Were the Vikings, in addition to being excellent wielders of swords and axes, also skilled archers? Absolutely. According to Viking law, any person called to battle was required to bring an axe, a shield, a sword (if they owned one), and a bow with arrows. Archers were so proficient that the most talented among them were celebrated in poems and sagas alongside the greatest Norse heroes.  

On the battlefield, Viking archers were positioned behind the shield wall formation, allowing them to strike enemies from a distance while remaining protected. This tactical placement showcased the Norse warriors' versatility in weapon use, as well as their strategic expertise and hand-to-hand combat skills.  

Among the famous archers of Norse sagas, one name stands out: Einar Eindridesson, known for his exceptional archery skills as Tambarskjelve ("trembling bowstring" in Norwegian). Around the year 1000, according to the saga of King Olaf "the Stout," Einar participated in an archery contest against his king, Olaf Tryggvason (c. 963–1000), where he reportedly shot an arrow over 1.3 kilometers (1,500 yards).  

During the subsequent naval Battle of Svolder, Einar's bow was struck by an enemy arrow and broke. King Olaf personally handed him another bow, but according to Snorri Sturluson, Einar deemed it "too weak, too weak to be the bow of a mighty king." This remark highlights both his extraordinary strength and skill with the weapon, as well as the high regard archers held in Scandinavian warfare.  

Einar later became regent of Norway and an advisor to King Magnus "the Good," after having fought against Magnus's father, Olaf Haraldsson "the Saint." However, with the ascension of Harald III (1045), Einar's fortunes declined. He clashed with the new king over territorial autonomy and, in 1046, was deceitfully killed by Harald.  

Norse mythology also attests to the significance of archery, with the god Ullr being closely associated with bowmanship, and the goddess Skadi using a bow for hunting.