Plunder: The Vikings were also notorious for their raids on coastal settlements and monasteries. They would often burn and loot these settlements, taking anything of value.
Exploration: The Vikings were curious about the world around them, and they undertook many voyages of exploration. They were the first Europeans to reach Iceland, Greenland, and North America.
Adventure: Many Vikings simply enjoyed the challenge of exploring new places and fighting in battles. They believed that death in battle was the most honorable way to die, and they often sought out opportunities to prove their courage.
Settlement: Eventually, some Vikings settled down in the lands they had explored. They established colonies in Iceland, Greenland, and Normandy (in what is now France). Some Vikings also settled in England, Scotland, and Ireland.