Viking Swords - type X

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Oakeshott Type X describes the typical Viking-age sword that remained in use until the 13th century. Its broad and flat blade measures an average length of 80 centimeters (2.6 feet) with a wide and shallow fuller running almost its entire length but gradually disappearing just before the rounded tip. The grip averages about 9 centimeters (3.5 inches) in length, similar to earlier Viking swords. The tang is typically flat and broad, narrowing sharply towards the pommel. The cross or cross-guard is square-shaped, measuring around 18-20 centimeters (7.1-7.9 inches), tapering towards its tips and occasionally slightly curved. Type X swords are narrower and longer than standard Viking swords, representing a transitional phase to the knightly sword of the High Middle Ages. Tenth-century Norsemen referred to this type as gaddhjalt, meaning spike hilt. The pommel often takes an oval shape or a disk form. The inlaid ULFBERHT mark is characteristic of Type X swords. In 1981 Oakeshott introduced the subtype Xa, which includes swords with similar blades but narrower fullers, originally classified as Type XI.