In the written sources we see the ideal shield, in the archeological record we see what was practical. The disconnect between the literary/legal and archeological record is easy to explain. As an aside, that the law would even weigh-in on how shields should be made demonstrates the level of order in Viking society. Again, the archeological record does not produce many examples of this, though it is interesting the think that ubiquitous modern plywood may descend from proposed advances in medieval shield-making technology. Later revisions of the laws, along with a 10 th-century Frankish poem, Waltharius, state that shields should be made of layers of thin planks laminated together. The Gulaþing and Frostaþing laws – Norse laws from the Viking Age – state shields should be made of wooden planks held together by three iron bands fastened with iron nails, but we have few surviving examples of this technique. However, most of the shields we have recovered are made from various woods, including ordinary pine. The sagas often refer to shields being made of linden wood, which is lightweight but strong and flexible. The archeological and literary record are at odds when it comes to the Viking shield. When untrained, modern people are given the opportunity to play at sword and shield, the tendency is to hide behind the shield while occasionally risking a whack at the opponent, but the Vikings used their shield in very active ways. A small shield may be fine for single combat (as the dish-sized bucklers of the Renaissance were) but inadequate for the battlefield, while a heavy shield could not be quickly moved. Viking shields varied in size from about twenty-four to thirty-eight inches in diameter, so that the individual warrior could find the right balance of coverage versus weight. Compared to the strapped shield of the Ancient Greeks or the High Medieval knight, a shield that is gripped in the center has disadvantages in stability and weapon retention, but it offers advantages in reach, maneuverability, and tactical options. This boss provided protection for the warrior’s hand that gripped the shield directly behind it with a single grip. The Viking shield was round and constructed primarily of wood, with a bowl shaped 'boss' made of iron at the center. While a short book could be written on the topic, and there is much that is open to debate, this article will discuss some of the main facts and theories of the Viking shield.įeatures and Construction of Viking Shields
There are a lot of misunderstandings about how shields were made and used. Displayed on the gunwales of their dragon ships, the shield became one of the most recognizable symbols of the Vikings. Even the indomitable berserkers used shields (and are often mentioned biting shield edges in their frenzy), and wielders of the mighty, two-handed Dane Axe or the fell hewing spear still carried shields slung on their backs. Shields were essential in the opening stages in battle as both sides locked with each other in primal contests of will and were then paired with the sword, spear, or axe to break open the defenses of the enemy. Once decorated, it conveyed the user's identity or loyalty, and was sometimes painted with runes or symbols to bring victory. The shield was both a defensive and offensive weapon. Thus, the shield was perhaps the most indispensable tool the Viking carried. Not all Vikings had access to armor, and even the best armor of the era would not stand up to many direct hits.
The battlefields of the Viking Age were terrifying places where a warrior faced hails of arrows and multiple attackers armed with all manner of deadly weapons.
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