Norse Warfare: Unconventional Battle Strategies of the Ancient Viking

by Martina Sprague

In this thorough and evocative analysis, Martina Sprague tackles the myth of the Vikings, their unconventional battle tactics, cunning strategies, and bold use of any means at their disposal. From the innovative shipbuilding methods that produced flexible hulls and the ability to glide silently into shallow water, to Asatro, the polytheistic religion that honored the god of war, Sprague casts a fresh light and a scholarly eye on these fiercely independent people.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, War, Military History

369 pages, Hardcover

First published December 3, 2007

Reviews

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chapter 1 is very interesting. I found it amusing that the Vikings were considered a 'scourge and plague from God' for the sins of the people, especially when the British (or what would be considered British at that time) took "comfort" in a 'smiting from the Lord' upon the Vikings, which was most likely a severe case of dysentery that killed several thousand Vikings. I also didn't know that not only did the Vikings attack London but occupied the English throne for many years during the late 800s.

I love the title of Ch 2: Live Hard, Die with Honor. The Vikings did not fight for King or Country but for personal glory, material wealth and adventure and freedom. Coming from some of the poorest, most desolate lands in extreme northern Europe, its amazing when you consider that they colonized many countries (including Russia), sailed to America before Columbus, and had fleets that numbered in the hundreds of ships. Women in Norse society were also afforded great liberties. They were equal under the law the men, and unlike other countries at this time, could marry whom they chose and alternately divorce those same men if he failed to fulfill the duties of home and hearth. Women were also great warriors. One noted female warrior is Freydis Eriksdottir (translated Erik's daughter) who is cited as having 25 killings to her name. Honor and Pride were highly valued attributes for a Viking. To be accused of betraying another man's trust was one of the worst crimes a man could commit. A man's beard was more than just vanity, it was also a sign of his wealth. There's an amusing, if somewhat bloodthirsty, tale of how a man's beard and long glorious locks not only saved his life but the life of his comrades.

Its amazing what the Viking people accomplished with little to no technology. Navigating by the stars, by word of mouth and sometimes even setting out with no information at all, just to see what they come upon. They traded and traveled as far as Russia, the Mediterranean and even Turkey. They were soldiers for hire and rulers in their own right. In all, the Viking reign lasted a little over 300 years, yet the results of their adventures live on into today.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book on Viking Warfare. I would recommend it to anyone interested in medieval history. My only issue is that it focused a bit too much on certain characters rather than their strategies and battle tactics.

[Rowan Vosberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really informative and cool. It is interesting to learn about the Jomsvikings in particular.

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

Vikings! Warfare! Sounds exciting, doesn't it??!? That's what I thought. Alas, rather than following a particular campaign or character or even a tribe, the author skips around throwing out random Viking facts and speculations. These are presented in whatever order made sense to the author (and it certainly didn't to me). For instance, in chapter two, the author tells about a Viking "king" whose desired bride refused to marry him until he united all of Norway. It took him ten years, but he finally accomplished it (no mention of the marriage at this point, nor how he accomplished this feat). Then, there were dynastic wars and his brother was murdered. I "turned the page" expecting to read details about this upheaval, but the next sentence started telling me about the linguistic origins of Viking speech! Really?? I gave up.

[R. Scot Johns · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disorganized, random thoughts presented in no real order made it difficult at best to gain a solid insight into any Viking fighting styles and strategies, other than the standard view of the longboat stealth attack. There is a wealth of historical detail presented, but so haphazardly that no coherent sense of time and place can possibly be gained.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, and clearly thoroughly researched book on Vikings. It has definitely given me more of an insight than the previous vague idea of 'raping and pillaging'. Also nice to get some history before I go to Norway.