The Sword of Kings is a generally ceremonial sword, signifying the power and authority of the King of the Danes.
Appearance[]
The Sword of Kings is long, with a brown-colored handle and hilt and a distinctive blade. The hilt of the sword is adorned with precious jewels. The blade is mirror polished and etched with Viking runes that translate to "sword of kings."
In Vikings[]
Whilst attacking Kattegat, King Horik shows the sword to his son Erlendur, saying that if the gods will it, he would one day possess it as his son and heir.
After killing Horik, King Ragnar oversees his new domain from atop a high cliff, symbolizing his newfound monarchical status.
Lagertha assumes the sword from Queen Aslaug shortly before she kills her in revenge for taking Ragnar as her husband.
Shortly after the Siege of Kattegat, Lagertha gives the sword to her son Bjorn and proclaims him King of Kattegat. He later oversees his kingdom from atop the same high cliff his father sat on while holding the sword.
When facing the Rus after the Battle for Vestfold, Bjorn uses the sword to signal the Vikings to attack.
In History[]
The Viking Age sword is also known as the Carolingian sword. It was produced from the 8th century through the 11th century. The Vikings' swords were normally around ninety centimeters long. They were usually double-edged and could be domestically produced or imported from the Frankish Empire. The blades were sometimes decorated with pattern welding.
Swords were very costly to make, and thus they were a sign of high status It could take up to a month to forge a sword. Due to their value, they were often passed on from generation to generation. Owning a sword was a matter of high honor. Most Viking warriors would own a sword as one raid was usually enough to afford a good blade. Most freemen would own a sword with goðar, jarls, and sometimes richer freemen owning much more ornately decorated swords. The poor farmers would use an axe or spear instead, but after a couple of raids they would have enough to buy a sword.
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