This article draws on primary archaeological finds from royal Viking ship burials and high-status graves, as well as historical records from medieval sources like the sagas, Heimskringla, and chronicles of Olav Tryggvason. By examining both physical evidence and written tradition, we reveal what the Viking king sword truly looked like, how it was used, and why it held such sacred power in Norse culture.

We at Norse Imports uncover truth behind Viking artifacts through research in museums and historical written sources and working with blacksmiths to create accurate sword replicas, exploring graves of Viking leaders. Expert insights and museum-quality replicas [available for sale here].

 

Real Sword of Viking Kings

Were there Swords of Kings Vikings Burials?

Yes! Viking kings swords were absolutely buried with them and we are able to see some of them today! While the Norse didn’t leave us life-size statues like the Romans, they did leave behind sacred burial sites where weapons were placed with care. These swords weren’t common battlefield tools. The Vikings’ sword of kings was often a family heirloom or imported blade. Viking kings and nobles were typically buried in ship graves or large mounds, with their king's sword lying beside them, either intact or intentionally broken or bent. These graves, found across Scandinavia, Russia, and England, serve as silent witnesses to the glory and power of Vikings’ the sword of kings.

These are some of the real burial mounds uncovered by archeology thought to be kings and the swords found within.

Gokstad Burial Viking King Sword

The Gokstad Mound, also known as "Kongshaugen" (King's Mound), is a significant Viking Age burial site located at Gokstad Farm in Sandefjord, Vestfold County, Norway. Excavated in 1880, it revealed the Gokstad Ship, a well-preserved Viking longship constructed around 890 AD. The burial included a wealth of grave goods, such as 64 shields, kitchen utensils, beds, a sleigh, three smaller boats, and animal remains, including horses, dogs, peacocks, and goshawks and the fragments of 1 sword.

The sword is classified as type E by archeologist Jan Petersen. You can read more about the find here. This grave is believed to belong to King Olav of Geirstad. You can read about this fascinating tale of reincarnation in The Tale of Olav Geirstadalf.

Ulfberht Sword – Vikings the Sword of Kings

Among the most famous Viking swords ever found are the +ULFBERHT+ swords which were elite Frankish style blades made with crucible steel far superior to most Norse ironwork. Over 170 Ulfberht swords have been found, many buried with high-ranking warriors or leaders with most of them being in Norway. 

Drawings of 4 Ulfberht Swords found in rich graves in Norway

Although we cannot confirm exactly who was burried with many of these swords, it is certain that some of the owners were kings due to the high quality and expensive craftsmenship of them. The Ulfberht Sword would have been a top choice for kings.

👉 We carry a fully functional Ulfberht replica, hand-forged and battle-tested for HEMA and reenactment fighters. See it [for sale here].

 

The Gjermundbu Vikings Kings Sword

In Ringerike, Norway, a richly furnished Viking grave was discovered in 1943. It contained the only complete Viking-age helmet ever found, along with a sword, mail shirt, axes, spears and shield. Scholars believe the grave belonged to a powerful regional king or nobleman although we are not certain exactly who.

The Sword found is type S as classified by archeologist Jan Petersen

The sword found at Gjermundbu reflects the craftsmanship and symbolism worthy of royalty. It’s a classic example of a Viking king's sword, combining military power and status in one blade.

We carry a luxury replica of the Type S sword inlaid with brass decor [for sale here]

The Gnezdovo Sword: An Eastern Vikings Kings Sword

Discovered in Russia’s Gnezdovo burial complex, this sword was found in a kurgan (burial mound) likely belonging to a Rus Viking prince. Although they were not officially called Kings, the Viking Princes that Settles the Rus region were almost always descendeed from Norwegian or Swedish royalty. The sword’s ornate fittings and high-quality design strongly suggest royal ownership. 

It is classified as type E by archeologist Petersen and also has an Ulfberht inscription on it.

This discovery shows how far the reach of the Norse kings extended, and how the sword of kings was carried and buried even in Eastern Europe. It also reinforces how Viking kingship wasn’t confined to Scandinavia alone, many rulers of Norse descent held power in Kievan Rus, Ireland, and England.

 

Sword of Kings Vikings at Jelling

Jelling in Denmark is a place of great importance in the viking age. It was a place where powerful kings of Denmark ruled from such as Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth. There are a couple rich burial mounds here, one of them we know belonged to Gorm the Old. 

Jelling style sword decoration in Petersen type S shape.

Although Gorm was dug up and re-buried in a Christian method by his son Harald Bluetooth, without any sword appearing to accompany his second burial, many swords have been found in the area with what is called "Jelling Style" decoration with rich artwork for precious metals. It is fair to assume that these belonged to kings ruling from this location

Sutton Hoo Sword of Kings

For a final note, we want to include the Sutton Hoo Sword! Although not a Viking burial, it is the richest Anglo-Saxon burial in England. It was a king who was buried there sometime in the 6th century when the Anglo-Saxons were still pagan. The style of this burial is identical in nature to Viking age ship burials and shows the similarities in these Germanic cultures.

The Sutton Hoo Sword similar to other Vendel Period Swords from Scandinavia

Although we don't know which king was buried here, he was a powerful pagan King of England. Although it is not a Viking kings sword specifically, we wanted to include this as a tribute to the shared Germanic culture.

Historical Viking King Sword Names

To finish this article, we will cover a few viking Sagas that tell of famous swords owned by kings. These are swords from authentic historical sagas about actual kings and men who have been verified to have lived and the swords they named in addition to the attributes.

Leggbít ("Legbiter") – The sword of King Magnus III “Barefoot” of Norway earned its grisly name from its reputed ability to slice through legs in battle. When Magnus was slain in an ambush in Ireland, “his sword, Legbiter, was retrieved and sent home” as a royal heirloom.

Kvernbít ("Quernbiter") – The sword of King Hákon the Good of Norway as described in Snorri Sturluson’s Heimskringla, received this sword from King Æthelstan of England. Quernbiter was said to be so sharp that it could cut through a quernstone (millstone) in one blow. 

Hneitir (“Striker”)– The sword of King Óláfr Haraldsson (Saint Olaf) of Norway, who died in 1030 at the Battle of Stiklestad. Olaf ultimately fell in battle, dropping Hneitir as he died. As a relic, “Olaf’s sword, called Hneitir, was kept in the church above his burial site” in later medieval tradition, underscoring its status as both a historical weapon and a sacred artifact in the St. Olaf legend.

Buy one of our Vikings sword of kings?

We hope you enjoyed this article. We are on a constant quest for more information, so we will update this article as we continue to dive into more research museums and archeological finds. We have 9 swords in our collection as of today and we will continue to get more in the future.

[Check out our full collection of swords for sale here]