Legendary Swords & Weapons from Norse Mythology

Norse mythology is extremely popular. From video games like God of War to books and movies, most of us are familiar with at least a few aspects of Viking myths.

Superhero movies featuring Thor and Loki are inspired by the vast world of Norse gods, goddesses, heroes and creatures. Most of the stories included in Norse mythology center around powerful weapons.

norse god battle — Norse gods do battle with magical hammers, spears, and swords. Johannes Gehrts, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The weapons used by Norse gods and heroes include swords, spears, war hammers, and other objects. They each possess capabilities far beyond standard weapons of war.

The inclusion of weaponry and battles in Norse mythology tells us much about historical Scandinavians. Their world was brutal in many ways, with war and raids a part of everyday life.

The following list includes the most famous weapons of Norse mythology. These legendary items are important to the stories of the gods and heroes who wield them.

1) Mjolnir

Mjolnir is the most famous weapon in Norse mythology thanks to movies featuring the god Thor. Mjolnir is a war hammer that the god of strength and thunder wields with supreme power.

With Mjolnir, Thor is capable of breaking mountains and summoning storms.

This mighty war hammer has a uniquely short handle, thanks to a mishap made by the trickster god, Loki. Luckily, Thor’s strength allows him to wield the single-handed weapon with ease and precision.

2) Gungnir

Gungnir is the spear of Odin. It is a well-balanced weapon that never misses its target.

Like many other weapons in Norse mythology, Gungnir was made by the order of Loki.

Odin wields Gungnir in many battles across the Nine Realms of Norse mythology. The spear is used by Odin in the final battle of Ragnarok.

3) Gram

gram sword — The sword named Gram belonged to Sigmund and Sigurd. Johannes Gehrts, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The sword Gram was given to the Norse hero Sigmund by Odin. It later passed to Sigurd, who used Gram to slay Fafnir the dragon.

4) Angurvadal

angurvadal sword — Frithiof wielded Angurvadal during battles on Orkney. Sooth Clett, Swona, Orkney Islands by Robert Beharie, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Angurvadal is the sword of Frithiof, a Norse hero. The sword features runes that glow brightly in times of war.

Frithiof wields Angurvadal in battles on the Orkney Islands. He enters these conflicts with the intention of winning the hand of Ingeborg, a princess.

Frithiof’s plan fails, however, when Ingeborg marries the old King Ring. The king eventually dies and Ingeborg is free to marry the brave Frithiof.

5) Laevateinn

laevateinn dagger — In Norse mythology, the mysterious Laevateinn dagger rests in a chest in the Hel, the underworld. The goddess Hel shares the same name as her realm. Johannes Gehrts, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Laevateinn is a small dagger that is kept in Hel, the Norse underworld. The dagger is stored in a chest with nine locks to keep it well-protected.

The dagger is made from wood and may be the dart that killed Baldr, the god of the sun. As with many other tragic events in Norse mythology, Loki was behind this assassination.

6) Freyr’s Sword

The god Freyr, brother of Freya, with his unnamed sword. Eduard Ade, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Freyr, the god of fertility, is the brother of the goddess Freya. Both siblings belonged to the peaceful Vanir tribe of Norse gods.

Although peace-loving, Freyr and his fellow Vanir gods still arm themselves with powerful and deadly weapons. Freyr’s sword is unnamed, but just as mighty as other weapons.

It has the power to fight on its own if needed.

Freyr gave up this legendary sword after deciding to join the Aesir gods.

7) Hofund

Heimdall god — Heimdall, the Eternal Watcher, utilizes his powerful sword Hofund to protect Asgard. This interpretation of the god comes from an 18th century Icelandic manuscript. Jakob Sigurðsson[2], Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Hofund is the sword of the god Heimdall. This interesting character is the “eternal watcher” who guards Asgard’s borders.

In the Marvel universe, Heimdall is able to draw on the powers of the Nine Realms to strengthen Hofund and protect Asgard. The sword absorbs cosmic energy and becomes an unlimited source of power and protection.

8) Dainsleif

Dainsleif is the sword of King Hogni. It was crafted by Dain, a blacksmith dwarf. The Dainsleif sword is a powerful and terrifying weapon.

Once drawn from its sheath, it must take a life. It also has the capability to kill with the slightest touch. Dainsleif never misses its target.

The sword is the primary weapon of Hogni during his everlasting war against Heoinn.

9) Skofnung

skofnung sword — Skofnung possesses the powers of berserkers, mighty and fearless Viking warriors. Lorenz Frølich, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Skofnung is the sword of King Hrolf Kraki. The sword’s extremely sharp blade never goes dull and is imbued with the souls of twelve of the king’s berserkers.

Wounds inflicted by Skofnung can only be healed with a magic stone.

10) Tyrfing

Two dwarves crafted Tyrfing for King Svafrlami. Like Dainsleif, Tyrfing can only be sheathed after killing someone. The sword is sharp enough to cut through iron and stone.

Although powerful, Tyrfing is also cursed by the dwarves who crafted it. The sword would be responsible for “three great evils” after the death of the king.

Svafrlami wielded Tyrfing with success until he was overpowered by the berserker Arngrim. The first evil done by Tyrfing happened when Arngrim used the sword to kill Hjalmar.

The second evil occurred when Heidrek, grandson of Arngrim, showed the cursed sword to his brother. Heidrek had to kill his brother in order to sheath the sword.

The final evil happened when a group of thralls (slaves) used the cursed sword to kill Heidrek.

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Legendary Viking Swords & Norse Weapons [Pics & Stories]