Ibn Fadlan

Ibn Fadlan, Arab diplomat, writer of one of the earliest reports of what can only be Nordic vikings, whom he met near the Volga river. He describes their hygiene as disgusting (while also noting with some astonishment that they comb their hair every day) and considers them vulgar and unsophisticated. He also describes at some length the funeral of one of their chieftains, and their physical characteristics.

External links

• An excellent summary of Ibn Fadlan and how Eaters of the Dead[?] and The 13th Warrior relate to Fadlan's story and to Beowulf, includes English translation of most of Fadlan's texts, created by the Viking Answer Lady: http://www.vikinganswerlady.org/ibn_fdln.htm