|
|
Post by jeffreythancock on Jan 8, 2021 3:34:04 GMT
Was there a preference for sword vs axe amongst the various Vikings? Did it vary with time or area of origin?
|
|
|
|
Post by jim1973 on Jan 8, 2021 5:31:56 GMT
From my reading, I think the primary weapon of most members of a Viking army was the Spear. Swords, being expensive, were probably limited to the upper class. Most people would have an axe lying around the farm to take along as a secondary weapon. I'm certain Joe Collins will have more information on this topic.
Cheers
Jim
|
|
|
|
Post by sheffmark on Jan 8, 2021 10:08:05 GMT
Interestingly in the army lists nearly all the Vikings are classed as Blades, (with just a few Wb, Ax, Ps or Bw).
The description includes this statement:
"Most warriors are classed as Blades because of the universal ownership of swords and axes and the stress placed on individual weapon skills."
However I have some Viking Bondi figures with spear so presumably there is evidence for their use, presumably with a sword or axe as a back up??
My Viking army has a mix of figures on each base. I also have different shield patterns though talking to an historical interpreter at the Royal Armouries he mentioned that bands of Vikings would have the same shield pattern.
|
|
|
|
Post by Haardrada on Jan 8, 2021 10:26:19 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by lkmjbc on Jan 8, 2021 16:38:09 GMT
The most common viking weapon was the spear.
DBA does not determine the classification of the troops by their weapon. It determines it by their psychology.
Vikings as Blade most probably had less body armor and fewer swords and axes than their Anglo-Saxon opponents...
Joe Collins
|
|
|
|
Post by Haardrada on Jan 9, 2021 1:23:53 GMT
The most common viking weapon was the spear. DBA does not determine the classification of the troops by their weapon. It determines it by their psychology. Vikings as Blade most probably had less body armor and fewer swords and axes than their Anglo-Saxon opponents... Joe Collins I agree with you on most of this Joe but there is evidence of widespread import of swords into Scandinavia, especially during the 9th Century. The Ulfberth swords were even banned from export, but were copied in other parts of Germany. en.natmus.dk/historical-knowledge/denmark/prehistoric-period-until-1050-ad/the-viking-age/weapons/swords/ |
|
