A Viking (pron. /ˈvaɪkɪŋ/) is one of the Norse (Scandinavian) explorers, warriors, merchants, and pirates who raided and colonized wide areas of Europe from the late eighth to the early eleventh century (15). In Old Norse, the word is spelled víkingr. In the Icelandic Sagas víking refers to an overseas expedition and víkingr to a sailor or warrior embarking on such an expedition (16). Originally the word Viking was concerned more with an activity than a specific group of individuals. In our contemporary era, the word describes the people who went away on Viking expeditions, be it for raiding or trading and is associated with the idea that these people were savage, remorseless pillagers with insatiable greed.  Historical accounts from their victims and popular culture productions are the basis of this incomplete perception.