Viking Weaponry

Viking weapons were more than tools of defense; they also served as symbols of their owners' wealth and status within Viking communities. Very wealthy Vikings often had the nicest weapons, complete with gold, silver, copper, and bronze adornments. Weapon ownership was a way of life for the Vikings, and all free Viking men were expected to own weapons. Archaeologists have uncovered several examples of Viking weaponry which include:

The Spear: One of the most common Viking weapons that consisted of an iron blade attached to the end of a wooden shaft between six and nine feet long. Spears were often made of ash and could be used for thrusting at close range or throwing at longer distances. Some men were supposedly so good at spear fighting that they could throw two spears at once by holding one in each hand and others are said to have been able to catch spears out of mid air and launch them back at their attackers.

The Sword: Due to the high cost required to manufacture a sword during the Viking era, swords were the mark of high status. Blades were typically dual edged and up to a yard long and carried in a leather covered wooden sheath. Hilts were often decorated by their owners, and it was not uncommon for Vikings, particularly warrior Vikings, to name their swords with intimidating nicknames.

The Battle Axe: Perhaps the most recognizable type of Viking weapon, long handled battle axes were often used in open combat instead of swords. Although short handled battle axes would have allowed Vikings the use of their non-axe wielding hand to hold a shield, those who chose to use a long handled battle axe in battle were often forced to hunker down behind warriors standing on the front lines, waiting for just the right moment to break away from the pack and rush the enemy with battle axe swinging. The length of the long handled battle axe allowed the Viking warrior to maintain distance between them and their targets, who usually wielded regular length swords.

Along with their offensive weapons, a Viking's arsenal also contained several defensive weapons, like tunics of reindeer hide and chain mail, and large wooden shields up to a meter in diameter. Due to the fact that helmets were difficult to reproduce, they would have likely only been worn by Viking battle leaders, if worn on the battle field at all. The idea that Vikings wore helmets of horns is largely a myth of modern invention.

Sources:

Barry Ager. "Viking Weapons and Warfare". BBC.