My partner is indigenous north america (Swampy Cree) and had her first viking event this winter. she is portraying a Dorset woman from Greenland who would have interacted with vikings. She’s loving it and it has a big impact on the crowd realizing that the viking age was never a simple isolated thing
Nice video. I think the important thing about "reenactment" is two fold like you said, for fun and for education. And both sides of the coin need to be more aware of the other and get along. We're all doing it for fun, but some people really need to do more research before spouting off what they start to claim as fact when we can't really know anything about it, and a lot of people need to just let other people actually just do what they want to have fun because that's a huge part of reenactment. Honestly, if you aren't in it to have fun, you're probably wasting your time haha
Thank you! :) And I totally agree. It's not good to spread incorrect information. It's always better to be honest if there is something you are not sure of 😊
In the UK black/mixed race vikings are fact-based since we have historical records of black Britons since Roman times. There was a black Roman legion on Hadrian’s Wall in the North of England and the Danegeld (Viking ruled Britain) was largely a Northern Territory. But even if that wasn’t the case, most costumers subscribe to the theory of “historical costumes not historical values”. Surely the same should apply to re-enactment. Unless someone’s planning on raiding a coastal monastery, stealing their valuables, killing most of the monks and enslaving the odd survivor as happened several times in the UK before the Viking peoples started to settle here.
@@hopenield8234 There was no "black legion", that's a complete lie. The African legions of Rome were legions levied in North Africa which at the time was ethnically Caucasian, the people were genetically closer to Europeans than Arabs, the Berber people are one of the few remnants of these who survived the Arabic expansion relatively unmixed. So the African legions of Rome were NOT black, (not even Arabic but Berberic) you could've been barely able to tell them apart from Italians or Greeks. Even the so called "black Britons" were later confirmed to have been Cypriots, again NOT black. It's really worrisome that people actually can't tell what's real history and what's obvious political revisionism.
Me too. As a one time archaeologist myself and with a sister and brother in law who are archaeologists/viking re-enactors employed by the city of York which was the UK’s main Viking town I’m keen on historical adequate approaches. I’d love for the term find-based to become common amongst costumers and re-enactors since it points to the archeology or history needed for something to be described as historically adequate/accurate. Otherwise people can end up just relying on famous names to show them how something should be done rather than going to the source material.
My husband and I are just recently getting into Norse culture after finding out that we are almost full blooded Norwegian/Swedish, We wanted to learn more about our culture, and who we come from. It has been amazing ❤ especially being able to teach our children and tell them the stories. I know that a lot of information is lost, but learning anything about my culture helps me feel grounded and confident. Because, I didn’t know where or who I came from before which was fine… I figured I was just me and happy to be my own creation and individual. 😊 But I can’t deny, learning old traditions and seeing how they are still alive in modern culture, especially how certain things have passed through the generations of mine and my husbands families is fascinating! I am still my own individual self, but I just have a deeper understanding and connection to who I am, and I love it😊! My first Viking costume was heavily inspired by fantasy, but I would love to do a more traditional look someday.
I'm happy that you feel good about finding out that you are Scandinavian :) I hope that you do make a more traditional viking outfit eventually. All the best to you! :)
Very nice video. I like what you said about "Historically Possible" and "Find Based". I've been involved in reenactment groups off and on for many years. Human beings can be quite unique, and there were most definitely individuals who wore interesting and functional garb that didn't survive the ages. I've always liked the idea that if it is historically possible, we should most likely relax and enjoy the event. It really frustrates me when I see the self-appointed fashion police commenting negatively on someone's garb at something like a renaissance faire. Anyway, thank you for your wonderful video!
Thank you so much! I'm glad that you agree that people should be allowed to have fun and not be criticised at events that does not have any demands regarding historical accuracy. All the best to you!
When I work on my viking-age clothing I do what I call "lazy research". I look at what more educated and experienced people do that I can base my own clothes on. I dont really have the time or energy to do more. I also think there should be some degree of creative freedom, but that can vary depending on how "accurate" you want to be. I try to be historicaly "accurate" as I can, but I also like to put my own flair on it. Accuracy should not come at the cost of fun.
That sounds like a good strategy. I have done the same myself many times. The trick is to know who to take inspiration from. And I agree, it needs to be fun. Otherwise, what's the point? :)
I find the geatekeeping in some reenactment circles appaling. I have nothing against people who want to be as historically accurate as possible, but berating people because their Tunic is from Birka, their pants from Tonsberg and the fibula on their rectangle cape from Hedeby and not all from 1 location is absolutely unhinged. It's not like these sites are 5000 kilometers apart divided by an insumountible obstacle, but meerly a 5-6 day travel for the people in the 9th century, even faster by boat, who cares if it's not from the same archeological location? I understand living history events where we try our hardest to be historically accurate, but even there it doesn't matter if someone combined clothing from a couple of archeological sources. These kind of people ruin it for everyone.
My general opinion is that you should never give someone feedback unless they ask for it first. And even then it is important so consider what that persons goal is for the outfit. Killjoys are never fun, so I agree with you on that.
@@vikingventures3888 I usually don't mind discussing gear amongst each other, or preventing fairly new reenactors from doing a mistake in the future which can be costly to potentially life altering (someone getting the wrong tattoo's using nazi runes as an example). But even in those cases you ask for permission first and don't tell people their gear is garbage out of the blue, it's the right thing to do...
I am a older Viking age male. So my clothes are a mixture of whatever I started before I got on the ship and what I had to replace after being on that ship for a while. I have a few patches on my trousers and under tunic. My cloak and large belt knife and my shoes from Ireland. My weapons are a mixture of Viking and Irish. My helmet started of with glasses that was cut off and a nose guard added by a black Smith as a replacement because it was cheaper than buying a new helmet.
Totally agree. And those people criticising something saying it is not permitted because it is not historically accurate to the period ( ie it should be Hedeby but it is russe ) then often turn around and allow something on someone else. Love the idea of find accurate
Thank you for sharing your opinion with us! I agree with you! I find it especially important to differentiate between a historically accurate, or find-based as you quite aptly phrase it, depiction on the one hand and fantasy Vikings on the other. The other day there was an article in our local newspaper about a photoshoot with "Viking reenactors" from differ-ent parts of the country. I was really looking forward to seeing those photos but - alas! - there was NOT ONE person in a historically accurate costume, only fantasy Vikings strongly influenced by those TV shows. The problem I see with that is that the general public are misled into taking this for reality. So I really appreciate that you pointed out that it's important to be honest with others as to what one is depicting. Furthermore, I want to thank you for reassuring me that it is okay to do Viking reenactment even if one is from another part of the world. With the ongoing - and undoubtedly necessary - discussion concerning cultural appropriation I did have some scruples about depicting a Viking age persona. And what you said about white supremacists - chef’s kiss!!!
Really nice video! I do indeed classifi my clothing as viking/fantasy/cosplay. Cause it is not really historical at all. Maybe one day I do wanna make an outfit based on a find but I'm scared of making big stuff myself.
Thank you! :) Don't be afraid to make big stuff yourself. Just because they are bit does not mean that they are difficult. It just might take a bit longer to make :)
Also, thank you for the anti-white-supremcist statement. I'm a US reenactor and am als ofo mixed race (Thai) and I identify as Asian. Some people have beef with that. I am pretty non-Asian looking though. When I do public demonstrations I get asked by many Americans, "How Scandinavian must you be to be a reenactor?" and I think it's a strange question. I've posted in my group's social media we do not have any DNA requirements nor do we care. That said, us Americans are really into our DNA tests... and it's a tiring phenomenon.
I have never encountered the term high fidelity in reenactment in Scandinavia. But perhaps its mostly a linguistic thing. It does not translate well into Swedish for example. :) I think it is very important to always fight against racism/discrimination etc. And since Viking age reenactment tend to attract white supremacists it feels even more important for me to be clear about me not wanting them in this hobby.
I agree. I did fencing in the SCA and I remember we had a few Asian participating and that's fine. I also remember a Caucasian person involved in Samurai re-enactment, I figured that's fair enough and I totally understand the appeal. 😉
@@vikingventures3888 Oh totally! But it's something I'm learning right now is how the Vikings often recruited people from foreign cultures. These people had different ways of doing things or new skills they found valuable.😉
Lovely sentiments, thank you for sharing. This may seem silly but I'm attending a renaissance festival for the first time in the united states and the theme of this week is Viking and barbarian. I have visited Iceland and Sweden and enjoyed learning a lot of history and used this opportunity to investigate more into viking age clothing and historic practices. I'm aiming for a "find inspired" clothing using linen and cotton due to cost and availability and time it takes construct garments on my own rather than "find based" clothing of linen and wool, and it's just for fun. I am enjoying your videos and would be very interested to see anything related to crafting using historical techniques, you mentioned making shoes in a previous video.
I should say now after having attended my first Renaissance festival, there seems to be little to no interest in accuracy there, but people did enjoy themselves with dressing up in many different ways.
Thank you! I am very happy that you like my video. I think it's great that you want to make a find inspired viking age outfit. I can absolutely understand not having the time or energy to make a wool outfit. Might be too warm for some places as well. I'll try to make some tutorial videos in the future 😊
I really don't like people carrying horns on their belts or the one person carrying a big Rambo type knife and don't get me started on the black leather or fantasy arm guards.moan over 😂
@@vikingventures3888 there's a place in Northern Ireland which is fantastic but they open to the public and are supposed to be teaching people what vikings wear eat etc. And they post some very good photos. Until you notice that they have horn's on black leather carrying straps. Rambo knifes. And black leather arm guard's or brown leather with modern straps. What's the point of having really good clothes and spoil the look with stuff that's nothing to do with the Viking age. They fantastic people call a lot of them friends. I just wish they get rid of the horns
My partner is indigenous north america (Swampy Cree) and had her first viking event this winter. she is portraying a Dorset woman from Greenland who would have interacted with vikings. She’s loving it and it has a big impact on the crowd realizing that the viking age was never a simple isolated thing
That is awesome! I love how many different ways there are of reenacting the Viking age. All the best to you and your wife 😊
Nice video. I think the important thing about "reenactment" is two fold like you said, for fun and for education. And both sides of the coin need to be more aware of the other and get along. We're all doing it for fun, but some people really need to do more research before spouting off what they start to claim as fact when we can't really know anything about it, and a lot of people need to just let other people actually just do what they want to have fun because that's a huge part of reenactment. Honestly, if you aren't in it to have fun, you're probably wasting your time haha
Thank you! :) And I totally agree. It's not good to spread incorrect information. It's always better to be honest if there is something you are not sure of 😊
As someone who is mixed race, it's nice to have an explicit invitation to reenact the viking age.
In the UK black/mixed race vikings are fact-based since we have historical records of black Britons since Roman times. There was a black Roman legion on Hadrian’s Wall in the North of England and the Danegeld (Viking ruled Britain) was largely a Northern Territory.
But even if that wasn’t the case, most costumers subscribe to the theory of “historical costumes not historical values”. Surely the same should apply to re-enactment. Unless someone’s planning on raiding a coastal monastery, stealing their valuables, killing most of the monks and enslaving the odd survivor as happened several times in the UK before the Viking peoples started to settle here.
@@hopenield8234 There was no "black legion", that's a complete lie. The African legions of Rome were legions levied in North Africa which at the time was ethnically Caucasian, the people were genetically closer to Europeans than Arabs, the Berber people are one of the few remnants of these who survived the Arabic expansion relatively unmixed. So the African legions of Rome were NOT black, (not even Arabic but Berberic) you could've been barely able to tell them apart from Italians or Greeks.
Even the so called "black Britons" were later confirmed to have been Cypriots, again NOT black.
It's really worrisome that people actually can't tell what's real history and what's obvious political revisionism.
Totally agree with your sentiments regards both matters. Very well said. Like the idea of ‘find accurate’
Me too. As a one time archaeologist myself and with a sister and brother in law who are archaeologists/viking re-enactors employed by the city of York which was the UK’s main Viking town I’m keen on historical adequate approaches. I’d love for the term find-based to become common amongst costumers and re-enactors since it points to the archeology or history needed for something to be described as historically adequate/accurate. Otherwise people can end up just relying on famous names to show them how something should be done rather than going to the source material.
My husband and I are just recently getting into Norse culture after finding out that we are almost full blooded Norwegian/Swedish, We wanted to learn more about our culture, and who we come from. It has been amazing ❤ especially being able to teach our children and tell them the stories. I know that a lot of information is lost, but learning anything about my culture helps me feel grounded and confident. Because, I didn’t know where or who I came from before which was fine… I figured I was just me and happy to be my own creation and individual. 😊 But I can’t deny, learning old traditions and seeing how they are still alive in modern culture, especially how certain things have passed through the generations of mine and my husbands families is fascinating! I am still my own individual self, but I just have a deeper understanding and connection to who I am, and I love it😊! My first Viking costume was heavily inspired by fantasy, but I would love to do a more traditional look someday.
I'm happy that you feel good about finding out that you are Scandinavian :) I hope that you do make a more traditional viking outfit eventually.
All the best to you! :)
As a reenactor from Argentina, Im glad you talked about the white supremacists and who should be able to reenact! Always enjoy your yt videos :)
Thank you very much 😊 I feel that it is important that we all work together to keep white supremacists out of our hobby.
Very nice video. I like what you said about "Historically Possible" and "Find Based". I've been involved in reenactment groups off and on for many years. Human beings can be quite unique, and there were most definitely individuals who wore interesting and functional garb that didn't survive the ages. I've always liked the idea that if it is historically possible, we should most likely relax and enjoy the event. It really frustrates me when I see the self-appointed fashion police commenting negatively on someone's garb at something like a renaissance faire. Anyway, thank you for your wonderful video!
Thank you so much! I'm glad that you agree that people should be allowed to have fun and not be criticised at events that does not have any demands regarding historical accuracy.
All the best to you!
When I work on my viking-age clothing I do what I call "lazy research". I look at what more educated and experienced people do that I can base my own clothes on. I dont really have the time or energy to do more. I also think there should be some degree of creative freedom, but that can vary depending on how "accurate" you want to be. I try to be historicaly "accurate" as I can, but I also like to put my own flair on it. Accuracy should not come at the cost of fun.
That sounds like a good strategy. I have done the same myself many times. The trick is to know who to take inspiration from. And I agree, it needs to be fun. Otherwise, what's the point? :)
I find the geatekeeping in some reenactment circles appaling. I have nothing against people who want to be as historically accurate as possible, but berating people because their Tunic is from Birka, their pants from Tonsberg and the fibula on their rectangle cape from Hedeby and not all from 1 location is absolutely unhinged.
It's not like these sites are 5000 kilometers apart divided by an insumountible obstacle, but meerly a 5-6 day travel for the people in the 9th century, even faster by boat, who cares if it's not from the same archeological location?
I understand living history events where we try our hardest to be historically accurate, but even there it doesn't matter if someone combined clothing from a couple of archeological sources. These kind of people ruin it for everyone.
My general opinion is that you should never give someone feedback unless they ask for it first. And even then it is important so consider what that persons goal is for the outfit. Killjoys are never fun, so I agree with you on that.
@@vikingventures3888 I usually don't mind discussing gear amongst each other, or preventing fairly new reenactors from doing a mistake in the future which can be costly to potentially life altering (someone getting the wrong tattoo's using nazi runes as an example). But even in those cases you ask for permission first and don't tell people their gear is garbage out of the blue, it's the right thing to do...
@@MrCrniVrag I totally agree :)
I am a older Viking age male. So my clothes are a mixture of whatever I started before I got on the ship and what I had to replace after being on that ship for a while. I have a few patches on my trousers and under tunic. My cloak and large belt knife and my shoes from Ireland. My weapons are a mixture of Viking and Irish. My helmet started of with glasses that was cut off and a nose guard added by a black Smith as a replacement because it was cheaper than buying a new helmet.
Totally agree. And those people criticising something saying it is not permitted because it is not historically accurate to the period ( ie it should be Hedeby but it is russe ) then often turn around and allow something on someone else. Love the idea of find accurate
Thank you for sharing your opinion with us! I agree with you!
I find it especially important to differentiate between a historically accurate, or find-based as you quite aptly phrase it, depiction on the one hand and fantasy Vikings on the other. The other day there was an article in our local newspaper about a photoshoot with "Viking reenactors" from differ-ent parts of the country. I was really looking forward to seeing those photos but - alas! - there was NOT ONE person in a historically accurate costume, only fantasy Vikings strongly influenced by those TV shows. The problem I see with that is that the general public are misled into taking this for reality. So I really appreciate that you pointed out that it's important to be honest with others as to what one is depicting.
Furthermore, I want to thank you for reassuring me that it is okay to do Viking reenactment even if one is from another part of the world. With the ongoing - and undoubtedly necessary - discussion concerning cultural appropriation I did have some scruples about depicting a Viking age persona.
And what you said about white supremacists - chef’s kiss!!!
I agree! Thank you for all your lovely and informative videos :)
Thank you! I'm glad that you agree with me :)
Thanks for your work - and for explicitly calling out the white supremacists.
Thank you so much! I think it's important to speak out against discrimination etc. when you can. Have a nice day :)
Really nice video! I do indeed classifi my clothing as viking/fantasy/cosplay. Cause it is not really historical at all. Maybe one day I do wanna make an outfit based on a find but I'm scared of making big stuff myself.
Thank you! :) Don't be afraid to make big stuff yourself. Just because they are bit does not mean that they are difficult. It just might take a bit longer to make :)
That's true!!
When you said "f-off", i literally spat my coffee all over my keyboard haha!
Haha sorry about your keyboard! 😅
Very well said! Especially at the end. Thank you for your insight.😊
Thank you so much! 😊
Great video. Skinny dipping would still be historically accurate, and the same in all cultures 😅
Thank you! Hehe yes, very accurate 😄
"Find based" I like that.
Around the groups in the Pacific Northwest USA we like to say "high fidelity" but your term is much clearer.
Also, thank you for the anti-white-supremcist statement.
I'm a US reenactor and am als ofo mixed race (Thai) and I identify as Asian. Some people have beef with that. I am pretty non-Asian looking though.
When I do public demonstrations I get asked by many Americans, "How Scandinavian must you be to be a reenactor?" and I think it's a strange question. I've posted in my group's social media we do not have any DNA requirements nor do we care. That said, us Americans are really into our DNA tests... and it's a tiring phenomenon.
I have never encountered the term high fidelity in reenactment in Scandinavia. But perhaps its mostly a linguistic thing. It does not translate well into Swedish for example. :)
I think it is very important to always fight against racism/discrimination etc. And since Viking age reenactment tend to attract white supremacists it feels even more important for me to be clear about me not wanting them in this hobby.
@@vikingventures3888 beyond that, the Vikings traded with pretty much EVERYONE. It would be plausible for them to have assimilated just about anyone.
Just found this video and I'm very happy. Love the video and I'm going to subscribe so I can see more!
Thank you so much 😊
Great Video and I agree 100%. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you so much! :)
I agree. I did fencing in the SCA and I remember we had a few Asian participating and that's fine. I also remember a Caucasian person involved in Samurai re-enactment, I figured that's fair enough and I totally understand the appeal. 😉
Exactly, as long as it is done in a respectful way, I think everyone should be fine with that.
@@vikingventures3888 Oh totally! But it's something I'm learning right now is how the Vikings often recruited people from foreign cultures. These people had different ways of doing things or new skills they found valuable.😉
Lovely sentiments, thank you for sharing. This may seem silly but I'm attending a renaissance festival for the first time in the united states and the theme of this week is Viking and barbarian. I have visited Iceland and Sweden and enjoyed learning a lot of history and used this opportunity to investigate more into viking age clothing and historic practices. I'm aiming for a "find inspired" clothing using linen and cotton due to cost and availability and time it takes construct garments on my own rather than "find based" clothing of linen and wool, and it's just for fun. I am enjoying your videos and would be very interested to see anything related to crafting using historical techniques, you mentioned making shoes in a previous video.
I should say now after having attended my first Renaissance festival, there seems to be little to no interest in accuracy there, but people did enjoy themselves with dressing up in many different ways.
Thank you! I am very happy that you like my video. I think it's great that you want to make a find inspired viking age outfit. I can absolutely understand not having the time or energy to make a wool outfit. Might be too warm for some places as well.
I'll try to make some tutorial videos in the future 😊
Totally agree.
Great video! I love your explanations!
Thank you very much 😊
Thanks talking about this important topic😊 Im _lfuthark by the way
I'm happy that you agree that it is important. Also, it's great to know that you want to see my videos :)
Absolutely agree, with all of it
I really don't like people carrying horns on their belts or the one person carrying a big Rambo type knife and don't get me started on the black leather or fantasy arm guards.moan over 😂
Hehe well, I agree with you in many ways. But as long as people only wear the fantasy gear to fantasy-friendly events I'm fine with it :)
@@vikingventures3888 there's a place in Northern Ireland which is fantastic but they open to the public and are supposed to be teaching people what vikings wear eat etc. And they post some very good photos. Until you notice that they have horn's on black leather carrying straps. Rambo knifes. And black leather arm guard's or brown leather with modern straps. What's the point of having really good clothes and spoil the look with stuff that's nothing to do with the Viking age. They fantastic people call a lot of them friends. I just wish they get rid of the horns
I always go in my plastic helmet with horns....