<P> Viking Age swords were common in battles and raids . They were used as a secondary weapon when fighting had fallen out of formation or their primary weapon was damaged . While there were many variations of swords, the Vikings used double - edged swords, often with blades 90 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide . These swords were designed for slashing and cutting, rather than thrusting, so the blade was carefully sharpened while the tip was often left relatively dull . </P> <P> A sword was considered a personal object amongst Vikings . Warriors named their swords, as they felt such objects guarding their lives deserved identities . A sword, depending on the make, was often associated with prestige and value due to the importance of honor in the Viking Age . No real method has been discovered as to how the Vikings made their weapons, but it is believed that individual pieces were welded together . </P> <P> Weapons often served more than one purpose . If two people were in disagreement, one would often challenge his offender to a duel of honor that were supposed to resolve the issue . This challenge would take place either on a small island or marked off area . A square with sides between 9--12 ft would be marked off with an animal hide placed inside the square . Each man was allowed three shields and a shield bearer who carried the shield during battle . The helper could replace or carry shields for the combatant . The person who had been challenged was entitled to the first blow at the shields . The opponent could parry the blow and counter with his own strike; only one strike at a time was allowed . Once all of someone's shields had been destroyed he could continue to defend himself as best he could with a sword . This would continue until someone was injured; if blood fell on the animal hide then that person was required to pay three marks of silver to be set free and have his honor restored . </P> <P> The most common weapon in the Viking arsenal was the spear . They were inexpensive and effective . The wooden spear handle was between two and three meters long . There were two types of spears; one was made for throwing while the other was generally used for thrusting . The handles of these were the same, but the tips of throwing spears were roughly thirty centimeters while the thrusting spears were close to sixty . Spears were sometimes used as projectile weapons in the occasional naval fight, as well as during raids on shore and in battle . This was in part due to the Norsemen's natural height and build, being much taller and bigger than Frankish and English men at the time . The popularity of the spear came from its inexpensiveness and advantage over the sword due to its reach, making it the most common battlefield weapon all over the world, despite popular belief . </P>

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