their armor is thick and their shields broad

The typical Scottish targe was about twenty inches in diameter and made of wood covered with leather studded with brass bosses. Scottish shields or sometimes called the targe, were round shields with loops on the back through one of which the arm was passed while the other was grasped by the hand. Heavy troops might be equipped with large heavy shields that could protect most of the body. Size and weight varied greatly, lightly armoured warriors relying on speed and surprise would generally carry light shields that were either small or thin. Sometimes scottish shields were made of metal, but wood or animal hide construction was much more common wicker and even turtle shells have been used. Scottish shields have varied greatly in construction over time and place. The term often refers to a device that is held in the hand, as opposed to armour or a bullet proof vest. Scottish shield is a protective device, meant to intercept attacks. Representations of shields in Viking art are frequently marked with 'pinwheel' patterns of radiating curved lines. The planks were usually only 6-10mm thick and were bevelled even thinner at the outer edge.

The Gokstad shields were made of seven or eight white pine planks of varying widths.

The handle was long, often crossing the full diameter of the shield, and was tapered towards both ends.

The board was flat and made of a single layer of planks butted together. Shields were typically 80-90 cm in diameter. The large circular shield of the Vikings was part of a conservative tradition of manufacture. Ornamented with personal insignias and family coats of arms, the shield evolved into a symbol of warrior's allegiance and loyalty. The use of Viking shields went far beyond a mere means to parry blows from an opponent. The glorious age was embedded in history as an age of great journeys and ferocious battles. Begining in 793AD, when a band of Scandinavians sacked the monastry at Lindisfarne, the Viking Age ended with the death of Harold Hardrada in 1066. Sometimes viking shields were made of metal, but wood or animal hide construction was much more common wicker and even turtle shells have been used.

Viking shields have varied greatly in construction over time and place. Viking shield is are protective device, meant to intercept attacks.

Their armor is thick and their shields broad