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2008 Schedule of Events listed near bottom of page
Skjaldborg is an Old Norse word which translates to; "fortress of shields", or "shieldwall". A shieldwall was a battle tactic used by the Vikings wherein shields were held in an overlapping fashion (much like a scale pattern) with the men side by side, forming (hopefully) an impenetrable wall. This front rank of men would be armed with hand weapons, ie. swords, axes, saexes, and perhaps smaller, more easily wielded spears. A second rank of men would be directly behind this front line, and would brandish longer, two handed spears, as well as longaxes, over the shoulders of the men in front. Thereby creating a porkupine effect with their length weapons protruding ahead of the first rank of shields. Even a third rank could be employed much the same way, perhaps even filled out with archers and javelineers. As the shieldwall closed on an enemy the back rows could use the advantage of their length weapons to dislodge or otherwise effect the front rank of opposing shieldmen, by pulling down on, or striking at shields, and expose the enemy to their front rank of handweapons. Not to mention the obvious poking and crushing to the upper body and heads of the opposing front ranks. When a weak point was created in an opponents shieldwall, a svenvelka (trans. to "boarsnout" which is like a "flyingV", or wedge formation) could possibly punch through to further weaken and gain control of the opponents line. Once having weakened a part of this line, the men could pour through to attack those who remained, from the rear and sides.
Skjaldborg is more a history education group and less a reenactment group. With our group we are able to provide a more tactile interaction with the public by letting them handle weapons and armor, as well as wool, linen and furs.Through our regular speakers, who provide the historical facts and demonstrate their "character" (who they represent) we shed light on the Viking period. With our full camp, we are able to show how some of these people would have lived, what skills/chores they performed during their day, as well as how they ate. Skjaldborg's end goal is the education of the public and reawakening of people's heritage through a "hands on", up close and personal approach. It's the best kind of classroom when you can be outside, and interact with the history books.
But, what is school without recess? With the education comes the entertainment, so we do live, unchoreographed steel combat using the period correct weapons of the day. They are blunted versions, of course, because we all have real jobs and lives to go back to on Monday. Each fighter is equipped with his "character's" weapons and demonstrates their use in battles against other weaponry of the Viking period. Everything from knives, seaxes, and axes, up to swords, spears and longaxes. We also use missle weapons in combat, such as bow and arrow, thrown axe, and spear/javelin.
We hold regular meetings, as well as practice and training for our steel combat fighters, here in Omaha, Nebraska. Now we also have the VikingHjem in Elk Horn, Iowa where we can really showcase some of the skills and crafts we have aquired as a group while doing what we love. We'll hold it's Grande Opening during Tivoli Fest, and start performing out of it, while still doing a few nearby events. Being able to use a permanant site with so much character will really make the history come to life. Be sure to stop out for a visit to Elk Horn where there is so much to see, and check back here for the upcoming schedule of when you can catch Skjaldborg there.
Our combat demonstrations are performed LIVE and unscripted. We show how the weapons and armor of the time were used, but in a manner which is safe for us and the public in attendance. All weapons are made to resemble their authentic counterparts, but are made with dulled edges and rounded points....It's as real as it can get and still make it to work on Monday!
Go here for Live Steel Combat videos!
Coming Soon--- SHIELDWALL FORGE - our handmade items for sale and trade!
Links to friends and points of interest
2008 SCHEDULE OF
EVENTS Tivoli Festival - Elk Horn / Grande
Opening of VikingHjem/ May 30-June 2
Email the Skjaldborg
click the shield
Skjaldborg is proud to be a member of
Vapntak-a Norse Historical Enthusiast's Forum
And.....
