Viking sword
| Viking sword. | |
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 Viking swords displayed at the Wikingermuseum in Hedeby. |
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| Type | Sword |
| Service history | |
| In service | 732–1066 AD |
| Used by | Norse & various Europeans |
| Production history | |
| Produced | 732–1066 AD |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | avg. 1.1 kg (2.5 lb) |
| Length | 91–100 cm (36–39 in) |
| length | avg. 74 cm (29 in) |
| Width | 5 cm (2 in) |
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The Viking sword was the primary weapon of the viking and main type of sword used in North Western Europe during the Viking Age. Although called "Viking sword", this style of sword was not exclusively limited to Vikings and was used by other people.
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Morphology [edit]
The Viking sword was the primary weapon of the Viking. It was a development of the Roman spatha,[citation needed] evolving out of the Migration Period sword in the 8th century,[citation needed] and into the classical knightly sword in the 11th century[citation needed] with the emergence of larger cross-guards. The Viking swords were pattern welded which gave the blade extra strength as the core was made of springy iron and edge of hard steel. Of particular note is the "Ulfberht" subset, which used steel of higher purity and carbon content than its peers in the region and was possibly imported in ingot form from the middle or far east.[citation needed]
Blade length varied from 28 to 33 inches.[1] Early examples have single, deep, wide fullers running the full length of the blade.[1] Later examples have multiple narrow fullers.[1] A fuller reduces the weight of the blade without compromising the strength.[citation needed] This weight reduction would allow the wielder to swing faster and harder strokes.[citation needed] An additional effect of the fuller is to prevent the blade from making a snug fit inside an enemy it has been thrust into.[citation needed] A partial vacuum is less likely to be formed, making the blade easier to withdraw.[citation needed] Later swords also had more tapered points for increased effectiveness against chain mail.[citation needed]
All have short single-handed hilts with pyramid, lobed or cocked-hat style pommels. Pommels were made of iron and were heavier than on the earlier Migration Period sword, acting to counterweight the blade.[1]
See also [edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Viking swords |
Notes [edit]
External links [edit]
- Wiglaf's Weapon Widget Database of Viking swords.
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