The Modern Vikings
The modern Vikings!
There are few of us who could resist the rough and ready tales of strength and plunder that are the bread and butter of the Viking world of old, and many of us are still intrigued by the legends of our forefathers, one of Hollywood’s top hitters.
We’ve all seen the images of Nordic gods and warriors, behemoths like those made real in super smart graphics in top-notch games like Thunderstruck2, wielding long bows and hammers.
These invading colossus struck terror (and axes) into the coastal communities of northern Europe and beyond, but have these myths all died? Or is there life in the Viking yet?
It seems that beyond the violence and blood-lust of the famed Nordic warriors who hailed from Norway, Denmark and Sweden, there is still an enduring interest in recreating some of the more spiritual and less the physical side of their history.
Getting Married Viking Style
Iceland is taking its links to the older Viking world seriously with the building of the first temple to the Norse Gods since Christianity swept through the country nearly 1,000 years ago!
In a surprising move, that has delighted many Icelanders, the temple is planning to carry out weddings, naming ceremonies and initiate teens. Here ceremonies will be dedicated to Odin and Frigg and Thor, (just some of those all too human gods who take centre stage in ultra-modern games like Thunderstruck 2).
The only difference in the practice from ancient times is that this will all be done without the animal sacrifices of old- there’ll be a few sheep feeling relieved to hear it!
Boaty McBoatfacesson
But there’s no getting away from the Viking’s best known asset, except for their light and strong long-boats, and that’s there fighting prowess. In Denmark there’s even a new sport “Viking Fighting” which is proving popular.
In Copenhagen, men and women are donning replica weapons, based on archaeological finds, to take each other on in a “safe” (with blunted weapons) hand to hand fighting! The founder explained that the popularity of the sport partially appeals to Danes as a way to connect to their past and a more simple outdoor life.
But if you really want to get in touch with Viking culture and this stripped back philosophy of the wild outdoors and nature you could travel to Njardarheimr, in an area of Norway UNESCO recognised for its outstanding beauty.
There, amongst fjords and wild spaces, you can visit a perfect recreation of a Viking village, including long-bearded elders, traditional games, sword-craft and handicrafts. To really get in touch with your inner Viking, you could see one of the countless Viking recreation groups taking part in the former lives of these ancient people.
If you want to get a sweat on like a Viking, then prepare yourself for a real life experience on board an exact replica long boat in Tønsberg, Norway. You can join a crew, take to the water and learn exactly how those warriors got so darn muscly!
And just to show that modern Vikings are about a marriage of the new and the old, don’t forget to check out the Nordic countries dark-metal music which is massively influenced by the mythology of Ragnarok, the death of the gods and the end of their world. Who said that these people were just very serious- it all sounds pretty light hearted to me.
If you fancy a pep-up after the drama of the end of days, why not take control of your own destiny and have a crack at making Odin and Asgard real for you with try at Thunderstruck 2’s own version of real Viking life?
