Shields are the answer.
A shield has a chance of catching an axe blow or knocking down an arrow, saving the wielder from harm. These can be anything from a small, wooden buckler to a full length tower shield. They cannot, however, be used when he or she has a two handed weapon in hand. This rules out the shield being used in conjunction with bows, polearms, and many two-handed swords and mauls. In desperate situations, the shield can also be used as a bashing weapon.