♜Virtual Museum♜ | Gaddhjalt Type X Sword

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This 3D reconstruction is based on a type of sword that Petersen identified through his examination of 49 examples found throughout Norway. It doesn't depict a specific find, but rather represents the common characteristics shared by its kind. The Gaddhjalt or "spike hilt" is a Norwegian style of sword from the late Viking age, spanning the 10th to mid-11th century. Its defining features are the large brazil nut-shaped pommel and thin quillons adorning the guard. The substantial pommel provides counterbalance to the blade, enhancing its performance and allowing for swift, powerful cuts despite its perceived length and weight. This blade type excels against mail-clad opponents, and the larger quillons suggest an evolution in combat techniques, with a greater emphasis on parrying with the blade rather than relying solely on a shield.