The Vikings enjoyed a variety of games and pastimes, ranging from physical contests to strategic board games. Here’s a breakdown of some of the Vikings most popular games:
Board Games & Strategy Games
Hnefatafl (King’s Table) – A chess-like game where one player controls a king and his defenders, while the other tries to capture him. It was played on a chequered board with different variations across Viking territories.
Nine Men’s Morris – A strategic game where players tried to form “mills” (three pieces in a row) to remove their opponent’s pieces.
Kubb (Viking Chess) – A lawn game where players throw wooden batons to knock over the opponent’s blocks before finally toppling the “king” piece.
Physical & Combat Games
Glíma (Viking Wrestling) – A form of traditional Norse wrestling that focused on technique and balance rather than brute strength. It was both a sport and training for battle.
Stone Lifting – A common test of strength, where men would compete by lifting heavy stones to prove their power and fitness.
Horse Fighting – Though controversial today, some Vikings engaged in staged fights between horses, often as a form of betting entertainment.
Archery & Spear Throwing – Archery contests and spear-throwing competitions were common for training and sport.
Gambling & Drinking Games
Dice Games – Vikings used carved bone or wooden dice for games of chance, often while drinking in the mead hall.
Drinking Contests – Competitive drinking was a pastime, with participants showing their endurance while maintaining wit and composure.
Skating & Winter Sports
Ice Skating – Vikings used bone skates to glide over frozen lakes and rivers for both sport and transportation.
Sledding & Skiing – As skilled winter travellers, they also enjoyed skiing and sledding for both fun and practicality.
These games were not only entertainment but also a way for Vikings to train their bodies and minds, ensuring they were always ready for battle or strategy.
