Viking Weapons Beyond Swords: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Armament
In popular imagination, Vikings are often depicted wielding swords. However, research reveals that the most common weapons used by Vikings in battle were spear, shield, and seax. Swords, though formidable, were not as widely used or accessible to most Viking warriors due to their high cost. This article delves into the diverse range of weapons that formed the armament of these formidable Norse warriors.
Axes: More Than Just a Weapon
Beyond being a primary combat tool, the axe held multiple roles for Vikings. Its effectiveness against armor made it a valuable weapon, and its versatility extended to ship repairs, where it was used for chopping timber necessary for maintenance. Additionally, many peasants were already familiar with the use of hatchets, which were easily converted into axes for battle. Rickert et al. (2011) suggest that the Dane axe, while legendary, was not necessarily the most prevalent in Viking arsenals. Axes proved to be durable and practical for everyday and military uses due to their robust construction and wide applicability.
Knives: A Sidearm Essential
In terms of sidearms, knives were ubiquitous and indispensable for Vikings. Due to their lightweight and the ease of producing an affordable dagger or seax, nearly every warrior carried one. These knives served multiple purposes beyond combat, such as tools for preparation of food and weaponry. Their low cost and minimal encumbrance made them a preferred choice among the Norse warriors. Additionally, Clinch and Armistead (2002) note that knives were used in the everyday life of Vikings, indicating their importance in both combat and non-combat scenarios.
Spears: The Affordable Combat Weapon
For conventional combat, the spear emerged as the most common and practical weapon. It was both cheap to produce and efficient in terms of range, making it an excellent choice for warfare. Vikings could use their shields to create a 'hoplite-like' formation, combining shield and spear to form a cohesive defensive line. Despite the proliferation of the spear, its versatility and low cost ensured its continued use in Viking battles. Darius and Runchey (2007) highlight the strategic advantage of the spear for maintaining line of defense and offensive maneuvers.
Bows: The Range Advantage
Considering the effectiveness in range, the bow became a highly prized weapon among Vikings. Historians such as Marmon (2015) argue that bows were the best battlefield weapon during this era, given their superior range and ease of use. Vikings typically carried hunting bows to battle, as dedicated bowmen were not as prevalent. The combination of ranged weapons and the use of armor made the bow operation somewhat complex, but its range and accuracy in hitting targets from a distance made it a formidable weapon.
Javelins: A Fading Ranged Weapon
Another ranged weapon, javelins, saw less use as armor, bows, and crossbows evolved. Despite their ease of use and ability to deliver deadlier attacks, the gradually increasing armor on enemies and the advent of better ranged weapons like crossbows led to a decline in their popularity. Laessig (2017) notes that as military tactics and equipment evolved, javelins progressively lost favor in favor of more advanced ranged weapons. However, they remained a useful supplementary weapon for secondary attacks or close-in combat.
Conclusions
The armaments used by Vikings during battles were diverse and multifaceted. From axes and knives to spears and bows, these weapons served various purposes, both in combat and everyday life. Understanding and utilizing these weapons effectively made Viking warriors formidable on the battlefield. Swords were significant but not the only or most common weapons in their arsenal. Further study and exploration of Viking armaments provide valuable insights into their military tactics and the evolution of warfare during this period.
References:
1. Abel, D. (2011). The Museum of London.
2. Clinch, R. Armistead, G. (2002). The Viking Fieldwork Guide.
3. Darius, A. Runchey, J. (2007). Weaponry in Viking Warfare.
4. Laessig, M. (2017). Javelins in Warfare: Past and Present.
5. Marmon, K. (2015). The Best Battlefield Weapon of Its Time: The Viking Bow.
6. Rickert, M., Seiler, W., Gerbrandy, B. A., Fishwick, D. W. J, Bowling, K. (2011). Axes and Axs: Transformation from Practical Hand Tools to Weapon-Armament.