Reference to comment from bulletin board Post Date: 12 Apr, 2007 ….. I stumbled over one little passage. You wrote there that Uthred wears his sword on his back “for drawing it faster”. By my experience …… it is really impossible to draw a relatively long typical viking sword if you wear it on your back……

I think this guy has taken your quote out of context. In the shield wall you built a picture where the people fight so close that it would hard to draw a sword from your side. He may have a valid point that it is more difficult in general to draw, but in the context of a shield wall when your sides are pressed??? If you are trying to raise your sword, to strike above your head, I think the back makes most sense. I am pretty sure Uthred (who is very clever character) would have worn the sword in a way which he could draw quickly. After all if they can do it in the movies :-)
Scott Baxter

Dear Bernard, in response to the question from Lutz about Uhtred wearing his sword on his back. I seem to remember that Uhtred did this as it was easier to draw and downstroke when in the shield wall. I haven’t read the Saxon stories since Lords of the North came out; guess that’s my weekend task. Jon