Long axe
Distinct from smaller hand axes, two-handed ‘Danish’ axes were characteristic of viking elites and were the trademark weapon of the professional hearth-troops of the eleventh century Anglo-Danish kings – the huscarls. They appear to date from the tenth century onwards, so should not be used at earlier shows.
The larger Dane axeheads should be wedge-shaped, with either curving or semi-straight edges. Dane axeheads may be decorated with gold or silver wire inlaid into the axehead.
- Axeheads must be secure and should be shafted (from the bottom of the shaft) so that the axehead will not fly off the top
- Axeheads should not have sharp points – the tips should be curved to match a 5 pence coin
- Axe shafts must be smooth and unsplintered
Long axes in the Sagas
"When Kveldulf came aft to the stern-castle, he brandished high his battle-axe, and smote Hallvard right through helm and head, so that the axe sank in even to the shaft; then he snatched it back towards him so forcibly that he whirled Hallvard aloft, and slung him overboard."
- Egil's Saga, Chapter 27
"Steinthor Olafson rushed at him and struck him a blow on the neck just above his shoulders with a great axe, severing his head cleanly".
- The Saga of the People of Laxardal, Chapter 55
Images of long axes
Harold Godwineson and huscarls with long axes, from the Bayeux Tapestry.
Two huscarls using long axes to deadly effect.
A 10th century Long Axe head found in the River Thames. Now in the British Museum Collection, the blade is 28cm long.
