revealing their lives beyond warfare, such as their art, craft, and trade. Readers will also find myths clarified, with stories from the perhaps biased accounts of Viking-conquered people set straight with the fascinating facts about their complex civilization.