The Vikings were so successful because of their tactics, weaponry and element of surprise. If the Vikings died in battle they believed they would go to Valhalla (Viking heaven). Which made them ruthless and cut throat in battle. If they die they get to go to heaven and feast & binge drink for eternity,they don't die they get to raid and become wealthier. It was a win/win. But don't get me wrong, their religion wasn't the only reason they were so successful, on of the reasons were their Element of surprise.The first attacks occurred before people realized there was a danger from the ships. Even after such raids became a reality, the Viking ships could sail out of sight of land, had shallow enough draft to go inland up rivers, and could easily be landed along large areas of the coastline. They also gave Vikings a rapid means of escaping should the locals happen to have enough forces to repel an attack.
The Vikings also didn't just raid randomly or blindly. They often went in carrying trade goods (which admittedly often came from other raids), and would actually engage in reasonably honest trading. Only if a town or keep looked weak enough to overcome quickly, and had enough to make such a raid worthwhile, would they commit to a more violent method of acquiring wealth.
Ships
The Vikings were daring masters of the sea. Their swift wooden longships, equipped with both sails and oars, enabled them to mount piratical raids on the coastal monasteries and settlements of the British Isles, western Europe and beyond. The shallow draught of these ships meant that they were able to reach far inland by river and stream, striking and moving on before local forces could muster.
The Vikings also didn't just raid randomly or blindly. They often went in carrying trade goods (which admittedly often came from other raids), and would actually engage in reasonably honest trading. Only if a town or keep looked weak enough to overcome quickly, and had enough to make such a raid worthwhile, would they commit to a more violent method of acquiring wealth.
Ships
The Vikings were daring masters of the sea. Their swift wooden longships, equipped with both sails and oars, enabled them to mount piratical raids on the coastal monasteries and settlements of the British Isles, western Europe and beyond. The shallow draught of these ships meant that they were able to reach far inland by river and stream, striking and moving on before local forces could muster.