Hnefatafl Viking Game

This Viking Game was developed by History Craft over 30 years ago. First sales were to the Jorvik Centre in York. It has continued in production to this day, with over 100,000 having been produced, including for export to the Viking lands of Norway and Iceland.

The Viking Game

The Viking Game must rank as one of history’s greatest board games. It was at its most popular during the Dark Ages in Northern Europe, a period of scant records and shifting populations. Like so much of the Dark Ages, our knowledge of Hnefatafl (sometimes abbreviated to tafl) is patchy; a mystery now half solved as a result of archaeological research. Our Hnefatafl game pieces are based on designs inspired by the famous Lewis chess pieces.

A Rich History

The Hnefatafl Game was popular in the Viking homelands in Scandinavia as early as AD400 and was carried by the Vikings to the lands they conquered. Over the centuries the game developed and different versions of the board have been found by archaeologists in sites from Ireland to Ukraine.

Occasionally referred to in manuscripts, the game was known as Hnefatafl which means literally ‘King’s table’. The study of these manuscripts and examination of the various types of board and pieces has enabled researchers to work out how the game was probably played. There is no doubt, however, that many versions of the rules existed at different places and at different times.

The Hnefatafl Game was last recorded as being played in Wales in 1587 and in Lapland in 1723. Its decline began in the 11th century as chess grew in popularity, and it soon lingered on only in remote county districts.

Ornate Replica Pieces

There are 39 Viking game pieces in the set, made of resin and designed to replicate hand carved walrus ivory in Viking style. The Viking game board is made of thick linen fabric with a printed played area.

Although we do not currently sell this game online, do please contact us and we can advise you as to where it may be purchased.

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Suzie Marsh Sculpture

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We have been buying resin castings from History Craft for nearly 30 years. We have always had an excellent service. They are very efficient and helpful. We have developed many new products over the years using resin components.

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Partnering with History Craft has created a truly superb product in BASIUS - made with skill, craftsmanship, talent, professionalism, quality, value and above all - friendship.

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I have been dealing with History Craft Cirencester for more than 15 years and have always been very pleased with the service, quality and the expertise that they supply... The accuracy of the quality, timing and content of our deliveries is excellent.

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The Cross Stitch Guild

History Craft is far more than moulding, casting and finishing to us, they delight in using their decades of experience to give practical advice on getting the most out of our products.

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