From the Fury of the Northmen, oh Lord, deliver us... So wrote an English churchman in the early 800s. The 200 years just before the turn of the first millennium is known as the Viking Age, when sea born raiders from Scandinavia were the terror of Europe. These Vikings were just the most visible element of a dynamic people, known as the Norse, who shared a common language, religion, world view and material culture. Not all the people of Scandinavia were raiders, however. In most part they lived in independent farm households. They were skilled craftsmen, especially in ship building, metalwork and carving. Long winter nights were spent in story telling - and with games. The most popular game of the Viking Age was hnefatafl (nev - a - tah - full) which means kings table. It is a game with simple rules, but when it is combined with cunning minds, can become a battle of strategy!
Viking Game is suitable for ages 10 to adult. The basic rules are simple: all pieces use the same movement, and captured by surrounding an opponent on two sides. The object of the game is for the defenders to get the king to one of the corner squares; and for the attacker to stop him. A simple as this sounds, the strategy can be complex, and for two experienced players can become a contest of wits!
Viking Game is a modern upgrade of this historic game. Each package includes:
