[253]. The broadax (skeggöx) had the blade extended backward somewhat like that of a halberd, though in the latter case the extension was usually forward. See Falk, Altnordische Waffenkunde, 108-110.
[254]. Skeptifletta: a dart of some sort with a cord attached.
[255]. Coal and sulphur seem to have been used chiefly to fire the enemy’s ship.
[256]. Caltrops were instruments provided with iron prongs and were usually scattered where the enemy’s horsemen were likely to pass, in the hope of maiming the horses. It is evident that they were also used in naval warfare, the purpose being to maim the men on the enemy’s deck. See the Sorö edition, 392.
[257]. Atgeirr. The translation is doubtful, but it seems clear that some kind of spear useful for striking as well as for thrusting is meant. See Falk, Altnordische Waffenkunde, 81-82.
[258]. Probably some sort of a cage placed at the top or near the top of the mast from which men with bows and slings could fight to better advantage. See Aarböger for nordisk Oldkyndighed, 1872, 242; Falk, Altnordische Waffenkunde, 197.
[259]. Only one end of the beam was cloven in this way. See the Sorö edition, 394-395. The beam was apparently fastened to the mast and used to crush the sides of the enemy’s ship in much the same way as the ram was used against a castle wall. See Falk, Altnordische Waffenkunde, 199.
[260]. The prow-boar (rôðrgoltr) was not a beak but apparently some device fastened to the prow which served much the same purpose, namely to run down and sink an opposing ship. See the Sorö edition, 395-396; Falk, Altnordische Waffenkunde, 198-199.
[261]. See the Sorö edition, 397-399; Falk, Altnordische Waffenkunde, 196. This rampart was built of logs and planks and raised on the gunwales. Sometimes it seems to have been placed along the entire length of the ship, but often, perhaps, only where the ship was lowest. Inside it was braced with strong beams. The plank walk on the outside projected over the edge of the ship and was no doubt in part intended to make it difficult for the enemy to board it.
[262]. On the equipment of the horse in medieval warfare, see Aarböger for nordisk Oldkyndighed, 1867, 90-97.