Viking vs Saxon shields question

[Papierschnitzel]

Hi guys,

I am currently working a "dark ages" buildlings terrain set, inspired by historical Norse/Viking and Anglo-Saxon architecture styles but also going into Fantasy terrain with optional deco elements.

For decoration options I have made Viking shields, the round ones with different color options. I wanted to start making some Saxon ones too but in my google research Saxon shields look like the Viking ones. Did they have any outstanding visual difference that I can use compared to the Viking ones?

I have attached a sample page of my Viking shields rendition. Any help would be much appreciated!

Chris

[Eric the Shed]

If your Vikings are pagans I would think it unlikely that their shields would sport crosses...

[Papierschnitzel]

If your Vikings are pagans I would think it unlikely that their shields would sport crosses...

The cross shape patterns was something I have seen often when googling for those shields. I'd happy, if you can point me towards other and maybe historically accurate designs.

[Atheling]

If your Vikings are pagans I would think it unlikely that their shields would sport crosses...

Unless they're a part of Haadrada's invasion force in 1066 when a good proportion of them would at least be paying lip service to being Christian. In fact, many would be.

[Maniac]

Unless they're a part of Haadrada's invasion force in 1066 when a good proportion of them would at least be paying lip service to being Christian. In fact, many would be.

Or Sven Forkbeard (986 king of Denmark, 1013 King of England) or Cnut Svenson (King of England in 1016), both of whom were Christian (and kings of England, Cnut being regarded as a very good king by contemporaries and historians alike). 

Then there is also St. Olaf, his armies wore the cross (circa. 1015 King of Norway, and many conflicts with the pagans in Norway). Harald Bluetooth was a Christian, being the first Christian king of Denmark in 958AD.  See also Rollo the Granger (~911AD conquers Normandy and converts to Christianity).

So plenty of Christian Vikings running about, even before these kings converted. 

[Atheling]

Or Sven Forkbeard (986 king of Denmark, 1013 King of England) or Cnut Svenson (King of England in 1016), both of whom were Christian (and kinds of England, Cnut being regarded as a very good king by contemporaries and historians alike). 

Then there is also St. Olaf, his armies wore the cross (circa. 1015 King of Norway, and many conflicts with the pagans in Norway). Harald Bluetooth was a Christian, being the first Christian king of Denmark in 958AD.  See also Rollo the Granger (~911AD conquers Normandy and converts to Christianity).

So plenty of Christian Vikings running about, even before these kings converted.

indeed. There are plenty of examples. We could have mentioned the Rus for instance

[Papierschnitzel]

But back to the original question  do you know of differences in the Saxon and Viking shields or was that basically the same design?

[Atheling]

But back to the original question  do you know of differences in the Saxon and Viking shields or was that basically the same design?

I would look at some serious re-enactment sites. The answer I suspect is that we simply don't know as leather and pigmentation is perishable.

[Papierschnitzel]

I would look at some serious re-enactment sites. The answer I suspect is that we simply don't know as leather and pigmentation is perishable.

That makes much sense! Thank you 

[Fitz]

Viking and Saxon shield designs in illustrations of the era (pretty thin on the ground) are basically the same, but with a preponderance of crosses on the Saxon side. However, we have to take into account that those illustrations were invariably done by Christian monks, who would (a) tend to big up their own side, (b) would want to clearly distinguish between the Christian armies and the pagan hordes, and (c) would most likely have just drawn the sorts of shields they'd be able to see around them. They weren't often great at distinguishing accuracy of detail.

[Citizen Sade]

Some Saxon Huscarl figures come with kite shields. I don’t know how historically widespread the use of them was compared to round shields, but it might be a good way to distinguish between Saxons and Vikings. Falls apart if you end up doing Normans too though 

[Atheling]

Some Saxon Huscarl figures come with kite shields. I don’t know how historically widespread the use of them was compared to round shields, but it might be a good way to distinguish between Saxons and Vikings. Falls apart if you end up doing Normans too though 

I think it's safe to say that Kite Shields were more widespread in the 11th CE than is indicated in the Bayeux Tapestry. I remember having an hour long conversation with Darren from Gripping Beast on this subject possibly 20 years ago!

If military technology provides an advantage, and you can afford it, or even deem it fashionable, you can bet it was adopted to a large degree.

[Papierschnitzel]

This is what I love about this hobby. I have enjoyed history since I was a kid but what I am learning through the research for my tabletop projects ... it's so fascinating! Thank you guys for all your help!!!

[Atheling]

This is what I love about this hobby. I have enjoyed history since I was a kid but what I am learning through the research for my tabletop projects ... it's so fascinating! Thank you guys for all your help!!!

No probs at all. I'm happy to offer any input that I can.