"Danish axes (etc)" Topic

Greetings, this is a layman's question from another era.

I don't get the 'Danish'two-handed axe. Each man needs space around him to swing the weapon, which would, I imagine deprive an infantry formation of integrity, especially in defence.

And once the big Dane has swung his axe, does he not leave himself open forthe momentto any number of jabbing or slashing weapons. As for stepping out and downing a cavalry horse (more than once, at any rate) how does that work?

And how does all that work in the context of a shield wall? I am thinking in particular of the battle of Senlac-not-exactly-upon-Hastings. How did the Huscarles swinging axes integrate with the English shield wall.

What am I missing here?
(Fully aware that the Engish did lose that particular fixture.)

There area lot of theories about.
These are mine.

1. The axe could be used to hook back the opponent shield thus giving an "opening".
2. Single downward swings should smash the opponent head or shield arm.

The Danish axe is far lighter than a woodsman's axe.
Good picture of some on the Peter Pig website (top of page)

link

martin

Not sure how much historical value is to be had in historical reenactment melees, but I believe in these sorts of contests it has been found that a pairing-up of a spear-and-shield man with an axe (or polearm) man is worth much more than the sum of the parts. Perhaps the axe-men were initially in the second rank, and stepped forward either to exploit or to create opportunities, as the situation developed.

Given the pairing up idea: didn't the spearman go for the rider after the axe-man had polaxed the horse?

That is a good question. Hard to have a "shield wall" when swinging a 2-handed axe.

Just out od interest, what is this doing in the Gallery?

My Just Add Water Miniature Painting Blog:
justaddwater-bedford.blogspot.com

I wouldn't discount the axe being used one-handed, it would have a longer reach, especially for trying to bring it down on somebody-hiding-behind-a-shield's skull. Sure, it would take muscles to swing it that way, but I'm sure Viking warriors had those, and lots of practice with their weapons… ;-)

Looking at the tapestry (which is pretty much our only visual source for two handed axes) all bar one of them is being swung via the left shoulder (the exception being overhead). As such its a mighty swing at the weapon arm of their opponent (or the horses head on the unshielded side).
As such they must do their stuff in front of the shield wall (which is pretty passive "we're not going anywhere" formation) with the axemen doing all the heavy work but supported by the spears and shields behind. Probably disappearing back amongst them when tired.

Just speculation, the ax is a fearsome weapon but needs elbow room. In very small actions wear warriors might be spread out…or the leaders bodyguards standing behind the battle somewhat apart.

Since accounts mention they were used in the front rank, or in front of it (To me more likely) – I am happy to use them in my armies in such a way.
They clearly found a way to use them effectively even if we don't know precisely how!

Just like the Pilum in Roman formations!

That or what we call "documentation" is misinterpreted. Standing shoulder to shoulder against enemy doing the same is just going to make the two handed weapon holder punctured by the opposing spears. If you were to break ranks and go crashing into the enemy you still have the same problem.