Halberd and other weapons

Halberd and Other Weapons

A halberd, sometimes called a vouge, is a two-handed pole-style weapon. The shaft of the spear was made of wood and the head was made of iron. It was used as a thrusting spear as well as in hand-to-hand combat. Thorolf, Egil's brother used this type of weapon in battle, but the shaft of his was bound with iron. in _Egil's Saga_, the halberd is "a thrusting spear" with "edges tapering to a point at one end, broad at the other" (125). Egil plunges the halberd point first in Hring's chest and then turns the spear over and crushes him.

Javelins were used for close combat and in horse fighting. They were held under the shoulder. throwing axes

Protective gear, such as helmets, chain mail, and shields are described in the poems. The helmet was styled after Roman helmets.