![]() Replica carved wooden Hnefatafl board game. Today, it is the best-known version of the Tafl games. Most of these have been lost to time, but Tablut from Lapland managed to survive for a very long time. This led to the appearance of many regional variations, such as Tawlbwrdd in Wales, Brandubh in Ireland, Ard Rí in Scotland or Alea Evangelii in Anglo-Saxon England. Naturally, as the Vikings spread across the world, reaching and settling many new places, they brought their board game with them. The exact rules of the game may have varied among different regions and communities, contributing to the existence of multiple variants like the Sami Tablut. The board game was certainly played across various Nordic and Viking communities, as evidence of Hnefatafl has been found in numerous archaeological excavations. Monopoly Was Originally a Teaching Tool Exposing Economic Inequality.The Evolution of Board Games: From Royal Pastimes to Global Phenomena. ![]() The name Hnefatafl itself is Old Norse and translates to “king's table” or “king's board.” Other translations have been proposed, like “the table of the fist,” from Old Norse hnefi, meaning “fist.” In this sense, the fist denotes the king, guarded in the center of the board. The game is believed to have originated in Scandinavia, amongst the Vikings and their ancestors, and has roots that trace back over a thousand years. The history of the board game known as Tablut, and Hnefatafl in general, is somewhat obscure. ( happy_finch / Adobe Stock) Tablut as Sami Heritage and an old Scandinavian Pastime Two men in Viking costume playing Hnefatafl, also known as tafl, of which Tablut is a variation played by the Sami people of Lapland. Luckily, its rules were documented, and it is now becoming quite popular once more. Tablut is one of these variations, a game played amongst the Sami people of Lapland up until the 18th century. Played for centuries, Hnefatafl, also known as tafl, sadly did not survive fully. That is why board games have been well documented across the world, reaching as far back as pre-Christian times.Īmong these, Hnefatafl stands out as very popular, especially with the ancient Vikings. No, our distant ancestors knew how to have fun as well, and to enjoy their free time. Ancient times were not all about warfare, survival, politics or arduous work.
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