Posted on 10/21/2015 2:09:26 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
A hiker travelling the ancient route between western and eastern Norway found a 1,200-year-old Viking sword after sitting down to rest after a short fishing trip.
The sword, found at Haukeli in central southern Norway will be sent for conservation at the The University Museum of Bergen.
Jostein Aksdal, an archeologist with Hordaland County said that the sword was in such good condition that if it was given a new grip and a polish, it could be used today.
"The sword was found in very good condition. It is very special to get into a sword that is merely lacking its grip," he said.
"When the snow has gone in spring, we will check the place where the sword was found. If we find several objects, or a tomb, perhaps we can find the story behind the sword," he said.
He said that judging by the sword's 77cm length, it appeared to come from 750-800AD.
"This was a common sword in Western Norway. But it was a costly weapon, and the owner must have used it to show power," he said.
(Excerpt) Read more at thelocal.no ...
Ah, I've heard of this- the legend of the Ancient HR Stone of Norway.
“Because he couldn’t possibly have used it to split skulls and sever necks ... “
I think that might have been covered by “show power.” Nothing says “large and in charge” like cutting some dude’s head off.
When my brothers and I were play sword fighting our favorite challenge was to declare: “Your sword is rusty!”
“split skulls and sever necks”-the most accepted-and he fastest-way to show power in that day and time-having a flashy and efficient weapon to do it would probably have added to the user’s image...
Probably wood, but it could well have been an antler. Bone probably wouldn’t have decomposed or been consumed like the other two.
FWIW, I interpreted the comment about the sword being expensive, and used to “show power” as meaning that is was a display piece only. I find that idea highly unlikely. I agree: Nothing says “I HAVE THE POWER” quite like separating your opponent’s/challenger’s head from his shoulders with one blow of a sword.
I would have preferred a phased plasma rifle in the 40 watt range. :)
Imagine if he had found a catapult!!
Unfortunately the hiker was a member of ISIS, so the sword was immediately melted down and destroyed. /s
For that, you would need something more like Outlander; but he was a little short on weapons too and had to make the sword out of alien metal.
After Conan seeks out the group that murdered his people, Doom explains to him, "Steel isn't strong, boy. Flesh is stronger. Look around you." Thulsa motions to some of the thousands of followers surrounding his mountain who worship him as the mouthpiece of God. He points up to the top of a cliff, "There, on the rocks, that beautiful girl." He motions to the girl, "Come to me, my child." The girl steps off the cliff and falls to her death. "That is strength, boy. That is power: the strength and power of flesh. What is steel compared to the hand that wields it? Look at the strength of your body, the desire in your heart. I give you this ...such a waste. Contemplate this on the tree of woe. Crucify him."
Good question!
Ulfberts were double-edged.
Sounds unlikely.
“it was in its killing.”
Nah, merely having one would cause everyone to treat you differently. It does not take actual killing for the sword to have power.
Time to OUTLAW the Single edged seax!
Obviously wasn't made in China then.
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