Page "Viking" Paragraph 57
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According to custom, all free Norse men were required to own weapons, as well as permitted to carry them all the time.
These arms were also indicative of a Viking's social status: a wealthy Viking would have a complete ensemble of a helmet, shield, chainmail shirt, and sword.
A typical bóndi ( freeman ) was more likely to fight with a spear and shield, and most also carried a seax as a utility knife and side-arm.
Bows were used in the opening stages of land battles, and at sea, but tended to be considered less " honourable " than a hand weapon.
The Húscarls, the elite guard of King Cnut ( and later King Harold II ) were armed with two-handed axes which could split shields or metal helmets with ease.
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