John Jenkins Designs: Viking Archers

The Vikings made considerable use of the bow, both on land and at sea. Not only was it used to a considerable extent by the bondi (in Norway and Sweden the word “bow” could even be used to mean a warrior) but also it was used by nobles and kings, who took great pride in their personal accuracy.

Viking bows were mainly made from elm, although yew was also used.

In the Leidang bows were provided as part of the ship’s equipment. It was known that a bow and 24 arrows were supplied per 2 oarsmen. This suggests that up to 50 percent of a Viking national army might in fact be bow armed.

The first of the Viking archers will be available this summer.