Viking Dogs of War - the Great Danes (1400-1599)

"In Scandinavian belief, the dog is the guardian of the underworld, and it is speculated that one reason for including dogs in Viking Age burials was to provide a guide for the deceased to lead them to the underworld. The Oseberg ship burial contained the remains of four dogs to accompany the women buried there. The Gokstad ship burial contained six dogs buried with their elderly master." The Saxon Chronicle tells of raids by the Vikings and "their fearsome dogs" - the Great Danes! (4 to 8 boards - autostart)