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Our shields are made with great care, showing the spirit of Norse warrior gear. There are many unique shield designs, all inspired by Norse myths and artifacts, so you can pick your favorite12.
Feel the vibrant Viking culture by using these shields in reenactments or LARP. The range includes round shields and those with symbolic designs like spirals and crosses. They demonstrate the lasting impact of Norse artisanship2.
These shields are crafted from wood, leather, and metals, like in the old days. They not only show ancient crafting skills but also highlight individual warrior's shields. By being true to historical designs, they honor Viking traditions and the Norse mythical universe1.
If you love history, collecting rare items, or Viking reenactments, these shields are for you. You can own a real piece of Norse history and feel what it's like to hold a Viking shield1.
Viking shields symbolized more than just defense. They stand for protection and the Viking courage. These tools linked warriors to their heritage, proving their bravery and resilience in battles. The iconic round shields were between 24 to 38 inches wide, a key emblem of the Viking age.
Each shield was a work of art, crafted with Viking traditions in mind. They used historic methods and materials. Although historical texts mention linden wood, Vikings used different woods like pine for their shields3. Notably, whole Viking shields have only been found at two sites in Scandinavia. The 2008 find at Trelleborg was especially rare4.
Viking shields weren't just for defense. They showed a warrior's courage to face danger. Carvings often told Norse myth stories or showed power symbols. The Gokstad burial revealed 64 shields painted in bright yellow and blue, highlighting their cultural importance4.
Shield bosses added protection and beauty. It was believed Viking shields had iron rims, but this is now doubted3. Instead, Gokstad burial shields were covered in animal skin for strength and to avoid splitting4.
Shields were key in the shield wall, a powerful formation. They would lock shields and stand close together. Evidence suggests an ideal shield wall needed 5 to 10 layers deep3. Still, some doubt their effectiveness in battles. They believe a more flexible strategy might have been used.
In sea battles, shields served differently. The Skuldelev 5 ship showed signs of shields for naval protection4. Yet, adding shields to sailboats reduced their speed, suggesting they were only used in times of war4.
Viking shields improved over time, becoming stronger and more decorative. They added metal for extra protection and featured more Norse myth symbols. These changes made the shields not just tools but powerful symbols of the Viking way and their warrior spirit.
Making Viking shields shows incredible skill and care from ancient times. They were key in Norse battles and armor, made with special materials. Wood, leather, and metals were all used to create them2.
Viking shields were not just for defense. They carried the warriors' identity, each one being unique thanks to expert craftsmen2. Made for real-life looks, they're perfect for plays and games. Their look comes from Norse stories, with symbols like the Valknut and Oseberg crosses2.
The core of a Viking shield was tough wood, like the linden tree. This wood made the shield strong yet not too heavy. Normally, a Viking shield was about 36 inches across, but they were crafted to be light for their size5.
Leather and metal were also used on the shield, adding protection and making it easier to use. The shield boss, a metal piece in the shield's center, was fixed by five screws5. Besides the shield, warriors wore chainmail, helmets, and leather for battle2.
Viking craftsmen showed off their woodworking and metalworking skills on shields. They used tools like drills, hammers, and metal snips to make them functional and beautiful5. The wood was finely shaped and the metal strips around the edge provided extra strength5.
Shields had special designs, often featuring symbols and creatures from Norse myths, like Thor. These details were carved into the wood or added with metal, proving the high level of craftsmanship2. After 400 AD, spiral designs became popular, showing the ongoing innovation in shield art2.
Viking shields go beyond just being tools for fighting. They represent a deep link to the world of Norse myths. Each shield is handmade and shows off symbols of gods, beasts, and stories from Norse mythology. This lets you dive into the rich tales of the Vikings2. The collection includes seven types of shields. Each one is carefully made to look just like the shields Vikings used, down to the smallest details12.
This series of shields boasts various designs, all inspired by Norse myths. You'll find symbols like the Valknut and ancient runic writing1. They show off intricate spirals, circles, and crosses, which are key elements of Viking shield art2. These designs often draw from Norse myths and creatures, such as Thor2.
Viking shields are crafted with care from materials like wood, leather, and metal. The making processes were advanced back in Viking times. They were built to last through battles2. These shields match well with other Viking gear, like chainmail and leather. This creates a full authentic Viking look2. The top price for these shields is $249.95 USD, showing their high quality1.
The Viking shield line is a nod to Viking history and Norse myths. It honors the bravery of Viking warriors. Fans of Viking reenactments and LARP love these shields for looking and feeling real12. Some of them are so popular that they're already sold out1.
By getting a Viking shield, you get more than a historical item. You get a symbol of Viking courage and strength2. These shields are a homage to Viking lore. They let you feel close to the fierce warriors who once used them.
Viking shield designs are like a time machine to Norse warrior history. These shields, with their detailed carvings and colors, tell stories. Stories of battles and strength, showing who the Vikings really were2.
Art from different places and times shows us how Viking shields changed. By 400 AD, Viking shields were simple. Later, they added metal and myths, like heroic sagas and Viking gods2.
At Gokstad, archaeologists found 64 painted shields in a burial. These shields are proof of Viking history, with each one a masterpiece of its own. They remind us of ancient wars and the warriors who fought them1.
Viking shields are more than protection. They show a warrior's honor, beliefs, and courage with powerful symbols. These symbols, like the Valknut, stand for qualities like fearless strength and life after death2.
Carrying these symbols into battle meant carrying their Norse stories too. It gave the warriors heart and courage from their past. Doing so, they honored their Viking culture and ancestors1.
Viking shields symbolize a deep connection to Viking history and its stories. Today, they inspire us to know and respect our Viking past. They are a link to those brave warriors and their legacy421.
Viking shields showed off the great skills and know-how of Norse fighters. They came in different sizes, usually from 70cm (28in) to 94cm (37in) wide, most were around 80-90cm (32-36 inches)6. These shields were mainly crafted from wood. The wood pieces were put together and supported by one to three other wood pieces3. They used fir, alder, or poplar wood for the shield planks. These woods were around 8 - 10mm thick in the middle, thinning to 5 - 6mm at the sides7.
Viking shields had different thicknesses, ranging from 6mm (1/4in) to 12mm (1/2in); some were even thicker than 30mm (1-1/8in)6. To make them strong yet flex, the shield boards were split along the grain7. Most Viking shields that were found were made from woods like pine. This is surprising, as stories mention shields made of linden, which is light but durable36.
Each Viking shield had an iron boss in the middle. It was bowl-shaped, about 15cm (6in) wide, and was 3 to 5mm (0.1 to 0.2in) thick376. The iron nails on these shields were treated to hold the boss securely6. There was also a handle across the shield's center opening. It nearly reached from one edge to the other7.
Viking shields were often wrapped in leather or linen. This not only protected the shield from the weather but also hid the plain wood look3. A rim of leather or rawhide stopped the shield from breaking. It also kept the shield tight together6. Around the shield's edge, there were small holes. They were about 35mm apart (1-3/8in). These holes were probably for adding leather or holding iron clamps6.
The Gulaþing and Frostaþing laws guided how Viking shields should be built. They required wooden planks tied together with three iron bands and nails3. This way of making shields kept them light to carry yet strong against harm3. Even though the shields were well-made, they could still be smashed in fights. This is shown in tales, poems, and history, which tells us how hard and dangerous Viking battles were3.
In Norse mythology, shields are not just tools for protection. They carry deep meaning, linking our world to the gods'. Viking shields were decorated with symbols from Norse myths, showing the warrior's bond with their culture2. These shields are not only beautiful examples of Norse art but also stand for the viking's heritage and the strength of ancient Scandinavian weapons2.
Shields were key in Norse stories, often linked to deities and champions. The shield Svalinn was said to shield the earth from the sun's scorch8. This shield reflects an old Nordic tradition of using shields like the sun. In a Norse poem, Odin gives Svalinn the job of protecting the world from the sun's heat8. It's also named in the Prose Edda as a famous shield8.
Shields were more than just for war; they were packed with meaning in Norse society. Norse texts talk about shields and the sun, and in the Bronze Age, ritual shields looked like the sun, maybe for religious reasons8. Art from that time shows the sun as a round shape, similar to a shield, and we see this idea in myths about shield protecting from too much sun8.
Norse shields were also beautifully carved with designs from their stories2. These carvings weren't just about skill, they were about showing a connection to their gods and families. Shields meant more than just protection; they stood for bravery, who someone is, and their spiritual beliefs. They were a bridge between the Earth and the divine.
Viking shields tell us a lot about Norse culture and beliefs. From the mythic Svalinn to the detailed shields carried by warriors, each one holds a key place in Norse tradition28. By looking into the myths and meanings of shields, we come to understand the depth and richness of Norse history. Then, we see how important these artifacts are in truly capturing the Norse way of life.
Viking shields are key for those into viking age reenactment and LARP. These handcrafted historical replicas are more than just eye-catching. They reflect the real viking shields from the days of old in Scandinavia2. The set includes seven distinct Viking shields. Each one is carefully made to look and feel like a real Viking shield1.
The Viking shields are all about the real deal for reenactments and LARP. They use ancient materials like wood and metal just like the Vikings did2. Inspired by actual items and myths, these shields are very traditional in design1. They feature special patterns like spirals and circles, which are seen in ancient Carolingian and Scandinavian art2.
In reenactments, shields are vital for showing how Vikings fought together. These handcrafted historical replicas are tough enough for mock battles. They are made of durable materials2.
Not only are these shields practical, they are meaningful too. The designs and colors make wearers feel like real Viking fighters1. By using these shields, players get a real sense of Viking history and pride.
The collection also features Viking armor and gear, like chainmail and leather. These items go well with the shields. They help make a more complete picture of Viking weaponry and battle gear2.
Viking shields were masterpieces of ancient Scandinavian skill and art. Through the Viking Age, they changed a lot. Starting as simple wood shields, they developed into complex items. They added detailed carving and metalwork.
Back in the early Viking times, shield designs were all about use, not looks. They were often made from linden wood. This wood is strong but light. Shields found at the Gokstad burial in Norway from the 9th century show us these early designs. They were round, with yellow and blue paint. Research says they were thin and needed animal skin for strength4.
As time went on, shields became more detailed. They added complex carvings and fancy metal pieces. The shield boss, a metal part in the center, got more design work. Viking crafters began using new materials to make their shields last longer and look better.
In 2008, a shield found at Trelleborg, Denmark, impressed experts. It was made of pine, about 80 cm wide. This shield shows how skilled and focused Viking craftspeople were4. Its intricate carvings highlight this progress.
Viking shields were important on ships too. We know this from the Skuldelev 5 warship found in Denmark. It had shield racks on its sides. These helped protect the ship, but having shields there could slow it down a lot4.
Vikings used a tactic called the shield wall. They lined up next to each other with shields up. This made a strong defense. Byzantine sources think a good shield wall was 5 to 10 shields thick3. It also talks about the space a Viking ship could cover with shields beside each other. But, some experts now think Viking shields might not have been strong enough against some weapons3.
Even with this doubt, the change in Viking shields over time shows their makers' creativity. From simple to highly detailed, Viking shields were more than just for protection. They were statements of who the Vikings were and their skills in making things beautiful.
If you love viking heritage and ancient scandinavian craftsmanship, collecting handcrafted historical replicas of viking shields is thrilling. These battle relics are not just beautiful. They're also great for viking age reenactment. The prices of Viking shield replicas you can buy start at $169.95 and go up to $264.95. You'll find different styles like spiral, dragon, and quadrant patterns9.
In the collection, there are seven stunning Viking shields to pick from2. Each one is made with great attention to detail, aiming for the real Viking look and feel1. Most shields are wooden and painted in detailed Viking designs9.
Quality and authenticity are key when looking at Viking shield replicas. They're made to be as historically accurate as possible, using materials and techniques from the past2. Traditional Viking shields are tough, made of wood and with some leather and metal for strength and usability in battle2. They are durable, highlighting their use in both battles and reenactments2.
The collection includes iconic Viking round shields and ones with special runic writings and symbols1. These shields feature Norse myths and stories through their designs1. Expect to see patterns and carvings that come from Norse legends and symbols, like the Nordic cross2.
Viking shields are not just for reenactments, they also make unique art pieces. When you display them, focus on the detailed designs and symbolic ties to viking heritage. They're crafted with care and feature Norse myth symbols such as the Valknut and Oseberg crosses2.
Create an eye-catching display by arranging shields with various designs, like spiral, dragon, and quadrant patterns9. This highlights the ancient scandinavian craftsmanship behind each shield9. Some shields are sold out, showing their popularity with fans1.
The Viking Shield collection shows the long-lasting excellence of ancient Scandinavian craftsmanship. They are made to look like the real ones used by Vikings. Each shield is a handcrafted historical replica, with detailed patterns and bright colors from Norse myths. These shields are not just items; they are works of art with deep historical value.
Viking shields were built from strong woods like Norwegian pine and Danish oak. They were made up of 6-8 planks, cut thinner at the edges, and weighed about 2.4 kg for pine boards10. They had a layer of thin leather on both sides, often lamb leather or cowhide, for protection10. The wood and leather combo made the shields tough yet easy to handle in combat. Shields varied in size from 24 to 38 inches wide, letting warriors pick the right balance of size and weight3.
The shield boss metalwork was key in making Viking shields. Workers in Guldager, Denmark, got 40 kg of iron ore for this10. By heating, hammering, and folding, they made a 1.5 kg iron ingot useable for the shields10. They also made 15 nails, up to 5.5 cm long, from leftover iron for fastening the shield parts10.
The shield's hand hole was about 9.1 × 10.5 cm, designed like a fist. The handle was crafted from beech wood10. Original shields had a back groove for a better grip, plus the edges had extra support from metal or leather clamps10. To secure the shields, they were glued with lamb leather and the edges reinforced with holes and cowhide strips10.
The detailed woodcarving on Viking shields reflects the skill and creativity of the makers. They used linden wood, choosing only the best for their work. This process ensured the shields were not only sturdy but also stunning. The Viking Shield collection showcases the top-notch craftsmanship and deep history behind these shields. They are a must-have for anyone into Viking culture or historical shows.
Viking shields were vital in ancient Scandinavian weaponry, showing the fearlessness and skill of Norse fighters. Usually 70cm to 95cm wide11, these shields did more than protect. They highlighted a warrior's personal story and Viking heritage. The designs on them told tales, mixing individuality with cultural beauty12.
Making Viking shields was a detailed job. Craftsmen worked on wooden boards, adding metal bosses and a leather layer1211. They favored pine, spruce, and fir for their strength and weight11. These shields weren't just for blocking. They helped warriors dodge and handle fights, not just in shield formations11.
Now, Viking age reenactment and archaeology let us check out Viking shield copies. These well-made models let us learn the ways they're built and used in combat11. They, and the real shields found, are like battle relics. They bring today's fans closer to the legendary Norse warrior armor and the Viking age spirit.