Ulfberht Sword
A class of high-quality Viking-age swords bearing the +ULFBERHT+ mark, found in large numbers in Norwegian graves and hoards. Their crucible-made high-carbon steel was far harder and stronger than the ordinary bloomery iron of the day, making them treasured war gear; some blades carry misspelled copies of the mark and were likely forgeries made on poorer steel. The name itself is Frankish, and metallurgical analysis points to origin in the Rhineland or Carolingian territory, showing that the finest Norse swords were trade goods brought north. About a hundred and seventy blades are known across