The favourite toy of the Viking was his sword, also the axe and the spear. Being armed distinguished the free warrior from the serf or the land-hand. Arms had always to be at hand. The duel (single combat) was carried out (settled) with great passion at lonely places, limited by hedges and stonewalls. This kind of fight was known as the so-called "HOLMGANGA". Contempt of life, also of one's own life, was a normal attitude. The Christian commandment "Thou shall not kill" was looked at as pure nonsense!
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Source: Rudolf Pörtner: Die Wikinger Saga.
