Members of Viking club Rimmugýgur fought with swords under the supervision of fencing trainer Phil Burtham in Hafnafjördur near Reykjavík last weekend.
“We had great fun and there were no accidents except for one bruised finger,” club member Úlfar Daníelsson told icelandreview.com.
Rimmugýgur is dedicated to Viking culture and Viking sword fighting. The club’s goal is to recreate ancient battles, Viking paraphernalia and historical events.
“We have made copies of swords, shields and helmets that have been put on display in museums around Iceland and used in movies,” Daníelsson says.
The club was founded at Thingvellir in 1997 at a special ceremony led by Jörmundur Ingi Hansen, former high chieftain of the Pagan Society in Iceland, and now has about 40 members. “Despite having cooperated with the Pagan Society, most members of Rimmugýgur are Christian,” Daníelsson explains.
“We recently returned from Hastings in the UK where over 2,000 Vikings from around the world fought to remember the greatest Viking battle in history which took place at that location,” Daníelsson explains.
The Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066 between Duke William of Normandy and Harold II, King of England. It turned out as the most decisive Norman victory in the Norman conquest of England.
Next summer Rimmugýgur will travel around Iceland and entertain visitors at the Viking festival in Fjörukráin restaurant in Hafnafjördur. The club will also participate in a Viking tournament in Denmark.
“Anyone who is interested can join our club and learn how to fight like the Vikings,” Daníelsson says. “We practice every Tuesday and Thursday in Hafnafjördur,” he adds.
For further information, visit www.rimmugygur.is.
