Did the Vikings write? Yes! They used special letters called runes. Runes were made of straight lines because they were carved into hard things like wood, bone, and stone. Curvy letters are hard to carve, but straight lines are easy!
Vikings carved runes on big rocks called runestones to remember brave people and great voyages. Some runestones still stand today, over a thousand years later.
Vikings were also great crafters. They carved wood, wove cloth, and made beautiful jewelry and strong tools. Today, you will try writing with runes and making Viking crafts yourself!
1. What are runes?
2. Why were runes made of straight lines?
3. What did Vikings carve runes onto?
Write what each word means in your own words.
Runes use only straight lines. Try making your own rune alphabet!
Step 1: Write your name in regular letters.
Step 2: Now invent a straight-line rune for each letter of your name — no curves allowed!
Step 3: Write your name in your new runes below.
| My name in regular letters | My name in runes |
|---|---|
Draw a big runestone. Carve (draw) runes and pictures on it that tell about a great adventure you have had.
Pick one craft to make:
• Longship: Fold a paper boat, add a paper square sail and a dragon head on the front.
• Shield: Cut a circle from paper or cardboard and paint a bold Viking pattern.
• Runestone: Use clay or playdough, flatten it, and carve runes with a toothpick.
Show your craft to a grown-up and tell them one Viking fact while you show it!
Write T for true or F for false in each circle.
| I did it! | Circle one |
|---|---|
| I wrote my name in runes | YES / NOT YET |
| I designed a runestone | YES / NOT YET |
| I made a Viking craft | YES / NOT YET |