Shield Wall

The shield wall is a defensive military formation commonly used throughout history. It consists of two even rows of troops. The first row crouches down behind their shields, while the second remains standing, covering them with their shields at a 45 degree angle. Spears poke out from between the shields. The shield wall can also be formed as a ring to protect the center.
A shield wall is most often used to block incoming volleys of arrows and cavalry charges. The Midgardians and their shieldmaidens are renowned for their use.