The Vikings were a group of seafaring warriors who lived in Scandinavia between the 8th and 11th centuries. The weapons used by the Vikings were as fearsome as their reputation as the Viking warriors heavily relied on them during times of war and raiding.
From the iconic battle-axe to the lesser-known but still deadly-at-close-range war-hammer, this article will explore some of the most effective Viking weapons used during their violent and bloodthirsty era that made Vikings famous figures in history.
Let’s delve deep into the history and functionality of these instruments of destruction and learn more about the fiery nature of the Viking people which made them one of the dedaliest warriors in history.
Ulfberht – The Viking Sword
The Ulfberht was not as common in Viking society as the Viking axe. In medieval times, iron was scarce for weapon manufacturing, and only affluent members of Viking society had access to it.
The Ulfberht was produced from 800 to 1000 AD, and it provided exceptional benefits as a weapon, such as combining strength, lightness, and flexibility. This perfect combination of form and function proved useful during the chaos that occurred during Viking battles.
The average Viking sword remained a potent instrument of annihilation. The blade was around 35 inches long, with two edges, slung over the shoulder for convenient access by the right hand.
The Ulfberht sword was manufactured with a process that was unknown to the enemies of the Vikings. This sword is considered by some as one of the greatest ever made and still remains a fierce weapon even after more than a millennium has passed since it was last used in battle.
Seax – The Viking Knife
The Seax was a high-quality knife with a curved blade, usually owned by wealthy individuals within Viking society. It was much more lethal and bigger than the usual fighting knife.
The Vikings were not just brute fighters, but also skilled blacksmiths and craftsmen, capable of creating deadly and artistic weapons.
During the Viking age, knives were an integral part of the weaponry that the Vikings carried in their utility belts. These blades, which varied in size and quality, were always within reach. Interestingly, even slaves were allowed to possess a knife at the time.
Viking Axe
No other weapon is as synonymous with the Vikings as the Axe. The Viking Axe was the most popular weapon of choice whenever Vikings rushed into battle or rode the waves on their majestic longships.
The Viking Axe were light, deadly and had a cutting edge ranging from 7.62cm (3 inches) to 45cm(18 inches) in length. The length of the weapon gave the Vikings a great advantage in terms of reach. Worn at the waist and held in place by a belt, it provided easy access when needed.
Bow and Arrow
While Vikings were primarily recognized for their expertise in close-quarter combat, they also diversified their fighting methods. The bow and arrow, originally utilized for hunting purposes, proved to be an efficient weapon for defeating their adversaries.
Before engaging in close-quarter combat, Viking warriors would make the most of their skilled archers who could shoot an average of twelve arrows per minute. They would unleash a barrage of arrows from their boats before reaching the shore and commencing face-to-face combat with their opponents.
Viking Spear
The Viking spear was a versatile weapon that served both close and ranged combat functions. It varied in length from 3 to 10 feet and had a multitude of styles. Some were suitable for long-distance throwing, while others were built to be more robust for close combat situations.