How to Make a Viking Shield

 

The Vikings used round shields. These varied in construction and diameter, and were tailored to fit the warrior's body and fighting style. Small shields made the Vikings more mobile and vulnerable, while larger shields were heavier and slower to move. Read on to learn more about these shields and how to make one for yourself! Below is a step-by-step guide to make your own Viking shield. It's easy to see why a Viking would choose a rounded shield over a square or rectangular one.

Wood

The Vikings defended themselves from enemy raiders by using a wooden shield. Originally made of six planks of wood with three iron bands fastened to the back, the shield was painted red and white to symbolize the Christian faith. While original examples were made of solid planks, written sources from the time state that the shields were made of laminated wood. Archaeological evidence contradicts these written sources. Here's a look at a typical wooden Viking shield.

Leather

Historically, the leather of Viking shields was made of pig, rather than horse, hide. However, if you are interested in remaking a Viking shield, you should first understand the construction process. Most Viking shields are custom-made and can take between four and eight weeks to create. Most Viking shields are made of pine planks, but they can be custom-made to fit your needs. They are also light-weight, with only a single back support bar. They also come with a rim of ox rawhide.

Rawhide

To make a rawhide viking shield, begin by cutting a strip of rawhide. Cut the strip long enough to fit the edge of the shield. Once you have found the length, attach it by sewing or nailing. Wet rawhide expands, so the length is slightly smaller than the dry one. Pulling the rawhide may make it fit again. Once this process is complete, it's time to rivet the rawhide onto the shield.

Metal boss

The metal boss of a Viking shield is the most obvious sign of a high-quality piece. The mass concentration in the boss area of the shield increases its controllability and resistance to hits. The thickness of an etched brass boss in the examples above is roughly 0.3 to 0.4 cm while the diameter of the sphere (fist bulb) is five and a half inches or fourteen centimeters. However, some examples are even thinner.

Size

Viking shields can vary in size. One example of a Viking shield of the same size is from the Gokstad ship burial, located in Westfold Norway. Its diameter is 94 cm. This particular shield also has an oval, 'figure eight', or rectangular opening. Modern reinforcements have been added, such as bevels and a horn handle. The material is very similar to that of shields of the same size made by Scandinavians, including the Danes.

Colour

The material used for Viking shields was linden wood, which was readily available in Northern Hemisphere climates. Although it was lightweight and hard-wearing, linden wood lacked the flexibility of other materials. Consequently, the linden shields of Scandinavia and England had a unique colour, with the red and white stripes indicating the colour of their battles. The wood itself was also sturdy and easily worked.

Material

The surviving Viking shields were usually made of spruce, fir, and pine, but some literary evidence suggests they were made of linden wood (scientifically called Tilia and basswood in North America). Both woods are relatively lightweight, and they are well-suited for shield-making due to their strength and durability. Nonetheless, there are a few differences between the wood types. While the surviving Viking shields have a distinctive look and feel, their appearance may not reflect the quality of the materials used.