Tablut or Hnefatafl is mentioned in numerous writings, from the Edda to the Friedthjofs and Orkney sagas. It is assumed that Hnefatafl was played as early as 400 AD.
Tablut is referred to as the game of the ‘noble Northmen’. During their campaigns of conquest in the early Middle Ages, the Vikings spread Hnefatafl throughout northern Europe, where it may have been increasingly replaced by chess, which was brought back from the Crusades, from the 11th or 12th century onwards. It was preserved by a botanist, Karl von Linné (1707 - 1778), who learnt about hnefatafl on his trip to Lapland and wrote down the rules.
We were taught at school that the Vikings were a rowdy and warlike people. The experienced sailors set off in their longships to attack other cultures. The kings defended themselves against this with their loyal followers. So it is with the Hnefatafl: the 16 Vikings set off to attack a distant land and help themselves to its treasures. Without the king's permission, of course. The king in turn becomes frightened and orders his knights to escort him, his royal highness, safely to one of his castles. Exciting fights and clashes ensue on the way there. Will the king arrive at a castle alive to win? Will the knights drive the attackers from their land and defeat them?
Our board games are branded on leather, so they last a long time. And the game almost packs itself for transport. All you have to do is press the game down slightly with one finger in the centre of the playing field, pull on the string and the game has already packed itself. It should stay that way for transport. All you have to do now is push the bead up to the bag that has just formed and the game is packed ready for travelling. The games can be used in this way on hikes, on bike tours, in the car or even on long flights. The games are packed so small that the pocket of a jacket is sufficient to take this pleasant form of entertainment with you.
Languages Instructions: DE, FR, IT, EN
Players: 2
Contents: 1 leather playing field, 1 glass king piece + 1 replacement
8 glass knight/defender pieces + 1 replacement
16 glass viking/attacker pieces + 1 replacement
Warning: Not suitable for children under 3 years of age. Small parts may be swallowed.
Choking hazard!
Playing area size: 30 cm
