The ulfsfarks (of whatever they're called) are awesome. You can make a huge group
of them and go crusading and build all of the settlements. This way you can use 
them to defend the newly-built settlements. Then build mini-villages around them 
and attack the enemy! Another thing great about the norse is Hel's godpower, the 
nidhogg, ofr dragon. Make sure to get Hel! Do all of this right away and you will 
succeed in all of the things that you may encounter in the game.