THE most formidable figures of viking history will be sailing into Dunfermline for an exciting hands-on exhibition.

Real-life heroes arriving at Dunfermline Carnegie Library and Galleries include the legendary Eric Bloodaxe, ruthless adventurer Harald Hardrada and warrior woman Lathgertha.

The display, Heroes of the Viking World, will also shine a spotlight on bold explorer Leif the Lucky, fearsome warrior Sweyn Forkbeard and mighty King Harald Bluetooth.

Norse valour and inventiveness are key elements of the show, which is a touring exhibition from the award-winning JORVIK Group of Attractions based in York.

Heroes’ stories are told through a series of display panels, replica objects and even human remains displaying battle injuries.

Curators are keen to stress, however, it is not all lore about gore and stories about Vikings as traders, farmers and craftspeople will feature too.

Alice Pearson, a curator with the cultural charity OnFife, which runs the exhibition venue, says: “The exhibition is all about discovering the real people behind the myths.

“Visitors can explore how each of these Norse celebrities has been celebrated and examine what the archaeological evidence can tell us about their lives.”

The exhibition will be complimented by a series of free drop-in events featuring special Viking guests.

The sessions are aimed at all ages and visitors can meet ever-resourceful Ingheid on July 26 and find out about the clothes she makes for herself, her warrior husband and others.

There will be an opportunity to hear from master storyteller Oddleif on August 2 as he presents tales of gods and mischief and shows off some of his treasures and weapons.

On August 9 versatile craftsman Sigurd will be available to talk about must-have Viking accessories, including belts, combs and cloak pins.

Director of Attractions for York Archaeological Trust, the owners of The JORVIK Group, Sarah Maltby, said:: “The Heroes exhibition brings these Viking champions’ stories to life, drawing on historical and archaeological evidence to help explore how these people were celebrated and commemorated in their time and ours.”

Fife was part of the kingdom of the Picts at the start of the Viking era and its coastal position made it vulnerable to attacks.

Raids took place as early as AD 839 when the Pictish king Uuen was killed fighting a Viking army.

Although the Vikings are more readily associated with Scotland’s northern and western fringes, archaeological evidence for Norse activity in Fife continues to emerge.

Heroes of the Viking World opens on July 1 and will run until November 19.

Admission is free.