Swords

Swords were a special weapon for both Vikings and Saxons and were carried by the more important Saxon thanes and Viking jarls. These were equivalent to what we know more commonly as earls or barons. Swords were so important that they were given names and handed down from father to son. The swords were in general around three feet in length, double-edged and slightly rounded at the tip.

The hilt of the sword was made up from the pommel, the grip and the cross-guard. The grip was made from wood or bone and could be covered with leather to provide better purchase. The grip was short being long enough for just one hand as these weapons were single-handed. Early swords used by the Vikings and Saxons may not have had a cross-guard. These were added later on in the period. The cross-guard protected the hand and was usually straight (known as quillons) or curved slightly towards the blade.

Traces of ornamentaion have been found on swords from this period befitting their importance. Ornamentation could have included inlays of gold and silver or settings of precious stones.

	This Viking sword has a lobated pommel meaning the pommel has several lobes in its design. The cross-guard is slighly curved towards the blade. Click the image to see the sword in more detail. Used By Stabbing Slashing Crushing Vikings & Saxons 2 6 -   Defense Weight Req. Strength Req. Skill - 3 2 3
	Wording to come. Used By Stabbing Slashing Crushing Vikings & Saxons 2 6 -   Defense Weight Req. Strength Req. Skill - 3 2 3

Shields

The shields used both by the Vikings and Saxons were similar at this time. Made from wood and circular in shape. Beowulf said the shields were constructed from the wood of the linden tree otherwise known as the lime tree. The shield was not flat but concave in shape. At the centre of the shield was placed an umbo. This metal boss covered a hole at the centre of the shield where a wooden handle was positioned to be used as a grip. The umbo could be used as a weapon doing some crushing or stabbing damage depending on its shape. The edge of the shield was protected by a ring of metal which again could be used as a simple weapon.

	Shields were commonly covered with leather and painted with geometric designs. Used By Stabbing Slashing Crushing Vikings 1 1 1   Defense Weight Req. Strength Req. Skill 2 2 2 2
	Knotwork designs were used as decoration on many Viking ornaments and this included their weapons and shields. Used By Stabbing Slashing Crushing Vikings 1 1 1   Defense Weight Req. Strength Req. Skill 2 2 2 2

Axes

In northern Europe around the Scandinavian area the axe was used not only for felling trees and killing oxen but used as an effective weapon in battle. In the ninth and tenth centuries the Vikings brought this weapon with them to Britain during their many raids. The axe blade was shaped with horns and was sharpened so it could cut through the limited armour that warriors wore at that time. The axe could be held and wielded with one hand leaving the other hand free to hold a shield. The most popular wood that was used for the haft (handle) was from the ash tree.

Viking axe heads varied in side and shape.

	An example of a Viking axe with the smaller head. This is highly decorated with knotwork designs. Used By Stabbing Slashing Crushing Vikings - 8 -   Defense Weight Req. Strength Req. Skill - 2 2 2
	A variety of Viking axe with a large blade. Used By Stabbing Slashing Crushing Vikings - 10 -   Defense Weight Req. Strength Req. Skill - 2 2 2