Introduction to Spear Sundering
The instructors introduce Viking martial arts techniques documented in historical sagas regarding the sundering or cutting through weapon shafts such as spears, axes, and polearms. They propose to test whether these historical accounts are practically feasible by attempting to replicate the techniques with period-appropriate methods and equipment.
Practical Application and Learning Method
The instructors emphasize that martial techniques from saga illustrations require hands-on practice beyond visual study alone. They note that practitioners must gain direct experience with the techniques to understand how historical warriors would have executed shaft-cutting maneuvers in actual combat situations.
Initial Cutting Attempt and Positioning
The first demonstration involves the spear-wielder thrusting at a lower target while the defender attempts to cut the shaft with a downward blade strike. The instructors observe that when the spear is aimed at face height, the defender has insufficient reaction time, making a lower target necessary for the technique to work.
Shaft Composition and Structural Characteristics
The instructors discuss the properties of historical spear shafts, noting they were typically 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter and made from hardwood with grain aligned along the length. Modern dowels may have different structural integrity due to lathe-turning, making them potentially less comparable to historical shafts that were hand-straightened and rounded.
Binding and Breaking Techniques
The instructors explore alternative methods described in the sagas, including binding the spear shaft against an obstacle or using a pulling motion with an axe or hook to break the polearm. They reference historical accounts of mercenaries using large swords and hooks to catch and disable polearms coming over a shield wall.
Shield and Spear Interaction
The instructors test a defensive technique where the shield binds the incoming spear thrust, positioning the shaft to be struck transversely with greater force. They observe that striking the bound shaft at an angle perpendicular to the thrust generates more effective cutting damage than a glancing blow.
Viking Martial Art lesson 3 Cutting spear or polearm shafts with a sword? Reply to Skallagrim
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to Spear Sundering
- •Practical Application and Learning Method
- •Initial Cutting Attempt and Positioning
- •Shaft Composition and Structural Characteristics
This is old video review of Antony Cummins book The Illustrated Guide to Viking Martial Arts sound was corrupted for years by youtube. Now Eldgrim has taken it and remastered it aligning sound and reediting it. It is being released as it was meant to be and as a reply to as well as add to Skallagrim Nilsson's work in his video Cutting spear or polearm shafts with a sword in historical combat? So sit back grab an ale or mead if you never got to see this video and understand it. Sorry we did not do a more recent reply to his video becasue we believe this covered the subject of spear and axe sundering to the fullest and complete addresses accounts from the Viking Sagas of this accidental or skillful feat! (Warning: Do not try this at home Thrand and Eldgrim are using sharp weapons serious injuries could occur if you do not heed our warning! ) This is a reply to expand on Skallgrim Nilsson's test and here is a link to his video! Cutting spear or polearm shafts with a sword in historical combat? https://youtu.be/LQjJavcsNjA Can you cut off a spear head or chop through a quarterstaff in one swing? Based on the tests I've done so far I'd definitely say no. Can you cut or break a hardwood shaft with repeated attacks? Absolutely. Would the opponent try to prevent that by striking the flat of your sword or otherwise parrying without making contact with the edge? You bet Be sure and like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Thrand Be sure to Subscribe to our Youtube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/ThegnThrand?sub_confirmation=1 Help us keep channel going on Patreon http://www.patreon.com/Thrand
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about polearm?
This video covers introduction to spear sundering, practical application and learning method, initial cutting attempt and positioning. It provides detailed instruction from ThegnThrand.
How long does it take to learn polearm?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing polearm?
The instructors explore alternative methods described in the sagas, including binding the spear shaft against an obstacle or using a pulling motion with an axe or hook to break the polearm. They reference historical accounts of mercenaries using large swords and hooks to catch and disable polearms coming over a shield wall.
