Vikings as warriors

WARRIORS

AS

VIKINGS

Start

• Important battles/raids

• Conclusion

• What were their warships like?

• What tactics did they use?

• What weapons did they use?

• Why did they go to war?

• Why were they superior in warfare?

• Types of warriors

Summary

8. Thrall

7. Jarl

6. Huscarl

5. Skald

4. Shieldmaidens

3. Ulfhednar

2. Jomsviking

1. Berserkers

Types of viking warriors

There are 8 main types of Viking warriors:

Strict military organization and discipline along with advanced combat tactics also highly contributed to their success. Attacks were carefully planned and executed.Vikings were also very skilled warriors. All male Vikings had to complete weapons training, they were well-educated soldiers who weren't afraid of dying

One of the reasons is Vikings' superior mobility, Their longships are perfect both for sailing in the North Sea and in European rivers. They were also able to appear out of nowhere. Moreover, they had vast networks which provided knowledge of enemies, they knew exactly when and where they should strike.They also exploited political turmoil and power struggles to their advantage. Since kings and princes were busy fighting each other, they weren't around to protect themselves from Vikings. In addition, they were extremely well armed with the highest quality of weapons. They also knew how to use siege engines such as catapults.

Why were Vikings superior in battle?

Vikings attacked and raided settlements to find treasure and slaves. At first, they only attacked in quick hit-and-run raids but later decided to settle on the islands and coastal areas of countries like Scotland. They fought wars as a way of taking control of more land.

Why did they go to war?

Vikings mainly fought using longbows and arrows, spears, long swords and axes. They didn't wear much armour, some chieftains had iron helmets and wore chain mail coats. Poorer Vikings might have worn a leather helmet and a padded leather clothing to protect them. All Vikings would carry a round wooden shield for protection.

What weapons did they use?

The boar formation

When going into battle, Vikings would first fire arrows to try to injure or kill as many enemies as possible from a distance. Then, as they got closer, they would throw spears to do more damage. Once they were close enough, they would attack with their swords and axes while using their shields to defend themselves.

What tactics did they use?

The Vikings build fast "dragonships" and longships for raiding and war. A ship carried everything they needed at sea : drinking water, dried meat to eat, tools, weapons, and furs to keep warm. Their longships could sail in shallow water. In a raid, a ship could be hauled up on a beach. That way, the Vikings could jump out and start fighting, and then make a quick getaway if they were chased.

What were their warships like?

• Lindisfarne (793)
• Battle of Hengest's Hill (838)
• Siege of Paris (845)
• Great Heathen Army Expansion (865-878)
• Capture of York (866)
• Battle of Cynwit (878)
• Battle of Edington (878)
• Establishment of Danelaw (886)
• Battle of the Holme (902)
• Battle of Maldon (991)
• Battle of Clontarf (1014)
• Battle of Assandun (1016)
• Battle of Dane's Wood (1016)
• Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066)

Important battles/raids

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The Vikings were a captivating civilization that left an enormous mark on history. Through their art, sagas, and innovative ships, the Vikings continue to inspire curiosity and admiration, keeping their legacy alive after many centuries. Their culture, rich with exploration, bravery, and distinctive social structures, serves as a testament to the tenacity of these brave warriors.

Conclusion

Berserkers were fierce Norse warriors who fought with a trance-like, almost uncontrollable rage known as "Berserkergang". They were known for entering a battle frenzy characterized by heightened strength, aggresion, and insensitivity to pain. They wore animal pelts or furs, especially of bears or wolves, because they believed that adopting the appearance of these animals would enhance their strength and ferocity. Berserkers were typically positioned at the forefront of Viking armies, charging into battle with ferocity and incredible bravery. They were valuable shock troops because they were reputed for being fearless which instilled terror in their enemies.

Jomsviking were a legendary order of Viking mercenaries and warriors believed to have originated from Jomsborg, a fortress on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea. They were known for adhering to a strict code of conduct that emphasized loyalty to the brotherhood, courage in battle, and willingness to avenge fallen comrades. Breaking the code could result in severe punishment or even expulsion. Jomsvikings were sought after as elite mercenaries, they were often hired by various rulers and leaders during times of conflict. They were skilled in a variety of battle tactics and were particularly adept in naval warfare. They often relied on disciplined formations and coordinated strategies to achieve victory.

Ulfhednar, or "Wolf-Coats", were a subset of Norse warriors known for imitating wolves in battle. They were believed to possess a special connection with Odin, god of war and death. They were known for wearing wolf-skin cloaks or coats which symbolized their affinity with wolves and invoking the spirit of the animal. Just like Berserkers, they believed that this attire would enhance their ferocity and prowess in battle and they were associated with a trance-like state in battle. Ulfhednar were known for their tactical cunning and strategic approach to warfare. They would use their wolf-like appearance and demeanor to instill fear in their enemies, often taking advantage of psychological warfare to win.

Shieldmaidens were Norse women who chose to engage in warfare. They were often fighting alongside male warriors and were skilled in the use of weapons, especially shields and spears. They were trained in the use of various weapons, with a focus on shields and spears. They were also skilled in archery, swords and other traditional Viking weapons. Shieldmaidens actively participated in battles. They were often forming their own units or fighting alongside men. They were known for their bravery, skill and strategic contributions to the battlefield.

Skalds were poets, musiciand and storytellers in Norse society who played a huge role in preserving history, legends and culture of the Vikings.

Huscarls were elite household warriors in the service of a Norse or Anglo-Saxon lord or king. They served as personal bodyguards, skilled fighters, and key members of the ruler's retinue. Their number in a lord's retinue varied based on his wealth and status, it could vary from 50 to several hundreds Huscarls. They swore oaths of loyalty to their lord. They pledged to protect him and his interests. They were usually equipped with swords, shields, and sometimes chainmail armor. They underwent rigorous training to ensure their effectiveness in battle. In battles, they formed the nucleus of a lord's fighting force. They were often positioned in shield walls, providing a disciplined and well-trained front line in warfare.

Jarls were Norse aristocrats or regional lords. They were holding significant land and political influence and were often military leaders, responsible for the defense and governance of their territories. As landowners, they usually had their own retinues of warriors, including Huscarls. Jarls were expected to lead their warriors in times of conflict. They commanded armies during battles, ands their military prowess was an essential aspect of their leadership.

Thralls were mostly slaves or servants acquired during raids, debt bondage, or as a result of being prisoners of war. Some of them earned their freedom by demonstrating exceptional skills or bravery in battle.