How much do we know about those fierce warriors who terrified much of Europe? Most of us draw conclusions about the occupation of these sea robbers, relying only on popular TV shows and films. But in order to fully understand their values and worldview, it is important to know information not only about the glorious battles, from which the Vikings almost always emerged victorious, but about the weapons that help them in battles.
History of the Viking battle axes
At the moment, it is known that axes were in the military arsenal, as a rule, of the less wealthy Vikings. After all, initially they used such axes as tools to create a variety of household products from wood. The social position and status of the Normans was largely determined by the weapons that a warrior could afford. So, the sword stood at the top of this hierarchy, because with its help the Viking emphasized his own security and good material wealth. Immediately behind the sword were all other types of weapons, be it a spear, an ax, or a bow. It is worth noting that despite the status, the spear was most often the main weapon in the hands of an ordinary Viking. After all, a sword is not just a beautiful toy, which emphasizes a social position. They need to be able to use, to master military equipment perfectly.
The ax, in comparison with the sword, is less difficult to use, but also requires knowledge and honed skills from the owner. The spear was the easiest to use, therefore it was this type of weapon that was most often found in the hands of the average warrior. So the widespread belief that the ax was the main weapon in the hands of the Normans is nothing more than a myth.
If the sword emphasized the high class of the warrior, then the ax is the diametrically opposite. Thus, if the Viking preferred the ax to the sword, then, most likely, this person was an ordinary worker who owns only a small household. Also, the ax was actively used by shipbuilders. They made and repaired "drakkars" (Viking ships). This profession was very important and necessary, and shipbuilders were highly regarded by society.
Naturally, there were exceptions, because there were such Vikings for whom the ax was the most valuable and main weapon in battle, while they occupied a fairly high social status, owned large tracts of land. It is worth saying that such a decision was quite adventurous on the part of the soldiers. After all, as a rule, the weapon was clasped with two hands, which excluded the possibility of using a shield. Consequently, a Viking who prefers to use an ax in battle was in greater danger than a Viking who prefers a sword. So, in order to avoid a bad end, the warrior who chose the ax as his main weapon paid great attention to defense training.
Later, this type of weapon was greatly modified. Special axes began to appear, which were intended exclusively for battles. The handle of the ax was no longer as wide and massive, and the blade was forged thinner, which made the ax lighter and easier to use than its old version.
Types of axes
At the moment, researchers know only two of the most popular types of axes used by the Vikings:
Bearded / Bearded Ax (Skeggox)
The name of the ax comes from the Scandinavian word “skeggox”, where “skegg” is a beard and “ox” is an ax. This type of weapon has been used since about the seventh century. The shape of the ax had a downward-pointing blade (apparently, that is why it was “bearded”). The ax could be used not only as a chopping, but also as a cutting object, which made it possible to use it in different ways during the battle. The handle of the ax was quite short, and the blade was narrow. The weight of the ax was small, about five hundred grams. Such an ax was most often used by the Vikings, who rely on speed and dexterity, rather than strength. However, it cannot be said that he weakly pierced armor. The wounds inflicted by this type of weapon, as a rule, could not be completely healed, only in very rare cases did such wounds heal.
Most often, bearded axes were used in forest battles when it was necessary to quickly injure the enemy. Such axes were worn in special leather cases, behind a belt. A bearded ax is a pretty good choice for a warrior. He combines the most beneficial qualities that are so highly valued in combat, when the life of a Viking depends on the decision made. Its properties, such as lightness and at the same time penetrating power, create an additional opportunity for "scope", which is so important in battle. Later, such axes spread and gained great popularity in Russia. Moreover, the ancient Russian axes, in contrast to the weapons of the Vikings, were two-handed, double-sided and double-edged, which made them more versatile. The Slavic warrior often made such an ax himself according to the sketches of his comrades in arms, which were passed from hand to hand.
Danish Ax / Brodex
Quite a frightening and formidable weapon. To use such a unique ax, it was necessary to possess a very large and complex technical base, but this is only a small part of what was required of a warrior. As a rule, this ax was owned by the Vikings, who have a large physical mass, because the weapon reached a length of two to three meters and weighed up to one and a half kilograms. With such an ax, blows were inflicted "to defeat", that is, made with one swing. Only in case of a bad hit did the enemy manage to survive. But real warriors rarely missed, because from an early age the Vikings were taught by their fathers the art of using an ax.
Also, the Danish ax was used as a cunning means of weakening the enemy, because when a blow was applied to the shield, the ax got stuck in it, thereby creating an additional load. Thus, the enemy either instantly got rid of the means of defense, or continued the battle with the enemy's ax in the shield. All this made him slow down in his actions and lose physical strength in battle. After a while, the enemy became easy prey for the Viking.
However, such a significant disadvantage as a very low ability to defend is a weak point and Achilles' heel for any Norman wielding a Danish ax. After all, he was a rather heavy and voluminous weapon that was difficult to maneuver in conditions of tough confrontation. However, later brodex began to be used in European states to protect borders from enemy raids.
Often, the Vikings carved drawings on the Danish ax, which reminded them of their home, family and main values in life. Some especially creative Normans themselves made this type of edged weapon. No wonder in Scandinavian mythology it was believed that only a homemade ax can bring success in battle. Therefore, many Vikings tried to create it on their own. However, at that time only the most skilled craftsmen could make an ax, who were familiar with old military weapons, knew how to work with a blade and apply unusual patterns on the handle. Sometimes the manufacture of an ax was entrusted to a specially trained master blacksmith, who was familiar with various types of axes, knew their typology and could easily make military weapons decorated with a beautiful pendant. Moreover, especially for the Vikings, craftsmen also often made pendants on which mini-copies of their axes were placed.
A battle ax from a spiritual perspective
An ax for the Vikings is a rather dark and dark weapon. They very often described it as something otherworldly. By the way, there were certain types of axes that were used strictly in ritual processions and ceremonies. It is a known fact that the Vikings, as a rule, were pagans, and, in addition to the gods, they also worshiped the forces of nature, which gave them combat strength.
Thus, the warriors had the custom to call their axes the female names of the goddesses or some natural phenomenon. Among the most common names is the name Hel, inherent in the goddess of death. The Vikings believed that a weapon with this name would certainly cause damage to the enemy army. In addition, they often hung this type of weapon over the door. The Normans were convinced that the ax would protect their home from evil spirits and deliver unwanted guests.
When the Vikings went into battle with axes, they often sang battle chants and old songs, and also told scary stories about thugs. All this returned them to ancient martial traditions and motivated them to a successful battle. In addition, many Vikings had tattoos, which often featured Celtic hieroglyphs, family axes, or ancient deities.
