Why wear people in Europe so frightened of viking raids?

Answer 1

People in Europe were frightened of Viking raids due to the brutal and unexpected nature of these attacks during the late 8th to early 11th centuries. Vikings, skilled seafarers from Scandinavia, conducted swift and violent incursions, targeting monasteries, towns, and settlements, often leaving destruction in their wake. The raids disrupted local economies and instilled a deep sense of fear, as communities struggled to defend themselves against these formidable and seemingly unstoppable invaders. This fear was compounded by the Vikings' reputation for ferocity and their ability to navigate rivers and Coastlines, making them a constant threat.