Page "Longship" Paragraph 13

Drekar are known from historical sources, such as the 13th century Göngu-Hrólfs Saga ( the Saga of Rollo ).

Here, the ships are described as elegant and ornately decorated, and used by those who went raiding and plundering.

According to the historical sources the ships ' prows carried carvings of menacing beasts, such as dragons and snakes, allegedly to protect the ship and crew, and to ward off the terrible sea monsters of Norse mythology.

It is however likely that the carvings, like those on the Oseberg ship, might have had a ritual purpose, or that the purported effect was to frighten enemies and townspeople.

No true dragon ship, as defined by the sagas, has been found by archaeological excavation.