Asymmetrical vs. symmetrical viking crossed axes? What is the difference? We'll look at the sagas and vegvisir in this article. But first, let's talk about the rooster Gullinkambi. It is one of the most iconic motifs from Viking history. Whether it is a pagan bird or a Christian one, you'll see that the bird motif is found on the Mammen axe.
asymmetrical
Asymmetrical Viking crossed axes may be one of the oldest weapons that have been discovered. Most examples were made by a single blacksmith and are quite similar to the specimens from Poland and Germany. They differ in size but are generally oval or egg-shaped in cross-section. The axes found in Barshalder, Iceland, were the only examples that had a metal ferrule on the lower part of the shaft. The remaining specimens were made by a pair of blacksmiths in the same tradition.
This axe was probably smaller than other examples, so it could be hidden under the cloak of a warrior. Its haft may have been short or long. The long handle would make it easier to strike the enemy from a long distance, but the longer handle would cause it to deal less damage. However, it would also be more difficult to control, so it was more likely to be stolen by an enemy than to be found by a Viking warrior.
The axes used by the Vikings were quite different than modern axes. The Vikings used their axes to cut wood and build other objects. They also used them as weapons on the battlefield. If they were used for both purposes, they were asymmetrical. Asymmetrical Viking crossed axes were made of tempered steel and were often shortened or asymmetrical. Its axehead is similar to the head of a Frankish throwing axe.
symmetrical
Viking axes were the most common weapon used by the ancient medieval Norse warriors. They were made from wood that naturally curled. This type of axe had two different blades - a hand axe and a long axe. Asymmetrical Viking crossed axes are generally asymmetrical, but both types are functional. The symmetrical shape is more common in modern axes, although asymmetrical axes may be found in some examples.
The blade of a symmetrical axe is cut with a seven-degree slant. The blade is split half an inch deep, and is held in place by tongs. The blade profile is forged so that its thickness tapers from the bit edge to a thin 3/8-inch strip. Both the upper and lower edges of the blade profile are straight. The first cut on a blank left the front edge split half-inch deep. This edge is now forged into a chisel-sharp taper. This taper is about 3/4" - 7/8" wide.
Type H axes, on the other hand, have less symmetrical features. These axes have larger spurs and less upper edge curvature. They date to the Roman period and AD 900, and are found in Scandinavia and Norway. A symmetrical axe is also known as a Type I axe. A symmetrical axe has a slightly asymmetric edge, which was most likely the case in earlier Viking age axes.
vegvisir
Vikings carried crossed axes and used them in combat. The axe's horns could be used for offensive purposes. Athletes often threw their axes in battle. The Norse saga, Hardar saga og Holmverja, describes how Thrandr leapt up and hooked his axe's head over the wall of a fortification. The axe struck Thorvaldr in the head, but this was only a normal battle axe, not a special throwing axe.
To use the axes in battle, you should first obtain a license for the image. The Standard License covers most uses. You can print up to 500,000 copies. The Extended License allows for unlimited prints, merchandise resale, and free distribution. The Free Standing Axes is another popular viking axe. It measures between 4 inches and 5 inches tall. You can also buy a reenactment version.
The curved edge of the axe's head concentrates the force of the blow. The axe's head has enough power to penetrate mail and helmets. The sagas even mention that it can cleave an opponent's head down to his shoulders. Viking combat demonstration videos show this kind of blow. The curved head of the axe also allowed for various maneuvers. Using the curved edge, you can catch an opponent's ankle, throw them to the ground, and more.
In the later Viking period, cross-axes were used as battle weapons and were often decorated. Magnate's axe, excavated near Randers in Denmark, had silver and copper inlay decoration. The axe's motifs were both pagan and Christian. The tree on the axe could represent the pagan Yggdrasil or the Christian Tree of Life. These examples show the influence of Christianity and pagan beliefs on Viking weaponry.
sagas
The sagas describe the battle techniques used by the Vikings. These stories have various embellishments and are often filled with fantasy. Some mention hill giants, gods, warlocks, and spells. They also discuss the use of weaponry, including axes, spears, and other weapons. Some sagas discuss weapon use elements that may have been familiar to modern warriors, such as how to wield a crossbow. The sagas are ancient texts and predate the writing of the Bible.
The sagas also recount how the vikings met Thorgils. He was a strong man and was outnumbered by the vikings. One of his followers, Thorgeir, struck him in the neck with his axe. When Thorgils' followers came to help him, they were driven onto the sandbanks by their mercenaries. Thorgils' body was later found by a whale.
After the battle, Thorarin came up with his folk. He took his part by threatening the people with weapons. Nail, the foremost warrior, fled, but Thorarin rushed and struck him. His sword struck Thorbiorn over the head and claved it down to the jaw-teeth. The men of Thorbrand's family were enraged and set about attacking their enemy.
The men were preparing to strike back and defend themselves from the Vikings. Hrut and Eylimi gathered up their banners and axes, but the two leaders could not see each other. They were both on the defensive, and they had to fight with the viking. The vikings were fierce, and the sagas tell of their battles. The vikings sagas have many interesting stories about axes and how people used them.
construction
The head of a Viking axe is typically a thick wedge with a hole punched for the haft. The thinner blade is wrapped around the eye to create an edge, and a steel bit was welded to the head for an edge. Sometimes the wrap was symmetrical, and in other cases it was asymmetrical. In either case, the weld was placed slightly forward of the eye. The Vikings used a variety of different construction methods to create their axes.
Some original axe heads show the hammer (back of the eye) as a visible weld. The head was split in the middle at the back and the arms were wrapped around to form the eye. This is not an entirely common construction method, and the eye was not round or thick. Viking axes were often single-edged, but they did not have double-edged axe heads. This is a common practice among modern Vikings, although no archaeological evidence or Viking stories mention double-edged axes.
While this technique can be applied to other axes, the cross axe construction is particularly cryptic. These axes had partially solid heads and often featured a Christian cross motif. These were likely reserved for ceremonial use, and their owners were not necessarily Christian. Nevertheless, they do reflect strong Christian currents during this part of the Viking period. So, the question is: how did Vikings make their axes?
decoration
Crossed axes were unusually designed axes in the Viking era. They had a partially solid head with a cross motif, and are likely only used for ceremonial purposes. While the owners of these axes were not Christian, their decoration reflects the strong Christian currents in this part of the Viking period. Here are some examples of cross axe decoration and its history. Listed below are some of the most popular examples.
Many Viking axes were decorated Viking axe for sale silver inlay. One of the largest heads was 22cm (9 in) long. Axe heads were sometimes decorated with precious metals, such as gold and silver. One such axe was found in a wealthy grave, which may have been a gift from a friend or ancestor. Regardless of its significance, it is interesting to note that these axes are often found with a Christian or pagan motif.
The first thing to note is the type of eye. Some Viking axes had D-shaped eyes, while others had shield-shaped eyes. Their head shapes are a good indication of how axes were used. The eyes of these axes were generally located forward of the axe's eye, making them symmetrical or asymmetrical. The photo to the left shows two historical Viking age axe heads. The thick axe head in the background had its eye punched out using drift.
