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Every Viking warrior needed a sturdy shield! In this fun and easy Viking shield craft, children can create their own Viking shield using cardboard and a few simple craft supplies. It’s the perfect activity for a Viking Day, history topic or Norse mythology adventure—and it’s ideal for using during our Viking Trials!

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Did Vikings Really Use Round Shields?

When most people picture a Viking, they imagine a fierce warrior carrying a large round shield—and they’re absolutely right!

Viking shields were:

• 🛡️ Round in shape
• 🌳 Usually made from wooden planks
• 🔩 Strengthened with an iron boss (a metal dome in the centre)
• 🎨 Often painted with bright colours and simple patterns so they could be recognised in battle

Shields weren’t just for protection—they could also show a warrior’s identity and were an important part of Viking warfare.

Did You Know?

Real Viking shields were surprisingly lightweight, allowing warriors to move quickly while defending themselves.

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What you’ll need for your Viking Shield Craft

• Large piece of cardboard
• Pencil
• Scissors or craft knife (adult use only)
• Paint or coloured paper
• Glue
• String or ribbon
• Sticky tape
• Small paper bowl or cardboard circle (optional shield boss)

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Step 1 – Draw Your Shield

Use a dinner plate, mixing bowl or large saucepan lid as a template.

Draw a large circle on the cardboard.

Cut it out carefully.

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Step 2 – Add the Shield Boss

The metal dome in the middle of a Viking shield was called the shield boss.

You can recreate it by:

• Turning a small paper bowl upside down.
• Cutting a small cardboard circle and layering several together.
• Rolling aluminium foil into a dome shape (optional).

Glue it firmly into the centre. We used a recycled plastic Hummus bowl, washed and then covered in aluminium foil.

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Step 3 – Paint Your Shield

Now for the fun part!

Popular Viking colours included:

Children could decorate with:

• Bold stripes
• Quarters
• Spirals
• Circles
• Knotwork
• Ravens
• Wolves
• Dragons

Encourage them to invent their own Viking family symbol too!

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Step 4 – Make the Handle

Turn the shield over.

Tape or glue two loops of strong ribbon or string across the back.

Make sure they’re large enough to slide an arm through comfortably.

If using cardboard strips instead, reinforce them with extra tape.

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Step 5 – Ready for Battle!

Your Viking shield craft is complete!

Now it’s time to put it to the test…

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Viking Shield Games

Here are three fun ways to use your new shield.

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🛡️ Shield Wall Challenge

Stand shoulder to shoulder with your family.

Can everyone keep their shields touching while moving across the garden?

Now try defending against soft beanbags or rolled-up socks!

This activity teaches teamwork, just like real Viking shield walls.

You could always combine this with a whole set of Viking Trials to become the ultimate Viking! (coming soon)

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🐉 Dragon Defence

One player becomes the dragon.

The others must protect their “treasure” using only their shields.

Use soft balls or beanbags as the dragon’s fireballs.

Can the Vikings defend the village?

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⚔️ Shield Relay

Create an obstacle course.

Players must:

• Carry their shield
• Weave around cones or toys
• Crawl under a table
• Return to tag the next Viking

Fastest team wins!

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Keep the Adventure Going

Your shield is ready—but every Viking needs more than one piece of equipment!

Continue your Viking adventure with:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age is this craft suitable for?

This activity works well for children aged 4–10, with adult help for cutting the cardboard.

Can I make a shield without paint?

Absolutely! Use coloured paper, crayons, felt tips or even collage materials instead.

Can this be used in schools?

Yes! It’s perfect for Viking history topics, classroom displays, history weeks and homeschool projects.

More themed History days

If you enjoy ancient history and teaching history through play and crafts, you may also enjoy these posts:

• Compete in the Olympics and feast like a god with this Ancient Greece Day
• Become a Pharaoh for the day and explore Ancient Egypt
• Make jewellery inspired by Ancient Egypt