The Vikings are remembered as some of Europe's fiercest fighters, with their battles stretching from Ireland to Istanbul. While the ultimate honor for a Viking was to die bravely and enter the halls of Valhalla, surviving the fight and sharing tales of valor was equally valued. To ensure they could withstand enemy blows and live to tell their stories, armor was a crucial part of their gear, providing the protection needed in combat.
Unlike the full suits of armor worn by later Medieval knights, Vikings typically did not use such extensive gear in battle. Contrary to popular cartoon or costume shop depictions, there is no historical evidence that Vikings wore horned helmets. Archaeological finds reveal that Viking helmets were practical and protective, designed as simple skullcaps to shield the head from impact. Viking armor varied widely based on a warrior’s wealth and status, with some wearing costly chainmail and others opting for simpler padded tunics. The iconic round shield was also a key part of their defensive strategy.
Viking Shields
In battle, the most crucial part of a Viking warrior’s defense was not the armor he wore but the shield he carried. The shield was essential for blocking enemy attacks and was typically made from wooden planks, with an iron boss in the center to protect the hand gripping the wooden handle. Archaeologists have found Viking shields ranging from 80 to 90 centimeters in diameter, with some reaching nearly a meter and others as small as 70 centimeters. This variety in size and weight suggests that shields were custom-made for each warrior, ensuring that the most vital piece of their defense matched their height, strength, and fighting style.
Our best insights into Viking shield design and construction come from 10th-century Norway, where the Gulaþing and Frostaþing laws outlined specific requirements for shields. According to these laws, shields should be wooden, reinforced with three iron bands, and have a handle secured with iron nails. They were also required to have at least two layers of boards and be painted red and white on the front. However, archaeological finds suggest that these guidelines were often not followed. For instance, the largest collection of Viking shields ever discovered, found in a 10th-century shipwreck at Gokstad, revealed that most shields were only a single layer thick, lacked iron bands, and were painted yellow and black instead.
One of the greatest benefits of shields was their role in forming a ‘shield wall,’ which provided protection not just for the individual warrior but for the entire group. This tactic was a well-established defense strategy in Medieval European warfare, used from Rome to the Rus States. Vikings, in particular, employed the shield wall to defend against thrown spears and arrows, and also used it as a collective battering ram when charging forward. This formation allowed them to advance with a strong, united front, enhancing their effectiveness in battle.
Viking Padded Armor
Let’s take a closer look at what a Viking warrior wore into battle. The type of armor a warrior used largely depended on his status. Metal armor was costly and bulky, so lower-class fighters or seasonal raiders often relied on padded armor made from layers of fabric. Wearing three layers of padded clothing, possibly filled with horse or goat hair, provided decent protection against edged weapons while maintaining mobility and speed. Leather was another practical and affordable option for armor, often used alongside a padded tunic for added defense. This combination helped ensure that warriors could stay agile and effective in combat.
While we lack archaeological evidence of padded armor due to its natural fibers degrading over time, contemporary literature and artwork suggest it was the preferred protection for most Norse warriors. For example, the Saga of the Icelanders often depicts warriors going into battle wearing only layered tunics and caps. This is further supported by various tapestries, illustrations, and wood carvings from across Europe, including the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which portrays Vikings in vibrant, knee-length garments that closely resemble regular clothing. These sources indicate that such attire was common in battle, providing insight into the practical choices of Viking warriors.
Viking Chainmail
While most Viking warriors may have worn only padded tunics or leather vests for protection, those of higher status had access to more expensive armor. A Viking warrior clad in chainmail would have been easily recognized as part of the Norse elite. Chainmail, crafted from thousands of interlocking rings, required the expertise of a skilled blacksmith and was highly valued for its strong defense against edged weapons without significantly hindering movement. The rarity of complete chainmail shirts found by archaeologists underscores their exclusivity. Most surviving examples come from grave sites, indicating that those buried with such armor were esteemed fighters of notable skill and rank.
For Viking warriors seeking metal protection without the high cost of chainmail, lamellar armor was a viable alternative. Lamellar armor consisted of small, rectangular plates made from iron, steel, or leather. While it provided similar protection to chainmail, it lacked the same flexibility. Archaeological findings suggest that lamellar armor became more popular later in the Viking Age, especially among Vikings in what is now Russia, Ukraine, and the Baltic regions. This shift indicates its growing appeal as a practical and cost-effective option for those seeking robust defense.
Viking Helmets
So, how did Viking warriors protect their heads? Illustrations and literature from the era suggest that most Norse fighters wore metal helmets into battle. These helmets were typically simple iron caps with a brow ridge to shield the eyes and nose. More costly helmets might have included a chainmail veil for additional neck and face protection. Despite their likely importance, very few Viking helmets have been discovered. They seem less commonly found as grave goods compared to spears and swords, possibly because helmets were often passed down through families rather than buried with the deceased. Alternatively, it’s possible that helmets weren’t as crucial to
Viking Armor Cosplay warriors as modern historians might believe.
And now, let’s address the common misconception: did Viking warriors actually wear horned helmets? In reality, they did not. Horned helmets would have been highly impractical on the battlefield and would have taken up valuable space on longships. Additionally, such helmets could pose a risk to their wearer by becoming a
potential weapon. However, horned helmets did appear in Viking society in other contexts. For instance, a tapestry from the Oseberg ship depicts warriors with golden horns on their helmets, aligning with the modern stereotype. These helmets might have been used by Berserkers—warriors known for their frenzied fighting style—or could have served ritualistic purposes. While historians are uncertain about the exact role of horned helmets in Viking culture, they were almost certainly not used in battle.
Conclusion
The armor of the Vikings was as varied and storied as their epic tales of conquest and exploration. Contrary to the popular myth of horned helmets and full suits of gleaming armor, Viking warriors used a range of protective gear tailored to their individual needs and status. While some donned the luxurious chainmail reserved for the elite, many relied on more practical options like padded tunics and leather vests, which provided sufficient protection while allowing for mobility. The iconic round shield was a cornerstone of their defense, not only protecting them in battle but also forming a formidable ‘shield wall’ in combat.
Viking helmets, though not as common in archaeological finds, were typically simple iron caps, with some adorned with chainmail veils for extra protection. The myth of the horned helmet, popularized by modern depictions, is far from reality. Instead, horned helmets were likely used for ceremonial purposes or by specific warrior groups like the Berserkers, rather than in battle.
Understanding the practical and symbolic aspects of Viking armor sheds light on the ingenuity and resourcefulness of these formidable fighters. Their gear was a blend of functionality and status, reflecting their warrior spirit and the harsh realities of their time.
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