Viking Shield with Norse Dragon Motif

Brown Viking Wooden Round Shield with Norse Dragon Motif

Historical Legacy and Norse Mythology

Wooden round shields were the primary defensive equipment of Viking raiders in the Early Middle Ages. Their construction allowed not only for effective defence when forming the famous shield wall (skjaldborg) but also for actively deflecting blows and striking with the edge. The front of this shield is decorated with an interlaced motif of a Norse dragon or serpent. In Norse mythology, dragons (such as Fafnir) or gigantic serpents (Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent) symbolised the untamed, destructive force of nature, but also the protection of treasures and wisdom. Bearing such a creature on your shield meant adopting a portion of its terrifying aura and demonstrating your fearlessness to the enemy.

Construction, Usage, and Safety Guidelines

This piece of defensive gear offers a diameter of 60 cm (approx. 23.6 inches), providing an ideal compromise between torso protection and overall agility in combat. The edge of the wooden body is reinforced with a leather edging, which is carefully affixed with a series of brass nails. The leather significantly extends the shield's lifespan and dampens impacts. The centre is protected by a prominent black shield attachment (boss), beneath which the warrior's hand is safely concealed. For a firm and comfortable hold, a handle is attached to the back. With a weight of 3440 g (approx. 7.58 lbs), the shield is quite solid and perfectly suited for LARP, cosplay, and light scenic fencing. However, we explicitly warn against using it in full-contact heavy combat disciplines such as buhurt (HMB). For safety reasons, this shield is not designed to withstand heavy blows from solid steel weapons, which could lead to its destruction or your injury.

Material Care and Recommended Accessories

Wood, leather, and metal all require some care to ensure the shield retains its majestic appearance for as long as possible. After returning from an event, always allow the shield to dry slowly at room temperature; avoid direct heat sources to prevent the wood from cracking. Treat the black metal boss with a thin layer of gun oil to prevent rust, and occasionally rub the leather rim with a beeswax-based leather balm. To complement this shield, we highly recommend purchasing a reliable Viking battle axe for scenic fencing, thereby completing an authentic and fearsome warrior's panoply.

Technical Parameters of the Shield