Viking Enthusiast
Insider Info
Viking enthusiasts are people interested in Viking history, culture, artifacts,
legends and anything else Viking.
The word Viking refers to people who lived in Denmark, Norway and Sweden
from 800 to 1100 AD and who left their homes to trade and raid along the shores
of other countries.
Some Viking enthusiasts simply read about Vikings. Others travel to Scandinavia
to learn more about them. Some form clubs with other enthusiasts, where they
plan various activities, like sailing a replica Viking ship. Or, they may
re-enact Viking times, complete with replicas of clothing, food and weapons.
While some people are interested in Vikings because they have Scandinavian
heritage, Viking enthusiasts say you don't have to be a descendant of Vikings
to enjoy them.
"A good love for Vikings is all that's needed," says Peter Sjolander, a
Viking buff. He started the Viking Navy in hopes of recreating and sailing
a Viking ship.
 |
| Here is Christie Ward dressed as her alter-ego, Herskerinde (mistress)
Gunnora Hallakarva, an eighth-century Finn. Ward has been a viking enthusiast
since she was a child. |
| Courtesy of: The Viking Answer Lady |
For Viking enthusiasts, interest in this can be triggered by something
as simple as an old movie.
"I've always been interested in the sea, the history, the lore, from the
time I was little. I remember seeing old black and white movies about Vikings
when I was young. That was great," says Larry Hamilton, a Viking enthusiast.
Experts say you'll find Viking history buffs all over the world. They say
regardless of a person's heritage, Vikings have a universal appeal.
"I've got people I write to in lots of different countries, like Canada,
England and even South Africa. We may not have anything else in common, but
we can talk Vikings," says Hamilton.
"I've got people I write to in lots of different countries, like Canada,
England and even South Africa. We may not have anything else in common, but
we can talk Vikings," says Hamilton.
One of the best things about being a Viking buff is you can spend as much
or as little money as you want and still enjoy it. There are also no physical
limitations, as long as you're willing to travel to ancient Scandinavia in
your mind.
Some Viking enthusiasts invest in personal computers to keep in touch with
other enthusiasts. Some buy supplies to recreate Viking ships, costumes and
weapons. Some even travel to Norway. Others visit libraries, get together
with other enthusiasts and spend very little money.
"It's really up to you how involved you want to get. I know people who
spend thousands a year, but aside from my computer expenses, costs are next
to nothing," says Hamilton.
"The Viking area of the Web is really growing and I think people are seeing
this as a great way to meet up with other Viking enthusiasts," says Erik Wheelok,
a Viking buff.
Getting Started
You might already have what it takes to become a Viking enthusiast -- a
keen interest.
"You don't need any special skills or Viking heritage, you just have to
be interested," says Kerry Beamish. "That's what I tell people."
Experts recommend you start by reading a couple of books to understand
the basic history of the Vikings. Go to your local library to find lots of
information.
Once you know you're interested, experts recommend joining an association,
or better yet, getting involved with a newsgroup to meet other Viking buffs
on the Internet.
The Internet is a great tool for getting in touch with Viking buffs all
over the world.
"Internet access is the best. At first, I tried to get a network going
with snail mail, but it never took off. E-mail and the World Wide Web seem
to be just the right mix," says Sjolander.
Associations
The Society for Creative Anachronism
P.O. Box 360789
Milpitas
,
CA
95036-0789
USA
Toll-free
:
800-789-7486
Internet
:
http://www.sca.org/welcome-text.html
People and Groups in the SCA
Internet
:
http://sca.uwaterloo.ca/sca-people/
Links
Vikings in the New World
Find out more at this Minnesota State University site
Jorvik Viking Center
Millions of visitors have traveled back in time with this center
Viking Ships
Learn more about the ships that propelled Vikings across the
sea
Bronze Casting in the Viking Age and Early Middle Ages
Learn how the Vikings made fabulous metal objects
The Leif Ericson Vikingship
Photos of the ship and information on the society that promotes
Viking information
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