Few weapons were more feared and coveted in the Viking age than the broad-bladed battle axe. These axes were capable of cleaving heads and bodies in a single blow.

The axe haft is bent near the head to maximize the transfer of power from the arm and body to the axehead. This design also allows the axe to hook onto shields.
Shields

A shield was a crucial part of any Viking warrior’s arsenal. It protected them from incoming missiles and projectiles, and it was an important symbol of their identity. They often decorated their shields with stylized wolf images, which was a symbol of courage and strength. They also painted their shields a certain color to represent their group of people. This was important to them because it created a sense of unity among their army and helped them distinguish one another in battle.

Shields were often made out of linden wood, although finds from graves show that other timbers such as fir and alder were also used. These woods are not as dense as oak, but they are more resiliant and don’t split as easily. They are also light in the hand and are less likely to break under pressure. They were usually reinforced with leather around the edge, and iron was sometimes used to secure the handle.

Although the round shield was more common, a number of other types of shields were used. These included the kite shield, which was similar to the circular shield but could be used to defend the legs. The comet shield was larger than the kite shield and weighed more, but it offered greater protection.

The Vikings’ main shield construction material was wood, but two small iron pieces called the grip and the shield boss were also important parts of the design. These pieces were nailed into the back side of the shield, and they allowed Vikings to hold their shields in different positions. They were also able to hold the shield in a vertical position, which allowed them to use their swords with the shield. These features were very important because they allowed them to be more mobile in combat.

The sagas mention that shields were painted in different colors to distinguish different groups of Vikings. The earliest shields were plain black or white, but they later became decorated with runes and symbols. They were also often painted in bright colors. The skaldic poems of the late Viking Age, such as Ragnarsdrapa from the 10th century, often refer to these decorative details.
Axes

As Vikings were a warrior-based culture, shields played an important role in their lives. They were used for hunting, sailing, and even to protect themselves on the battlefield. Shields were often adorned with different patterns and colors, which helped distinguish one warrior from another in battle. They also served as status symbols.

One of the most important aspects of a shield is its shape, which should be circular to maximize the impact of a blow. The curved edge concentrates the force of a sword, axe, or mace into a small area and can easily cut through armor or mail. The curved edge also allows for more maneuverability than a straight blade, allowing a warrior to hook weapons and disarm his enemy.

A shield’s rim is also essential. It can be made of wood or metal and should extend to the edges of the center. This provides more protection against a blow and can be used to trap an attacker’s sword blade or shield hand. It can also serve as a resting place for an axe or sword, making it easier to move around the battlefield.

The apex of the shield was often a boss, a round or curved piece of iron. These were usually decorated with patterns or runes. A famous example is the Mammen axe, which was found in Denmark and was inlaid with silver inlays. It was named after the village where it was found and is considered a symbol of power and wealth in the Viking era.

An axe was also used as a weapon in its own right, as is shown by the image to the left. It is a reproduction axe, but it has the same shape as a historic 10th century axe head. It also has a bend near the head, which is necessary to optimize the transfer of power from the arm, shoulder, and upper body to the axe’s blade.

Some sagas mention that Viking warriors would use their shields to catch or hook the weapons of their opponents, or to hook their opponents’ shields and pull them down, opening them up for attacks. This method was effective in separating combatants and could be very deadly.
Sheaths

A sheath is necessary for keeping an axe safe and secure. It is also a way for the owner to identify himself, as a sheath can be decorated with various symbols or colors. This can be a sign of his tribe, status or rank. It can also be used to show his courage, loyalty, and dedication. The sheath is an important part of a Viking warrior’s equipment and is used to protect him during battle.

There are many different types of sheaths for axes, but most are made from leather or wood. Some are shaped like a belt, while others are round or rectangular. These sheaths are very durable and can be worn with other armor. Viking axes are also used to carry other weapons, including swords, hammers, and arrows.

The axe was an important weapon for Vikings, and was frequently mentioned in the sagas. It was a very versatile weapon, and was capable of a variety of maneuvers. For example, it could be thrown across an opponent’s body or used to hook him over his shield.

In addition, the curved edge concentrates the force of the blow into a small section, and can penetrate a helmet or mail. It is possible that a single blow with an axe would kill an opponent, and this was probably the intention of some of the blows described in the sagas.

Most axes were found alone in Viking graves, but some had a second weapon or riding equipment. For example, Petersen type M axes were found in 19 Scandinavian graves together with a spearhead, sword, a second axe, or a weapon knife. There are also several examples of axes found with shield bosses, stirrups and spurs.

Axes were often crafted from bronze, and some were painted with various colors. For instance, green was a common color, and represented hope and good luck. Blue was a symbol of truth and loyalty, and black was used to symbolize death. These colors were meant to differentiate warriors from their enemies in combat.
Symbols

Viking shields carried many symbols to indicate the warrior’s affiliation and status. They also displayed the warrior’s courage, loyalty and bravery in battle. They also helped protect them from arrows, spears and other projectile weapons from their enemies in battle. In addition to providing protection, shields were also used as stretchers on board Viking ships to carry wounded warriors away from combat.

The Vikings used a variety of different weapons for battle, but the most common were the axe and the shield. Both were incredibly effective as weapons in the hands of a skilled warrior. The axe was so important to the Vikings that they even had a picture of it on their shields. This symbolized their tenacity and desire to conquer new worlds and bend them to their will.

A viking axe was usually used to split wood and build homes, but it was also a very effective weapon in the hands of a skilled warrior. Unlike the sling, which was used for throwing and a speedy attack, the axe could be parried with the flat of the shield. In fact, the Vikings often used the flat of the shield to deflect sword blows. One example of this is in chapter 92 of Brennu-Njals saga. In this battle, Tjorvi flung his shield at Skarphedinn’s feet, hoping to trip him up. However, Skarphedinn simply jumped over the shield and continued gliding across the Markarfljot river to place his axe in Thrain’s head.

Shields were made from a variety of materials, but literature and archaeological finds indicate that most were based on solid butted planks. The sagas mention that they were frequently reinforced with leather or iron.

In the center of the shield was a domed iron boss that protected the fighter’s hand. This style of shield boss was often decorated with a long neck and knob at the apex. The neck and knob were designed to catch incoming sword blades, preventing them from cutting deeply into the shield or the defender’s hand.

Other decorations included a circle of bronze-colored faux rivets and a ring of runes. Vikings also adorned their shields with different colors. Green represented hope and good fortune, gold symbolized wealth, and black was used to signify death and evil. Some Vikings would paint their shields in the colors of their homeland or region to distinguish themselves in battle.