Vikings are always remembered as some of the most fearsome warriors. All Vikings were itinerant warriors and considered it mandatory to carry weapons – not only to fight but also to protect their families. So what were the important weapons for Viking warriors?

Sword

The sword was the weapon most prized by the Vikings. However, the sword’s craftsmanship made them an expensive weapon and possibly the most valuable item the Vikings owned. Therefore, only people with money can own swords (which is almost impossible). Viking swords were often passed down from generation to generation or given to people with high positions.

Viking swords usually have 2 blades, about 90cm long and about 4 – 6 cm wide. When making a sword, the blacksmith must make sure the sword is both light and fast. To achieve this, a skilled blacksmith would use a technique like a form of welding, using wrought iron and mild steel to create the sword.

A specific mark of Viking swordmaking are the legendary Ulfberht swords – swords that are both strong, flexible and sharp.

The incredible quintessence of the Ulfberht sword gives scientists a headache. They believe that such excellent swords were only possible with the technology of the industrial revolution about 800 years later.

Axe

Axes were common tools used every day by Vikings. The axes used by the Vikings to cut wood were often simpler to make than those used for fighting. The handle of the battle ax is longer, to help warriors use it most conveniently, making it lighter and more balanced to achieve high efficiency in combat.

Spear

Spears were the most common weapon of the Vikings. Spears are often cheaper than other weapons because less iron is needed to produce them. However, they are also very flexible and effective when they can throw or stab enemies.

There are many types of spears, usually ranging from 3 – 10 feet in length, with spear heads forged in many different shapes.

Bow

Originally used for hunting, bows and arrows gradually became important in Viking battles. In battle, the Vikings used bows and arrows at long range to defeat the enemy’s vanguard.

Ash and elm woods, with their strong bending properties, were said to help archers fight better. On average, a Norse bow can shoot 200m away.

Arrowheads are typically made of iron and come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their function – some are designed for hunting while others, like Trefoil and Bodkin arrowheads, can shoot Pierce.