Axe throwing may feel like a recent urban phenomenon—something you stumble upon between artisan pizza slices and craft cocktail bars. But this adrenaline-pumping activity has roots that stretch back thousands of years and span multiple continents, cultures, and historical milestones. From ancient battlegrounds to Norse rituals, lumberjack contests to modern-day entertainment venues like Johnny Throws in Llandudno, axe throwing has evolved into one of the most surprising and satisfying group activities of the 21st century.
Let’s dig deep into the curious, sharp-edged story of axe throwing—where it began, who kept it alive, and why it’s taken such a firm grip on our imaginations (and Instagram feeds) today.
Before there was an axe to throw, there was just… the axe. One of humanity’s earliest tools, axes date back to the Stone Age, when sharpened flint and later copper were hafted onto wooden shafts to cut, dig, and shape.
By the Bronze Age, axes weren’t just tools—they were also weapons. Civilizations like the Hittites, Mycenaeans, and Egyptians wielded them in battle and ceremony. While these early versions were heavy and not built for throwing, they introduced the idea of the axe as an extension of human power and precision.
The first real throwing axes likely emerged among tribal societies, where light, well-balanced axes served both practical and combat purposes.
In early medieval Europe, the Frankish tribes used a weapon called the francisca—a short throwing axe with a distinctive curved blade. They’d hurl these at their enemies just before charging in close combat. Roman historians described how these axes could shatter shields and sow chaos in enemy ranks.
The francisca was more than a weapon; it was psychological warfare. Its unique spin and unpredictable bounce made it as intimidating as it was deadly. Many historians credit the Franks’ effective use of throwing axes for helping solidify their dominance across parts of Europe.
Though Viking warriors are more commonly associated with longships and long beards, they too had a strong relationship with the axe. Their bearded axes were primarily used for close combat, but lighter versions may have been thrown in certain situations.
In Norse mythology, the axe symbolised courage and honour. Odin himself was said to favour warriors who fell in battle wielding axes. Some Viking burial mounds include axes—evidence of their spiritual and symbolic importance.
The next major milestone in axe throwing comes from the Native American tribes of North America. The tomahawk, originally made from stone and later adapted with metal blades, was a multipurpose tool used for hunting, combat, and ceremonies.
Tomahawks were thrown both in warfare and sport. When European settlers arrived, they observed and later adopted the tomahawk throw into their own frontier culture. Throwing competitions became common among mountain men, scouts, and militia groups.
These events often blended martial training with entertainment—much like modern axe throwing today.
It’s impossible to talk about the origins of recreational axe throwing without tipping your flannel hat to the Canadian lumberjack tradition. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Canada’s vast forests were tamed by skilled lumbermen who developed competitions to showcase their strength and technique.
Axe throwing became a staple of lumberjack festivals, where it was performed with great flair and precision. These events helped keep the tradition alive in public consciousness—even as chainsaws replaced axes in logging camps.
The modern axe throwing venue was born in Toronto in 2006, when a group of friends started flinging axes in a backyard and eventually formed the Backyard Axe Throwing League (BATL). Since then, hundreds of venues have opened across North America, the UK, Europe, and beyond.
It has gone from quirky pastime to global phenomenon—with leagues, tournaments, and even world championships.
So why has axe throwing exploded in popularity over the last decade? Here are a few key reasons:
Throwing an axe into wood and hearing that “thunk” taps into something ancient and visceral. It’s hands-on, physical, and unplugged—a welcome break from screen time.
You can learn the basics in five minutes, but there’s a steep skill ceiling that keeps people coming back. Whether you’re aiming for bullseyes or experimenting with two-handed throws, it’s always a challenge.
Axe throwing thrives in groups. Whether you’re on a date, at a work do, or planning a stag or hen night, it creates instant camaraderie. Add food, drink, and a few rounds of competition, and you’ve got the perfect group activity.
Despite its fearsome image, axe throwing is statistically safer than five-a-side football or roller skating. Controlled environments, strict rules, and trained staff mean even first-timers can throw with confidence.
The UK embraced axe throwing slightly later than Canada and the US, but it’s caught up fast. The first venues appeared in London, Manchester, and Glasgow, and now you can throw axes in dozens of cities across the country—including Llandudno, thanks to Johnny Throws.
Venues like Johnny Throws blend traditional axe throwing with bar culture, immersive experiences, and local flair. It’s not just about hitting targets—it’s about having a laugh, sharing a moment, and trying something you’ll definitely tell your mates about later.
At Johnny Throws, axe throwing gets the respect—and fun—it deserves. Located in Llandudno, North Wales, the venue combines high-energy indoor axe lanes with a killer soundtrack, fast drinks service, and even Johnny Dough’s pizza to keep you fuelled up.
You can also grab a Big Night Out Bundle, which includes a session of digital darts—another crowd favourite—and gives you double the experience at a lower price.
Here’s what makes Johnny Throws stand out:
Expert instructors on hand to teach you in minutes
4 axe lanes, fully compliant with safety regulations
A laid-back bar and terrace for pre- and post-throw socialising
Group packages for birthdays, stag/hen parties, and corporate events
Cool merchandise, music, and vibes that make it a night out you’ll remember
Axe throwing has even found its way into pop culture. From characters in Vikings and Game of Thrones, to Marvel’s Thor wielding Stormbreaker, the visual and symbolic appeal of the axe is undeniable.
It has also become a fixture in viral social media content—slow-mo bullseyes, creative trick shots, and team bonding stories dominate platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
With digital scoring systems, themed games, glow-in-the-dark lanes, and augmented reality creeping into the axe space, the future is sharp.
Venues are starting to blend axe throwing with:
Escape room elements
Projection-based targeting
Seasonal themes (e.g. Halloween monster hunts)
Tournaments and local leagues
There’s even talk of combining it with VR for an even more immersive, gamified experience. The axe may be ancient, but its future is futuristic.
From Bronze Age battlegrounds to buzzworthy birthday parties, axe throwing has travelled a long and unexpected path. It’s a sport that blends history, skill, spectacle, and fun—a unique combination that explains why it’s thriving today.
At Johnny Throws in Llandudno, you can experience all of this in a safe, friendly, and high-energy setting. Whether you’re a first-time thrower or a future league champ, the thrill of the axe is waiting for you.
So grab your friends, pick up an axe, and become part of a tradition that spans thousands of years.
Want to level up your night? Try the Big Night Out Bundle and experience both axe throwing AND interactive darts, with pizza, drinks, and the ultimate North Wales vibe—all under one roof.
