A beautiful image comes to mind when we think of Vikings, where strong and fearless warriors are fighting with their impressive Viking weapons, including swords, axes, spears, and hunting knives.
Vikings were very intelligent people. They used various items for protection, including shields, helmets, and chain mail.
This blog will discuss Viking helmets and their top famous Types in detail.
Real Facts of Viking Helmets
Vikings used simple helmets to protect themselves. These helmets were practical and functional. While designing these helmets, it was always kept in mind that they must be lightweight enough to be easily moved and worn.
Material
Iron was the main material used to craft helmets; many Viking helmets were made using the hammered steel technique. Leather and other soft materials were placed inside the helmet to make it comfortable and ensure a good fit.
Importance
The Vikings were known for their strong and successful raids. They used helmets to protect themselves from injuries caused by strikes with various weapons, such as swords, axes, and long hunting knives. Some helmets were lightweight, while others were a bit heavier.
Social Status
Although the primary purpose we all knew was protection, these Viking helmets also had social significance in those days. Many consider helmets to be the iconic symbol of power and strength. The type of helmet and its material define the status of the person, which means that powerful and wealthy warriors wore specific types of helmets.
Spiritual Connection
Different types of Viking symbols and valkyries were placed on Viking helmets because Vikings believed that this would help them connect with their spiritual gods.
Legacy of Viking Helmets
Viking helmets still inspire us, and many consider them one of the most important symbols of Viking culture. Even in the modern age, we discuss and show Viking helmets when picturing Viking history in books, dramas, TV shows, and museums.
Types of Viking Helmets
Now, let's discuss different types of Viking helmets in detail.
1. The Gjermundbu Helmet
One of the most famous and simplest helmets, the Gjermundbu helmet, found in Norway, belongs to high-ranking warriors. It consists of a rounded dome with a prominent guard that protects the face and forehead. Gjermundbu helmet is now displayed in the Oslo museum and continues to inspire us.
Key Features:
- Made of iron
- Rounded shape with a nasal guard
- Found in the Gjermundbu burial site, Norway
2. The Oseberg Helmet
From history, it is the reality that no helmet has been found complete in its shape or form. Pieces of helmets were found, and by examining the materials used in these helmets, their types were identified. Pieces of the Oseberg Helmets have been discovered, indicating that this type belonged to high-status women warriors. Female warriors wore Oseberg Helmets.
Key Features:
- Helmet fragments discovered in the Oseberg burial site
- Believed to be worn by a high-status individual or warrior
- Indicative of the inclusion of women in Viking warrior culture
3. The Coppergate Helmet
The Coppergate Helmet is considered one of the few helmets discovered in its original, full form. It was discovered in York and made of iron. It had a distinctive shape with a round dome and a protective guard for nodes. The most attractive feature of this helmet is its design, which evokes the greatest association with Vikings and their cultural values. The helmet is currently on display at the Yorkshire Museum in York.
Key Features:
- Found in York, England
- Made from iron with gilded bronze decorations
- Represents Viking influence in early medieval England
4. The Birka Helmet
This Birka helmet was discovered in Birka, a trading center in Sweden, in a burial mound — an artificial hill of earth and stones built over the remains of the dead and things associated with them.
This helmet was made of iron and had a nasal guard. The fine material and design indicate that it must belong to a warrior of a higher rank.
Key Features:
Discovered in Birka, Sweden
Made from iron with a conical shape and a nasal guard
Part of a larger Viking warrior burial
5. The Uppsala Helmet
The Uppsala Helmet, also conical like the Birka Helmet, was found in Uppsala, Sweden. It is famous for its detailed craftsmanship, including ancient designs, which ultimately showed the greatest artistry of the Vikings.
Key Features:
- Found in Uppsala, Sweden
- Detailed craftsmanship with a conical shape and a nasal guard
- Associated with high-ranking Viking warriors
FAQ's.
1. Did Vikings wear horned helmets?
No, there is no proper evidence to prove this myth. Viking helmets were simple in design and shape, typically round, rounded, or conical, with protection for the nose and face.
2. What were Viking helmets made of?
Iron and steel were the main materials used in making these helmets, along with some nice fabrics for the interior.
3. Were Viking helmets only worn in battle?
The main purpose of wearing helmets was protection against different types of strikes; however, many were worn during cultural events and festivals to symbolize power and royalty.
4. How many Viking helmets have been discovered?
Only a few Viking helmets have survived the ravages of time. Notable discoveries include the Gjermundbu helmet, unearthed in Norway, as well as others found in Viking burial sites across Scandinavia. These rare finds offer valuable insight into Viking craftsmanship and combat.
Conclusion
Viking helmets were considered important to carry in battle and at social gatherings, both for warriors and spiritual believers. These helmets were crafted using materials like iron and steel and were round or conical in shape. Each type of helmet had a different association with the warrior's status or rank.
However, the main purpose was to protect warriors in battle against Viking weapons such as Viking swords, Viking axes, and Hunting Knives.
People in modern society still draw inspiration from viewing these helmets in Viking stories and dramas.
You can also see our Viking-inspired collection to get an amazing discount.
Sources:
Burial mound. https://universalium.en-academic.com/86635/burial_mound