The Sword in Early Medieval Northern Europe: Experience, Identity, Representation

A wide—ranging study of the significance of swords throughout the whole Anglo—Saxon period, offering valuable insights into the meaning of and attitude towards swords.


Swords were special in Anglo—Saxon England. Their names, deeds and pedigrees were enshrined in writing. Many were curated for generations, revealed by their worn and mended condition. Few ended their lives as casual discards, placed instead in graves, hoards and watercourses as part of ritualised acts. Contemporary sources lea...