lykktern

Lykktern is a type of Viking Age Scandinavian vessel, specifically a type of small sailing boat or ship. The term is derived from the Old Norse word "lyk" meaning "shape" or "form" and "tern" referring to a species of seabird. The boats were likely used for fishing and reconnaissance by Viking Age Scandinavians.

Lykktern boats were typically smaller and more maneuverable than the larger Viking Age longships. They were likely used for navigating small inlets and fjords, as well as for fishing in coastal waters. The exact dimensions of lykktern boats vary depending on the source, but they were generally around 12-15 meters (40-50 feet) in length.

Excavations of Viking Age ship burials have revealed several lykktern-style vessels, providing valuable insights into the designs and construction methods used by Viking Age shipwrights. The boats were built from pine or other softwoods, with a single mast and a rectangular or triangular sail. The remains of several lykkterns have been discovered, including a particularly well-preserved example found in a grave on the Swedish island of Gotland.

Lykkterns were likely used for a variety of purposes, including fishing, transportation, and even warfare. While they were not as heavily armed as larger Viking Age vessels, they were still capable of carrying a crew of several men and could be used to launch quick and surprise attacks on coastal settlements.

While some scholars have questioned the existence of lykkterns as a distinct type of vessel, most research suggests that they were a real and important part of Viking Age Scandinavian maritime culture.