The word “Viking” is derived from the Old Norse víkingr, meaning “pirate.” So it’s not surprising that many people believe that Vikings were pirates. In reality, however, the term “Viking” refers to a person from Scandinavia who participated in maritime trade, exploration, and warfare during the Middle Ages. While some Vikings undoubtedly engaged in piracy, it was not their primary occupation.
The word “viking” simply means “pirate” in Old Norse, so technically any Norseman who went on a raiding expedition could be called a Viking. However, there was a specific type of pirate known as a berserker, who was even more feared than your average Viking. Berserkers were known for their uncontrollable rage and brutality in battle, and they were often left behind by their fellow Vikings to die in battle because they were considered too dangerous to keep around. So while all Vikings were pirates, not all pirates were berserkers.