The Viking: Jarl Damian

If I had the choice to be either a Roman, Spartan, Knight, or Viking I would chose a Viking.  The reason for me choosing the viking is the vikings' culture is pretty interesting.  The vikings homeland is one of my favorite parts of the world.  Their homeland consists of Europe some parts of Russia, the North Atlantic Islands and as far as the northern-eastern coast of North America.  My life as a viking would be luxurious and magnificent.  Of course I would be born into a wealthy and important family, raised as royalty.  The vikings social structure has three social classes: Thralls being the lowest class consisting mostly of slaves, the Karls or everyday free men, and finally my class the Jarls who are the wealthy class.  The Jarls own massive estates with huge longhouses, horses and many thralls.  The thralls take care of all the petty daily chores that us Jarls can not be bothered with.  During the day Jarls participate in administration, politics, hunting and sports.  Some of the sports vikings engage in are swimming, mountain climbing and in the winter time skiing and ice skating are common.  The festivals that are thrown from time to time or on special occasions are fantastic gatherings.  Filled with music, storytelling, skaldic poetry and alcohol.  So my life as a Jarl in peaceful times is great, but in times of war it is also splendid.  Fighting for the pride and betterment of my country and people with a horde of the most brutal and fearless men is an honor.  I believe I would enjoy my life as a viking.