The blades themselves were forged using a method called pattern-welding. Viking swords were as practical as they were decorative. These swords would often have elaborately decorated hilts and scabbards, often in silver. Nevertheless, the Vikings did use swords in battle, especially if they were high-ranking warriors. The average man would have to go on several raids to be able to afford a sword, and most warriors preferred to use axes or spears. Swords were a sign of high status among the Vikings as they were expensive to make and typically used by seasoned and wealthy warriors. The Vikings used both swords and axes, though axes were more commonly used as they were versatile and affordable even for the poorest of men.Īpart from these, the Vikings also used a number of other weapons, including spears, shields, slings, bows, and arrows, and a type of dagger known as a seax. Andrews church in Pickering, a sculpture depicts Norse warriors surrounded by their weapons. Viking Age sculptures offer a great deal of known information about military technology and advances of the time. Using sculptures, it’s been estimated that the axe was about 3 feet (1 meter) in length, though larger specimens also exist.Īlso, see 11 Facts About Viking Longhouses to learn more.ĭid Vikings use both swords and axes? See below Did Vikings Use Both Swords and Axes? Incomplete samples of the shaft of the smaller Mammen axe have also been found with some specimens. Historians assume that the larger blade would have required a longer haft. The Danish blade was typically around 6 – 8 inches (15 – 20 cm) in length. The axe hafts, on the other hand, were typically made of wood and haven’t survived over the years. This is because the blades were typically made of iron, with copper, silver, and sometimes gold inlay decorations. Of Viking axes that have survived into the present day, only the blades have survived. Among shorter axes, the Mammen axe was decorated with silver inlay. The Danish axe had a triangular blade forged to be thin and sharp. The head of the bearded axe was asymmetrical, with the lower edge extending into a beard. Viking axes used in battle had large heads and shafts. In contrast, larger axes used solely for battle could be more ornate to represent the rank and status of the owner. Shorter axes with small heads were used as both tools and weapons and tended to be simpler in their make. Viking axes ranged from simple to elaborate in their design. What did Viking axes really look like? See below What Did Viking Axes Really Look Like? In contrast, when using a two-handed axe like the Danish axe, warriors would have to rely on luck and the men around them to protect them while they attacked.Īlso, see What Is the Egtved Girl? to learn more. The warrior could then protect themselves with a shield. Shorter axes like the Mammen were convenient for use in battle as they could be used single-handed. Typically, this type of short axe would have been used in conjunction with other weapons, especially a shield. The Mammen axe could be used easily in melee fights, close combat, and for throwing over long distances. The axe also had an edge reinforced with hardened steel so it could cut through bone easily, making it devastating in combat.Īnother type of axe used by the Vikings was the Mammen, which was shorter than the bearded or Danish axes. The blades were forged to be as thin as possible to make the axe easy to wield in battle. The Danish axe was large, used two-handed in close combat, and was usually sharp enough to behead a horse if swung with enough force. This axe has a head that is narrow at the haft but flares out at both the top and bottom to form a wide, thin blade. Other names for this axe include the Dane axe, hafted axe, and English long axe. The second type of Viking axe is the iconic broad axe, also known as the Danish axe. The extension of the lower edge looked like a beard and was useful in extending the cutting surface and offering a hook to grab things with in battle. This axe gets its name from the asymmetrical head, with the lower edge extending downwards. The first type of Viking battle axe is known as a skeggox or bearded axe. The Vikings used short axes for cutting and splitting wood and throwing in battle, which would be fairly simple in their make.īattle axes had larger heads and longer shafts, and these were of two types – the bearded axes and the larger Danish axes, which needed to be used two-handed. Unlike other weaponry, axes could be used for several purposes, although the Vikings also developed specialized battle axes. The Vikings used axes for battles and as a tool for everyday use. What type of axes did Vikings use? See below What Type of Axes Did Vikings Use?
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