E N D
Godt mót!-I’m interested in the topic of Viking Battle Gear because I think it’s interesting to compare the gear the Vikings had to the stuff we use today-I learned almost everything in these sides other than some of the names-This information might be important to other people for upcoming tests(?) and because it is interesting general knowledge
Viking Weapons • The Vikings had many weapons, these are just some of them
The Viking Spear • Main Weapon of the Vikings • The blades were very big and heavy and could even pierce armor • Good thrusting weapon and could be thrown • The head measured 20-60cm long
Viking Swords • Very expensive due to lack of resources and knowledge • Only important people could afford swords • Status symbols, highly decorated hilts • They were so personal that they were often named
Viking Battle Axe • The battle axe was affordable because it was also used as a work axe • This powerful weapon could pulverize amour and leave a wound • One version the “bearded axe” has been found to be able to decapitate an ox in one blow
Viking Sax • A single edged Short Sword • Hilts for these were made of wood, bone or horn • Crudely fabricated usually made by smiths locally
Viking Seax • Large Single edged knife common among Viking free-men • The viking version of the modern day machete • Larger Seax’s were used to double as swords.
Viking Halberd • The “mail piercer“ • Comes from the Norse word ‘Atgeir” • Said to be a lot like a glaive • Mentioned in Njáls saga and other Norse sagas
Bows & Arrows • Common of southern enemies • Not very affective against enemies superior bows & arrows • Disadvantage for vikings • Made of Yew, Ash or Elm wood • Ranges of 250m with 90lbs of force (400N) • One found with 100+ lbs of force and fired to about 480m • Arrow heads of iron, wood or antler and use of eagle feathers is also present
Viking Armour • Chain Mail was use but it’s long processing time made it expensive • Made of interlocking chain loops • Viking Lamellar armor was found in Sweden • Made of metal scales
Viking Helmets • Simple cup shapes • Most had nose strips, while more complex ones had Goggles and neck protectors • Viking helmets DID NOT HAVE HORNS!
Viking Shield • Shields were round and made of wood • Sometimes covered with leather, or a metal band to strengthen them • The usual size was about 1m diameter • A heavy iron boss in the center
Other Viking Stuff • Vikings have tones of other interesting stuff but only these two fit the title
Viking Horses • Norse horses are smaller and slower than European horses • Vikings fought on foot instead of horseback like the Europeans • Some European horses were looted but the cold slowed breeding and only the strongest horses survived
Viking Ships • No saws were used to build the hulls of these, instead they overlapped and use wedges and mallets • Propelled by oars, and a single rectangle shaped sail
Text Sources: • http://warviking.tripod.com/realweaponsandarmor.html • http://www.medieval-castles.org/index.php/viking_weapons_warfare_norse_fighters_we • http://militaryhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/viking_warfare • http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_Age_arms_and_armour#Bows_and_Arrows • http://www.viking-shield.com/weapons.html • http://www.hurstwic.org/history/articles/manufacturing/text/viking_sax.htm