This set provides a wide array of Vikings using all the weapons imaginable. In Viking society the sword was the principal weapon, closely followed by the axe. Those who carried a spear were of a lower social standing as a consequence. The figures in this set have examples of all these, plus war hammers, clubs and knives.

Many of the warriors wear mail, and some wear animal skins. All wear helmets, but here the set gets a bit fanciful. Popular imagination has Vikings in winged helmets. There is no evidence for this at all, so the one figure that is so attired will need the attention of a sharp knife to improve matters. Also, many of the figures wear horned helmets. Such helmets certainly existed amongst the Vikings, but were not used in battle, probably being reserved for religious ceremonies, so again a sharp knife will quickly remedy this. Helmets apart, these warriors seem to be authentically dressed and armed, given the sketchy evidence of their appearance that has survived.

This set also includes some special figures. To add to the general impression of Vikings raiding and being unpleasant to peaceful Christians, a monk is included, on his knees and clearly in distress. Judging from the box artwork this poor chap has a very short life expectancy, but his inclusion adds something to the total. On a more surreal level we also find a woman labelled as a Valkyria. The Valkyrie of Norse myth were beautiful maidens who served Odin by riding over battlefields claiming dead heroes for their journey to Valhalla. So not exactly a historically accurate figure then, but again a fun addition to the set, and she could always be pressed into service as one of the womenfolk left behind, or even a potential victim of the Viking's attentions.

The sculpting is good and crisp, and there is no flash to speak of. What's more, many of these figures could be drafted to bolster the Revell Anglo-Saxons in their struggle with the Normans. If you can ever describe the depiction of murder and pillage as fun, then this is a fun set. It scores well on all counts, and further improves the reputation of Orion for producing good product.

A few of the poses are very similar to larger scale figures from Marx, which is no bad thing but merely a point of interest. And yes, that last figure on the bottom row IS packing a rocket launcher, and he does have a pistol holster on his belt. This is not the result of recent research indicating the Vikings were more advanced than we previously thought, but a fun figure that only features in a limited number of this set. Orion certainly knows how to please its customers!