Viking Weapons: Blend of Art and Functionality

Overview of Viking Weapons

Vikings were very powerful and fearless warriors. They performed well in battle with their skills and weapons. These were not just tools used for defence, but also had Norse patterns and special symbols engraved on blades and handles to show their culture and social values.

 

People of the Viking age felt honoured to have weapons, and some studies showed that Viking warriors needed to carry these weapons in case of an unexpected attack or on the battlefield.

This blog will explore the famous Viking weapons of all time and their significance. 

Let's begin. 

Famous Viking Weapons List:

• • Spears
  • The Seax
  • Shields
  • Bows and Arrows
  • The Helmet
  • Viking Axes
  • Viking Swords
  • Hunting Knives
  • Folding /Pocket Knives and Hunting Knives

 

Let's explain and explore each one of them.

Spears

From 790 to 1066 AD, spears were considered the most popular and least expensive Viking weapon. Their manufacturing cost and time were much less than those of other weapons.

Viking spears used comparatively less material (iron), and famous and special Viking symbols were used to decorate them.

Viking spears consisted of iron heads and wooden shafts. They were available in different varieties in terms of size and blade shape. Some had narrow tips used for piercing armour and shields. These were also considered combat weapons.

People of the modern age can also associate themselves with spears by buying them as decor and acknowledging the spirit of Viking legends.

The Seax

Another famous, multifunctional, and widely used weapon was the Seax, a long knife or dagger. Its most amazing feature was its compact size, which allowed warriors to carry it easily. It consists of a single-headed blade edge, which is best for practicality and symbolic use. It comes in a variety of different blade sizes. Studies proved it was best used for slicing food, crafting wood, and shaping other weapons.

However, we can not ignore its importance in martial or survival activities.

Shields

Let's now move on to another survival weapon of the Vikings: shields. These shields protected warriors from upcoming strikes or attacks. They were made from wood covered with leather and iron bosses. They were usually between 70 and 20 centimetres in diameter. Shields were lightweight, so warriors could easily wear them.

Shields were considered weapons or survival tools and symbols of Norse culture, as many quotes or Norse patterns were written on them. 

Bows and Arrows

Bow and arrow technology was used in medieval Europe when warriors had to attack enemies from a distance, whereas swords and axes were used in close fighting.

Bow weakens the enemies before a proper attack.

The wooden material used in making bows and the iron used in making arrows, usually of leaf-shaped arrow tips, were also used to pierce other weapons.

The Helmet

Viking warriors also used helmets to protect their heads. Helmets were a must-carry weapon for warriors of that time. These helmets were made of iron. The most famous helmet of that time was known as spectacles. It covered the head, nose, and area around the eyes, giving a mask shape.

Viking Axes

The Viking axe was considered one of the most famous and widely used weapons. Axes were also used for daily life activities like crafting wood. In terms of cost, they were much cheaper than swords.

Axes were usually long and had sharp blades, which helped the warrior to attack from a distance. Norse special symbols were engraved on axes to show their Viking spirits and affection. 

Dane Axe

The Dane axe consists of a long shaft and a broad Blade, the long shaft aiming for extra reach. Professional soldiers usually used a Dane axe that was 5 to 6 feet long.

 

Bearded Axe

The Bearded axe has a curved blade extended down,  giving better control; it is shorter than the Dane axe, which is 3 to 4 feet long and used for short combat. Many European warriors used this axe due to its versatility and multifunctionality.

 

Viking Swords

Swords were considered the most expensive weapons because they used a lot of iron, so only rich men owned them. They were about 30 to 35 inches long and well-decorated, which showed how much they were fond of this weapon. 

 

A good sword has key components. 

• The Blade: The Blade can be sharp and dull
• The fuller: it makes the sword lighter and easier
• The quillon: protection for the hand from a direct hit
• The pommel: it's the end of a sword, providing a firm grip.

Folding / Pocket Knives and Hunting Knives

In the Viking era, pocket knives or Hunting knives were used as weapons and to perform everyday tasks.

 

 

These knives were not as popular as swords or axes, but were desirable in situations where small weapons were ideal to use and carry.

These knives' blades were sharp and had a strong grip. They were also available in different sizes depending on the blades' sharpness and the length of the handle.

 Match your Viking vibe with our Viking weapons. 

Conclusion:

Viking weapons were used in battle and for other tasks. Some were used to pierce other weapons and craft wood. The engraved specific patterns and symbols on these weapons showed us their love, attention, and loyalty. Defence was the ultimate goal of these weapons.

Still, many people manufacture and sell these weapons to show affection for Viking history.

We can still connect to the legends of history or acknowledge their hardship and spirit by having any or all of the above.