VIKINGS

Weapons and Armour
The Vikings fought with swords, axes, spears and bows and arrows. Viking warriors wore fighting helmet made from leather or iron. It is often thought that a Viking helmets had two horns on top however the helmet used for raids and in battle did not have horns.

Horned helmets were only used for display and in religious ceremonies. Viking swords were made of iron. The sword is measured about 90cm in length the sword handle was decorated with gold and silver. The Vikings even gave names to their swords e.g. Head Biter, Hole maker.

The Vikings used bow and arrows for hunting and also for battle. Bow and arrows allowed the Vikings to attack the enemy from a distance. In large battles, the Viking bowmen stood behind the other warriors and fired their arrows into the enemy by aiming high and letting the arrows fall onto the enemy from above.

Spears were also used by the Vikings. The spears were thrown and also held and used for stabbing the enemy. When fighting, the Vikings protected themselves with round shields made from wood with a metal boss in the centre. The Viking shield was lightweight and held by a leather handgrip. The shield, especially the metal boss, could be used to hit the opponent in a fight.

Some Vikings wore a coat of mail. This was a vest made of flexible small metal links. This would give some protection against blows from swords or arrows. Only the richest Vikings wore coats of mail because they were so expensive to make and buy.

QUIZ TIME

• What were Horned helmets used for?
• How long would a sword be?
• What's the centre of the shield called?
• What is a vest made of metal links called?

ANSWERS

• Display and for religious ceremoines.
• About 90cm.
• A boss.
• Mail.

ANY QUESTIONS