VIKING WEAPONS Spears and Shields

This weapon was made by using a rivet to secure a spear head to a shaft. There were many variations of spears. These variations included differences in spear head sizes and shapes, and differences in the length of the shaft. Spear heads of the early Viking Age were usually around eight inches (20 cm) long, where as later ones could be up to twenty four inches long (60 cm). Some spear heads had "wings". Spears with this feature are called barbed spears.

Thrusting the spear at an enemy was the most common method the Vikings used for this weapon. This method is mentioned in many of the Norse Sagas. For example in one Saga it is written that Helgi had a spear which he thrust through Bolli's shield, and through Bolli. The Norse warrior could thrust the spear with one hand or two. In the Norse Sagas it is mentioned that Vikings would often sling their shields over their shoulders so that they could hold their spear with two hands. By doing this they of course became more vulnerable.

DID YOU KNOW? The longest spear is 39 inches long that is the size of 4 Mini Coopers!

Viking armour was not always guaranteed to be safe. If they didn’t have the correct equipment to make the spears they used alcohol that apparently lasted for centuries.