The axe was one of the most popular tools and weapons in Viking society. It could be used to fell a tree or slay an enemy in combat. Axes were also relatively inexpensive to produce, requiring less iron than swords. This made them affordable for a wide range of warriors.

Practicality

The Viking axe was an integral part of daily life, being used for chopping wood, hunting game, and building. It was also a deadly weapon in combat, its design allowing for powerful sweeping blows capable of penetrating shields and armor. The pointed “horns” at each end of the head (oxarhyrna) could be used as stabbing weapons, and created vicious wounds. The axe was also a symbolic weapon, held by warriors as a sign of power and prestige.

Axes were cheaper to produce than swords, and so were available to a wider range of Vikings. They could even be thrown in battle—a move described in chapter 33 of Hardar saga og Holmverja, in which Sigurd threw his axe at Thorvaldr. The resulting wounds were similar to those caused by a spear, and would have severed major endocranial blood vessels. This would have quickly led to shock and irreversible brain damage, possibly causing unconsciousness and death. The axe is not a weapon for the faint of heart, and is best wielded with precision and skill.

Warfare

Viking axes were the main weapons of choice in battles and raids throughout Europe. They are renowned for cleaving heads and bodies with a single blow. Despite their prominence and iconic status, there has been little modern research done on them. Jan Petersen, however, laid the groundwork in 1919 with his book on Viking swords. The axe’s curved edge allowed it to concentrate all of its force into a small section of the blade, giving it enough power to cut through armor or helmet. The axe head could also be hooked over the neck or other body parts to entangle the enemy, as described in the sagas.

The pointed “horns” at the ends of a Viking axe head (oxarhyrna) were also kept sharp, allowing them to be used for stabbing attacks. These were especially effective in the belly, causing vicious wounds. The axe head was also used to hook an opponent’s shield, pulling it away from him and disarming him.

Versatility

Unlike swords, which require a lot of high-quality steel and skilled blacksmithing, Viking axes were relatively easy to produce and more readily available for the average warrior. This practicality made axes a staple in the Viking lifestyle and crucial to survival. Axes were used for daily tasks like chopping wood and building shelters in addition to fighting. This versatility and efficiency led to a long-lasting legacy of these mighty tools in the wilderness, empowering explorers to conquer challenges and forge unforgettable experiences.

In war, Viking warriors prized double-headed axes, called labrys, for their versatility in combat. These axes could split a skull and were often decorated with symbols from both pagan and Christian mythology. Usually, one side depicted the rooster Gullinkambi, who sits on top of the world tree Yggdrasil, while the other was the Phoenix, a symbol of rebirth in Christianity. The backside of the axe head, known as the oxarhamar, was also used for hammering blows to knock an opponent off balance and open them up for a strike.

Heritage

Vikings valued the axe, a symbol of heritage as much as an effective weapon. Moreover, this tool was also more affordable than the sword and therefore available to a larger segment of the population. The skeggox or bearded axe was an especially popular variant due to its distinctive blade design which extended downward like a beard. This allowed warriors to hook their opponents weapons and shields, delivering devastating blows capable of breaking through armor.

The axe is still widely used in today’s world as an important tool in tasks such as wood cutting and carpentry. In addition, specialized variants such as throwing or tactical axes are often favored by outdoors enthusiasts and sports lovers for their durability and versatility in specific activities like axe throwing. This dual appeal as a functional tool and as a symbol of heritage is what makes the Viking axe such an iconic and powerful weapon. Our collection of authentic Viking axes, from handles adorned with carvings to decorative axe heads, showcase this remarkable history.

Conclusion

Axes were used by Vikings as weapons because swords were costly and the axe was much more affordable. They were very useful and lethal weapons. From the versatile Bearded Axe to the legendary Leviathan Axe, Viking axes exemplify Norse ingenuity and combat prowess. In this article, we explore the history and significance of this revered tool.