Chapter Three, First Contact with the Northmen Summary

Ibn Fadlan is amazed at the presence of the Northmen. He describes them as virtual giants who wear rough clothing and are never seen without a variety of weapons. As quickly as Ibn Fadlan describes the appearance of the Northmen, he turns to their personal behavior. Like the Oguz Turks, the Northmen are not prone to wash themselves after a toilet and Ibn Fadlan likens the people to animals. The merchants establish themselves in large wooden houses where they enjoy the company of many beautiful girls. These girls are the wares the Northmen seek to sell.

The Northmen are having difficulties of their own. Their leader, Wyglif, is very ill and has been sent to live in a sick tent. Ibn Fadlan learns that men go to a sick tent only...