Serpent” was built, it would be the “biggest dragon” ever seen; and so it proved to the wondering eyes of Norway. The favorite design of viking ships before Olaf’s day was the head of the visund or bison, because great herds of these animals were to be seen on the far northern plains in earlier times; and as they became scarcer, the Norsemen preserved their form in their war-ships.
The interior of the “Long Serpent” was divided into five compartments. In the prow were, first, the “Lokit,” where were established the king’s standard bearers; then the “Sax” or store-room; then the “wrap-room” where were kept the sail and tackle not in use; then the “chest-room” where stood the large chests of armor and weapons. Near this was the “fore-room,” where were quartered the highest officers of the ship, the warriors next in command to the chieftain. The “fore-room” took its name from its location just in front of the “lofting” or chief’s cabin in the stern. This sleeping-room of the commander was elevated above the other floors, so that from his cabin door King Olaf could command a view of the entire deck of the ship.
In the cabin stood the king’s small oaken bedstead, with its cushions and rich silken cover. Upon a small table rested a pile of parchment tablets, and some small parchment volumes of Latin psalms, and a vellum mass-book illuminated by the monks of St. Senanus while Olaf sojourned in Ireland.
