#Viking Tools

[kultofathena]

Markland Merchants – Vikingr (Raider) – Type L Fighting Axe

This hafted version of the Markland Merchants Raider Axe is a robust, real axe meant for serious reenactors and enthusiasts and was designed by a Viking reenactor who wished to make a higher quality and more accurate Viking axe available. It is crafted to a higher level of quality than many other axes with attention paid to fit and finish, such as the fitting of the axe to the stained Hickory haft being tailored to each haft by using the historical techniques of clamping and bending the points of the axehead into the wood to make it very closely fitted to the haft and highly resistant to movement. The fitting of the axe socket is futher enhanced by a sheet of malleable copper to form-fit the interior of the axe socket to the haft which is a fine bit of practical detailing that is historically accurate, but rarely executed with modern replicas. Please Note: we recommend using Butchers block wax to re-seal and moisturize the handles to keep them from drying out and shrinking over time. Replacement hafts will be made available in the near future.

“Vikings” is the modern name given to seafaring people originally from Scandinavia (present-day Denmark, Norway, and Sweden), who from the late 8th to the late 11th centuries raided, traded, and settled throughout parts of Europe. Our Petersen Type L fighting axe, which we have called the Vikingr, is one that any Viking warrior of the time would have been proud to carry and is based on the dimensions and weights of historical examples. The head weighs approximately 1lb, and when mounted on a haft of the right length – it becomes a very quick and balanced weapon that is an absolute joy to wield.  If you close your eyes, you can almost hear the sails rippling in the wind, feel the salt spray on your face, and taste the sea air seasoned with a slight hint of burning thatch.

[thesilicontribesman]

Iron Axe Head, c.700-1000CE, Stewartry Museum, Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

This axe head was found in a submerged canoe in Loch Doon on the northern border of Galloway Forest Park. It is a Danish or Norse axe similar to other Viking axes found across Scotland. The context of the find (c. 1820s) is something of a mystery - could this have been a Viking boat burial?

Experimental archaeology has shown that these axes were formidable weapons. A single heavy axe stroke could penetrate a wooden shield and cut off the arm that carried it. We also know that Vikings used axe-heads like this for graffiti. Hundreds of runes and drawings were made by Norsemen in the Neolithic cairn Maeshowe in Orkney, and the carvings from Torrs Cave were perhaps also made in this way.

[misspjsuperior]

BERKANA woodcut print rune deck hand made by PJ Superior features each of the 24 Elder Futhark runes (plus a ”Wyrd” card) carved by hand into birch wood and printed in a hand cranked barrel press. (The backs printed with a spoon.) Along with the rune symbols, each associated Norse word along with a simple, deeply meaningful illustrative border is carved into the wood from which these cards are printed. The Norse rune symbols are still the main visual focus.

The woodcut print method used to create this hand crafted set of cards ensures that the wood carving typical of the most ancient sets of casting runes is still present in this contemporary deck.

I call this rune deck BERKANA after the 18th rune in the Elder Futhark alphabet, because it means “birch” which is the same type of wood used for the carving of this deck. In runic divination, Berkana represents growth, renewal, and hope.

A home made guide booklet, sewn by hand, is included to share interpretations for divination. The guidebook includes cultural background and history of the Elder Futhark runes, as well as insights into the inspirations and meanings of the artistic imagery accompanying each symbol.

Limited edition of 50 funded via Kickstarter

A handful of decks now available:

[cursedthing]

.IRON 'N' COBBLE

[blogtib]

[thegothicviking]

Transcript; "Helluu! 😊 Sooo eh one time me and my ex went to Oslo and we went to a kiosk and we tried to order a hot dog with uh "ROBBEL OG RAKJE" and we also tried to order a uh "SJU TE VÉRS" and uh the lady she just kept asking us if we could "repeat that" because she... had no idea what we were... talking about!"

@namelessrammgirl

________

Here we have a big bottle of SJU TE VÉRS

("7 to the air"/7up)

Actual its a SLANKE SJU TE VÉRS ("diet 7 to the air/7up!")

[harmonyhealinghub]

Unlocking the Ancient Wisdom: Exploring the Mystical World of Runes

Shaina Tranquilino

August 30, 2023

If you take the time to observe and look around, we are surrounded by ancient symbols and mystical practices. Runes stand out as one of the most fascinating forms of divination and communication. Originating from ancient Germanic and Norse cultures, these enigmatic characters have captivated scholars, historians, and enthusiasts alike for centuries. In this blog post, we will embark on a journey to uncover the secrets behind runes and explore their significance in contemporary society.

What are Runes?

Runes are a system of ancient alphabets used by various Germanic tribes such as the Vikings during the early Middle Ages. These characters were typically inscribed onto stones, wood, or metal objects and carried deep symbolic meanings. Each rune represents a specific sound, but they also hold broader associations with natural elements, gods/goddesses, and various aspects of life.

The Origins of Runes:

The exact origins of runes remain shrouded in mystery. However, many scholars believe that they evolved from older writing systems like Etruscan or Anglo-Saxon scripts. The earliest known runic inscriptions date back to around 150 AD and can be found across Northern Europe.

The Rune Alphabet:

The runic alphabet is known as "Futhark," derived from its first six letters: Fehu (wealth), Uruz (strength), Thurisaz (thorn), Ansuz (divine breath), Raido (journey), and Kaunan (torch). Over time, different versions emerged within different regions, resulting in variations such as Elder Futhark, Younger Futhark, and Anglo-Saxon Futhorc.

Divination with Runes:

One of the primary purposes of runes was divination – seeking insight into future events or guidance in decision-making processes. To perform a rune reading or casting, practitioners would traditionally draw runes from a bag or scatter them on a cloth, interpreting their meanings based on their positions and interactions.

Each rune carries its own unique symbolism, allowing for nuanced interpretations. Some common interpretations include Fehu representing wealth and abundance, Thurisaz symbolizing protection or defense, and Raido signifying journeys or travel.

Runes in Contemporary Society:

Despite being rooted in ancient cultures, runes have not lost their relevance in modern times. Many individuals find solace in exploring the wisdom embedded within these symbols and seek to incorporate them into their spiritual practices. Runes are often utilized for meditation, personal growth, intention-setting rituals, and even as decorative elements in jewelry or artwork.

In popular culture, runes have made appearances in various forms of media such as books, movies (e.g., "The Lord of the Rings"), and video games (e.g., "The Elder Scrolls" series). These depictions have further fueled curiosity about runes among enthusiasts worldwide.

Runes continue to captivate our collective imagination as powerful symbols of ancient wisdom and divination. Whether you approach them from an academic perspective or seek personal connection through spirituality, exploring the world of runes can be a transformative experience. As we unravel the secrets behind these enigmatic characters, let us honour the knowledge they carry by embracing their lessons with reverence and respect.

[hikinglikeaviking]

Pictures I took during a historical skin tanning course 🐏🐟

Sheep and salmon in pictures. We also did bass, marten, weasel and squirrel. Fat and alum tanning

[gwydionmisha]

Viking Age Tools and the Mighty Mästermyr Tool Chest

[hws-lceland]

What cutie mark do you think the Nordics would have

[fashions356]

🪓 Ready to Slice Like a Viking? Discover This 9-Inch Cleaver Knife! #But...

[kultofathena]

This hafted version of the Markland Merchants Raider Axe is a robust, real axe meant for serious reenactors and enthusiasts and was designed by a Viking reenactor who wished to make a higher quality and more accurate Viking axe available. It is crafted to a higher level of quality than many other axes with attention paid to fit and finish, such as the fitting of the axe to the stained Hickory haft being tailored to each haft by using the historical techniques of clamping and bending the points of the axehead into the wood to make it very closely fitted to the haft and highly resistant to movement. The fitting of the axe socket is futher enhanced by a sheet of malleable copper to form-fit the interior of the axe socket to the haft which is a fine bit of practical detailing that is historically accurate, but rarely executed with modern replicas.

Available to order now.

[technofuturismsculpturesblog]

[neonfuturecityblog]

[digitaldimensiondioramablog]