The Viking Shield Wall: An Innovative War Tactic for the Early Medieval Period
The Viking shield wall, or “skjaldborg” in Old Norse, was an innovative war tactic that played a crucial role in the military successes of the Viking raiders and settlers.
Formation and Use of the Viking Shield Wall
The Viking shield wall was a military formation in which warriors stood in close ranks, holding their large, round shields edge-to-edge or overlapping. Each soldier was responsible for protecting not only themselves but also their comrades. According to archaeologist Dr. Gareth Williams, “the shield wall relied on the combined strength and discipline of all the warriors in the line” (Williams, 2014, p. 98). The wall’s effectiveness depended on the warriors’ ability to maintain the integrity of the formation, making teamwork and discipline vital components.
The shield wall’s flexibility allowed it to be adapted for various terrains and combat situations. It could be formed as a straight line, a curved line, or a complete circle, depending on the battle’s needs (Jones, 2011, p. 34). This adaptability enabled the Vikings to defend against attacks from multiple directions and adjust their strategy as the dynamics of the battle evolved.
Innovative Aspects of the Viking Shield Wall
- Organization and…
