Final answer:
Mead halls were vital parts of Viking society, serving as political centers for royalty and aristocracy. They played a central role in social and political life.
Step-by-step explanation:
A mead hall, also known as a long house, was a vital part of Viking society and served as a political center for high-ranking members. These large halls, which were built from around the year 500 up until the Christianization of Scandinavia, were later replaced by medieval banquet halls. The mead halls were typically used by royalty and aristocracy, who would gather to receive gifts from their lord and listen to stories being sung. They played an important role in Viking social and political life.