Are you intrigued by the vibrant tapestry of the Viking era?
The Viking shield is sure to fascinate.
Not just a symbol of protection, these shields were markers of identity and cultural expression.
Whether used for recreation, education, or simply to add a touch of Norse history to your space, a Viking shield is a great addition.
A Glance into the Era of Vikings: Their Shielded Power
Defining the Impenetrable: The Viking Shield
A classic symbol of the fierce Vikings, the Viking shield, had an emblematic role in their era of dominance. This wasn't just an instrument of defence, but also of offense during the tumultuous times of warfare.
Constructed primarily out of wood, the Viking shield's structure was uniquely designed. These circles of protection usually ranged from 30 to 36 inches in diameter, although the size could vary depending on the personal preference and stature of the warrior.
Construction:
- Main Body: The shields were predominantly made from planks of linden wood, known for its strength and lightness. Occasionally, fir, alder or poplar were also used.
- Centre: The centre of the shield, often called the boss, was made from iron or occasionally from bronze. Its main purpose was to guard the warrior's hand.
- Rim: A rawhide or iron rim often encased the shield's edge, providing extra strength and preventing it from splitting upon impact.
Not Just for Defence: The Offensive Power of the Shield
Interestingly, the Viking shield was not just an instrument of defence. Its design also made it a viable tool for offensive manoeuvres.
The round, lightweight design allowed the user to quickly rotate it towards the direction of incoming attacks. But this wasn't its only purpose: warriors could also use their shields to batter enemies during close-quarter combat.
The Viking Shield Wall: An iconic battlefield formation used by the Vikings was the shield wall, or “skjaldborg”. In this arrangement, warriors stood side by side, their shields overlapping, creating an almost impregnable line of defence. Yet, this formation also had an offensive purpose. On command, the front line could thrust their shields forward, pushing back and disorienting their enemies.
Symbols of Identity: Shield Decorations
Viking shields often bore distinctive decorations. These not only beautified the shields but also served as a personal identifier for the warrior.
The centre boss was usually black, but the shield surface could be painted in a variety of colours. Some warriors painted their shields in a single colour, while others chose intricate designs or depicted scenes from Norse mythology. These designs were more than just decoration: they symbolised the warrior's identity and their feats of bravery.
The Shield in Daily Life
While it's easy to view the Viking shield solely as an instrument of war, it was also deeply ingrained in everyday life. Shields were considered personal items, often accompanying a warrior from youth until death.
When not in use, shields would be hung on the walls of Viking homes, serving both as a constant reminder of the warrior's duty and as a decoration. Some shields were even passed down through generations, carrying the family legacy.
Viking Shields and Norse Mythology
The Viking shield also had significant symbolic meaning within Norse mythology. The great mythological tree, Yggdrasil, was often depicted with a shield, representing the protection it provided to the cosmos.
Legendary Viking warriors, known as berserkers, believed their shields were imbued with magical powers. These warriors would often go into a trance-like state before battles, believing their shields would protect them from harm and guide their weapons to strike true.
Shield Maidens: The Female Warriors
While Viking society was dominated by male warriors, there were instances of fierce female fighters, known as shield maidens. These brave women, armed with shields and weapons, stood side by side with the male warriors, showing their prowess in combat and their place within Viking society.
Viking shields were more than just a tool for protection or offence. They were symbols of honour, courage, identity, and tradition. They bore the tales of numerous battles, personal stories, and traditions, connecting generations of Vikings and playing a crucial role in their society.
Myths and Truths about Viking Shields
Despite their historical significance, there are many misconceptions surrounding Viking shields. Here, we'll address some common myths and facts.
Myth: All Viking shields were painted red.
Fact: While many Viking shields were painted red, not all of them were. Vikings used various colours to paint their shields, including black, white, yellow, and blue.
Myth: Viking shields were made of metal.
Fact: Viking shields were primarily constructed from wood. The centre, known as the boss, was typically made of iron or sometimes bronze, but the main body of the shield was always wood.
Replica Viking Shields: A Bridge to the Past
In today's era, replica Viking shields serve as a bridge to our historical past. They remind us of the courage, strategic brilliance, and unique culture of the Vikings.
These replicas, crafted with attention to historical detail, allow us to step into the shoes of a Viking warrior, if only for a moment. They're often used for historical reenactments, educational purposes, or as decorative items, each bearing the legacy of the fierce Norsemen.
Crafting a Replica Viking Shield: Replica Viking shields are typically crafted using similar materials and methods as the originals. They often feature a wooden body, a central iron or bronze boss, and a rawhide or metal rim. Some even include hand-painted designs, echoing the personal expressions of Viking warriors.
Legacy of the Viking Shield: Influence on Modern Warfare
The strategies and designs of Viking shields left a lasting imprint on warfare tactics and equipment, long after the Viking age.
The concept of the shield wall, for instance, was replicated and modified in later warfare tactics. Modern riot police formations, with officers standing side-by-side with overlapping shields, bear a striking resemblance to the Viking shield wall.
The round shield design has also found its way into popular culture, most notably in fantasy literature and games. These often portray heroes wielding Viking-like shields, testifying to the iconic status these defensive tools have achieved.