Nordenlantian Journey of Adulthood

Relax son, I remember my days viking fondly. I took a ship through Aquataine to Lutetia. I learned a lot about myself, about armor making that we didn't do up here at home. And I think you already know I met your mother there. You are going to be fine. Have fun, learn who you are, come back to us and remember I believe in you.
~Bjorn Burglund to his son.

Centuries ago the people of Nordenlant were well known raiders and going "Viking" was considered a legitimate part of their economy. This period of open raiding ended about the same time that Willem the Bastard completed his raids on Eire. While the raiding ended about this time the extensive trading network did not, nor did the adventuring. Instead the idea of "Viking" slowly altered and became an extended coming of age ritual.
Nordenlant teens work very hard to reach the completion of their apprentice training by the age of their majority. This is a firm tradition for all ancestories and sexes. Since different intelligent ancestories reach this age at different times, the exact year of this is determined by their family, even among human children it is sometimes slower or faster depending on the child. The exact year isn't as important to a Nordenlantian as the fact that they announce to the world that they are ready to make the transition to legal adult by making a journey that is in part self discovery, and part intentional separation from their parents and community while they do so.
The spring following the completion of their apprenticeship training they embark on a voyage to a destination that they think would best serve them in their new adult life, sometimes seeking adventure, sometimes simply looking to find new crafting techniques. This journey can last weeks or even years depending on the person. The important part of the journey is that they test themselves and their skills against the larger world without parental (or community) help. While the parents and community resolve to refrain from interfering, they do ensure that transit both to and from the destination is paid for. Usually this is serving on a sailing vessel in lieu of payment. However the parents and community usually pay passage to anyone returning from viking that cannot pay for it themselves without begrudging it in the least.
Only after going viking are Nordenlantians considered adult enough to marry or enter into contracts.

Sit back sweety while I fix your hair and let me tell you about my time Viking. I never wanted to be one of those adventurers, I just wanted to have a home and a family and a good husband. But my family made me go to one of the most dangerous parts of the north. I went, and I was terrified. They understood something I didn't. If I didn't learn about how to be more than my fear, I could never be the woman my household needed me to be. Your grandfather would have run roughshod over me, even though he was a good man .... really he was. Instead I learned to stand up for myself and for my household and for my children, and for my grand children. Our whole family benefited from the treasure I brought back from those evil dark elves. Thats why you must go, not for treasure but for your children and grand children.
~Hildegard Nystrom to her granddaughter