Until the year 1050 AD, the Vikings and their raiders made extensive use of historical viking axes. While prehistoric man relied largely on wood for everything, the Vikings adapted to using iron objects. A great example of this is the Mammen axe, which displays a bird motif. This motif represents either a rooster or a phoenix, which are symbols of both Christian and Norse mythology.
The horns of Viking axes were used both offensively and defensively. The axe horns, which are much wider than the Viking axes points of a sword or spear, slashing enemies in the throat. This creates an exceptionally vicious wound when stabbed. This is why many Viking stories feature the use of axes with horns, such as the one attributed to Kolbeinn.
The historical Viking axe was not an expensive armament. However, it was extremely effective as a woodworking tool and a weapon in close combat. Because the Vikings could not afford swords, they used this weapon as a cheap alternative. Despite the axe's low price, every Viking owned an axe. Not only did the axe allow them to do their daily tasks, but the axe was deadly in combat. Skilled warriors could rip apart a shield with an axe, taking it down in close combat. As the Vikings gained wealth, they began to use swords and shields instead.
Axes are a great way to commemorate a loved one. These axes feature intricately carved designs that are true to life. You can even purchase replicas of Viking axes from online stores. Just make sure that you are patient enough to wait a few weeks for your axe to arrive. If you are patient and don't mind waiting, the axes will be worth it.
Viking axes came in a variety of sizes and styles. These axes ranged from one foot to five feet long. The blade thickness varied according to the type of axe. Dane axes had thin blade profiles with large, curving cutting edges and were excellent for inflicting serious wounds. Bearded axes were heavier and thicker. They were great for splitting wood or chopping logs.
Axes did not usually come with sheaths. Instead, their heads were attached to the hafts in various ways. Sometimes the hafts were wrapped in metal or iron to make them stronger and less likely to break. Because axe heads were so powerful, they were sometimes broken while in use. In some cases, they even fell off the hafts during battle. However, these are rare cases and are the result of human error.
Viking axes did not come with specialized throwing features. However, men were still capable of throwing an axe during a fight. As the Hardar saga describes, in chapter 33, Sigurdr threw an axe at Thorvaldr. It struck Thorvaldr in the head. While this may seem extreme, this story demonstrates how men adapted to any situation to win. They were determined to make their opponents suffer in battle.
In the later Viking period, axes with a cross motif were known to be more rare and more expensive than their counterparts. These axes were probably reserved for ceremonial use, and their owners were not necessarily Christian. Nonetheless, this axe reflects the strong Christian currents in this part of the Viking period. And unlike other historical viking axes, cross axes are highly prized today.
In land battles, Vikings used single-handed techniques. In single-handed slinging grips, they held their spear low. The spearheads were sometimes designed with wings that could hook and pull shields. In a single-handed sliding grip, the spearheads could also be used to hamstring the enemy. The cut was particularly painful and crippling. It was not uncommon for a Viking to break his arm or leg in the course of a battle.