What was the name of the Viking sword type marked with the inscription “Ulfberht”?

The Ulfberht sword was a high-quality Viking Age sword marked with the inscription “+VLFBERH+T” or related forms.

Ulfberht swords were produced mainly between the ninth and eleventh centuries. Their blades were made from unusually refined steel for the period, giving them a reputation for strength and flexibility. The inscription appears in several variations, suggesting that the name may have identified a workshop, a product tradition, or a protected brand rather than one individual swordsmith.

Researchers have found examples across northern Europe, including Scandinavia, the Frankish world, and eastern Europe. Some imitations copied the name but used inferior metal, showing that the mark had commercial value.

An Ulfberht sword is not a separate weapon shape like a seax or axe. It is best understood as a named group of Viking Age swords identified by their distinctive inscriptions and exceptional metallurgy.