Viking reenactors at a Minnesota Vikings Game with A&A shields in the background. Title image: Bruce Kluckhohn-US PRESSWIRE
We all know the odds are slim for the Vikings to reach the playoffs, and they can use any kind of help fans can give. Given the importance their namesake placed on mighty weapons for bringing victory it seems like buying a viking axe from Minneapolis-based Arms and Armor is a great way to convince the gods to support the team. While we can't guarantee that these weapons have magical powers, we promise that giving one as a gift will make Odin, Thor, or Freya bring you victory. On second thought, what the hell, they are totally magic... Additionally, these historical reproductions are hand-made in Minnesota and are as functional and durable as the original weapons on which they are based. Even if football isn't your thing, wielding one of these weapons is sure to lift your holiday spirits.
Gift 1:
A Type M Dane Axe. This beauty is huge, deadly, super impressive, and absolutely guaranteed to mystically help the Vikes climb the rankings. That's right, buy this, cradle it in your arms as you watch the game, and the Vikings will definitely win the Super Bowl (no refunds in case they don't).
Gift 2:
The Anglo-Saxon Sword. This classic Viking sword is perfect for your loved one to clasp in their sweaty palm while watching Ragnar Lothbruk or Utred of Bebbenburg slay the hell out of a bunch of non-Vikings on TV. Lovingly-crafted, this sword will send any would-be berserker who receives it into fits of joy.
Gift 3:
The Nordland Axe. Our Nordland Axe is a must have for the aspiring Thane on a budget. Not only is it a great utility axe for hunting, hiking, or clearing brush up at the cabin, it's also perfect for sacking monasteries, building longships, and undertaking emergency fortifications of campsites. This Viking Axe is also really great for throwing, so maybe you should get two of them...
Gift 4:
The Norseman Spear. Over seven feet long, with a 15 inch handmade steel head, this spear has plenty of reach to keep suspected Packers fans a respectful distance from your tailgate party. Buy a dozen of them, outfit an entire war party and set up a shield wall to protect that precious cooler of brewskis!
Gift 5:
The Viking Training Sword. This awesome training sword is a favorite of Viking combat specialists in the US and Europe, and it's a perfect gift for the shield maiden who has everything. Light and lively in the hand, this sword has been extensively tested and revised to give the most accurate handling of any Viking training sword available today. Check out our blog post about this piece. It looks and behaves just like a sharp sword, except that it is less likely to kill your friends when you shout "For Odin!" and chop them in the face. Just kidding, don't do that without appropriate safety gear...
That's our top five gifts for Vikings fans list. If you need the item by a specific date please chat with us prior to ordering to ensure delivery before Christmas/that important game/the season finale.
Don't forget to check out our other Viking-period items such as our Type L Fighting Axe, Danish Type L War Axe learn more in our blog post, and Shifford Viking Sword.
Vikings fans of yore
Nathan Clough, Ph.D. is Vice President of Arms and Armor and a member of the governing board of The Oakeshott Institute. He is a historical martial artist and a former university professor of cultural geography. He has given presentations on historical arms at events including Longpoint and Combatcon, and presented scholarly papers at, among others, The International Congress on Medieval Studies.
Craig Johnson is the Production Manager of Arms and Armor and Secretary of The Oakeshott Institute. He has taught and published on the history of arms, armor and western martial arts for over 30 years. He has lectured at several schools and Universities, WMAW, HEMAC, 4W, and ICMS at Kalamazoo. His experiences include iron smelting, jousting, theatrical combat instruction and choreography, historical research, European martial arts and crafting weapons and armor since 1985.