"The Viking longship, or knarr, is a sleek and powerful vessel designed for speed and maneuverability, crucial for both warfare and exploration. It features a long, narrow hull crafted from overlapping wooden planks, known as clinker-built construction, which gives the ship flexibility and strength to navigate the rough seas of the North Atlantic. The ship's prow is often adorned with a carved dragon or serpent head, serving as a symbol of protection and intimidation.
The deck of the longship is open, with rows of wooden benches for oarsmen on either side. The ship is propelled by both a large square sail, made of wool or linen, and the oars that extend from the sides. When the wind is favorable, the sail billows out, pushing the ship forward at remarkable speeds. The longship is also equipped with a shallow draft, allowing it to navigate both deep ocean waters and shallow rivers, making it versatile for raiding and trading missions.
Onboard, Viking warriors are equipped with round wooden shields, which are often painted with bold, simple designs and are stowed along the sides of the ship when not in use. The ship's stern is flat, and the rudder is controlled by a large steering oar attached to the right side, or starboard.
The overall aesthetic of the Viking longship is both functional and imposing, embodying the fearsome reputation of the Norse seafarers who used it to explore, trade, and conquer vast territories across Europe and beyond."
“Viking longship” 或knarr,是一种光滑而强大的船只,专为速度和机动性而设计,对战争和探索都至关重要。它的特点是由重叠的木板制成的长而窄的船体,被称为熟料建造的建筑,这使船舶具有灵活性和强度,可以在北大西洋的波涛汹涌的海面上航行。船头通常装饰有雕刻的龙或蛇头