The Saxons had their own variant, derived from a common Germanic tafl-game, and this was apparently the only board game known to the Saxons prior to the introduction of chess. and was carried by the Vikings to their colonies in Iceland, Greenland, Britain, Ireland and Wales.

However, the term tafl was most commonly used to refer to a game known as hnefa-tafl or 'King's Table.' Hnefatafl was known in Scandinavia before 400 A.D. Tafl in Old Norse means 'table,' and by the end of the period referred to a variety of board games, such as chess ( skak-tafl or 'check-table'), backgammon ( kvatru-tafl, introduced from the French as quatre), and fox-and- geese ( ref-skak, 'fox chess'). skak-tafl) in the eleventh and twelfth centuries, Scandinavians sharpened their wits by playing a game known as tafl. These were the accomplishments of the noble of Viking Age Scandinavia. Even before the pageantry of the High Middle Ages however, this voice was heard: I can play at tafl, Once expected of the candidate for knighthood, in the Current Middle Ages all peers and nobles are said to excel not only in their field of endeavor, but are also able to dance, entertain, and to play the noble game of chess.

This little verse is a succinct catalogue of the noble virtues. King's Table: Game of the Noble Scandinavians Some men joust with spear and shield The most useful of these for the snow-bound will of course be the board games, so herewith I shall tell you more about them. The Vikings had a great many amusements, from very physical sports such as footracing, swimming, wrestling and skiing, to horse fighting, playing a game very like the Scottish sport of curling, and several board games. King's Table: Game of the Noble Scandinavians Dear Viking Answer Lady: Aside from rape, loot and pillage, what did the Vikings do to entertain themselves? (signed) Dreading that Long Polar Winter Gentle Reader:

Viking age mythology games