Viking bearded axe, type C, engraved, semi-sharp

Product description

This type of axe head is classified as Petersen Type C. The blade features an extremely pronounced beard, with a wide flaring section behind the eye, making it one of the most distinctive forms of bearded axes. This type is a further development of bearded axes that had already been used since the Late Roman period. Most examples have been found in Sweden, a few in Norway, and none in the United Kingdom. This type of axe was likely used as a battle axe, as the connection to the shaft is relatively thin for a woodcutting axe. Axes of this design were possibly originally developed by the Slavic peoples of the Baltic region.

The “beard” — the downward extension of the blade — provided a larger cutting surface without increasing the weight of the axe. Thanks to this design, the user could grip the haft just behind the head to plane or carve wood. In battle, the beard also offered advantages: it could be used to hook or pull away an opponent’s shield or weapon.

The axe was an indispensable and versatile tool for the Vikings, whether used to fell trees, construct ships, houses, and furniture, or as a weapon in combat. The shape and size of axe heads were adapted to their intended use. Some axes were richly decorated and served as status symbols, often buried alongside their owner. Today, Viking axes are popular collector’s items and frequently appear in films, TV series, and video games, reinforcing the image of the fierce and fearless Vikings.

This Viking axe features a hand-forged high-quality carbon steel blade and a sturdy ash wood handle. The axe head is further decorated with an engraved historical Viking motif, and the axe is wrapped in leather. It makes an excellent gift or addition to a Viking outfit!

Dragons were the mythical counterpart of serpents and appeared in the earliest myths of modern humans. As humans migrated, dragon mythology spread worldwide. Among many Indo-European peoples, dragons play a prominent role in their mythologies. In Germanic and later Viking mythology, dragons are seen as all-destroying monsters. At the same time, they symbolize the evil beast that must be defeated by a hero. These two archetypes — the destroyer and the hero’s adversary — reinforce each other.