Sigrid’s Word Hoard
Viking Words Hidden in Everyday Speech
Greetings, brave reader! I am Sigrid Stormshield – explorer, shield maiden, and collector of curious things. On my travels across windswept shores and ancient halls, I have discovered something most surprising… the Vikings did not only leave behind longships and legends – they left behind words.
Yes! Words you and I say every single day.
You may not realise it, but when you look out at the sky, open a window, or even crack an egg for breakfast, you are using echoes of the Viking tongue. These words have sailed through time, carried from the age of longboats and firelit feasts into our modern world, where they now hide in plain sight.
Why does this matter, you ask? Because words are like tiny time machines. They help us understand how people lived, what they cared about, and how they saw the world. For children, they are a doorway into adventure and imagination. For parents and teachers, they are a wonderful way to bring history to life – turning ordinary language into something magical and meaningful.
So gather close, young explorers and wise guides alike, and let us uncover these hidden treasures together.
You may never hear your everyday words the same way again…
Viking Shield with a Red and White Motif
Six Words with a Viking Past
Now then… from my travels and tales, I have gathered six such words for you – six treasures from the Viking age that still live on in your speech today.
Some are bold and fierce, like warriors charging into battle. Others are quiet and ordinary, like the things you see and use every day. You may recognise them at once… or you may be surprised to learn they have such ancient roots!
As we explore each one, I will share its meaning, its story, and how it journeyed from the world of the Vikings into your own. Think of it as opening a small chest of word-treasures – each one with a tale to tell.
Are you ready, explorer? Then let us begin…
Viking Shield with a Red and White Motif
Thursday |
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| Modern Word: Thursday |
| Norse Equivalent: Þórsdagr (Thor’s Day) |
| What it means: Thursday is named after Thor, the mighty Viking god of thunder.
In Old Norse, Þórsdagr literally means “Thor’s Day.” Long ago, people named their days after powerful gods they believed in. Just like the Romans had Jupiter, the Vikings looked to Thor – a strong protector who wielded his magical hammer, Mjölnir, and controlled thunder and lightning. So every time you say “Thursday,” you are actually calling out to Thor himself! Did You Know: The Vikings inspired several days of the week: Tuesday: Týr’s Day (a brave god of war) That means over half your week is named after Viking gods! |
Viking Shield with a Red and White Motif
Window |
|---|
| Modern Word: Window |
| Norse Equivalent: vindauga (“wind eye”) |
| What it means: The word window comes from the Old Norse word vindauga, which means “wind eye.”
Imagine that! To the Vikings, a window wasn’t just glass in a wall, it was an eye your house used to look out at the world and feel the wind. Before glass was common, windows were often just open gaps, letting in fresh air, light… and sometimes a chilly breeze! So next time you look out of a window, remember – you are peering through a “wind eye,” just as the Vikings once did. Did You Know: Before the Vikings arrived, people in England used a different word for window – “eagþyrl” (pronounced “eye-thurl”), which also meant “eye hole.” It seems both the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings thought of windows as the eyes of a building! Sigrid’s Note: A good longhouse always has a keen wind eye – for watching the weather… and for spotting approaching ships |
Viking Shield with a Red and White Motif
Sky |
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| Modern Word: Sky |
| Norse Equivalent: ský (“cloud”) |
| What it means: The word sky comes from the Old Norse word ský, which originally meant “cloud.”
That’s right! To the Vikings, ský was not the whole sky above them, but the clouds drifting across it. Over time, people began using the word more and more, until it grew to mean the entire great blue space above our heads. Before this, people in England used a different word – heofon (heaven) – to describe the sky. But the Viking word slowly took over, just like clouds spreading across the air. So when you look up at the sky, you are using a word that once meant something much smaller… but grew as wide as the world itself. Did You Know: The Vikings didn’t just change one word – they helped reshape how people described the world around them. Words like sky, wind, and storm all have roots in the language of the North! Sigrid’s Note: Watch the sky closely, young explorers… for in the drifting clouds, the old Norse word still lingers. |
Viking Shield with a Red and White Motif
Berserker |
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| Modern Word: Berserker |
| Norse Equivalent: berserkr (“bear-shirt warrior”) |
| What it means: The word berserker comes from the Old Norse word berserkr, which means “bear-shirt warrior.”
These were fierce Viking fighters who were said to battle with the strength and spirit of a wild bear. Some stories say they wore bear skins into battle, while others say they fought in such a wild, unstoppable rage that it was as if a bear had taken over! Today, a berserker is someone who loses control or becomes wildly fierce — a word that still carries the power and intensity of those legendary warriors. Did You Know: Berserkers were not ordinary warriors – they were feared even by other Vikings! Some tales say they felt no pain and could not be stopped once the battle began. |
Viking Shield with a Red and White Motif
Law and By-law |
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| Modern Word: Law / By-law |
| Norse Equivalent: lagu (“something laid down”) / býlǫg (“village law”) |
| What it means: The word law comes from the Old Norse word lagu, which means “something laid down.”
To the Vikings, laws were rules that were set firmly in place for everyone to follow. These rules helped keep order, settle disagreements, and guide how people lived together. Laws were often spoken aloud at large gatherings called things, where communities would meet to make decisions. A by-law is a smaller, more local rule. It comes from the Old Norse býlǫg, meaning “village law.” These were rules made for a specific town or settlement, helping everyday life run smoothly and fairly. So whether big or small, Viking-inspired laws were all about creating balance, fairness, and order in the community. Did You Know: The word “by” in place names like Whitby or Derby comes from Old Norse and means “village.” So a by-law is quite literally a village rule! Sigrid’s Note: Even the fiercest warriors must live by the laws laid before them |
Viking Shield with a Red and White Motif
Steak |
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| Modern Word: Steak |
| Norse Equivalent: steik (“roast on a stick”) |
| What it means: The word steak comes from the Old Norse word steik, which means “meat roasted on a stick.”
Long ago, Vikings would cook pieces of meat over an open fire, often skewered on sticks and turned slowly as they roasted. This simple and practical way of cooking was perfect for life on the move – whether at sea or around a campfire. Over time, the word steik became steak, and while we may cook it a little differently today, the idea remains the same: a delicious cut of meat, cooked with heat and care. Did You Know? Cooking over an open fire was one of the most common Viking methods – no ovens, just flames, smoke, and skill! In a Viking camp, the smell of roasting meat would travel far… perhaps even drawing in hungry travellers. Sigrid’s Note: A fine steak by the fire can lift the spirits of even the weariest explorer. |
Viking Shield with a Red and White Motif
Thank you for joining us on this shield adventure! Whether you’re a parent looking to share Viking stories or a little Viking warrior ready to defend your own shield, remember: it’s not just wood and metal — it’s a symbol of courage, protection, and the spirit of adventure.
With shield raised high and a smile on my face,
I’m Sigrid, your trusty Lil Longboat Shield Maiden.
May your adventures be brave, your hearts be bold,
and your shields always keep you safe!
Until next time, skål!
Sigrid
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An adventurous and educational journey through the alphabet – perfect for little shieldmaidens and young berserkers!
Step beyond ordinary ABC books and into the world of Vikings! The Viking ABC is packed with bold illustrations, engaging rhymes, and fascinating Norse lore designed to spark curiosity and expand young minds. With fun, challenging words and extra learning for parents and educators, this book is the perfect way to introduce children to history, language, and adventure.
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