Historian William Short watches and rates depictions of Viking combat in movies and TV shows.
He discusses Viking shield formations in “Vikings.” He outlines brutal village raid tactics in “The Northman,” starring Alexander Skarsgård, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Nicole Kidman. He breaks down how Vikings organized their troops in war in “How to Train Your Dragon,” starring Jay Baruchel, Gerard Butler, and Jonah Hill; and “The Last Kingdom.” He demonstrates how Vikings wielded their battle axes in “Vikings: Valhalla.” He describes what Viking armor looked like in “Outlander,” starring Jim Caviezel, Ron Perlman, and John Hurt. He explains how Vikings navigated and landed their ships in “The Long Ships,” starring Sidney Poitier; and “Ironclad,” starring Paul Giamatti, Kate Mara, and Brian Cox. He breaks down the distinct techniques used by archers in “Beowulf,” starring Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, and Angelina Jolie. Finally, he analyzes how Vikings fought at sea in “The Vikings,” starring Kirk Douglas and Tony Curtis.
William Short is an independent scholar focusing on scientific research of all aspects of Viking history, particularly Viking combat. He is the manager of Hurstwic.
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