Vikings, the natives of three Scandinavian countries, Sweden, Norway and Denmark were known to be so strong and wrathful that the public and the rulers both, feared and respected them. Since the Vikings were highly skilled in weaponry and armor such as the
Viking Shield, they went largely unopposed throughout history from 700 AD to 100 AD. The Article below focuses on the armaments they used for their protection which ultimately led to the Viking power remaining unchallenged.
Viking Armor
The Vikings infamous for wrecking havoc across the coastline in the Viking age were highly regarded warriors because of their devious and ruthless tactics. Their schemes had the whole nation scared and the rulers biting their nails out of frustration as they struggled to tackle this adversary.
Yet, the Vikings were smart enough to know that the only chance of survival in their ferocious way of life is to protect themselves properly through Viking shields, armor, and helmets.
Their armor was skillfully crafted out of tightly stuffed leather. This stuffing provided protection against edged weapons. Hence, it was often worn into the battlefield. The second favorite form of the armor was the chainmail made up of iron. However, in that period, the demand for Iron was very high which made it very expensive. Hence, the chainmail was a luxury reserved for the wealthy.
Viking Helmet
Even though today, a Viking helmet is seen as the most crucial part of their identity due to their depiction in movies and dramas. In reality, not all the Vikings wore them. However, some did opt for them for the added protection in close quarter combat.
The construction of the helmet was very simple; it was bowl-shaped and a metal nose guard protruded from its center.
Moreover, there is a popular belief set by the media that the Viking helmets had horns. However, there is little to no evidence that proves this notion. Horns gave very little added protection and instead was more of a weakness as the enemy could grab hold of it during the battle. The merciless Vikings left no room for impracticality.
The Viking shield has a very interesting history. Though only a few examples have survived throughout history. This is why the historians are still under debate about the actual construction method of the shield.
However, some highly treasured artifacts were discovered which answered some questions. Charging into battle, a Viking shield was a must for the Vikings. The shield was typically round with an average diameter of 30-35 inches. They were usually made from solid rammed planks consisting of spruce and pine. The warriors also often customized their shield themselves to match their fighting style. Vikings made sure that the shield was neither too small or too big, as it would either render the warrior too exposed or slow down his speed.
The Vikings were not just brutes as many people think of them but very capable and versatile warriors. They were highly skilled craftsmen who produced stunning pieces of armaments for their protection. If you too share the fascination for the Viking weaponry and armor, visit
SwordsSwords.com
