When people think of Vikings, they imagine a fearless warrior Viking axe carrying a sharp sword. However, these fearless men also used axes as weapons.
The other side of Mammen’s axe shows a bird motif, which could be the Gullinkambi rooster or the Phoenix. Both of these symbols belong to pagan and Christian mythology.
Axes with a wrapped haft
Axes were an everyday part of life for the Vikings. They were used as tools for construction, but could also be deadly weapons in battle. Some axes had hafts that were made of wood and others had steel hafts. These axes were forged in such a way that they were very durable and could stand up to great pressure. They also had a unique design that made them easy to hold and use.
The axes found in Viking graves have many different kinds of decorations on them. The axe from the magnate grave in Mammen, Jutland, is decorated with silver inlay, while the axe from Over Hornbaek has inlaid copper inlay in patterns that form an animal figure. In addition, there are several axes with decorated ferrules. Six such axes have been found in Norway (C 24243, C 25583, C 27132, C 29866, C 57235, and C 58882). The axe from Langeid has a rectangular plate that is 0.5 mm thick and is nailed to the shaft with 12 brass nails.
The head of a viking axe was designed to fit the haft tightly. This ensured that the axe head would not fall off easily. The axes had a narrow eye and a blunt tip, which made them very effective cutting weapons. The axe haft was made of a heavy timber such as linden, oak, or alder. The haft was also wrapped with leather or metal.
In a period when almost everything was constructed from wood, it is no surprise that axes were such a common weapon. But even though Viking warriors were well-equipped with a variety of weapons, the axe was perhaps their most lethal tool. A recently reconstructed broad axe from Langeid, southern Norway, confirms this. Facing a well-trained Viking warrior with an axe was like looking death straight in the face.
The axe head was sharp, and the pointed “horns” at either end were kept sharp as well. These could be used to slash the enemy or as a spear point. These horns were especially lethal because they could penetrate much more deeply than the sharp points of a sword or a spear. The axe horns could split skulls or snag men off their horses.
Axes with a shattered head
The axe was an important weapon in the Viking Age. It was used for wood-working, chopping, and in battle. Axes were made from different metals, but most were iron. Some axes had sharp edges and were dangerous to hold. Others were not sharp and were easier to handle. Axes meant for combat had longer hafts than farm axes. They were also lighter and more balanced. Some axes had a beard on the head that could be used to hook an enemy’s shield or weapon. This was a great advantage in combat.
Axes were forged in a forge, which is similar to a furnace. The axes were heated to about 850 degrees Celsius, then cooled slowly in water. This process is called annealing, which removes the inner stresses in the steel. After annealing, the axes were normalized, which is a process that makes the axe stronger. It was then hardened, which created a harder and more durable edge. The axes were then decorated with symbols of the gods or warriors. The axe from Mammen, for example, was decorated on every flat surface with inlays of gold and silver.
Some axes were wrapped with iron or other materials to reduce the risk that they would break when used to parry edged weapons. These axes were known as vafinskepta or “wrapped axe.” Brennu-Njals saga tells of Hrappr Orgumleidason’s axe with a wrapped shaft that he used to cut Asvardr in two.
In some cases, axes were used as ceremonial weapons, and were buried with the dead. Some Vikings even wore axes on their shoulders during funeral ceremonies. These axes were known as cross axes, and had partially solid heads with a cross motif. They date from the Late Viking Period and may be an indication of Christianity’s influence during this time.
To get your axe to swing right, start by looking at the belly of the haft. The belly is the longest part of the haft, and should have a smooth grain with no signs of knots or degradation. It should be slightly bowing, as this will help you keep the axe in a comfortable position.
Axes with a missing head
Vikings were notorious for their brutality, but they were also capable of incredible craftsmanship. This 10th Century Gotland Viking Cross Axe demonstrates the quality of their weapons. It has a curved blade with an eye-catching cross shaped cut out, and is screwed onto a full length knobbed wooden haft. This allows you to swing it farther, which is important for cleaving materials. This axe is perfect for anyone who wants to add a touch of Norse culture to their home or office.
The Viking axe was a versatile weapon that could be used for both combat and farming. Unlike a sword, an axe required less skill to make, and it used much cheaper iron and steel. This made the axe affordable and available to even the poorest Norseman. The axe was a popular choice for the Vikings because it was easier to use than a spear or a sword and had more power than a maul.
Several different types of axes were in use during the Viking age, including the Dane axe and the bearded axe. These axes had a pointed "horn" on each end, which could be used to hook an enemy's weapon or shield. This feature was also useful for slashing attacks. The horns were usually sharp, but they could be dulled with a stone to reduce their danger.
Axe hafts were sometimes wrapped with metal to reduce the chance that they would break when they were used to parry edged weapons or when they were stressed. For example, in Brennu-Njals saga (chapter 87), Hrappr Orgumleidason carried an axe with a wrapped shaft. He used it to sever the backbone of Asvardr, the man charged with protecting Gudrun, whom Hrappr was trying to seduce.
Many axes were decorated with inlays of precious metals, particularly silver and gold. For example, the axe head from a magnate's grave at Mammen in Jutland was decorated with silver inlay on every flat surface. This suggests that the axe was of high status.
Some axes had a short haft and could be hidden under a shield, as described in the Fostbraedra saga chapter 12. In this battle, Thorgeirr hid his axe behind his shield and stabbed Snorri through the throat with it.
Axes with a broken haft
Vikings are known for their brutality, but they were also capable of incredible craftsmanship. This axe from Gotland features an eye-catching cross-shaped cut out and a long knobbed wooden haft. The axe head is screwed onto the full length of the haft, giving it an added sense of power and momentum. This axe is perfect for those looking to add a touch of Viking style to their home.
The axe was a multi-purpose weapon that could be used for both combat and wood-working. Its long haft allowed it to be wielded with one hand, allowing its user to hook an enemy’s shield or weapon with it. Its sharp axehead was often used to puncture or cut into an opponent’s flesh. It was also used to cut through wood or bone for crafting. The axe also had a curved blade, which made it ideal for cleaving materials.
Axe hafts were often twisted and bent to increase their strength, as shown in the historical axe in the photo above. The hafts were also sometimes carved with various motifs, such as the Christian tree of life (Yggdrasil) and pagan rune symbols. A surviving axe from the grave of Mammen magnate shows that these axes were incredibly elaborate, with intricate silver inlays on every flat surface.
Some axes had shorter hafts, which were easier to hide. For example, a warrior might use an axe to hold in reserve behind a shield, as described in chapter 12 of Fostbraedra saga. The axe could then be deployed to stab or cut through the spear shaft of an opponent. This move was especially effective because the axe horn spread wider than a sword or spear point.
In addition, an axe could be hooked over the top of another weapon or shield to pull it away for attack or to disarm an opponent. This is depicted in the illustration below, which is based on a historical axe from well after the Viking Age.
Axes could also be hooked over body parts, such as the neck, to compel an opponent to move in a direction that he didn’t want to go. This trick is depicted in chapter 22 of Sturlu saga.
