Drawing from archaeological finds, Norse sagas, and historical records, this article explores the legacy, construction, and significance of Viking spears, connecting past and present with expert analysis.

At Norse Imports, we specialize in historically accurate viking spear replicas, crafted with the same level of precision and authenticity as the legendary weapons of old. Whether you are a historical reenactor, collector, or Norse enthusiast, our spears are designed to honor Viking heritage while maintaining the highest quality craftsmanship.

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Viking Spear: Oldest and Most Versatile Weapon in Human History

The spear is the oldest known weapon in human history, predating even the most primitive metal tools. Before swords, axes, and bows, early humans used long wooden shafts tipped with sharp stones or hardened points to hunt, defend themselves, and engage in combat. Among the viking age, the spear remained the primary battlefield weapon, prized for its versatility, reach, and deadly precision.

Spears Stood the Test of Time

Archaeological evidence dates the earliest spears to over 500,000 years ago, back to the time of our common ancestor with the Neanderthals. These ancient weapons were simple yet effective, allowing early humans to maintain distance from dangerous animals and enemies while delivering deadly thrusts.

Despite technological advancements, the spear remained the dominant weapon throughout history. Even as civilizations such as the Egyptians and Greeks developed bronze swords and shields, they continued to rely on spears in battle as their top weapon. The Iron Age and Viking Age saw further improvements in sword and armor craftsmanship, but the spear was still the most common weapon on the battlefield.

As history progressed into the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the spear evolved into the pike and lance. Even in modern times, the bayonet(a blade attached to the end of a rifle)is essentially a modern-day spear, still used by elite military forces.

Tactical Advantage of the Viking Spear

The viking spear was not just a weapon, it was a tool of strategy and control. Unlike swords or axes, the spear allowed warriors to keep their opponents at a distance, striking with deadly precision while staying out of reach of enemy attacks. In combat, distance is everything, and the spear gave warriors an edge, whether they were on foot or horseback.

Beyond melee combat, the viking spear was an incredibly effective projectile weapon. For thousands of years, humans perfected the art of throwing spears with deadly accuracy. Spear-throwing was not just a combat skill but a hunting technique that allowed warriors to take down large animals from a distance. Even today, spear-throwing is preserved in sports and traditional games across various cultures.

Viking Spear as a Spiritual Symbol

The significance of the spear goes beyond its practical use in battle. In Norse mythology and Viking culture, the spear was viewed as a spiritual extension of the warrior's body and soul. Just as a seeress or shaman might use a staff as a conduit for their power, the spear was believed to enhance a warrior's strength and consciousness.

This spiritual act of the shaman and its staff can be extended into warfare how in Berserker states, the soul was often thought to leave the body in a trance state. Spears were typically also made out of ash wood, which is what the first human was created from in Norse mythology. We will touch on this in the next section.

 

Viking Spear in Norse Mythology and Sagas

The Viking spear was not only a tool of war but also a weapon of legend, mythology, and ritual. In Norse mythology, the most famous spear was Gungnir, the legendary weapon of Odin, and Norse sagas tell countless stories of how Vikings wielded spears with deadly precision. These stories not only highlight the importance of spears in battle but also reveal the spiritual and magical significance that the Norse associated with these weapons.

Gungnir: Odin’s Legendary Spear

The most well known spear in Norse mythology is Gungnir, Odin’s sacred weapon. The name Gungnir translates to “the swaying one” or “the rocking one”, a reference that has multiple interpretations. Some scholars believe this name could symbolize the motion of a thrown spear, while others suggest a deeper meaning tied to birth, fate, and cosmic order.

To read about a deeper interpretation of Gungnir, see our article [here.]

Also see our replica Gungnir with runes engraved [for sale here].

Gungnir was not just a mythological weapon but a central symbol in Viking battle traditions. One of its most famous uses was in the Æsir-Vanir War, when Odin threw Gungnir over the Vanir as a ritual gesture. Some may ask, if Gungnir never misses, why did the Vanir survive? The answer lies in an ancient Nordic tradition: throwing a spear over one’s own warriors was a way to grant them protection, luck, and divine favor in battle.

This tradition is further documented in Eyrbyggja Saga, which describes warriors throwing spears not to harm their enemies but to enchant and safeguard their own forces. Though we don’t recommend throwing it at anyone, we have a replica of this spear from Eyrbyggja sage [for sale here]!

The Power of Spears in Viking Sagas

The Viking sagas contain many legendary tales that show the deadly effectiveness of spears in battle. Unlike modern portrayals that glorify swords, spears were often the true weapons of devastation in the hands of skilled warriors.

In Króka-Refs saga (Chapter 8), the Viking craftsman Ref creates a spear so powerful that it splits Þorgils in two from head to shoulders.

In Laxdæla saga (Chapter 55), a warrior named Helgi wields a massive spear with a blade one ell long (approximately 50cm or 20 inches). He thrusts it with such force that it pierces through his enemy’s body and his own shield together.

In Grettis saga (Chapter 19), Grettir possesses a spear so deadly that he skewers two men at once, driving it through both Þórir and Ögmundur.

We carry a replica of Grettirs giant winged spear [for sale here].

In Egils saga, Þórólfur impales Jarl Hring with such force that he lifts him into the air, showcasing the sheer power and effectiveness of Viking spears.

These accounts demonstrate that spears were not secondary weapons bu they were the primary tools of death and destruction in Viking combat. While axes and swords had their place, a warrior trained from childhood in spear combat would have been far more lethal than one wielding a sword alone.

Viking Spear Throwing

Spears were not only deadly in close combat but were also used as projectile weapons, thrown with astonishing accuracy.

One of the most legendary spear throwers was Olav Tryggvasson, as told in Olavs saga Tryggvasson. He was famous for his skills in multiple sports, but his most feared ability was his precision in throwing spears—not just one but two at the same time.

Another fascinating account comes from Grettis saga (Chapter 48), where Grettir outsmarts his enemy Þorbjörn by secretly removing the rivet from his spear. This prevented Þorbjörn from throwing his spear effectively. The spearhead flew off and was lost for hundreds of years, only to be rediscovered around the time the saga was written down a couple hundred years later adding an element of reality to the tale.

Catching a Spear in Battle

One of the most remarkable Viking feats was the ability to catch a thrown spear and hurl it back at the enemy. This was famously demonstrated by Gunnar, a warrior in Brennu-Njáls saga (Chapter 54). He was renowned for catching spears mid-air and throwing them back at his attackers with lethal accuracy. This impressive skill was even depicted in modern Viking-inspired films, including The Northman.

Viking Spear Pole Vaulting

Spears were not only used in combat and rituals but also served a surprising function in Viking mobility. The art of pole vaulting using spears was practiced for generations across many cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, as far back as 3,000–4,000 years ago.

In Viking history, Reykdaela saga and Frostbroedra saga document warriors using spears as vaulting poles to leap over obstacles in battle. While this may seem extreme, the ability to vault over walls, ditches, or enemy fortifications could have given Norse warriors a tactical advantage. Today, pole vaulting remains a competitive Olympic sport, though its ancient battlefield applications are rarely discussed.

Runes and Magic on Viking Spears

Spearheads and shafts were often decorated with runes, believed to imbue the weapon with magical power. In Gísla saga, runes are mentioned as part of a spear’s enhanced mystical abilities, possibly granting the wielder strength, accuracy, or protection in battle. Given that rune magic was central to Norse beliefs, it is likely that many Viking spears were ritually inscribed to harness these powers. We also find runic inscribed spears in the archeology as we will cover now.

Archaeological Discoveries of Viking Spear

Viking spears have been unearthed in thousands of archaeological sites across Scandinavia and beyond. While it would be impossible to cover them all, some of the most notable finds provide valuable insight into Viking craftsmanship, battle techniques, and spiritual beliefs. Before diving into specific discoveries, let's look at some general observations from archaeologists that reveal how spears were used, designed, and perceived in Viking culture.

The Evolution of Viking Spears Over Time

Early Viking Age and Migration Period spear heads were typically around 20 cm (8 inches) long. As warfare tactics evolved, later viking age spears increased dramatically in size, with some reaching 60 cm (24 inches) in length. These larger spearheads marked the transition towards medieval lances, making them more effective for mounted combat and larger-scale battles.

While the metal spearheads survive in the archaeological record, the wooden shafts rarely do, making it difficult to determine the exact length of Viking spears. However, Norse sagas provide some clues.

In Gísla saga (Chapter 6), a spear is described as having a shaft so long that a man's outstretched arm could barely touch the spearhead. Given that an average Viking man had an arm span of around 7 feet, this suggests that some spears may have reached 7–8 feet in length. However, such long spears seem to have been less common, with most Viking spears likely measuring around 6 feet, which is the standard length for modern our Viking spear replicas.

Not all Viking spears were large. Laxdæla saga (Chapter 64) describes Hrappr carrying a spjótsprika, sometimes translated as a "small spear." Archaeological finds confirm the existence of smaller spears, typically 5 feet long, which were lighter, more maneuverable, and ideal for throwing. Unlike heavier spears meant for thrusting in close combat, these smaller versions allowed warriors to carry multiple spears at once, increasing their effectiveness in battle.

See our replica of the spjótsprika [for sale here].

Spears in Viking Symbolism and Spirituality

Beyond the battlefield, Viking spears held deep symbolic and spiritual significance. Several amulets depicting figures holding crossed spears have been found, suggesting that spears were connected to Odin, berserkers, or spiritual leaders guiding warriors into battle.

These crossed spears resemble the Elder Futhark rune "Gebo", which signifies gift-giving, partnership, and divine favor—possibly reflecting the belief that spears granted Odin’s blessing in war.

See our replica amulets of these spear bearing figures [for sale here]

The wood used for spear shafts also carried spiritual meaning. Residue analysis from Viking spears shows that most were made from ash wood. In Norse mythology, humans were created from trees—Ask(Ash) for men and Embla(Elm) for women. This suggests that Viking warriors may have viewed their ash-wood spears as an extension of their own bodies, much like seers and shamans used staffs as spiritual tools.

Ash wood has continued to be used in modern sports and tools, including pool cues, hockey sticks, lacrosse sticks, and pole vaulting equipment, reinforcing the idea that something primal and powerful is awakened in men when wielding an ash staff.

Distinctive Spear Designs in the Viking Age

Some Viking spears had unique features, showcasing the diversity in design.

Krókspjót (Barbed Spears): Some Viking spearheads had "wings" or barbs at the base of the blade, making them more effective for hooking opponents or preventing removal from wounds.

Intricately Decorated Spears: Some spearheads were elaborately engraved, resembling the veins of a leaf, showcasing craftsmanship beyond mere functionality.

Runic Inscriptions on Spears: Vikings sometimes inscribed magical runes on their weapons, believing they would enhance their power in battle.

Notable Viking Spear Archaeological Finds

The Kragehul Spear

One of the most important Viking Age spears ever discovered is the Kragehul Spear, found in Denmark in the 1800s. This exceptional artifact is unique because it is one of the only Viking spears ever found with its original wooden shaft still preserved.

Even more fascinating, the Kragehul spear is inscribed with runes, some of which appear to be bind runes (combinations of symbols for magical effect). The phrase "gagaga" is particularly interesting, as it is not a known Norse or Germanic word but instead likely a ritual incantation. Similar inscriptions have been found on magical amulets, reinforcing the idea that spears carried spiritual significance beyond their function as weapons.

We have a replica of the Kragehul Spear, featuring the same engraved runes to honor this legendary artifact [for sale here]

Runic Spearhead from Sweden

Another remarkable Viking spearhead was found in Sweden, inscribed with runes reading: "Rani owns this spear, and Botfuss colored it." This suggests that Botfuss was a spiritual leader or rune carver who engraved the weapon for Rani, possibly as a blessing or magical enhancement.

These runic inscriptions show that Viking spears were not only weapons but were ritually prepared to ensure their wielder’s success in battle.

We carry a replica of this spear with the same runes engraved [for sale here]

Spears and Banners: The Raven Flag Connection

Many Viking spears were adorned with banners, most famously the raven banner. The Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England, shows Normans (descendants of Vikings) carrying spears topped with banners.

The raven flag was particularly significant, carried by legendary Viking leaders such as Ragnar Lothbrok, the Great Heathen Army, and King Cnut the Great. This banner was believed to carry Odin’s blessing, inspiring fear in enemies while signaling divine protection for Viking warriors.

Find our replicas of these viking raven banners [for sale here]

The Spear’s Lasting Legacy and Availability Today

Viking spears were not just tools of war, they were symbols of power, spirituality, and elite craftsmanship. From Odin’s Gungnir to spear-wielding berserkers, these weapons were deeply embedded in Viking culture.

If you’re looking to own a piece of Viking history, we offers the high-quality viking spear replicas, crafted with the same attention to detail and historical accuracy as the originals.

Currently, our viking spears are sourced from the Czech Republic, which have blacksmiths world renowned for their abilities and price. We are working to bring in authentic Scandinavian-made spears soon although they may be lesser quality at a much higher price.  Every Viking warrior should own at least one spear, whether for historical reenactment, display, or connection to Norse heritage.