Learn about the games of the Vikings!
Stige
Modern: Ladder
Type: Throwing
A game played on the Viking longboats, this involved throwing lengths of rope, with the aim of wrapping them around the oars.
The modern version has a ladder, with each rung being a different score, and the goal of reaching a score of 21.
Kyykkä
Modern: Molkky
Type: Throwing
A game that eventually evolved into many others, including Finnish skittles, bowling, and Molkky, this had the Vikings knocking over wooden pegs with a large thrown wooden stick.
Kubb
a.k.a. “Vedkubbar” (lumber in Swedish)
Type: Throwing
Depicted as far back as ancient a mural in an Egyptian burial chamber, this game has had the same general form for thousands of years.
The objective of the game is to knock over all the kubbs (wooden blocks), and then the king, with throwing sticks — before the opposing team does.
Spydkast
a.k.a. Javelin Throw
Type: Throwing
A skill that is valuable for both hunting and war, the javelin throw has been part of humanity’s long history.
Axe Throwing
Type: Throwing
Originally a way for Vikings to practice their skills, this activity helps hand-eye coordination and builds strength.
Skinntrekk
Modern: Tug of War
Type: Strength
A simple game, two Vikings stand in a circle, and try to pull each other outside the circle, with a short rope. The loser is whoever loses grip of the rope first or ends up outside the circle.
Tautrekk
Modern: Seated Tug of War
Type: Strength
Two Vikings would sit on the ground with knees bent and feet touching, and play tug of war with an animal pelt (sometimes over a fire).
The winner was whomever pulled their opponent completely over, and if the pelt tore, it would be a tie. Often, the best rowers on a ship would be those who won this game.
The modern version uses a rope, and not the fire of course, but the game remains the same.
Hnefatafl
a.k.a. Tafl / King’s Table
Type: Board
Likely originating from a Roman game called ludus latrunculorum, this game has been played for more than 1600 years.
A two player strategy game of two uneven armies against each other, there are two ways to win: either the attackers (24 soldiers) capture the king, or the king (helped by his 12 soldiers) escapes to one of the corners.
Bull Rings
Modern: Quoits
Type: Throwing
A game originating from, among other places, Iceland, this version was originally played by farmers. The goal was to throw a wooden ring over the horns of their cattle.
Our version involves throwing hoops of rope onto pegs on a vertical board. Each has a different score, with the goal being 25 points.
Ståbryting
Modern: Stand Up Wrestling
Type: Strength / Balance
Originally, most Viking wrestling matches were training for combat and included throwing individuals onto rocks and other activities that could cause serious injury or death.
Today, a modified version, called stand up wrestling, is a test of one’s balance and strength. Two opponents, similar in height and weight, begin by placing the outside of their right feet side by side while their left feet are spread about 24 inches wide. Opponents clasp hands as if they are arm wrestling and then begin to pull and push the other off balance until the first person to lift a foot or fall loses the game. Then the two wrestlers switch sides and try the same with left feet touching.
Beinbryting
Modern: Leg Wrestling
Type: Strength
Like Ståbryting, leg wrestling requires two opponents of similar height and weight. They start off lying on the ground, side by side on their backs, with their feet in opposite directions.
On a count of three the opponents’ inside legs come up and lock around one another while the outside legs must lie flat on the ground. Similar to arm wrestling, the one who can successfully use their strength to bring their active leg down flat against the ground and flip their opponent’s leg back, which harmlessly flips the person over, is the winner. For the next round the two wrestlers change positions and face-off with opposite legs.
Varpa
Similar: Boules / Horseshoes
Type: Throwing
Varpa is an outdoor game that dates back to the Viking Age. It is played with a flat and heavy object called a “varpa”, which used to be a well-shaped stone, but is now usually aluminum. A varpa can weigh between 1 – 11 pounds
The object of the game is to throw the varpa as close to a stick as possible. The stick is 50′ away for women and 65′ away for men. The game can be played individually or in teams.
Strength Challenges
There are many kinds of strength challenges, from lifting rocks, to throwing logs. Through all ages, these activities have been popular for improving our body strength.
Agility Challenges
Balance and agility are important, both on and off the battlefield. There are many ways to challenge yourself, and we’re all familiar with activities like tightrope walking.