Viking weapons - Info pack

Viking warriors are famed for their use of formidable weapons and armour during the era of their invasions and battles. They wielded long swords and axes with great skill, and such weapons were often treasured family heirlooms, passed down through generations and even buried with their owners. While some Viking leaders were protected by chain mail armour, the majority relied on round wooden shields for defence. A unique group of warriors, known as "berserkers," believed they were endowed with divine powers by Odin, the war god, and therefore entered battles without armour, wearing only wolf or bear skins. Viking raids, such as the infamous attack on Lindisfarne, began with small fleets and took advantage of the English lack of naval defences, but soon escalated as larger groups of armed Vikings launched more substantial assaults on Britain.

The Vikings' battle gear included helmets crafted from leather or iron, designed to shield the head, with some featuring a nose protector or cheek flaps lined with fur. Contrary to popular myth, real Viking helmets were hornless. In terms of body armour, the elite, such as chiefs, donned chain mail made from interlocked metal rings. Axes were a common weapon among Viking warriors, with some axes being ornately decorated to display status. Swords were also prevalent, often with leather grips and sometimes bearing unique names. Shields were not only used in combat but also adorned Viking longships, often painted with distinctive patterns. In terms of attire, Vikings wore trousers and under-tunics dyed with plant extracts for warmth, and they crafted durable leather shoes, sometimes reinforced with hobnails, to withstand their rigorous lifestyle.