Viking Axe
The Vikings are known as great warriors. This reputation is based on what we know about their weapons and battle tactics.
This Viking Axe consists of two half moon blades, the top of which are cut to appear as dragons
heads, crests and wings.
The handle is metal and goes into a double handed ribbed black grip at the bottom, ended with a metal pommel.
The Vikings were daring masters of the sea. Their swift wooden longships, equipped with both sails and oars, enabled them to mount piratical raids on the coastal monasteries and settlements of the British Isles, western Europe and beyond. The shallow draught of these ships meant that they were able to reach far inland by river and stream, striking and moving on before
local forces could muster.
Viking ships were clinker-built of overlapping planks and measured between about 17.5m and 36m in length. They were steered not by a rudder, but by a single oar mounted on the starboard side. A few late examples are said to have had iron-clad bows and sterns.
An average speed of 10 to 11 knots could have been achieved, or perhaps rather more in short bursts. Crews of 25 to 60 men would have been common, seated on benches on open decks, although the largest ships could have carried as many as 100 or more. Packhorses and provisions would also
be included if needed.
Fearsome figureheads would be raised at stem and stern as a sign of warlike
intent, underlined by rows of shields mounted along the sides for defence or
show. These could be removed while at sea.
Total Length: 28''
