Posting the Viking quiz, the other day has finally made me get my finger out and photograph some of my massive Dark Age collection. First up are the Ulfhednar, I painted these soon after Gripping Beast released them, it must be 10 years ago?? They're not the best paintjobs you'll ever see, and my painting has got a little better since (I hope), but as a warband I think they look mighty cool. I just wish Little BigMan had released their shield transfers before I bought these, one day I may invest in them and go through the Vikings with a fine toothcomb.
The Ulfhednar (singular Ulfhedinn), mentioned in the Vatnsdoela saga Haraldskveaoi and the Volsunga saga, were said to wear the pelt of a wolf when they entered battle. Úlfhednar are sometimes described as Odin’s special warriors, with the pelt from a wolf and a spear as distinguishing features.
I'll ask of the berserks, you tasters of blood,
Those intrepid heroes, how are they treated,
Those who wade out into battle?
Wolf-skinned they are called. In battle
They bear bloody shields.
Red with blood are their spears when they come to fight.
They form a closed group.
The prince in his wisdom puts trust in such men
Who hack through enemy shields.
Those who wade out into battle?
Wolf-skinned they are called. In battle
They bear bloody shields.
Red with blood are their spears when they come to fight.
They form a closed group.
The prince in his wisdom puts trust in such men
Who hack through enemy shields.
from the a skaldic poem composed by Thorbiorn Hornklofi in Haraldskveaoi
the late 9th century in honour of King Harald Fairhair, as ulfheðnar ("men clad in wolf skins")
the late 9th century in honour of King Harald Fairhair, as ulfheðnar ("men clad in wolf skins")
