Viking warriors, renowned for their fearsome presence on the battlefield, left their mark on European history thanks to their fighting prowess and military techniques. But what weapons did they use and how did they handle them? In this article, we take a closer look at the various Viking weapons and their uses, to better understand their art of warfare.
The Viking sword, the weapon of the Nordic warrior
What were the characteristics of the Viking sword?
The sword was the most prestigious and emblematic weapon of the Viking warrior. Often handed down from generation to generation, it featured a straight, double-edged blade and a handle designed for a one-handed grip. Viking swords were generally adorned with intricate designs and engravings, reflecting their owner’s social status.
When was the sword used?
Warriors used their swords to strike and slice their opponents in close combat. Sword-fighting techniques included vertical and horizontal thrusts, as well as swift thrusts aimed at weak points in the enemy’s armor or least protected body parts.
The Viking axe, the warrior’s weapon of choice
What were the characteristics of the Viking axe?
The axe was undoubtedly the most common and versatile of Viking weapons. Warriors used them in combat as well as for everyday tasks. Viking axes feature a broad, curved blade and a wooden handle of varying length. Battle axes were often lighter and more maneuverable than those used for everyday work.
Why did the Vikings use axes?
Axes were often used to inflict powerful cutting blows and break through enemy shields. Warriors could also throw axes over short distances to surprise their opponents. Axe-fighting techniques included circular blows, downward thrusts and feints to deceive the enemy and exploit his mistakes.
The Viking spear, the throwing weapon
What are the characteristics of the Viking spear?
The spear was another common Viking weapon, used for both hunting and fighting. It consisted of a long wooden shaft topped by an iron or steel point. Viking spears varied in length, some measuring up to 3 meters.
Why did the Vikings use Viking spears?
Viking warriors could use the spear to keep their enemies at a distance, wielding it with both hands, or to launch swift, precise attacks by hurling it at their opponents. Spear-fighting techniques included thrusts, parries to deflect enemy attacks and feints to deceive opponents and create openings. In addition, Viking warriors could use spears in close formation, offering solid defense and significant striking power.
The Viking bow and arrow, a formidable weapon.
What were the characteristics of Viking bows?
The Vikings were also formidable archers. They mainly used longbows made from yew wood and gut strings. Viking arrows were generally designed with iron or bone points and feathers to stabilize their flight.
What were they used for?
Viking archers played an important role on the battlefield, harassing and weakening the enemy from a distance before warriors equipped with melee weapons could spring into action. Viking archers were able to shoot quickly and accurately, inflicting heavy losses on enemy forces. They used a variety of tactics, such as bell-shooting to reach enemies behind obstacles, or direct fire to aim at specific targets.
The Viking Shield
Viking shield features
The shield was an essential part of the Viking warrior’s kit. Shields were generally round and made of wood, reinforced with leather and metal strapping around the edges. A central metal umbo protected the wearer’s hand. Viking shields could be painted and decorated with geometric patterns or protective symbols.
Viking shield use
Vikings used their shields to protect themselves from enemy attacks and to parry blows in close combat. Warriors could also use their shields as an offensive weapon, striking blows with the shield to unbalance and injure the enemy. Shields were sometimes used in formation, creating a protective wall known as a “shield wall” for safe progress across the battlefield.
The Samurai Katana: Japanese Swordsmithing Compared with Viking Weapons
While Norse warfare shaped Northern Europe, elsewhere in the world the Japanese samurai sword—the katana—evolved as a masterclass in Japanese swordsmithing. Forged from tamahagane and refined through folding and differential hardening (the clay-tempering that creates the visible hamon), the katana’s curved, single-edged blade is engineered for fast draw-cuts, superb balance, and reliable edge retention. Worn with a wakizashi as the daishō, it was central to kenjutsu practice and the bushidō code, much as the Viking sword, axe, spear, bow, and shield expressed Norse martial culture. This contrast highlights different approaches to blade geometry, forging techniques, and battlefield tactics—from the hewing power of a Viking axe to the cutting efficiency of a katana. If you want to explore this tradition further, you can discover authentic Japanese katana (samurai swords) and a buyer’s guide here: discover authentic Japanese katana
In conclusion, Viking weapons were diverse and adapted to different combat situations. From prestigious swords to versatile axes, spears, bows and shields, each Viking warrior chose and mastered the weapons that best suited his fighting style and role on the battlefield. This diversity of weapons and tactics helped make the Vikings a feared and respected force throughout medieval Europe.