félaganna

Félaganna, also spelled as Felaganna, is a term derived from Old Norse that refers to a type of Norse longship used primarily for raiding and warfare. The term itself translates to "fellowship ships," reflecting the close-knit nature of the crews who sailed these vessels. Félaganna were known for their distinctive design, featuring a long, narrow hull and a high stern, which allowed them to carry a large number of oars and provide a significant advantage in battle.

These ships were typically around 20-25 meters in length and could accommodate a crew of up to 100 men. Their primary role was to transport warriors to distant lands, where they would engage in plundering, slavery, and other forms of violence. Félaganna were also used for exploration and colonization, as evidenced by the Norse settlements in Greenland and North America.

The most famous examples of félaganna include the ships used by Erik the Red and Leif Erikson during their voyages to Greenland and North America. These vessels were crucial to the Norse expansion and their eventual decline, as they facilitated the spread of Norse culture and the establishment of Norse colonies.

The term "félaganna" is also used more broadly to refer to any type of longship used by the Norse, including smaller vessels like the knarr and the skeid. However, the term is most commonly associated with the large, raiding ships that defined Norse maritime power and influence during the Viking Age.