Why did the Vikings use axes in battle? See below Dane Axe vs. The advent of the lightweight Dane axe gave the Vikings speed and maneuverability on the battlefield. They were slow and required a lot of energy to swing. These heavy axes would not have been easy to wield. This axe may have been used at the end of the Viking Age (the mid-11th century) or during the early Middle Ages.Įarly Vikings appear to have used heavier axes. One well-preserved Dane axe stored at the National Museum of Denmark dates back to the 11th or 12th century. Early Vikings, though, probably didn’t use Dane axes in battle. Archaeologists have discovered the axes at numerous archaeological sites dating back to around the 11th century. Late-age Vikings used Dane axes in battle. Scholars rely on archaeological evidence to determine much of what the world knows about the Vikings. The Viking Age was between the 8th and 11th centuries, and there aren’t many written sources from that period. Historical records about the Vikings are often difficult to determine. An axe this long would have to be held with both hands and would be more useful for battle than woodworking.Īlso see Vikings vs Samurai: What’s the Difference? to learn more.
Using centuries-old artwork and the size of the axe heads, The National Museum of Denmark estimates that Dane axes had handles over a meter in length.
This shape is useful for cutting as well as hooking onto an opponent’s shield and grappling.īecause the shafts were made with wood, there are no surviving Dane axe handles from the Viking Age. The heel, or lower corner, of the blade, is often not as pronounced as the toe, or upper corner, giving the blade an asymmetrical shape. The blade of a Dane axe is very thin, making it both sharp and lightweight. Despite being a two-handed weapon, Dane axes are relatively light and easy to wield. Evidence for the size of Viking Age Dane axes comes from archaeological studies and artwork depicting Viking warriors.Ī Dane axe has a blade that’s about 22 centimeters (8 inches) long and a shaft about a meter (39 inches) long. Dane axes are on the larger side of the spectrum. Did the Vikings use Dane axes? See below How Big Is a Dane Axe?Īxes vary in size, from one-handed hatchets to battle-axes held with both hands.
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