Etne (ship)

An etne (Old Norse etnir, ötnir) refers to a type of large, sturdy cargo ship used by the Norse during the Viking Age and subsequent medieval period. Etnes were primarily designed for transporting bulk goods such as timber, grain, livestock, and other supplies, unlike the more specialized longships (langskip) used for raiding and warfare or the knarr primarily used for ocean voyages and trade.

While specific design details are scarce due to a lack of well-preserved examples, etnes are generally believed to have been broader and deeper-hulled than longships, offering greater cargo capacity at the expense of speed and maneuverability. They were likely clinker-built, employing overlapping planks fastened together, and propelled by both sail and oars, although rowing would have been a secondary means of propulsion, mainly used for navigating in harbors and against headwinds.

Etnes played a crucial role in the Norse economy, facilitating domestic trade along coastlines and rivers and enabling the movement of resources to support settlements and military expeditions. They were less reliant on skilled warriors for operation compared to longships, being typically crewed by merchants and experienced sailors focused on cargo transport. Records mentioning etnes appear in sagas and historical accounts, indicating their importance in the Norse maritime infrastructure. The term "etne" itself may derive from a root signifying "eating" or "consuming," perhaps referencing the ship's capacity to hold and "eat" large quantities of goods.