Viking Weapons

Volsung Vikings

The weapon most associated with the Vikings. Versatile, crushing and devastating; able to hack through opponent and shield alike, and hool weapons and limbs. Used both to destroy and to craft, many variations existed, and they could be used by farmers and woodworkers as well as warriors – every household had at least one.

Spear (spjóti)

The most commonly used weapon in the history of warfare. Relatively cheap to make, it could be used for hunting game as well. Cunning, fast and unbeatable in a shield wall. Due to its speed and length it could be used to attack not just the Saxon in front of you but to their sides. It’s disadvantage was, that once past the tip the wielder is vulnerable, but in the right hands it is formidable. It could also be thrown.

Sword (sverð)

A weapon used by the elite, and made solely for war. Expensive to produce but deadly from the hilt to the tip. Even a mild blow from this razor sharp weapon would cause bleeding, and a hard strike could sever limbs or kill. The most expensive swords could be inlaid with gold or silver. Several had names, e.g. Sköfnungr (“Shin-bone”), Dragvendill (“draw-wand”), Grásiða (“Grey-side”).