A Viking shield was more than a wall between a warrior and a blade. It was also a weapon, a signal and a work of art. Most were round, made of planks, and sized to their owner, from about 24 to 38 inches across, balancing protection against weight. Many were probably edged or faced with rawhide, which shrank tight as it dried and helped stop the wood from splitting under a blow.
Viking Shield Law
In Norway, laws existed that dictated the way shields were made. The Gulaþing and Frostaþing laws state that wooden shields should include three bands of iron attached with iron nails. These laws were later amended. They required the shields to be made of double planks of wood and painted red and white.
Round Shields
A round shield covered a warrior from neck to knees, so attackers aimed for the head and legs. It spread the force of a blow across its face, and a blade that bit into the wood could stick fast, letting the defender wrench it away or snap it. The shield’s rim and boss also made a brutal punch against an unwary opponent.
The center of the shield had a grip that was covered with an iron dome, or boss, to protect the hand. This type of grip was less stable than shields that were strapped to the forearm, but it allowed for greater reach and maneuverability. Shields probably had leather straps so the warrior could sling the shield onto his back and use both hands to wield a weapon like a spear. They may have also been hung over the shoulder, especially when traveling.
Viking Shield Uses
Many shields were likely decorated. Vikings made paint from minerals, including iron oxide for red, malachite for green and vivianite for blue. The paint would protect the wood from the elements and tell others about the allegiance of the Norseman wielding the shield. Colorful shields could be used for decoration in longhouses.
Viking longships were equipped with shield racks that allowed the shields to be hung off the side of the longship. Shields thus placed would provide some protection against missiles shot at the ship. However, they would also inhibit the operation of the ship. The decorated shields were likely only hung from the racks to make a spectacle when leaving or entering a harbor and when combat was imminent.
Kite Shields
Late in the Viking age, kite-shaped shields appeared. They were long and tapered to protect a rider’s leg. They saw relatively little use in the North, where most Vikings fought on foot and used horses mainly for travel.
We hope one day to let visitors hold a replica shield and feel its weight for themselves. Help us get there with a gift to our Land Fund, and join our newsletter for more Norse history.
