What comes to your mind when you think of a Viking weapon? Is it a sword, a spear, an axe, a bow, or a knife? The Vikings were known for their fierce and fearless warriors, but what weapons did Vikings use the most to fight in battle? Did they use the same weapons for different purposes, or did they have different weapons for different situations and enemies?
The weapons that the Vikings used the most to fight in battle depended on their social status, personal preference, and warfare tactics. The Vikings had a rich and diverse arsenal of weapons, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. The weapons that the Vikings used were not only tools for survival, but also expressions of their culture, identity, and values.
In this article, we will explore what weapons the Vikings used the most to fight in battle, to have a better understanding and appreciation of the Viking weapons and their role and meaning in the Viking culture.
Contents
What Weapons Did Vikings Use the Most?
The Vikings used axes and spears the most to fight in battle, while raiding, and also as tools for everyday tasks such as hunting, woodworking, fishing, and farming, etc.
Axes were popular and powerful weapons that could cut through bone and armor with ease. Spears were common and versatile weapons that could be thrown or thrust at the enemy. Both axes and spears were cheap and easy to make, and they were suitable for different situations and enemies.
The weapons that the Vikings used the most to fight in battle also reflected their culture, identity, and values. Axes were a symbol of strength, skill, and versatility for the Viking warriors, who often decorated and embellished their axes with various patterns, symbols, and inscriptions.
Spears were a symbol of duty, loyalty, and courage for the Viking warriors, who were required to carry them at all times. Both axes and spears were associated with gods, heroes, and runes in the Viking mythology and legends.
The Arsenal of Viking Weapons
The Norse Vikings had a diverse and sophisticated arsenal of weapons, each with its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. The weapons that the Vikings used were more than tools for survival, they were also expressions of their culture, identity, and values. Some of the most used Vikings weapons are:
Spears
The Backbone of Viking Armament
The spear was the most common and versatile weapon of the Viking Age. Viking spears were typically made of wood with a metal spearhead, usually made of iron. The average Viking spear was about 6 feet long and weighed around 2 pounds. They were versatile weapons that could be used for both throwing and thrusting. They were also effective against both infantry and cavalry.
The spear was a simple and effective weapon, suitable for hunting, farming, and fighting. The spear could be either thrown or thrust at the enemy, and it could be adapted to different situations and enemies. The spear was also a symbol of duty, loyalty, and courage for the Viking warriors, who were required to carry them at all times.
Axes
A Viking Favorite Battle Weapon
Viking axes were the most popular and powerful weapon of the Norse people. The two most common types of Viking axes were the bearded axe and the Dane axe.
Bearded axes had a curved blade with a pointed “beard” at the bottom, while Dane axes had a broad, rectangular blade. Viking axes were powerful and versatile weapons that could be used for both combat and woodworking.
The axe was a cheap and easy to make weapon, as it required less iron and skill than swords. It was also a powerful and agile weapon, as it could cut through bone and armor with ease, and it could be wielded with one or two hands, thrown at enemies, or hooked onto shields.
The axe was also a symbol of strength, skill, and versatility for the Viking warriors, who often decorated and embellished their axes with various patterns, symbols, and inscriptions.
Wondering if Vikings used double-bladed axes to fight the battle? Read the truth!
Swords
The Iconic Viking Weapon
Viking swords were typically made of iron or steel, and they had a long, slender blade. The average Viking sword was about 3 feet long and weighed around 3 pounds. Viking swords were sharp and well-balanced, making them deadly weapons in battle.
The sword was also a symbol of authority, honor, and valor for the Viking warriors, who often named their swords and passed them down through generations or gave them as gifts to people of high status.
From the historical evidences, the Viking swords were found decorated and embellished with various patterns, symbols, and inscriptions, such as runes, animals, plants, and geometric shapes. Some examples of famous Viking swords are Ulfberht, Hrunting, and Gram.
Ulfberht was one of the most valuable Norse weapon. Read more about the most expensive Viking weapons and what made them so much costly.
Archery
The Long-Range Option
Viking bows were typically made of wood, bone, or horn, and Viking arrows were made of wood with a metal arrowhead. Viking archers were skilled marksmen who could shoot arrows with great accuracy.
The bow and arrow were a long-range and silent weapon, ideal for hunting, scouting, and ambushes. The bow and arrow were also a symbol of precision, stealth, and cunning for the Viking warriors, who were skilled in using them.
Knives and Daggers
The Hidden Weapons for Combat
The knife and dagger were the most handy and reliable weapon of the Viking Age. It was a short, single-edged blade with a handle, usually made of iron or steel. These fixed blade knife and dagger were a useful and versatile weapon, suitable for everyday tasks, such as cutting, carving, or eating, as well as for combat, such as stabbing, slashing, or throwing.
The knife and dagger were also a symbol of utility, agility, and defense for the Viking warriors, who always carried them on their belts or in their boots. Some examples of different types of knives and daggers are seaxes, scramasaxes, and sax knives.
Conclusion
Viking weapons were designed to be deadly and effective in battle. Viking warriors were skilled in the use of all types of weapons, but the most common were swords, spears, axes, and bows and arrows. However, Vikings used the axes and spears the most to fight in battles and everyday tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the heaviest Viking weapon?
The heaviest Viking weapon was the Dane axe. Dane axes had a broad, rectangular blade that could weigh up to 3 pounds. Dane axes were used for close-quarters combat and were very effective against armored opponents.
Did Vikings have superior weapons?
Viking weapons were well-made and effective, but they were not necessarily superior to the weapons of other cultures at the time. For example, the Frankish sword was made of high-quality steel and was very sharp. The Norman longbow was also a very effective weapon.
However, the Vikings did have one advantage in terms of weapons: their ability to adapt and innovate. Viking warriors were constantly experimenting with new weapons and tactics, and they were always looking for ways to improve their arsenal. This helped them to stay ahead of their enemies and to maintain their military dominance.
