Collection: Viking Shields

Beautiful Handmade Viking shields

Viking shields are big, round objects made from thin pieces of wood. They come from a long time ago, during the Iron Age. Each shield has a metal part in the middle that protects the person’s hand. After being buried for a very long time, the metal parts are often the only things found in graves. Interestingly, people can figure out how old the shields are by looking at these metal parts. Vikings believed that warriors should be buried with their shields, which is why you often find them in graves.

Types of Shields

• All Shields
• Carved Shields
• Plank Shields
• Smooth Shields

When people dug in Gokstad, Norway, they discovered many Viking shields. Specifically, they found 64 round shields painted bright yellow and blue, along with the remains of a prince or king and a whole ship. This exciting find made many people happy and curious.

Strength and Design

Additionally, Viking shields can break easily from arrows, axes, and swords. To make them stronger, people covered them with animal skin that tightened as it dried. This clever trick helped stop the shields from splitting. Consequently, they used thin pieces of wood, which made the shields light but still strong enough for battle.

Fun Facts About Viking Shields

• Weight: Viking shields were covered in oil to keep them dry, and they usually had leather on them. They weighed about as much as a big bag of flour, making them easy to carry.
• Body Coverage: Viking shields cover most of a warrior’s body, leaving only the head and legs exposed. This design explains why many Viking bones show bumps and bruises on the head and legs.

What Are Viking Shields Called?

These round shields are called rönd and are about as wide as a yardstick, providing good protection in fights. They help warriors stay safe while they defend themselves.

Types of Armor

Richer Vikings often wore helmets and metal armor to stay safe in battle. In contrast, poorer warriors typically wore thick cloth for protection during fights. This difference in armor clearly shows how wealthier Vikings had more options for safety.

Where to Find Viking Shields

Currently, Norsye offers many types of carved, plank, and smooth shields. These are great for decorations, gifts, or pretend play about Vikings. You can use these shields to make your playtime even more fun and exciting.

Why Choose Viking Shields?

Choosing a Viking shield adds a unique touch to your decor or playtime. Not only do they look impressive, but they also carry a rich history. Each shield tells a story of bravery and adventure. So, when you select a shield, you connect with the past.

The Importance of Shields in Viking Culture

Furthermore, shields were not just tools for defense; they also held great significance in Viking culture. Each shield often displayed unique designs or colors that represented the warrior's clan or personal story. This added a personal touch to their gear. Moreover, during battles, these colorful shields created a striking visual impact on the battlefield, boosting the morale of Viking warriors.

Enhance Your Experience

In addition, using Viking shields in reenactments or LARPing (live-action role-playing) allows you to immerse yourself in the Viking world. Imagine standing proudly, shield in hand, ready to join your fellow warriors. It’s an exciting way to learn about history while having fun! Explore our collection at Norsye to find the perfect Viking shield that fits your adventure.

Connect with History

Finally, owning a Viking shield not only enriches your experience but also serves as a fantastic conversation starter. Friends and family will surely be intrigued by the stories behind these shields and their connection to Viking heritage. Embrace the spirit of the Vikings and make your next gathering even more memorable with a stunning shield from Norsye!

Shield Availability

At this time, Norsye only sells ready-made handmade shields and does not offer separate parts or kits. If you have questions or want to know more, please feel free to ask us at medievalmercantile@gmail.com. We’re always happy to help!