VIKING GAMES

We want to present a selection of "Viking Games". This is for educational purposes. For all games, the use of brute force and rough play is permitted. Not to be confused with violence and aggressiveness.

• Bjarnarfæðingin (The birth of Björn)
  At least 2 teams of 3 people each are formed. Each team chooses their man who will lie down between two of his opponents, trapping him. The man must escape the pressure exerted by them before the enemy manages to escape the pressure of his teammates. Standing up during the game is strictly prohibited; one must escape while on the ground. The first to escape wins.
   
• Auroch's Fortress
  2 players tie a rope to their belt and pull in opposite directions. The player who manages to make their opponent cross the line wins.
   
• Lassoing the Deer
  A blindfolded man stands in the center spinning a sack. The rest position themselves around and must place a stick at his feet, leave the circle, and re-enter to take a stick. Whoever gets caught loses. Whoever manages to collect the most sticks before being caught wins. If you have a stick in your hand you cannot take another. A player cannot take other sticks if they have not placed their initial stick.
   
• Konungur Hringsins (The king's circle)
  Game for 2 to 10 players. Inside a circle, players stand randomly holding one foot with their hand. At a signal, players hop to stay within the circle. Those who fall outside lose. The last one standing on one foot inside the circle wins. Pushing the opponent is allowed.
   
• Strong Legs
  Two players lie on their backs hip to hip in opposite directions, each raising one leg. The legs cross and whoever manages to flip their opponent wins.
   
• Leitað að spýtunni (Searching for the hammer)
  Game for 3 to 6 players. Players crouch around the circle blindfolded. A hammer is thrown anywhere inside the circle and the signal is given, while the audience cheers the players shouting "HAMMER!!! HAMMER!!!". The first player to grab the hammer and escape the circle wins. If a player finds the hammer but hasn't left yet, other players can snatch it from them to try to exit and escape the circle. Whoever completely leaves the circle with the hammer wins, even if dragging other players.
   
• Knife in the Quadrant
  Game for 2 players. An area of about 4×4 meters is established and players stand inside facing each other with legs apart. The starting player sticks the knife anywhere within the area either by throwing or thrusting. If when throwing the knife it doesn't stick or sticks outside the area, they lose. Once the knife is stuck, the other player in response must take a single pivoting step to crouch down and retrieve the knife. If they manage to pick it up, it's their turn to stick the knife. Only feet and the knife may touch the ground. The goal is to hide the knife or move it far enough to make the opponent fall. The first to fall loses.
   
• Ymir vs. Surt
  Game for 2 players. The game consists of transporting 3 large rocks from one place to another. The first to transport the rocks wins.
   
• Mjölnir Throw
  All players who wish to throw the hammer (Mjölnir) compete for a distance record. Where the hammer lands is marked with a stake representing the player.
   

• Battle of Hastings
  Two shield battalions position themselves at opposite ends of an earthen bridge. At the signal, the battalions clash fighting for the bridge. Those who fall off are eliminated while those remaining on the bridge fight for victory, pushing or attacking those still standing. Those who survive on the bridge win.
   
• Chest Plunder
  Two chests are positioned on a field. Each chest is guarded by battalions. The mission is to steal the opponent's chest. The first to have both chests under their control (on their land) wins the battle.
   
• Hang the Enemy
  The battalions fight to enslave a member of the enemy. The first to take an enemy as prisoner and hang them by their feet on their tree wins.
   

More information about the games can be found on the Hurstwic page about games and sports of the Viking age