From the sea came warriors—fearless and merciless toward death. Their drakkars with bright sails were visible from afar. When the sail rose above the horizon, the coastal people panicked and fled their homes to save their lives. Stories about their courage, valor, cruelty, and wild fury passed from mouth to mouth. They lived for war and fought. They were guarded by stern northern aces, helped by bright elves and dark jötnar. Golden-haired valkyries carried their souls away from the battlefield. They were called heroes and savages, pirates and wolves of the North—but they themselves called themselves vikings.