Remnants of the Past

We don't know much about him, the Viking in the grave. His bones has smoldered. But his remnants tell his story.

His grave is from 950.  

X-rays of his sword  showed it had inscriptions indicated it was forged by a continental swordsmith. It was of excellent quality and had been worn in many a battle. 

His shield bowl wore the marks of having protected him well. Inside the bowl were a bag full of Arab coins

The Viking realm at that time stretched from Ireland in the west, to Holmgaard in the east (later Novgorod) they travelled their long boats up the Russian rivers, down to Bysants (now Istanbul) and around the continent of Europe. A full roundtrip could take years. So very likely he was one of the long fare people.

Did he fall by sword, defending himself one last time? We never know, but he was buried by somebody who respected him and let his treasures go with him to the next world. 

He is a courier from the past. His longing to the sea and longfaring sailors life has planted his genes in his descendants.