At Norse Imports, we combine expert research, hands-on experience, and a deep respect for Viking history to bring you the most accurate reconstructions of Viking weapons and artifacts. This article explores the historical, mythological, and archaeological significance of the Viking spear. From legendary sagas to real spearhead archeology discoveries engraved with runes, we draw on primary sources and museum-backed evidence to give you a complete picture of this iconic weapon. 

Viking Spears in Norse Mythology and Saga Lore

The Viking spear was more than just a battlefield weapon, it was a symbol of power, magic, and honor in Norse mythology and Viking society. From legendary tales of Odin’s spear to heroic sagas of fearless warriors, the spear played a central role in both history and myth.

Gungnir: Odin’s Powerful Spear

The most legendary spear in Norse mythology is Gungnir, the magical weapon of Odin. The name Gungnir translates to "the swaying one" or "the rocking one," possibly describing the movement of a thrown spear or a deeper spiritual meaning tied to destiny and cosmic balance.

Gungnir wasn’t just a tool of war. It represented divine power and was said to never miss its mark. In the mythic war between the Æsir and Vanir gods, Odin cast Gungnir not to destroy, but to protect. It was an ancient tradition: Viking warriors would throw a spear over their own army to call upon Odin’s blessing and secure victory. This practice is even recorded in the Eyrbyggja Saga, where a spear was thrown as part of a protective magic ritual. 

 

At Norse Imports, we offer a beautifully crafted replica of Odin’s Gungnir, complete with engraved runes—ideal for display, ritual, or educational use. [View it here.]

We also carry a replica inspired by the Eyrbyggja Saga spear [available here], perfect for those interested in the magical history of Viking spear use.

The Power of Viking Spears in the Sagas

These are just a few of the most famous accounts of spears in the viking sagas.

In Króka-Refs saga, a master craftsman named Ref forges a spear so sharp and strong that it slices a man named Þorgils in half from head to shoulder. 

Laxdæla saga tells of Helgi, who used a huge Viking spear head probably nearly 50 cm long to stab straight through his enemy and even his own shield. 

One of the most incredible stories comes from Grettis saga, where Grettir uses a spear so massive that he drives it through two men at once. The power of this weapon is legendary, and at Norse Imports, we offer a replica of this giant winged spear for collectors and history lovers [available here].

Egils saga is another rich source of spear stories. In one tale, Þórólfur stabs his spear through a jarl with such force that he lifts him off the ground. In another, the warrior Kveldulf uses a weapon called a bryntröll, possibly a type of reinforced Viking spear. He strikes so hard that he lifts his enemy and throws him overboard with the weapon still lodged in the man’s body.

Viking Spear Throwing: Deadly Accuracy at a Distance

Viking spears weren’t just used in hand-to-hand combat, they were also deadly when thrown. A skilled spear Viking could hurl a spear with incredible precision, turning it into a devastating long-range weapon.

One of the most famous examples comes from Olavs saga Tryggvasson, where King Olav Tryggvasson was known for his unmatched athletic abilities. His most impressive feat? Throwing two Viking spears at once and hitting his targets. 

Another amazing story comes from Grettis saga, where Grettir cleverly avoids being killed by his enemy Þorbjörn. Grettir sneaks into his opponent’s armory and secretly removes the rivet from Þorbjörn’s Viking spear. When Þorbjörn tries to throw it, the Viking spear head flies off uselessly and disappears into the land. What’s incredible is that, according to legend, that same spearhead was found again hundreds of years later.

Catching a Viking Spear in Battle

One of the most impressive skills a Viking warrior could master was the ability to catch a thrown spear in mid-air and throw it back with deadly force. In Brennu-Njáls saga (Chapter 54), a warrior named Gunnar became legendary for doing exactly that. He would stand calmly in battle, catch an enemy's Viking spear as it flew toward him, and instantly hurl it back with perfect aim.

This remarkable feat was so iconic that it inspired scenes in modern Viking-themed movies, including The Northman. It shows just how skillful and fearless Vikings were when using their spears in combat.

Viking Spear Pole Vaulting

The Viking spear wasn’t only a weapon, it was a tool for movement and strategy. Some Viking warriors used their spears to pole vault over walls, rivers, and even enemy barricades during battles. This unusual but practical use is recorded in both Reykdaela saga and Frostbroedra saga.

Using a spear as a vaulting pole wasn’t unique to the Vikings. Civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans had done it centuries earlier. But for the Norse, leaping over obstacles with a sturdy Viking spear could mean the difference between life and death. This battlefield tactic helped them move quickly and surprise their enemies.

And while today pole vaulting is an Olympic sport, for the Vikings, it may have once been a real combat skill.

Runes and Magic on Viking Spears

In Viking times, a spear wasn’t just a weapon, it could also be a magical tool. Many Viking spears were decorated with runes.

One saga, Gísla saga, mentions runes carved into a spear that seemed to enhance its power. This shows how important rune magic was in Norse culture.

Archaeological finds also confirm this. Several Viking spear heads have been found with real runes etched into the metal. These runic weapons help prove that Norse warriors likely believed in the power of symbols and magic when heading into battle.

We offer beautiful Viking spear replicas with runes inscribed, based on real finds, available now in our Norse Imports collection.

Archaeological Discoveries of Viking Spears

Thousands of Viking spears have been uncovered by archaeologists across Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. 

The Evolution of Viking Spear Heads

In the early Viking Age and Migration Period, a typical Viking spear head measured about 20 cm (8 inches). As warfare changed over the centuries, the spears grew insize. By the later Viking Age, some spear heads reached animpressive 60 cm (24 inches), becoming closer in style to the medieval lance. These larger spears were especially useful in cavalry and large-scale combat.

Unfortunately, the wooden shafts of these spears have mostly rotted away over time, so it's difficult to know their exact lengths. However, Viking sagas offer some clues.

In Gísla saga, there’s a description of a Viking spear so long that a warrior’s outstretched arm could barely reach the spearhead, possibly around 7 or 8 feet. But most spears were likely closer to 6 feet long, which is the size of the Viking spear replicas we offer.

Small Viking Spears for Throwing

Not all Viking spears were huge. In Laxdæla saga, a character named Hrappr carries a "spjótsprika," or small Viking spear. These lighter spears, typically around 5 feet long, were ideal for throwing and quick movement. They were perfect for carrying in multiples and using at a distance.

We’ve created a historically inspired replica of this smaller Viking spear design—check it out [for sale here].

Unique Viking Spear Designs and Legendary Finds

Not all Viking spears looked the same. Some were designed with special features that gave them distinct advantages in battleand often reflected deep spiritual meaning.

One special type was the krókspjót, or barbed spear. These Viking spearheads had sharp "wings" or barbs at the base. The purpose? To make it harder for the enemy to pull the spear out once it struck or even to hook or trip an opponent in close combat. A spear Viking warrior using one of these would have had both a brutal and tactical edge.

Other Viking spears were decorated with intricate designs. Some spearheads had engravings that looked like the veins of a leafshowing just how much craftsmanship went into weapons that weren’t just for war, but also symbols of pride and status.

The Kragehul Spear: One of a Kind

One of the most famous Viking spear discoveries is the Kragehul Spear, found in Denmark during the 1800s. What makes this spear so rare is that the original wooden shaft was still intact when it was discovered a very rare find in Viking archaeology.

But even more amazing are the runes carved into the spear. One part of the inscription reads “gagaga”—a mysterious word not found in any Norse or Germanic language. Most experts think this was a magical chant, meant to give the spear power. Similar "magical" words have been found on amulets, so it’s clear this Viking spear head was more than just a weapon—it was a spiritual tool.

We offer a replica of the Kragehul Spear with these same runes engraved [see it here].

A Runic Spear from Sweden

Another fascinating discovery comes from Sweden: a Viking spear head inscribed with runes that say, “Rani owns this spear, and Botfuss colored it.” This tells us the weapon belonged to someone named Rani, and Botfuss—likely a rune carver or spiritual leader—blessed or decorated it. This would have been a spear not only used in war, but also in sacred ritual.

We’ve recreated this piece as well, complete with the same inscription, available in our shop [here].

These finds show that Viking spears were never just weapons. They were part of a deeper worldof  combination of craftsmanship, belief, and battle.