Kirder

Kirder is an archaic term, primarily of Germanic origin, referring to a type of axe or hatchet. The precise form and function of a kirder varied depending on the region and historical period in which it was used. It was generally smaller and lighter than a felling axe, making it suitable for tasks such as splitting wood, shaping timber, or even as a weapon. Historical references to the kirder often appear in sagas and other medieval texts, placing it within a context of daily life and warfare. It is sometimes conflated with other types of axes, requiring careful contextual analysis to understand its specific usage in any given source. The term is relatively rare in modern usage.