Throwing a spear/pilum/javelin

[Erpingham]

To semi-answer my own question, the heavy javelin appears to be palstafr and the light javelin gavelok.  Gavelok is a generic term for javelin.  Palstafr seems to translate literally as spade or hoe staff, so probably a broadbladed weapon, not a long, thin pilum type.  So, nothing pointing to a classical origin.

BTW, the meaning of the English word palstave (a type of axe) can mislead here - it's an antiquarian borrowing.

[Patrick Waterson]

We can probably safely say it was indigenous, then.  On that basis it does appear that the Norse developed a heavy/light javelin system and long spears for naval fighting without having to copy same from classical sources and influences.

The implication would seem to be that similar (in a broad functional sense) weapon systems can evolve in relative isolation for similar reasons.  ('Can' does not necessarily mean 'must', of course.)

A good bit of detection and deduction there, Mr C. 

Patrick