Our Viking Shop - Everything for the People of the North
Our Viking Shop contains various items of equipment, such as traditional Viking jewellery, Viking clothing and Viking weapons, such as the typical Viking axe and the round shield. But what is there to know about the legendary Scandinavian seafarers?
The Vikings were often called barbarians, heathens and savages. This is mainly due to their warlike expeditions in which the Vikings plundered, pillaged and robbed. However, this was only a small part of the Viking people. Most Scandinavian inhabitants were poor farmers and fishermen. Monasteries and villages were typical targets for the Viking warriors' raids, as these were usually inadequately secured and difficult to defend. There, the Vikings robbed food, cultural goods and women, abbots and nuns, whom they then released for ransom or sold into slavery.
The Vikings are often confused with the Celts or lumped together with them, although in terms of tribal history they appeared 800 years later and belong to the Germanic tribes. Only very few Celtic peoples existed at all at the time of the Vikings and it can be assumed that they had little contact. However, influences of Celtic peoples are so far-reaching that the Vikings could also have inherited parts of their culture in a roundabout way. Who knows for sure? Both the Vikings and the Celts were not exactly known for writing much down and thus leaving it to posterity.
A Viking warrior was often equipped with a sword, spear or Viking axe and the typical round shield as well as a Viking helmet, the so-called goggled helmet. A Viking sword had a broad long blade and a short parry hilt with a broad pommel. Viking swords were often reserved for the Jarls, i.e. the leaders of a Viking tribe. Viking armour was usually made of leather, or chain armour, and metal armour was seen but also rare. Our Viking round shields for Larp are extremely realistic and beautifully decorated. Authentic Viking clothing was robust and adapted to the weather conditions of the far north.
Viking garments - What did the Northmen wear?
Viking garments were versatile and not necessarily as we know them from films or series. We are told that Viking clothing was dirty and tattered and full of fur and leather. And sure, leather and fur were used as material by the Vikings. But real Viking clothing was quite colourful and also nobly decorated depending on their status. Viking clothing for men consisted of trousers, such as the Thorsberg trousers and calf wraps, a Viking tunic consisted of two layers with an upper and lower tunic. This was usually waisted by a Viking long belt. Gold jewellery was also common among Vikings and served as a status symbol. A real Viking also wore a cloak against the harsh weather of the north. Here in our Viking Shop you can find various Viking garments to put together yourself.
Viking garments for women - What did the Viking woman look like?
Historically typical of Viking women's clothing were apron dresses, held in place by brooches and worn over a long, usually light-coloured undergarment. Amber necklaces as jewellery are also very authentic for Viking ladies. Typical of Viking women's garb was also the Birka cloak. This was held together with a usually round brooch and protected against cold weather. Historical finds from the Viking Age also show that wealthy Viking women's clothing included jewellery such as rings, bracelets and clasps. But Viking women wore far more than just dresses. There were also shield maidens among the Vikings, who wore the men's clothing and armour and went together on raids and into battle. So Viking women's clothing is very versatile and the choice of clothing depends very much on what kind of Viking woman you want to portray. But whether you want to be a shieldmaiden or an authentic Viking dress for women, here at Andracor you will find what you are looking for.
The Larp Viking - Between Fantasy & History
The traces of the Vikings can be found very clearly in Larp Culture. Especially in jewellery, armour designs and weapon ornaments, you can find the influences of the Vikings in Larp. This is justified because Larp takes up many influences from the Middle Ages and earlier history, such as clothing, weapons and ranks, and brings them to life in the game. Runes from the Viking Age are also played with in Larp through riddles or coded texts. But also the Nordic traditions and the world of the Viking gods are played with by the players and some Larp-Events.
Vikings are therefore a typical feature in larp, whether inspired by historical events or fantastical. Larp Vikings try to bring a part of the culture and traditions of the Vikings into the game. Larp Vikings adorn themselves with characteristic jewellery and dress in typical Viking clothing. Influences of the Viking Age can be seen almost everywhere in Larp, be it in a belt buckle or a brooch. The Viking Age is a popular part of history and is therefore readily taken up and played with in Larp. However, many Larp Vikings try to behave as one would imagine a Viking to behave, not necessarily as they really were. This is quite different from Viking reenactment. However, as with all areas of larp, one's concept of one's character is important, and this may differ from typical clichés or historical context. If you want to buy equipment and Viking clothing, Andracor is definitely the online shop for you.
