When we think of Viking warriors, we usually think of warriors with odd helmets armed with large long swords. While this isn't completely incorrect, its not entirely accurate either. Vikings didn't wear horned helmets, nor did they all use large swords. Most Vikings were armed with axes or long spears. To have a sword was a sign of wealth and strength.
To own a sword with the brand name "Ulfberht" was to own one of the finest weapons that could be made. These swords were much tougher than your average sword in this time period due to the added carbon. The added carbon not only makes the steel much stronger, but also makes it less brittle. If you were to get this sword stuck in a shield, it would be less likely to break.This is thanks to the added flexibility.With all these added properties the "Ulfberht" swords were more rare and expensive than their average counterparts.Works Cited
https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2014/mar/03/viking-world-british-museum-neil-macgregor-exhibition
https://www.realmofhistory.com/2016/03/08/ulfberht-swords-advanced-viking-weapons/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/secrets-viking-sword.html
Great topic. Isn't it interesting to think about commodities, much like a "coca-cola" today?
ReplyDeleteI like how sleek these swords look, and how the main identifier is the name inscribed on the side. It's like product placement, but in the midst of a raid.
ReplyDeleteIt’s cool to see they used carbon in things like swords. Nowadays we use them in our racing swim suits because it helps repel the water, therefore making us slide through the water faster.
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