Viking Weapons and Armor: The Tools of a Deadly Warrior Society

When we delve into the era of the Vikings, understanding their weapons and armor is crucial. This post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Viking weapons and Viking armor that distinguished these fierce and skilled warriors.

Introduction to Viking Armament

It's important to keep in mind that the Vikings were always prepared for combat. Free adult male Vikings were always kept armed at night, hanging their weapons in an easy-to-reach place beside their beds. This readiness was a testament to the honor-based society they lived in, where any threat to one's reputation could be met with immediate response. Armies and duels were commonplace.

In an honor-based society like that of the Vikings, people were ready to defend their respect and good name at any time.

Viking Weapons: A Comprehensive Guide

The cost of weapons was a significant barrier, with iron being a precious commodity due to its difficulty to extract from the ground. As a result, only the richest Vikings—those of high status and wealth—would own a complete set of weapons, including a sword, scissor, short sword, axe, spear, bow and arrows, shield, helmet, and chain mail. The poorer Vikings, while possessing fewer sophisticated weapons, still carried weapons when necessary, like an axe or a spear, and a shield for protection.

The Most Expensive and Prestigious Weapon: The Sword

The most costly and prestigious weapon was the sword. It required the most iron and was the tool of the rich. These swords were double-edged and typically around 35 inches in length. Most specimens were forged through a process of welding, where wrought iron strips and steel were twisted together and then hammered into a hardened-edged blade. Many were lavishly decorated, and some had names—such as 'Bloodthirsty' or 'Cattle'—symbolizing their ferocity and potency in battle.

The Vikings carried their swords close to their body and wore them over their shoulders, always ready to draw them with their right hand.

Ax and Spear: The Common Tools of War

Several Vikings carried axes or spears, two of the most common weapons. The battle axes had long handles, were light and balanced, and were terribly effective in close combat. The ax heads had different shapes, ranging from 3 to 6 inches in cutting edge length, and later models could be as long as 9 to 18 inches, allowing the wielder to reach for a longer distance. Later axes were much larger, with richly decorated heads. The Mammen ax, dating back to 971, still had gold and silver inserts, a testament to its craftsmanship.

The spear was the most common weapon and the least expensive to produce. A spear could be thrown or used to attack the enemy up close. Its heads came in various shapes and sizes, from long and thin to those with wings near the shaft, providing versatility in use. Spears were often decorated, some even painted with patterns or images of mythological heroes.

Powerful Protection: Viking Armor and Shields

Protection was as important as offense, and every Viking man wore a round shield. The defense of a Viking was determined by his level of wealth and access to better armor. Rich Vikings might wear chain mail, a difficult-to-make item that was unquestionably expensive. Helmets were typically an iron bowl designed to protect the head, with some having pieces of nose to protect the face. Poorer Vikings, lacking access to chain mail, wore thick padded leather clothing for protection against blunt weapons.

Viking shields, up to 1 meter wide, were made of wooden planks riveted together with a central hole for the handrail. These shields were also highly decorated, some painted with patterns or mythological heroes, showcasing the Vikings' artistic skills.

The Legacy of Viking Weapons and Armor

With these simple yet effective weapons and armor, the Vikings managed to conquer vast swathes of Europe—England, France, and Russia included. The muscle from hard work and the savagery of battle transformed the Vikings into a fierce and deadly warrior society, feared by many.

The Vikings, with their robust shields and lethal weapons, carved out an impressive empire, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire awe and fascination centuries later.

Understanding the weapons and armor of the Vikings not only provides insights into their military strategies but also into the broader context of their tumultuous and influential history.