The unruly world of rivalries during the middle ages was their perfect prey. With a fierce ambition to set their sails to distant shores, the Vikings had many truths to their realities. Dying of cowardice or from a shameful end was a fate worse than death. The Frankish world was expanding, and their gains from the losses of the greatest maritime powers was profound but prepared them for offensive battles. Thor and Odin strengthened them inside. But what drove them was the understanding that they would have to rise above their circumstances before they missed a chance to make history and demonstrate their battle fury and power: relentlessly puncturing the fight for control over Europe, wickedly guarding the Byzantine Empire, and prosperously trading furs building forts in "the land of forts". Their brutal raids, pricey Danegeld, and trade routes would enhance their reputations as the bloody Vikings in a medieval formation that stood to rule over men and master over slaves.