The large, gorgeous Viking shield we offer here is made of approx. 13 mm thick plywood and adorned with a stylized motif of the wolf Fenrir (alsoFenrisorFenrisúlfr) and a sequence of runes from the Elder Futhark (oldest runic alphabet) that spell out his name.
In Germanic mythology, Fenrir is one of the world’s three tormentors, together with Hel and the Midgard Serpent Jrmungandr. All three are the children of the malicious god Loki and the giantess Angrboda. Fenrir fights the existing order and ultimately embodies the annihilation of the world. The gods recognize his dangerousness, chain him to a rock with a ruse, and sink him deep into the bottom of the earth. In order for the plan to succeed, Tyr, the god of war, even sacrifices a hand. The wolf is shackled for a long time, until eventually, at the twilight of the gods, he breaks his chains and devours Odin. Odin's son Widar kills Fenrir, but it is too late, the Allfather of the Gods falls and, with him, the order of the world.
In its centre, the shield features a generously sized steel boss that is tightly held in place with four rivets, and leaves enough space to accommodate even stout Viking hands. The shield’s edge is clad with rawhide (parchment), and the back is fitted with three riveted reinforcement slats made of wood. The central slat also officiates as a handle and is leather-wrapped in its middle section for a comfortable grip.
Although this early medieval wooden shield may be slightly too thin for full contact, it is still a great accessory for re-enactment, LARP, stage or TV/film and will make your transformation into a proud Norse warrior just perfect. Besides, it also makes for a nice collectible or display piece for all Viking Age enthusiasts.
Details:
- Material: plywood, solid wood handle with leather wrap, leather (rawhide) edging, steel boss
- Painted with the wolf Fenrir
- Diameter: approx. 80 cm (31.5 in.)
- Thickness: approx. 13 mm
- Shield boss: overall approx. 18 cm, bulge approx. 13 cm, bulge height approx. 8 cm
- Weight: approx. 4.6 kg
Specs may slightly vary from piece to piece due to being entirely handmade.