Point of View

The story is told in the first person. The narrator and author is Ibn Fadlan who asserts his authenticity by using phrases like "I saw with my own eyes." Similarly, Ibn Fadlan is quick to note when he has simply been told of an occurrence and not actually witnessed it himself. Ibn Fadlan is rather open with his thoughts and feelings as he travels and interacts with the Northmen. He comments on his feelings towards the Northmen's odd customs and notes his displeasure with their lack of proper hygiene. Because of Ibn Fadlan's candid dialogue with the reader, the reader is quickly able to gain a strong sense of the Northmen's way of life. The reader is also able to become a part of the story as he identifies with Ibn Fadlan's nervousness at being a part of the warrior party. The reader is scared to...