4 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE VIKINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN'T KNOW, UNTIL NOW.

The Vikings were outstanding warriors of both the sea and the land. Feared by many yet respected by most, their tactics were cunningly smart and extremely witty. Today, I spent a good few hours browsing the worldwide web, discovering newfound facts about the Viking era.

So much fun was had I thought it would be rather fitting to share my findings with you, our marvelous readers. So here's 4 Interesting Facts About The Vikings That You Probably Didn't Know, Until Now...

VIKING WIFE'S NOW HAD THE FREEDOM TO DIVORCE IF THEY WISHED TO DO SO!

Viking women were often forced into marriage from as young as 12 to 13 years of age. But unlike many other cultures, they also had the grounds to divorce their husbands if they wished to do so.

This did not result in any hefty solicitor fees, and having to split things 50/50, all that was required was for the soon to be ex wife would have to call upon two witnesses and explain that she was seeking to divorce her husband, explaining the reasons as to why. Which could be something rather petty, such as displaying too much chest hair. Thankfully times have very much changed, otherwise monkey man over here would be well and truly screwed!

THE VIKINGS WERE VERY ACTIVE IN THE SLAVE TRADE!

Many Vikings knew how the slave trade worked, taking full advantage of many a pretty penny or two in the process.

They would happily participate in capturing young men and women whilst pillaging newfound settlements. These ''thralls'' as they were then labelled were quickly sold into the ever growing slave markets all around Europe and the Middle East, making a small fortune for his homeland and his people in the process.

THE VIKINGS EVEN USED TO SKI FOR FUN!

It is believed that the Vikings were very keen Skiers, and used to often participate upon such activities for fun. Scandinavians first developed primitive skis around 6000 years ago.

In the Viking age Norsemen regarded taking to the slopes as a rather popular boredom buster, as well as another way to travel much faster. It is even believed they worshipped a God of skiing, named Ullr.

THE VIKINGS WOULD ABANDON THEIR SICK ''WEAK'' CHILDREN!

The TV hit show 'Vikings' on History disclosed the darker side of the Viking era, when Ragnar Lothbrok momentarily contemplated leaving his newborn son, Ivor 'The Boneless' in the woodland, after showing concern of his health and wellbeing.

It was a common obstacle that many Vikings had to unfortunately face. The Norse people took great pride in their strength and power, so much so if a child was sick and unable to fight or be of use to society, they were considered a burden.

Vikings would then have to decide what to do next, which resulted in child abandonment, or even worse, throwing them overboard and into the sea to drowned. Rather grim, I know, but this was more common than you would like to think.

so, there you have it, another blog comes to a sweet close for today my friends. Have you checked out our 'TBS' Viking beard care range? No? Then why don't you take a look right here!