Ragnor Viking Axe Handmade Axe Handcrafted Wooden Handle

The axe was a versatile weapon and tool for the Vikings, used for both warfare and everyday tasks. They were made of iron and had a single-edged blade, with a variety of head shapes and sizes. The haft, or handle, was typically made of wood, but could also be made of bone or horn.

Axes were used for a variety of purposes in the Viking Age, including:

Warfare: Axes were a popular weapon for the Vikings, as they were relatively inexpensive to produce and easy to use. They were effective at chopping through shields and armor, and could also be used to throw or deliver powerful blows from horseback.
Woodcutting: Axes were essential tools for the Vikings, who used them for everything from clearing land to building ships. They were also used for chopping firewood and other household tasks.
Hunting: Axes were sometimes used for hunting, as they were effective at killing large game. They could also be used to butcher animals after they had been killed.
Ritual: Axes were sometimes used in religious rituals, such as sacrifices or executions. They were also sometimes buried with the dead, as a symbol of strength and power.
The most famous type of Viking axe is the Dane axe. This axe had a long, broad blade with a pronounced curve, and a long haft. It was a powerful weapon that was effective at chopping through armor and shields. Dane axes were often used by elite warriors, such as the Varangian Guard, who served as bodyguards to the Byzantine Emperor.

Axes continued to be used as weapons in Europe after the Viking Age, and they remained popular until the introduction of gunpowder weapons in the 14th century. They are still used today as ceremonial weapons and tools in some parts of the world.

Here are some additional facts about Viking axes:

Axes were often highly prized and given names, such as "Witch of the Helmet," "Wolf of the Wound," "Fiend of the Shield," or "Woundbiter."
The Norwegian king Eric Haraldsson was better known by his nickname, the evocative Eric Bloodaxe. This nickname is thought to have originated from his use of the axe in battle.
Many axes have survived, often recovered from archaeological contexts, displaying a range of shapes and sizes.
Axes were a versatile weapon and tool for the Vikings, and they played an important role in their culture and society.