The axes had pointed "horns" on each end (oxarhyrna). These created vicious wounds when used for stabbing. The horns could also be hooked over other body parts to drag an opponent over for a stab or disarm, as described in chapter 23 of Sturlu saga.

 

The Vikings painted their shields in different colors to Viking axes represent their tribes and warrior identities in battle. They would also add symbols indicating their gods and beliefs.

Axes & Shields

 

Axes were the preferred weapons of Viking warriors because they could be used to hack opponents at a distance. They were also useful for everyday tasks like cutting wood or food. These axes were often decorated with designs and symbols to show off their owners. Some were even forged in gold, a status symbol of the elite class.

 

A common type of axe was the ox axe. These were usually shorter than other types and were used for cutting wood, but they were still effective weapons in battle. The ox axe was also sometimes used as a shield for self defense or to cover the face from incoming blows.

 

Another type of axe was the bearded axe. These axes were longer than the ox axe and had bronze-colored beards on the heads. They also had a wooden haft with brown straps wrapping around them and silver-colored details. A Viking warrior would wear these axes with his shield in battle to protect himself from the blows of his opponent.

 

The shields of the Vikings were designed to provide both protection and a handy platform for mounting axes in battle. They were often crafted from a single piece of metal or wood. The center of the shield featured a domed iron boss that protected the hand. The edges of the shield were rimmed with leather or rawhide to keep them from splitting when hit on their edge. Some shields also had iron clamps around the edge, similar to those shown on the reproduction shield below.

 

Shields were sometimes used as stretchers to carry away men wounded in combat. One example is from chapter 92 of Brennu-Njals saga, where Tjorvi flung his shield at Skarphedinn’s feet to trip him as he was sliding across the ice on Markarfljot.

 

The earliest Scandinavian finds of the ox-headed axes had open blades and were probably used as throwing weapons, but they evolved into fully functional fighting axes in the 10th century. They had Petersen type M blades, egg (droplet) shaped or rounded middle pieces and projecting butts. They were found together with swords, spearheads, a shield-boss, stirrups and spurs in graves.

Axes & Swords

 

The axe was a common weapon for Viking warriors. It allowed them to kill opponents from a safe distance, and it also served as a tool for daily living. Axes could be used for everything from cutting and felling trees to chopping meat. They were often decorated with symbols to signify the warrior’s tribe or family name.

 

It’s likely that shields were round, and Snorri Sturluson mentions the term baugr in his poems (Skaldskaparmal 49). The curved shape of a shield allows for maximum transfer of force from the arm, shoulders, and upper body to the head. This creates a powerful impact against an enemy, and it’s why a shield is often considered the ideal weapon for close combat.

 

Even the poorest of farmers in Viking Age Scandinavia owned a farm axe, but these axes were crafted differently from the battle axes that were designed for use on the battlefield. They were lighter and had wider and longer blades. They also featured a sharp hook on the lower end of the blade that could be used to rip and tear into an enemy. Axes meant for battle had a different head design as well. The photo to the left shows three historical Viking axe heads and a reproduction axe head.

 

These axes were designed to be used two-handed. This was done so that the combatant could hit his opponent with a blow in his undefended weaker side. The Bayeux Tapestry shows combatants using axes in this manner.

 

Viking axes were often used in conjunction with the sword for added power and precision. In slashing attacks, the axe head could cut a wide swath across an enemy’s belly or chest. The pointed “horns” on each end of the axe head were often kept sharp and could be used for stabbing attacks. The axe horns would widen more than a spear point or sword point, creating vicious wounds when used for stabbing.

 

Aside from slashing and stabbing, axes were often used to break an opponent’s shield or helmet. The sagas contain many tales of this type of combat. One example is the tale of Hrappr Orgumleidason, who cut the backbone of Asvardr, the man who had charged him with protecting his heiress, Gudrun.

Axes & Weapons

 

The Vikings used axes for building ships, carts and houses, but they were also powerful weapons. They also fought with swords, knives and other tools that could inflict devastating wounds on their enemies. The shield was an important part of the Viking warrior's gear. It was designed to protect them from attacks and give them the chance to strike back with an equal blow.

 

Different viking shields were used for different purposes. Some were shaped like a wolf, others had symbols for the sun or moon and some even featured twin battle axes. These symbols were associated with Odin, the Norse god of war and valor. This way, the shield was more than just a protective tool but it was also a sign of power and courage.

 

One important factor in the effectiveness of a shield was its color. Each army would use a unique color to identify it in battle. This helped the warriors to easily spot their brothers in battle and was a way of showing honor and loyalty to the army they served in. The colors were red, green, black and blue.

 

Another way that shields were made more effective was by adding a curved edge to the head. This meant that the blade was able to transfer more force from the arm, shoulder and upper body to the point of contact with the enemy. This increased the effectiveness of a single blow and gave the shield a chance to punch through armor and helmets.

 

The sagas tell many tales of how axes were used in combat. It was also common for the axe to have pointed "horns" on each end of the head (oxarhyrna). These horns were kept sharp and could be used to hook an opponent's weapon or to puncture their armor. The axe horns were sometimes used to stab at an opponent, and the sagas describe how these blows often caused fatal injuries.

 

Today, shields can be found in museums and replicas are used by many people to help them remember what life was like for the Vikings. They are a symbol of strength and power and help us to understand the culture of these great warriors.

Axes & Jewelry

 

During the Viking Age, which extended from the late 8th century through to the early 11th century, battle axes were popular amongst Scandinavian foot soldiers and maritime marauders. Axes require far less metal than swords and are generally easier to wield, which makes them an effective tool if a warrior has the strength to swing it. The ax head was attached to a wooden handle known as the haft, which could be constructed using a variety of techniques including wedging, flanging, winging and socketing. Some axe heads have a distinct pattern of engraving, which can be both pagan and Christian. One of the most common patterns depicts the tree known as Yggdrasil, which can be interpreted as both the pagan tree of life and the Christian Trinity.

 

The haft of the axe was often reinforced with metal bands called langets that extend partially or fully down the length of the haft. These were meant to help prevent the ax head from shearing off the haft, as well as to add strength. In addition, the haft of some axes was made of all iron to reduce its weight, which is important because fighting is both tiring and time-consuming.

 

A shield is a vital piece of equipment in any Viking warrior's arsenal. It's a good idea to make sure that it's sized to match the fighter's body size and fighting style. A shield that's too small exposes additional lines of attack, while a shield that's too large can slow down defensive responses and drain the fighter unnecessarily.

 

It's also a good idea to paint or decorate the shield before heading into battle. This not only helps to distinguish one's shield from the rest but it can also inspire a warrior's courage. The colors that were most commonly used included green, which represents hope and good fortune; gold, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity; black, which signifies death and evil; and white, which stands for purity and honor.

 

The axe can also be used to attack enemies from a distance, such as by hooking the edge of an opponent's shield to pull it away for a follow-up blow. For example, chapter 22 of Sturlu saga tells how Thormodur hooked one of his opponents with an axe and dragged him over to where he could be stabbed.