How did viking weapons impact our modern world?
How Does Viking Weapons Be Seen in the Modern World?
Viking weapons continue to captivate modern audiences, influencing everything from military tactics and combat sports to movies, video games, and pop culture. Their legacy is evident in martial arts like HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts), modern weaponry, and Hollywood’s portrayal of Viking culture.
From the viking spear and sword to the mighty Thor’s hammer, Viking weapons have been adapted, reimagined, and integrated into modern combat, entertainment, and cultural expressions. This article explores how viking weapons still shape our world today, comparing their historical use with modern interpretations in warfare, martial arts, and popular media.
Viking Spears and Their Evolution in Modern Warfare
The spear was the most commonly used weapon in the viking age. A tool that could be used for thrusting, throwing, and in shield wall formations. Today, the influence of Viking spears is still visible in both military and civilian combat applications.
In modern warfare, the bayonet,(bladed weapon attached to the end of a rifle) carries the same tactical functionality as a viking spear. Just as warriors relied on their spears for quick strikes and defensive formations, modern soldiers are trained in bayonet combat, demonstrating the enduring effectiveness of polearms in military engagements.
The design of police riot gear also reflects viking spear tactics. Riot control teams often use long batons and shields, mirroring Viking spear formations that created barriers against enemy attacks. Additionally, martial arts disciplines like HEMA continue to incorporate viking spear techniques, keeping ancient combat styles alive in modern sport and reenactment.
See our collection of viking replica spear here
Thor’s Hammer in Pop Culture and Media
Perhaps the most famous viking age weapon in the modern world is Mjölnir, Thor’s hammer. While originally a mythological weapon of protection and destruction, its pop culture adaptation has transformed it into an icon, spiritual symbol, and artistic inspiration.
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has played a crucial role in popularizing Mjölnir. Thor’s hammer, as depicted in the movies, has abilities far beyond its mythological origins. In Norse legends, Mjölnir was primarily known for crushing giants and consecrating sacred rituals, while in modern adaptations, it can summon lightning, enable flight, and even determine the worthiness of those who attempt to lift it.
To see the original meaning and the historical sources of Mjolnir, see our blog article here.
Beyond films, Mjölnir is widely used in gaming, appearing in titles like God of War, Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla, and Skyrim. It is also a dominant symbol in tattoo culture, representing strength, resilience, and Norse heritage for people worldwide.
Interestingly, while historical Viking artifacts depict Mjölnir as a relatively simple, compact hammer, modern designs tend to embellish it with intricate runes and decorative engravings, emphasizing its magical qualities. This evolution reflects how Viking mythology has been reshaped to resonate with contemporary audiences while still honoring its original symbolism.
See our replicas of archeological finds of mjolnir from the viking age here.
Viking Swords in HEMA and Modern Combat Sports
Viking swords were well-crafted, durable, and highly respected on the battlefield. Unlike later medieval longswords, Viking swords were typically shorter, broad-bladed, and optimized for fast, close-quarters combat. Today, these weapons have found a new life in historical martial arts and combat sports.
HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) practitioners use Viking-style swords for sword-fighting competitions and reenactments. However, modern versions of these swords are heavier and reinforced for safety, as historical Viking swords were razor-sharp and designed for actual battle. The Buhurt (full-contact medieval combat) scene also relies on Viking-inspired weapons, following strict guidelines to ensure historical accuracy while making them safe for sport.
While authentic Viking swords were typically crafted from iron, modern reproductions are often made with spring steel or high carbon steel, ensuring durability during intense combat. The integration of modern materials like titanium in some protective elements has further evolved Viking weaponry for modern use.
See our collection of replica viking swords here
The Battle Axe: From Viking Warfare to Tactical Tools
The viking battl axe was one of the most feared weapons of its time, capable of breaking shields, splitting helmets, and cutting through armor. Today, viking-style axes have found their way into competitive axe throwing, military gear, and survival equipment. Many of you have also probably noticed viking axe throwing places near you where you can get a drink and throw some axes.
In modern tactical applications, special forces and law enforcement agencies use compact, viking-beared-axe-looking tomahawks for breaching doors, cutting barriers, and possibly in rare situations, hand-to-hand combat. These modern axes share many design similarities with viking dane or bearded axes, highlighting their enduring practicality.
The popularity of axe-throwing competitions in recent years has also revived viking-style axes in sports. Many of the techniques used in axe-throwing leagues mimic historical Viking competitions, making it one of the most direct connections between viking combat and modern recreational activities.
Viking age Bearded Axe-Skeggøx
Dane Axes in Archeology and Viking Age Art
Viking Shields and Their Influence on Modern Defense Gear
Viking shields were round, lightweight, and designed for versatility, providing both offensive and defensive capabilities. Today, their influence can be seen in riot police shields, which are used similarly to protect against incoming projectiles and attacks while maintaining maneuverability.
The shield wall formation, a crucial tactic used by Viking warriors, is still studied in modern military training, particularly for crowd control and battlefield strategy. Additionally, viking shields remain popular in reenactments and museum exhibitions, helping people experience the art of Viking warfare firsthand.
Our replica viking sheilds for sale here
Viking Archery: The Legacy of Long-Range Combat
Vikings were not just melee fighters—they were also skilled archers and hunters. Their bows were crafted for accuracy and power, enabling them to strike enemies from a distance or hunt game efficiently. Although there are relatively few historical records of vikings using archery in combat, there are more records of using it for sport at annual gatherings and festivals.
In modern times, traditional viking-style bows are still used in competitive archery and historical hunting techniques. The design elements of Viking bows influenced later crossbows and longbows, demonstrating how Viking innovations in ranged combat have shaped modern archery traditions.
Viking Weapons in Hollywood, Gaming, and Reenactments
Viking weapons have made a significant impact on entertainment, influencing everything from blockbuster films and video games to live-action role-playing (LARP) and reenactments.
Movies like The Northman and TV shows like Vikings have helped reignite public fascination with Viking warfare. Similarly, video games like Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla and For Honor allow players to wield viking weapons in immersive, historically-inspired combat.
Historical reenactment groups also play a key role in keeping viking combat traditions alive. Events featuring Viking battles, HEMA tournaments, and living history displays showcase how these weapons were used in realistic, full-contact combat demonstrations.
Conclusion: Why Viking Weapons Still Matter Today
Viking weapons are far more than historical relics, they continue to shape modern military technology, martial arts, sports, and entertainment. From bayonets and tactical tomahawks to HEMA sword fighting and Hollywood blockbusters, the legacy of Viking warfare lives on in countless ways.
Whether you’re training in medieval combat, throwing axes for sport, collecting Viking replicas, or watching Thor wield Mjölnir on the big screen, the influence of Viking weapons is everywhere. Their impact remains a testament to the strength, ingenuity, and warrior culture of the Norse people.