How did Ahmad Ibn Fadlan describe the Vikings?

Ibn Fadlan described his encounter with the Vikings in his work.

The travel writer notes the poor hygiene habits of the Vikings in his work. Still, he praises the fact that they comb their hair every day.

When it comes to their physical appearance, Ibn Faldan Vikinge describes this:

"I have never seen more beautiful people. They are like palm trees, light or reddish hair. They don't wear tunics and kaftan. "

He also says:

"Each of them has an ax, a sword or a knife. They never separate themselves from their weapons. Their swords are wide-edged, of Frankish type. "

The Arab travel writer, however, is most impressed by Viking funeral customs, which he describes in detail:

"They told me that they perform many ceremonies when their tribal leaders die, the last of which is cremation, so I wanted to know more about it. They finally brought me news that a prominent man among them had died. They laid him in his grave and covered him with a roof for ten days, until they cut and sewed all his robes. So, if the poor is dead, they make a boat, put a body in it and burn it. If a man is rich, they collect his things and divide them into three parts. One-third remain with family; the third part is made of clothing for him, the third part is made of mead, which is drunk on the day when a slave girl is killed and cremated with her master. They drink mead day and night. It often happens that one of them dies with a glass in his hand."