The Vikings gave their swords names such as ‘Gramr’ (fierece), and ‘Fotbitr’ (legbitr). Viking swords were also valuable family heirlooms, and were passed down from father to son. They were decorated with gold and valuable stones set in the hilt.
The Norse sagas are full of accounts of combat using swords. The Lausaviser, a Norwegian epic, recounts the story of the revenge of Einar, son of Ragnvald. Ragnvald was a chieftain who ruled in Orkney around 860. He was burnt to death in his own house by two of Harald Fairhair’s sons. Einar fought with one son, Halfdan Halegga, and killed him. Halegga was found the next morning on the side of a hill and his back had the shape of an eagle cut into it with a sword. The ribs had been separated from the backbone and the lungs had been pulled out on either side to represent an eagle’s wings. This was Einar’s victory sacrifice to Odin.
The Viking blades were most often pattern-welded. The pattern-welded technique was accomplished by the smith welding together long strips of iron and steel. Then he forged them into square-sectioned rods, which he twisted or folded and welded together in groups of three or four. These were used for the central core of the blade. The edges of the blade were then welded to it. After grinding and polishing, the twists and folds of the core pattern were brought out with acid.
The crossguard was very simple. There was elaborate decoration on the pommel.
The Vikings were some of the most feared and highly regarded warriors of any age. These Viking swords with a soul were a mighty extension of the legend of the Norsemen. Many reenactors choose the Viking persona for this reason.
Swords and Hilt Weapons published by Prion, 20 Mortimer Street, London WIT 3JW is an excellent resource for information on Viking and all other swords.