Viking Axes Crossed

The axe was a vital weapon for the Vikings, capable of cutting armored limbs in half and breaking shields. Its curved edge allowed a single blow to cleave an opponent’s head down to his shoulders.

Axes were also common in the graveyard, often accompanying a deceased person on their journey to the next world. Some axes had ornaments, which could indicate pagan or Christian themes.
The axe from Mammen

The axe from Mammen, Norway, is an example of a Viking Age axe that was cross-stylised. It reflects the style of decoration that emerged from Jelling in Denmark and was further developed during the Early Medieval period in Scandinavia.

The Mammen axe is thought to have been decorated with silver inlays and its motifs reflect both pagan and Christian influences. One side is inlaid with a silver-worked tree, which could be interpreted as Yggdrasil, the world ash tree of Norse mythology. On the other side, a bird-like motif is interlaced in silver and may be either Gullinkambi, the rooster that sits atop Yggdrasil and wakes up the warriors every morning in Valhalla, or the phoenix, a symbol of rebirth.

In addition to its axe head design, the Mammen axe features a triangular human mask motif which is an important element of this style of decoration. The mask was an early form of the human skull that was used in medieval European art and it can be seen on many Viking axes.

Another major feature of this axe is its wavy, convoluted animal ornamentation. It is a style that has been widely adopted throughout the Nordic region. This style was an evolution of the ribbon animal ornamentation that was used in earlier Viking styles such as Borre and Jellinge.

It is a stylistic development that took inspiration from Continental European traditions, and it is clear that the Vikings had strong cultural connections to both the Celts and the Germanic people. It is also likely that they had contact with the Scythians, who were well known for their axes and weaponry.

Although the axe from Mammen is decorated with silver inlays, it is not a battle ready weapon and therefore would not have been used in re-enactment. Rather it is a decorative piece that can be used for collectors or simply to display in the home.

This axe is also a perfect addition to any collection, and is sure to add interest to your Viking or Celtic inspired home decor! This axe is made of high carbon steel with a 10 cm long unsharpened edge. The handle is about 17 3/4 inches long and weighs 1 pound.
The axe from Bergen

If you’re looking for a city that offers a mix of history, culture and entertainment, Bergen is definitely worth visiting. With a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder this western Norwegian city is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bergen was founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre and served as Norway’s capital until 1110 when it was replaced by Oslo. It was a major trading centre in the 12th and 13th centuries as a member of the Hanseatic League, a group of northern European cities that traded goods and services with each other.

Today, the city is renowned for its many cultural and historical attractions and is well-placed for outdoor activities such as skiing and hiking. Its thriving media and academic industries are also important parts of the modern economy.

For those who are interested in maritime history, the Bergen Maritime Museum is a great place to visit. It has an impressive collection of relics from Bergen’s seafaring past and is open daily.

The Fantoft Stave Church is another popular attraction in Bergen. This church is located at Fantoftvegen 38 and is a unique example of a stave church in Europe.

During the Viking Age, this region was home to numerous stone axes that are found in the area. These axes were made in southern Scandinavia and then distributed across western Norway by the end of the Neolithic period.

In addition to stone adzes, TRB axes were also produced in this region and are still being used in western Norway. These axes are a type of early and middle Neolithic axe that were made in southern Scandinavia and exported to western Norway along the Oslo fjord.

These axes are believed to be among the first types of axes to be used in Norway. These axes were used to cut logs for wood fires and also by native Norwegians who used them for hunting and fishing.

Aside from its rich Viking history, Bergen is also a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the beautiful countryside in Norway. This is largely due to the fact that Bergen has many picturesque fjords, as well as mountains, lakes and forests. It is also an easy-to-access location for those who want to explore the area by sea.
The axe from Västers

Axes are a common feature in archeological viking shields
excavations. However, few have been found in Sweden, which is surprising considering the country’s long history as a Viking hub.

A few notable exceptions include a socketed axe in the 7th century and a number of fine stone battle axes from the Bronze Age. The most impressive of these was unearthed in 1978 at Rosenlund in Denmark.

The ax is a hefty 68 cm (almost 9 inches) in length and weighs a whopping 4.5 kg. It features a large blade and a slick haft, which made it a good choice for heavy work. It also possesses a well designed handle which is ergonomically correct and functional.

Besides its mighty axe, the most important part of the device was the aforementioned handle. It was made from a single piece of soapstone, which provided the necessary grip.

It also possessed a number of other impressive feats, including an unusually smooth edge, a high level of polish, a symmetrical and balanced design, a slick and elegant handle and a clever inscription on the bottom. It was not exactly an ode to the ax itself, though, which is perhaps why it is referred to as the best of the bad. Among the best of the ax’s many functions was its ability to carve a notch in a tree trunk without damaging the timber. The most impressive feature was the fact that it did so with a small amount of effort, which lasted only seconds.
The axe from Stavanger

In southwestern Norway, the charming city of Stavanger is known for its cosmopolitan culture, picturesque harbor and world-class museums. It was chosen as a European Capital of Culture in 2008, and its historic Old Town boasts a wealth of medieval buildings and wooden cottages converted into art galleries and boutiques.

Its laid-back atmosphere and lively shopping streets make it a perfect place to spend a day strolling through the winding alleyways, greeting the cats that live in the neighborhood or taking in the local arts and crafts. The Old Town also houses the world-famous Stavanger Cathedral, which is the oldest church in Norway and dates back to the 12th century.

The city also hosts the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, where you can learn about the oil industry through a number of interesting exhibits. And, if you love the outdoors, don’t miss a visit to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), an impressive natural monument that draws throngs of tourists in summer.

Another highlight of the region is Kjeragbolten, a popular hike that climbs to a rock stuck in a crevice in a mountain. This is an extremely challenging hike, and if you’re not an experienced hiker or don’t have your own transportation, you should definitely consider hiring a guide to do it for you!

You might have seen a picture of this rock and thought to yourself that it would be really cool to go and see it in person. But you should probably beware that this is a fairly strenuous hike, and can only be done in the summer.

While on this hike, you can collect the Book of Knowledge to obtain the Throwing Axe Fury ability. And, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try to reach the top of the rock and take a selfie!

A recent find from an archaeological excavation in the Arendal area of western Norway could be a first for Norwegian archeology. Researchers found a hollow axe at the depth of 12 meters, which they believe to be dated to the Bronze Age. It’s the first time this kind of ax has been found in the country, and it could change how we think about viking axes.