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 was possibly increasingly replaced by chess, which was brought back from the Crusades, from the 11th or 12th century onwards.
We were taught at school that the Vikings were a rowdy and warlike people. The experienced sailors set off with 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?
You will receive a playing field in the colour of your choice and the corresponding game pieces in the desired colours. In addition, we will add one game piece per colour as a replacement. If you have lost several pieces, please let us know and we will send you the required pieces. These are free of charge, you only have to pay the postage and shipping costs.
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