The Axe in Viking Age Iceland: Both Weapon and Tool (Ad-free)
Added 2024-08-23 12:00:01 +0000 UTCWhile I was in Iceland, I had an opportunity to visit the National Museum of Iceland and take a look at a couple of historic axes found on the island. Since these are really outside my area of expertise, two experts generously offered to join me on the video to help explain the history and context of these swords. First we have Ármann Guðmundsson, an archaeologist with the Museum who can speak to the weapons of the time as they are found today. Second is Reynir Óskarsson, a Viking combat researcher with Hurstwic who can help us understand how these axes were actually used.
Viking-age Iceland was a unique society in many ways, and the role of personal weapons in that time is a fascinating story. So sit back and join us to learn more about it!
Many thanks to the National Museum of Iceland for bringing out these incredible thousand-year-old artifacts to show us. If you are in Reykjavik the Museum are a must-see stop:
https://www.thjodminjasafn.is/english/
Comments
Really great to see pre-gunpowder weapons. Very nice presentations, thanks
Robert Beattie
2024-08-27 01:22:36 +0000 UTCa really interesting subject, and I'm so impressed with the expert's command of english, hats off to all concerned :-)
Gary Johnston
2024-08-24 21:07:25 +0000 UTCThank you again for a very interesting video. They were interesting talking about the swords but I am more interested in the axes as universal tools. I very, VERY much appreciate that both of your historical "experts" freely admit when they are not sure about something. I have dealt with U.S. and English anthropologists for years and am constantly astounded by their ability to say with ***GREAT*** authority that thus and such ***IS*** this thing that did that thing. Until the next one says the complete opposite with equal surety. Speculation on my part but the bottom bearded ax bears a great resemblance to axes I have seen used to process wooden shakes for roofing. So who can say.
Mark H. Smith
2024-08-24 00:35:09 +0000 UTCVery interesting discussion!
Martin Morehouse
2024-08-23 15:16:05 +0000 UTCWhat is the cyclic rate?
BEAUSABRE23
2024-08-23 14:28:14 +0000 UTCnot to ruin a potential next part but it's a little the same with spears. it's a pointy thing to puncture stuff. between hunting and fighting... not SO obvious for what a point was made. wood or.... with an axe..... some work outstanding for both. I love axes. franciskas, hawks, hatchets....
Guido Schriewer
2024-08-23 13:54:16 +0000 UTCLove these videos. And he quoted Mike Tyson!
Glenn Miller
2024-08-23 13:32:53 +0000 UTC
