Henrik Vasa av Sverige

Getting around

Impersonating royal servants to secure horses

Travelers who were not on royal business sometimes impersonated royal servants to secure horses, as ordinary peasants were often unwilling or unable to provide fresh teams when the roads were poor. If they could not find transport, they had to rely on the limited hospitality of local peasants or priests, often sleeping on floors near farm animals.

Daily life

Turf roofs and tiny light sources

Houses were one-storey log buildings with turf roofs, where sheep and goats often grazed during the summer. Light entered through a single tiny window in the roof, measuring about half an ell square and covered with parchment or glass.

What people wore

Working dress for women

Peasant women often worked in long linen chemises, sometimes tying a knot in the skirt to move more easily while performing daily tasks.

Music

Instruments for song and dance

Common instruments used by people for singing and dancing included the flute, drum, fiddle, lute, and bagpipe.

At the table

Beaver Served as Fasting Fish

Beaver was consumed as a fish substitute on fasting days because people believed it was a water-dwelling animal that swam using its tail. This allowed it to be eaten during the religious periods when meat was prohibited.