From polkcountynewspaper.com
Skjaldborg Vikings Entertain in Stromsburg
By Dave Thompson
Jun 18, 2009 - 4:35 PM
The Skjaldborg Vikings will again be performing throughout the day on Saturday in the City Square at the Festival. The group was here last year and had such a good time that they asked to be able to come back again this year.
Skjaldborg is an Old Norse word which translates to “fortress of shields”, or “shieldwall”. A shieldwall was a battle tactic used by the Vikings wherein shields were held in an overlapping fashion (much like a scale pattern) with the men side by side, forming an impenetrable wall.
Young and old alike will enjoy watching this group of men and women “re-live” some of the Viking history. The group is more of a history education group than a reenactment group. The group interacts with the public letting them handle the weapons and armor, as well as the wool, linen and furs. The Viking characters provide historical facts and demonstrate how these people lived, what skills they had and how they ate. Members of the audience are encouraged to participate in activities.
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