Viking Swords

During the eighth century, the Viking Age also called the Carolingian period was the time when the Viking sword was first created. When the eleventh to the twelfth century came, it was the period that gave rise to the swords utilized by the knights and soldiers of the Romanesque period.

All the great Vikings in history wielded a weapon and a Viking sword (also called the Viking Age Sword or the Carolingian sword) was known as one of the most popular weapons used during the Middle Ages in Northern and Western Europe.

Despite being called the Viking sword, this weapon was developed during the Carolingian period in the Frankish Empire; and the reason why the word Viking is associated with these weapons is because of the numerous swords (created by the Franks) that were discovered in numerous Pagan burials during the Viking Age in Scandinavia.

A large number of weapons that were found in this area was due to looting, importing via trade, or ransom payment. During the late tenth to the early twelfth century of the Viking Age, swords were continuously produced and these could easily merge into the category of Norman weapons.

 

The Viking Swords

During the Viking Period, wars and battles were probably the most prestigious activities that one could engage in, which is why beautiful and finely made weapons were vital to display a warrior’s status and wealth: Vikings that were well off usually carried a complete set of the best Viking weapons like a wooden shield, spear, and a sword.

The richest Vikings may carry a helmet since other types of armor are said to be limited to the professional warriors and the nobility.

As for the average farmers, the weapons they wielded were mostly limited to the shield, spear, and probably the large knife/seax or the common axe; a few of them would take hunting bows such as the flat or longbow to be utilized during the opening battle stages.

When creating the Viking swords, these were quite expensive since it was the sign to determine an individual’s high status; these were rarely utilized for raiding or battles and were more common for decorative purposes.

For the Roman Spatha, these weapons were carried in wooden scabbards that were leather-bound, suspended from a sturdy and durable strap that was set right on the wielder’s shoulder.

The earliest blades were pattern-welded which is known as a special type of method where thin pieces of mild steel and wrought iron are twisted and forged, then hardened along the edge.

Additionally, owning a sword was considered a privilege and high honor which was why some people of status wielded blades that were beautifully adorned with silver inlays and accents.

 

Features of Viking Swords

Viking swords were known as single-handed weapons that featured a wide fuller that reached all the way down the blade’s length. The weapons during the Viking era were commonly double-edged which only meant that these blades had extremely sharp edges.

The Viking blades would range from sixty to ninety centimeters in length but the most common size would range from seventy to eighty centimeters; yet during the late Viking period, these started to measure as long as a hundred centimeters in total.

As for its width, these would typically measure around four to six centimeters wide; the pommel and hilt contributed adequate weight to properly balance the weapon’s blade to the Viking sword. The hilts of these weapons usually featured a cocked or lobed hat pommel adorned with an inlay.

The Viking sword was thoroughly utilized during its lifetime since most of the warriors then preferred the blade over other types of tools during the Viking era. Its balance was very extraordinary so it became an extension of the wielder’s arm which allowed them to execute cutting or slashing moves that are effective against enemies.

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The tip of the blade comes off as rounded instead of it appearing acute; this is seen on numerous historical Viking swords since a rounded point is considered to be stronger compared to an acute one. Yet despite this, a rounded tip is also no less effective when it comes to thrusting or stabbing a target.

For the Viking swords, the shape and size of its hilt was not the only part that varied when creating the weapons; the construction and details also differed depending on the person wielding the blade. The hilts of these swords usually featured an upper guard accompanying the pommel yet there are some instances when the two portions were formed as a single piece.

The grips of these swords were also made up of a variety of elements that ranged from simple wood wrapped in leather to elaborately adorned grips that were wound with wires that are made from precious metals; these can also be concealed with embossed plates of beautiful metals.

Since the weapon’s grips were generally created out of organic materials, a few of the Viking swords have kept their original handles.

How the Viking Sword was Used

Based on records, some of the fighters in history utilized their Viking swords with two hands, yet the grips of Viking swords that survived time were not long enough to be gripped with both hands.

There was enough space for a single hand but not for two; this is the reason why it is unclear how a weapon with a very short grip can effectively accommodate two hands when wielding.

Viking Swords for Sale

The Vikings became legends and so did their blades; the Viking sword is probably among the most famous and sought after medieval blades of all time and this was due to the weapon’s durability and excellence when utilized in battles.

Not only did these Viking swords feature a uniquely distinct appearance, but these also exhibited an outstanding design that provided its wielder excellent balance and form.

There are various online shops today that have revived and are selling numerous Viking swords, and this is to allow sword enthusiasts and collectors to experience this historic replica which they can utilize for target training or for decorative purposes.

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