Viking gaming

Viking gaming was an integral part of Norse culture, serving both as entertainment and as a means to hone skills for battle and daily life. These games ranged from strategic board games to vigorous physical competitions, reflecting the multifaceted aspects of Viking society.

Board Games: Strategy and Skill

Vikings were avid players of board games, which held significant status in their society. These games required strategic thinking and forward planning, qualities highly valued among the Vikings.

Hnefatafl: The Viking Chess

Hnefatafl, often referred to as “Viking chess,” was the most famous Viking board game. It was a two-player game where each player represented an army. The objective was simple yet challenging: one player had to capture the hnefi (king or chieftain piece), while the other had to help the hnefi escape to one of the four corners of the board.

Nine Men’s Morris

Another popular board game was Nine Men’s Morris, which involved two players moving pieces to form ‘mills’ (rows of three pieces). The game had a three-phase structure – placing, moving, and flying – each requiring different strategies.

Physical Games: Strength and Agility

Vikings also engaged in physical games that tested strength, agility, and endurance. These games were crucial in preparing Vikings for battle and sea voyages.

Glima: Viking Wrestling

Glima, the traditional Viking form of wrestling, is still practiced today. It focused on upright stances and aimed to make the opponent touch the ground with any body part above the knee.

Other Physical Competitions

Vikings also participated in swimming races, archery competitions, running, and a version of tug-of-war called toga-honk. These games were often rough, and injuries were not uncommon.

Cultural Significance

Viking games were more than mere pastimes. They served as vital tools for social interaction, physical conditioning, and strategic education. Games were often held during important social gatherings and were a crucial element in festivals and celebrations.

Viking Video Games

Action and Adventure Games

• Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla – Open-world action RPG set in Viking era
• Asgard’s Wrath – VR action RPG in Norse mythology
• Asgard’s Wrath II – Sequel to the VR Viking adventure
• Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice – Narrative-driven action game set in Viking world
• Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – Upcoming sequel exploring Viking Iceland
• Viking: Battle for Asgard – Third-person action-adventure hack-and-slash
• Vikings: Wolves of Midgard – Top-down action RPG

Survival and Exploration Games

• Valheim – Procedurally generated survival game with Viking themes
• Tribes of Midgard – Cooperative survival game defending against Giants
• Northgard – Strategy game with Viking settlement mechanics

Platformers and Retro Games

• Völgarr the Viking – Challenging 16-bit style side-scrolling action game
• Jotun – Top-down action adventure where a Viking proves herself to the gods
• Rune – Action-adventure game based on Ragnarok mythology

Strategy and Simulation

• Mount & Blade: Warband – Strategy action RPG with multiplayer options
• Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia – Historical strategy game

Viking gaming encompassed a wide range of activities that reflected their culture, values, and way of life. From the strategic depths of Hnefatafl to the physical prowess displayed in Glima, these games provide a fascinating glimpse into the Viking world.