Hnefatafl (Tafl) – The Viking Chess Game in Leather Travel Edition with Raven Motifs

Hnefatafl (Tafl) – The Viking Chess Game in Leather Travel Edition with Raven Motifs

This Hnefatafl game captivates at first glance with its authentic design. The game board is made from pleasant brown suede leather and features an embossed Celtic knotwork pattern around its border. In each of the four corners of the game board, there is a depiction of Odin's ravens, Hugin and Munin, lending a mystical atmosphere to the game. The game board measures approximately 30 x 30 cm when unfolded. Thanks to an ingenious system with a leather cord, the game board can be easily drawn together and tied into a compact pouch measuring approx. 17 cm (height) x 10 cm (width) x 5 cm (depth), which facilitates transport and storage. The total weight of the game is approximately 160g.

The package includes playing pieces in three colours:

• 1 green piece representing the King.
• 4 white pieces representing the King's retinue (defenders).
• 8 black pieces representing the attackers.

The pieces are simple, round, and smooth for easy handling on the leather board.

How to Play Hnefatafl

Hnefatafl, sometimes called Viking Chess, is a game with simple rules but offers surprisingly complex strategic possibilities. It's a game of encirclement, escape, and tactical manoeuvring.

Game Setup

1. Unfold the game board, which has a 7x7 grid.
2. Place the green King piece on the central square, known as the Throne (or castle).
3. Place the four white defender pieces on the four squares orthogonally adjacent to the Throne (in a cross shape around the King).
4. Arrange the eight black attacker pieces in groups of two on the edges of the game board, specifically on the middle two squares of each of the four sides (e.g., on a 7x7 board, these could be squares D1, D2; A4, B4; G4, F4; D7, D6, if the King is on D4).

Objective of the Game

• Defenders (player with white pieces and the King): To move the King safely to any of the four corner squares of the game board.
• Attackers (player with black pieces): To capture the King before he escapes.

Moving the Pieces

• All pieces (King and regular pieces) move like a Rook in chess – any number of vacant squares horizontally or vertically.
• Pieces cannot jump over other pieces (neither their own nor the opponent's).
• No piece may end its move on a square already occupied by another piece.

Capturing Pieces

• A regular piece (white or black) is captured if it is trapped by the opponent between two of their pieces horizontally or vertically. One of the opponent's pieces moves into the empty square to complete the capture.
• A piece can also be captured by being trapped between an opponent's piece and the board edge, or between an opponent's piece and an empty Throne square (if the King is not on it) or an empty corner square. These special squares act as a hostile second piece for the purpose of capture.
• Captured pieces are removed from the game board.
• Capturing the King:
  • The King is captured if he is surrounded on all four sides by opposing pieces.
  • If the King is on the Throne (central square), he must be surrounded on all four sides to be captured.
  • If the King is on a square adjacent to the Throne, he can be captured by being surrounded on the three available sides by opposing pieces, with the Throne itself acting as the fourth (hostile) side.
• The King cannot participate in capturing opposing pieces.

Special Squares

• The Throne (central square): Only the King may enter or occupy this square. For all other pieces, this square is forbidden (they cannot even pass through it). If the Throne is empty, it can act as a hostile square for captures (see above).
• Corner Squares: Only the King may enter these squares. They are the escape squares for the defending side. For all other pieces, these squares are forbidden. If empty, corner squares can act as hostile squares for captures.

Basic Strategies

• Defenders: Actively try to protect the King and gradually create a clear path for him to one of the corner squares. Sometimes it is necessary to sacrifice some defenders for the King to escape.
• Attackers: Try to block the King's escape routes as quickly as possible and gradually surround him. Form strong lines and leave no gaps in your formation.

History and Tradition of Hnefatafl

Origin and Spread

Hnefatafl (sometimes written as Tafl) is an ancient board game with roots in ancient Celtic and Germanic cultures. It is a strategic wargame based on the principle of attack and defence. The Vikings, renowned for their expeditions across Europe, spread this game to many lands, including England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Iceland, Germany, and Eastern Europe. The game maintained its popularity throughout the early and high Middle Ages but began to decline in popularity after the 12th century, when it was gradually replaced by chess as we know it today.

Interesting Fact: The Ravens Hugin and Munin

This particular style of game board is often called Brandubh, which means "black raven" in Irish. This version of the game features depictions of Hugin (Thought) and Munin (Memory) in the corners – the two ravens of the god Odin from Norse mythology. According to legend, these ravens flew all over the world each day and returned to Odin in the evening to tell him everything they had seen and heard. Their presence on the game board adds an authentic Viking touch and symbolizes the strategic thinking and foresight needed for victory.

Why Choose Our Hnefatafl Game?

This Hnefatafl game is more than just entertainment. It's an excellent educational tool that can spark conversations about Viking history and culture. Thanks to its compact design, it's ideal for travel, festivals, historical encampments, or as a stylish accessory for your Viking setup. It's also a great way to keep both children and adults engaged and to practice strategic thinking. Last but not least, it is a beautiful, artisan-style item that will delight any lover of history and Norse culture.

Caring for Your Hnefatafl Game

To ensure your Hnefatafl game retains its beauty and serves you for as long as possible, give it a little care:

• Leather Game Board: Protect the leather from moisture and direct sunlight. If it gets dirty, you can gently clean it with a soft, dry brush. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners.
• Playing Pieces: The pieces can simply be wiped with a dry or very slightly damp cloth.
• Storage: When not playing, keep the game tied up in its leather pouch in a dry place to prevent loss of pieces and damage to the leather.

Enjoy Hours of Strategic Fun with This Unique Viking Game!