Viking warriors were adept at close-quarter combat and used all their weapons skillfully. Most Viking warriors could only afford the most basic weapons and armor. Shields were the most common defense mechanism; they could deflect weapons, but were also used to thrust at the enemy. Spears also had a double purpose, but Vikings preferred to use them to stab rather than throw at the enemy. Swords were crafted to be flexible and were more favored than axes, the tool most frequently shown with Viking warriors. But swords, as well as chain mail and helmets, were expensive and used only by the few who could afford them.
1. Helmet
The Viking helmet was made of leather or iron and, despite the popular myth, did not have horns. Since the Vikings had difficulty in mass-producing metal helmets, only the elite could afford to buy them. Metal helmets had nose guards or goggle-like protection for the eyes or chain mail to protect the neck.
2. Sword
Swords, the most prized weapon of the Viking warrior, were often given names by their owners such as Gleam of Battle. Vikings used their swords like an axe, to strike rather than thrust at the enemy. These double-edged swords weighed about four lbs and were about three feet long. They were made strong and flexible through pattern welding, a forging technique in which strips of iron are twisted together, then hammered out and polished smooth.
3. Axe
The axe with its long wooden handle was built for heavy blows designed to split shields or limbs. Battleaxes were very similar to agricultural axes, but axeheads with "bearded" or elongated blades were developed specifically for use in battle.
4. Spear
There were two types of Viking spears: a longer and heavier spear used to thrust at an enemy, and a shorter spear thrown from a distance. The ironhead of the spears was pattern welded with sharp edges and point.
5. Chain Mail
Brynja, or chain mail, acted as armor to protect the body. Since it was difficult to manufacture, only chieftains or professional warriors wore them. Most Viking warriors wore padded leather coats over a wool or linen tunic.
6. Shield
The shield, a Viking warrior's main defense against all forms of attacks, is one item that every Viking warrior had -- sometimes more than one. Shields were round, about three feet in diameter, made of wood and trimmed with leather. They were brightly colored in red or yellow, and had a round metal knob at the center that protected the warrior's hand.
© 2003 Educational Broadcasting Corporation. All Rights Reserved.