Norwegian Vikings had converted to Christianity by the mid 11th century. But they took the basic construction of their mead halls and longhouses and transferred them to their churches. Note the central aisle and side aisles of Borgund Church, supported by tall wooden pillars, called stafr (“staffs”). That’s why these structures are called Stavkirker (“Stave/Staff Churches.”) For more about this church, check out my post, “Stegastein & Stave Churches.”