Get Nifflevar Bearded Axe

The Nifflevar Bearded Axe is an epic one-handed axe added to World of Warcraft in the Cataclysm expansion as a rare archaeology artifact. The model is crafted in the harsh Norse style of the Vrykul: a broad "bearded" blade with a jagged edge and a short haft wrapped in leather. Its rough, deliberately brutal shape makes the axe stand out among more elegant one-handed weapons.

The appearance suits any class that wields axes in one hand. It looks especially fitting in barbarian and warrior outfits that evoke northern, Nordic themes. Despite the low item level, its model remains popular precisely because of its striking silhouette.

The axe cannot be dropped by a mob or bought — it is assembled through the archaeology profession as a rare Vrykul artifact. This means the path to it runs through excavations at archaeology dig sites.

• The artifact requires 130 Vrykul archaeology fragments to assemble.
• In addition, during assembly you can use up to three Vrykul Rune Stick keystones, each of which replaces part of the missing fragments and speeds up completion.
• The finished item is account-bound, so an axe assembled on one character can be sent to another through the account bank.
• This is a rare (not common) artifact, so it does not appear in the assembly list right away — you need to regularly excavate Vrykul dig sites until it shows up as a project.

Vrykul archaeology fragments are gathered by digging at dig sites in Northrend. At the current maximum level (90 in the Midnight expansion) travel between dig sites is fast, and the digs themselves require no combat — it is a calm, if not quick, gathering process.

• It harmonizes with heavy plate and mail sets in steel and dark-gray tones.
• It complements barbarian and Nordic warrior and hunter looks that emphasize raw strength.
• It looks great paired with a massive shield or a second identical axe for a symmetrical, brutal appearance.
• It contrasts with light cloth armor — a debatable but expressive choice for unconventional concepts.
• It fits looks that reference the Vrykul and the culture of Northrend.