After Heritage Days 2019 dedicated to ancient Greece, head north to meet the Vikings! Tireless navigators, warriors with a formidable reputation and savvy traders, they occupy an important place in the history of Europe
To evoke these tireless sailors, different types of Viking ships will be presented to visitors in the form of models and craftsmen will present the techniques of marine framing using the tools of the time to make the different parts of a boat.
A favourite time for young and old alike**, combat demonstrations** will take place at 3 pm and 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday, followed by the workshop «Become a Viking Warrior» at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm. Children over the age of 7 will be equipped with shields and secure spears to be introduced to Viking combat safely.
Moreover, the crafts of the time will be presented through the manufacture of fishing nets, weaving and tapestry demonstrations, tastings of cakes…
Finally, many participatory workshops will be offered: creation of Viking jewellery in repelled metal, reconstitution of a runic stone, workshop “Creates your viking”, manufacture of Thor’s hammers in clay… To be complete, we will also strive to raise awareness of Viking migrations and Nordic mythology. For the youngest, tales will showcase the sagas of the Nordic gods.
The Compagnie du Nord is an association of living archaeology, bringing together professionals of reconstitution and mediation in archaeology, as well as enlightened amateurs. All of their work has been researched and validated by archaeologists. Their director, Jérémy Dardenne, is the author of the book Vikings 870-913, the saga of the men of the North at Calleva Publishing.