Knattleikr
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Knattleikr (English: 'ball-game') was an ancient ball game played by the
Gameplay
The game was probably similar to early versions of the Irish sport of hurling, which also dates to antiquity. The exact rules of Knattleikr are lost, but some information has survived from the Viking Age in Iceland (beginning around the 9th century).[1]
Players were divided into teams, each with a captain. The game demanded so much time that it was played from morning to night. It was a spectator game, with tournaments drawing huge crowds from all over Iceland.
Gameplay involved a hardball being hit by a stick, although players could also use their hands. Body contact was allowed in the fight for the ball where the strongest had the best chance to win. Thus, intimidation was a vital ingredient; several wars of words have been recorded in the old sagas. There were penalties and a penalty box.
It is conjectured by some[
Revival
Today, knattleikr is often
The New England Viking reenactment group cautions that the game is dangerous and refers to the Icelandic Grágás laws that a player may leave the game at any time.[2]
The 2022 film The Northman depicts a game of knattleikr.[3]
Historical references
The most complete descriptions of the game are to be found in the following
- Grettis saga chapter 15
- Gísla saga chapters 15 and 18
- Egils saga chapter 40[5]
- Eyrbyggja saga chapter 43[6]
- Vápnfirðinga saga chapter 4
See also
- .
- Broomball, a modern Canadian version.
- Episkyros, an Ancient Greek ball game.
- Harpastum a Roman ball game, a word probably derived from harpago, to snatch or take by violence.
- Trigon, a Roman ball game.
- Cuju, a Chinese ball game originally used to prepare soldiers for battle.
- Hurling, a game played in Ireland which involves similar stick and ball play.
- Shinty, a game played in Scotland which involves similar stick and ball play.
- History of physical training and fitness
References
- better source needed]
- ^ a b "Knattleikr - The Viking Ball Game". Hurstwic.org. Retrieved 2016-07-15.
- ^ "That Bloody, Head-bashing Game in the Northman is Based on a Real Viking Sport". 28 April 2022.
- ^ Yoav Tirosh (2022-12-03). "Knattleikr: The Politics of the Viking Sport". Medievalists.net. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
- ^ "Northvegr - Egil's Saga". 2005-11-05. Archived from the original on 2005-11-05. Retrieved 2016-07-15.
- ^ "The Story of the Ere-Dwellers ("Eyrbyggja Saga")". mcllibrary.org. Retrieved 2016-07-15.