Description
Hnefatafl, the game of the Vikings, also known in contemporary times as Viking Chess. This strategy board game traveled with Scandinavian explorers, traders, & raiders alike, & was adopted by many of the cultures they came in contact with. This particular variant is the Anglo-Saxon version of the game, "Alea Evangelii", meaning "Game of the Gospels". The game was conceived by the scholar Israel the Grammarian & an anonymous Frankish man, as first chronicled in an eleventh century Irish manuscript, but board remnants matching the Alea layout have been found as far as Denmark. in the original game, playing pieces were set & moved upon the intersections & lines of the grid - this more modern conception of the game conforms the pieces to play within the squares of the grid, as done with most other known variants in the Hnefatafl family. There are a great number of variants utilizing the tafl game mechanics; all ultimately derived from the original historical sources & extant finds. Hnefatafl is an intriguing way to learn strategy & tactics, as well as an excellent means to spend quality time with a friend or family member. Each board is created uniquely from the next as a functional piece of art & is sure to become an heirloom lasting many generations. MADE TO ORDER HANDCRAFTED with pyrographed artwork FREE SHIPPING with insurance for Domestic U.S. orders LEAD TIME: 8 weeks (from time of purchase to shipping day; timeframes can be affected by workload, holidays, etc. - please refer to the Shop Announcement for posted info on creation time frames, or inquire via messages if a specific due date is needed). WOOD TYPES AVAILABLE: Cherry, Maple [Sample Chart included in Photos] (all woods are sealed with a satin lacquer) EDGE STYLES AVAILABLE: Burnt, Plain [Sample Chart included in Photos] ARTWORK AVAILABLE: 25 designs [Sample Chart included in Photos] Custom artwork requests always welcome! MEASUREMENTS: 23x23x1 inches [LxWxH] (completed/assembled product) PLAYING PIECES/PAWNS: 73 'people peg'-style pawns (drawstring bag for storage included) UPGRADES / ACCESSORIES: > Color Enhancements - add colorful details to your board: ohttps://www.etsy.com/listing/786439555/color-enhancements-upgrade-option-to?ref=shop_home_active_8&frs=1 > Laser-Engraved Inlays - add precise graphical elements to the playing grid ohttps://www.etsy.com/listing/865368284/laser-engraved-inlays-upgrade-item-for?ref=shop_home_active_37 ADDITIONAL NOTES / INFO: Board is laid out & constructed in the more modern concept of playing pieces within the grid squares, as opposed to the historical 'intersections' game play. NEW FOR 2023: The center area of the board has a dais installed for the King & members of his guard; adding further depth & detail to the massive playing area. HOW TO PLAY: The King, starting from an opening position at the center square, wins the game if he reaches any one of the four grouped squares located in the grid corners. All pieces move as a rook does in Chess;
