skíf

skíf is a term that appears in Old Norse literature, most notably in the Poetic Edda. It is often translated as "shield" or "buckler." In the context of Old Norse warfare and mythology, skífir were a crucial piece of defensive equipment. These shields were typically made of wood, often covered with leather, and sometimes reinforced with metal. The size and shape could vary, with larger shields offering more protection and smaller ones allowing for greater maneuverability.

The use of skífir is depicted in various mythological accounts, such as in the battles fought by the gods against giants or other adversarial forces. They were not merely practical items but also held symbolic significance, representing protection, courage, and the defense of one's kin or community. The act of raising a skíf was a gesture of defiance and readiness for combat. Archaeological finds have corroborated the existence and use of such defensive shields in the Viking Age, though specific details about the term skíf itself and its precise usage might be subject to scholarly interpretation due to the limited surviving textual evidence.