The Axe in Viking Age Iceland: Both Weapon and Tool

While I was in Iceland, I had the opportunity to visit the National Museum of Iceland and examine a couple of historic axes found on the island. Since this is outside my area of expertise, two experts generously joined me in the video to explain the history and context of these axes. First, we have Ármann Guðmundsson, an archaeologist at the Museum who can speak to the weapons of the time as they are found today. Second is Reynir Óskarsson, a Viking combat researcher with Hurstwic who can help us understand how these axes were actually used.

Viking-age Iceland was a unique society in many ways, and the role of personal weapons at that time is a fascinating story. So sit back and join us to learn more about it!