Things got rather intense when members of Borrefylkingen tested young Theodor Berqvam’s new shield. The shield was subjected to attacks with sharp swords and axes, as well as arrows with iron tips.
Text: Einar Chr. Erlingsen
At the outer edge, the shield is only 3 mm thick. This improves balance and maneuverability when the shield is in use. Along this edge, several deep notches appeared where the sharp weapons struck, but the weapons also got firmly wedged in place — a clear advantage for the one holding the shield. Further in toward the center, it was nearly impossible to inflict any significant damage. Both axe and sword surprisingly slid off the rawhide surface.
The shield is part of a research program aiming to document how Viking shields were constructed and how much they could withstand in battle. The project is run from our Sandefjord branch under the leadership of Roger Pande Løvall, with 18-year-old Theodor as the hands-on craftsman. “It was impressive to see how much the shield could take,” Roger commented.
The Historical Museum has provided advice and access to original shield fragments from the
Gokstad find. See also www.osebergvikingarv.no – the article “Shield so the splinters fly.”
After half an hour of rough testing, the shield is marked but still
usable. (Photo: Steinar Hvitstein, Borrefylkingen and Sandefjords Blad)