This recovered part of a Viking sword belt, discovered in 1878, is composed of leather, copper alloy, and bronze. It is characteristic of other belts found in Viking graves in the Baltic area. Norse weapons have become legendary, and swords are considered to be one of the most effective medieval blades. An interesting concept that can go unnoticed is that swords may not have been common weapons in the Viking Age; while swords were by no means the most commonly used weapon in comparison to axes and spears, there were times of battle in which they proved to be valuable. On average, swords were two feet long and double edged and most often used when in close proximity to the enemy.¹   

Besides being objects of destruction, however, they were also objects of artistic investment and pride. Swords were often passed down as precious heirlooms, and some brought them into battle as souvenirs. As swords and the belts that secured them were most often adorned with highly intricate decoration, they were rather expensive to make, and a weapon as such was most likely a high status symbol of the elite. Craftsmen of the swords often created their own signature styles of decoration on the hilts and belts, which allowed bearers of the swords to choose from a variety of symbols to associate themselves with.²

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