The Vikings were seafaring Norse people from Scandinavia, primarily originating from what is now Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Active from approximately 793 to 1066 AD, they are renowned for their remarkable exploration, trade, and raiding activities across Europe, including regions like the British Isles, France, and even as far as North America. Viking society was characterized by a rich cultural tapestry, including a polytheistic belief system, strong familial bonds, and a distinct warrior ethos. They established trade routes, settlements, and even formed colonies, significantly influencing the cultural and political landscapes of the regions they encountered. The Viking Age left a lasting legacy on European history, shaping the narratives of exploration, conquest, and cultural exchange that continue to be explored in various forms of media and scholarship today.