In a recent video, the Youtube channel, the Metatron put forward the idea that the shield-wall was nothing more than an invention of later media rather than an actual battle formation used by the Vikings and other peoples in the Early Middle Ages. This is based on the research of Rolf Warming who makes similar claims. In this video, I take a closer look at the literary evidence for shield-walls, particularly at that found in Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Poetry such as the Battle of Maldon.

Old English/Old (East & West) Norse/Gothic Translations by James Combe:
https://www.fiverr.com/jamesaccombe/translate-english-to-historical-languages-and-vice-versa?fbclid=IwAR3Dw66sNPw-NEzGM0hKYHLKkgwC-Rh2WvDd5UkU7TAqh_-g2D18u7F1AHg

The Metatron's Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE_5z9B29Yk&t=535s

Interview with Rolf Warming:
https://sciencenordic.com/archaeology-combat-denmark/did-vikings-really-fight-behind-a-shield-wall/1448665

Anhaga Compounds in Old English:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/24392046.pdf?refreqid=excelsior%3Aef4c227c46b8103290b48337f66b289c&ab_segments=&origin=&acceptTC=1

Shield-Walls in Waldere Article:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/48578418?seq=1#metadata_info_tab_contents

Music Used:
Holmgang - Danheim
Sunday Dub - Kevin MacLeod

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#Viking #History #Documentary