What does Ibn Fadlan think of the Vikings? What do we learn about them through his eyes? What are the social, cultural and religious values of the Vikings, according to Ibn Fadlan?

Introduction to Western Civilization

The paper must be typed (double-spaced) and be at least three (3) pages in length. Please do not write from the “I” perspective (“I think that”). Write in the third person instead.

“The Risala is an account written by a sophisticated and educated Muslim, describing his observations of Vikings living in Russia. What does Ibn Fadlan think of the Vikings? What do we learn about them through his eyes? What are the social, cultural and religious values of the Vikings, according to Ibn Fadlan? How can we gauge the accuracy of Ibn Fadlan’s observations: is he a believable source of information, or is he prejudiced against the Vikings because their behavior and belief system are so different from his own?”