The Northmen were still heathen when they set forth on
their expeditions of plunder and conquest. Doubtless the principal cause of
this Viking movement is to be sought in the same hunger for land which prompted
the Germanic invasions and, in fact, has led to colonial expansion in all ages.
By the ninth century Scandinavia could no longer support its rapidly growing
population, and enforced emigration was the natural consequence. The political
condition of Scandinavia at this time also helps to explain the Viking
expansion. Denmark and Norway had now become strong kingdoms, whose rulers
forced all who would not submit to their sway to leave the country. Thus it
resulted that the numbers of the emigrants were swelled by exiles, outlaws, and
other adventurers who turned to the sea in hope of gain.
RAIDS OF THE NORTHMEN
The Northmen started out as pirates and fell on the coasts
of England, France, and Germany. In their shallow boats they also found it easy
to ascend the rivers and reach places lying far inland. The Northmen directed
their attacks especially against the churches and monasteries, which were full
of treasure and less easily defended than fortified towns. Their raids inspired
such great terror that a special prayer was inserted in the church services:
"From the fury of the Northmen, good Lord, deliver us."
