What weapons did the vikings use?

What Weapons Did the Vikings Use?

Introduction

The Vikings are known for their fearless attitude, impressive seafaring skills, and ferocity in battle. They raided, pillaged, and plundered their way through Europe and beyond, leaving a lasting impact on European history. But what about their weapons? What kinds of weapons did these brave warriors use to defend themselves and conquer their enemies?

Short Bows and Long Bows

When it comes to archery, the Vikings used short and long bows to good effect. The most common type of bow used by the Vikings was the self-bow, which was made from a single piece of wood. The short bow, approximately 4-5 feet in length, was likely used for hunting and general combat, while the longer bow, around 5-6 feet long, was reserved for more serious engagements.

The arrows were typically made of ash wood and had iron or bone points. Some arrows had flight feathers attached to help stability and accuracy. Archery was an essential part of Viking warfare, as demonstrated by the numerous archers depicted in Viking art.

Swords, Daggers, and Shields

While the bow and arrow was an essential part of the Viking arsenal, the Vikings were also skilled swordsmiths and wielded several types of swords. The most common Viking sword was the scramasax, a single-edged sword with a long curved blade. Scaramaxes were often around 24-30 inches in length and were designed for cutting and slashing rather than thrusting.

In close combat, the Vikings employed dagger (seld), short, one-handed swords (some as short as 3-4 inches) meant for quick, decisive stabs. Battle shields (bret) were also essential; these wooden or wicker shields were often emblazoned with intricate carvings and family emblems. Shields served both as protection and a launching pad for Viking attacks, with warriors using their free hand to wield an additional weapon.

<h2Axes and Clubs

In addition to cutting and slashing, the Vikings also used battleaxes (dúrr) to devastating effect. These one-handed or two-handed axes were used in conjunction with shields and long swords. Axes typically had a broad, wedge-shaped head and a shaft made from ash, maple, or oak wood.

The Vikings also carried clubs (húd) fashioned from wooden or bone material. Clubs were simple weapons used to bludgeon enemies or deliver crushing blows. In the hands of a skilled warrior, they could be just as effective as swords or axes.

Pole Weapons and Lances

Pike-like weapons (staff or skom) were also a crucial part of the Viking arsenal. These long, sharpened poles were used en masse by shield-walls to defend against enemy spears and arrows. In battles, these pikes proved particularly effective against disordered enemy lines.

In instances where a more individual attack was necessary, long lances (*langt slege’) were used. Similar to medieval lances, these weapons were longer, more robust, and feature a heavier, spiked ball on the end.

Table: Viking Weapon Overview

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the various weapons employed by the Vikings during their pillaging, plundering, and conquering. We have explored the role of bows, swords, daggers, shields, battleaxes, clubs, pike-like weapons, and lances in the arsenal of these fearless warriors.

It is evident that the Vikings were masters of adapting to different combat scenarios, utilizing a wide variety of weapons to gain advantage over their enemies. From the long bow’s range to the scramasax’s cutting prowess, each weapon played a unique role in the Viking warriors’ battle tactics. Remember, the Vikings’ skills in battle were forged over centuries, and their combat prowess is still a significant part of their legend and heritage.

<h2 References

Bibliography

• The Viking World (Ward-Perkins et al., 2018)
• The Vikings and Their Legacy (Jones and Hunter, 2004)
• The Cambridge Ancient History: The Expansion of the Vikings (Campbell, 2018)