Journal of the North Altantic
JONA Home
Aim and Scope
Board of Editors
Staff
Editorial Workflow
Publication Charges
Subscriptions
Other Eagle Hill Journals
Northeastern Naturalist
Southeastern Naturalist
Caribbean Naturalist
Neotropical Naturalist
Urban Naturalist
Prairie Naturalist
Eastern Paleontologist
Journal of North American
Bat Research
eBio
Norse Navigation in the Northern Isles
Alexandra Sanmarki* and Shane McLeodi
iInstitute for Northern Studies, University of the Highlands and Islands, Perth, UK. *Corresponding author.
Journal of the North Atlantic, No. 44 (2024)
Abstract
This article explores the navigation and seafaring strategies used by Norse mariners in and around the Northern Isles of Scotland. To do so we draw upon a diverse range of sources including saga accounts, placenames, archaeological remains, early historic maps as well as logistical considerations. This diachronic perspective is inspired by Christer Westerdahl’s “maritime cultural landscapes” methodology as well as recent studies of prehistoric seafaring. It is demonstrated, through close examination of the available evidence, that the Norse mariners had very well-developed strategies to avoid dangers as well as maximize their efficiency at sea to ensure that journeys were as safe and fast as possible. Topics explored include navigation markers, naming strategies, landing places, portages, beacons, anchorages and pilots.
Download Full-text pdf (This article is Open Access)