TAMBORINE Mountain will soon echo with the clash of swords, the thud of axes, and the bustle of Viking life as the region hosts a Viking Culture Day on September 14 at Tamborine Mountain State School Markets.
The Viking Culture Day, organised by Jorth Gar of the New Varangian Guard, will transport visitors back to the years 988 to 1066CE, showcasing how Norse people lived, fought, crafted and celebrated.
Member of Jorth Gar Daryl Rowley said families can expect a full day of interactive displays, demonstrations, and activities that bring the Viking Age to life.
“There’ll be combat displays, a combat archery range where people can safely fire blunted arrows, cooking demonstrations, weaving, and even Viking board games,” he said.
“One of the favourites is Nefatafel, a Viking board game that’s quicker and more tactical than chess.”
The group, whose name is pronounced “yorth gar,” focuses on the history of the Varangian Guard – Viking mercenaries who served the Byzantine Empire.
Their members train in a wide range of weaponry, from sabres and spears to the iconic two-handed axe, and recreate traditional skills such as blacksmithing, tablet weaving, and leathercraft.
“We’ll also have talks on different types of armour,” Daryl said.
“The Varangian Guard fought with a variety of styles, so we’ll be showing Byzantine, Slavic and Viking Rus weapons and armour.”
A highlight of the day will be a simulated bridge battle, where a one-and-a-half metre wide, six-metre-long wooden bridge will be set up to recreate the famous Battle of Stamford Bridge.
Fought on September 25, 1066, in Yorkshire, England, the battle saw King Harold Godwinson’s English forces defeat an invading Norwegian army led by Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson.
The historic clash is remembered for its dramatic opening, when a lone Viking warrior delayed the English advance by defending the narrow crossing before being killed.
There will also be a live cutting display, where sharp Viking blades are tested on fruit and vegetables to show just how effective they were in battle.
“You don’t need much force to slice clean through a watermelon or pumpkin,” Daryl said.
“It really makes you appreciate how tough our ancestors must have been.”
The event will also feature food stalls, coffee vendors, and a school P&C sausage sizzle. Entry is $8 for adults and a family ticket is $20, with children under 13 free.
Gates open at 8am at Tamborine Mountain State School Markets, with stamps available for re-entry throughout the day.
