By means of archaeological proof, we are able to learn more concerning the evolution of your Norse battle axe plus the effect it had on Viking overcome ways.
With its lengthy shaft, wielded in both equally hands, its iron head and sharp edge, it was formidable certainly – cleaving heads and bodies at one blow. But what was it really like?
This post will give a check out many axe types plus the function they'd within the Viking kingdom. Join us on this journey as we understand the Viking tomahawk, the battle-Prepared Viking battle axe, the strong Dane axe, and also the bearded axes.
The Vikings utilised axes in battle mainly because they ended up far more reasonably priced and obtainable than swords. Axes may be utilized on and off the battlefield, used significantly less iron than swords, and had been equally as lethal as other weapons.
Medieval warriors and his weapons. Labels with vikings. Set isolate on white Medieval warriors and his weapons. Labels with vikings. Set isolate on white. Vector warrior weapon, viking in helmet, sword and ax illustration viking axe inventory illustrations
According to the Construct, a hand axe is a lot more suited to cutting Wooden than a lengthy one particular. Nowadays, plenty of suppliers have axes in inventory. With a head of metal in addition to a handle or American hickory or any similar configuration, try to be perfectly in your way!
The bearded axe was predominantly utilised like a weapon, the two on land and at sea. It had been effective for chopping, slashing, hooking, and pulling. It is also thrown being a missile or utilized for a tool for woodwork or shipbuilding.
Very long, slim blades: Numerous Viking axes had long, slim blades which were perfect for slashing and stabbing.
viking putting on horned helmet with a black history - viking axe inventory shots, royalty-free photos & images
The Vikings also extra specialised characteristics for instance a spike on the back of your axe head, used for thrusting and hooking enemy shields. These modifications authorized the Vikings to use their battle axes in a number of methods, producing them one of the most multipurpose weapons of their time.
These could have already been dropped in to the river as sacred deposits, or misplaced at time of Cnut’s attacks on London in the early 1000s.
An axe hanging a horse while in the Bayeux Tapestry Axes may be Employed in other means. One particular intriguing reference reveals how an axe was utilized to benefit:
This was a lot more like an axe of Christianity – the cross, or possibly a crusader axe. The head of cross axe was trimmed hollow from inside of to produce a (T formed) Holy Cross. The cross axe has a lengthy haft that can achieve nearly 2 meters in duration.
The blade hunting knife alone was fairly mild and forged pretty slim, making it wonderful for chopping. The thickness of the human body on best the sting is as skinny as two mm (0.079 in). A lot of of these axes were being made with a bolstered little bit, normally of an increased carbon steel to aid a tougher, sharper edge.