Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye was one of the most enigmatic figures of the Viking Age. Said to be a son of Ragnar Lodbrok and Aslaug, he appears in the Norse sagas as a warrior, ruler, and avenger of his father’s death. While many aspects of his life are legendary, enough archaeological and historical context exists to build a reasonable picture of the world he lived in and the weapons he likely used.
Background and Identity
- Name derived from a distinctive mark in his left eye, described as a serpent biting its own tail
- Said to be one of Ragnar Lodbrok’s sons, along with Ivar the Boneless and Bjorn Ironside
- Associated with rule over parts of Denmark including Zealand, Scania, and possibly the Viken region of Norway
- Some sources claim he died in Frisia around 887, though this is disputed
- May be partially based on real Danish rulers like Sigfred, known from Frankish chronicles
Battles and Military Activity
Involvement in the Great Heathen Army
- Sigurd is credited in the sagas with joining the Great Heathen Army to avenge Ragnar’s death
- This force famously sacked York and executed King Ælla of Northumbria
- The “blood eagle” execution is often associated with this story, though its authenticity remains debated
Command and Rule
- Presented in sagas as both a raider and ruler
- Said to have held land in Denmark and governed it alongside or after his brothers
- Implies a leadership role involving ship levies, defence of territory, and coordination of campaigns
Arms and Armour
While no items are directly linked to Sigurd himself, typical Viking weaponry and gear from his period provide a realistic outline of what he may have used.
Helmets
- Helmets were rare and reserved for the elite
- The Gjermundbu helmet (Norway) is the most complete Viking example: iron construction with protective nasal and eye guards
- The Tjele helmet fragment (Denmark) dates slightly later but shows similar design features
Mail and Protection
- Mail shirts were expensive and limited to wealthy warriors
- Padded garments or layered clothing would have been used by most
- Shields were essential: round, wooden, often with an iron boss and painted motifs
Weapons
| Weapon Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Sword | High-status weapon, often imported or modelled on Frankish styles |
| Axe | Common and versatile, used in combat and thrown |
| Spear | Most common weapon, used for both throwing and thrusting |
| Seax | A large knife or short sword, often carried as a backup weapon |
Archaeological Context
No known grave or site can be directly linked to Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye, but surrounding evidence helps establish the era.
Key Finds
| Find | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Gjermundbu Helmet | Complete Viking helmet with mail and weapons | Norway |
| Tjele Helmet Fragment | Eye and nose protection, part of a helmet | Denmark |
| Gevninge Helmet Fragment | Bronze decorative piece from early helmet | Lejre, Denmark |
| Viking Age Weapons | Swords, axes, and spears from burials and hoards | Scandinavia and Northern Europe |
Viking Fortifications
- Circular fortresses like Borgring (constructed slightly after Sigurd’s time) show military development in Denmark
- Ring fortresses suggest organised military control and royal infrastructure during and after Sigurd’s period
Military Capabilities
If Sigurd existed as described, he would have possessed:
- Command of longships capable of crossing the North Sea
- Access to elite weapons and warriors, including imported swords and fine shields
- Use of shield wall tactics, raiding formations, and naval strikes
- Ability to govern and defend territory, raise levies, and form alliances
Where to See Artefacts from the Era
Museums and Sites
| Museum | Artefacts on Display |
|---|---|
| National Museum of Denmark (Copenhagen) | Viking weapons, the Tjele helmet fragment |
| Lejre Museum | Finds from early Danish centres, including helmet fragments |
| Museum of Cultural History (Oslo) | Gjermundbu helmet and related Viking items |
| Yorkshire and other UK museums | Viking swords, axes, and items from Great Heathen Army sites |
Historical Uncertainty
- The sagas were written centuries after Sigurd’s supposed life, blending legend with history
- No contemporary source confirms his name or specific deeds
- Likely an amalgamation of real figures and oral tradition
- The “blood eagle” execution and other saga elements are likely literary inventions
The Seven Swords Takeaway
Sigurd Snake-in-the-Eye remains a powerful symbol of the Viking Age. Whether he existed exactly as portrayed is doubtful, but the culture, warfare, and politics of ninth-century Scandinavia support the idea of such a figure. Through archaeological finds and a growing understanding of Viking arms and leadership, we can continue to piece together the context in which a man like Sigurd might have lived and fought.
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