Björgunarsveit

Björgunarsveit is a Norse term for a Viking shield wall. In Old Norse literature, a Björgunarsveit is described as a dense formation of shield-wielding warriors who form a protective barrier around their comrades. The name "Björgunarsveit" is derived from the Old Norse words "björguna" meaning "to shield" and "sveit" meaning "coterie".

This tactic was crucial in medieval Norse warfare, as it allowed warriors to cover their comrades while engaging with enemies in close combat. By forming a shield wall, Viking warriors could provide mutual protection and create a formidable defense against arrows and other projectiles.

Depictions of shield walls and their associated formations can be found in various Norse sagas, epic poems, and artworks. Notably, the Battle of Clontarf, a battle between the forces of the High King of Ireland and the Viking army of Count Brodir, was described as a chaotic but decisive clash involving shield formations.

Shield walls like the Björgunarsveit continued to be used in battles, permitting Norse warriors to withstand long sieges. Some researchers have noted the potential connections between Old Norse shields, Viking war strategy, and European chivalric tradition.

Despite these imaginative undertones, historians are generally conservative in their historical assessments. When tracing the terms' historical uses, researchers are sensitive to how much the sources are culturally shaped by the 'unofficial' Viking heritage literature rather than discover clear elements reflecting what existed historically.