The time has come for me to again address the problem of Viking names. Those of us who have been in the Society and Manaraefan for some time have a Viking name and identity as well as our Twentieth-First Century one (I hope!). While it is not compulsory for members of the Society or Manaraefan Herred to have a Viking name and persona, it does help add to the flavour of the events we attend. It is also a bit embarrassing when a microphone is stuck under your nose and you are asked your Viking name. Another situation where it becomes embarrassing is the battlefield, "Steve, get over here" doesn't sound as good as "Valgard, get over here". It's worse still when you have to call "Help! Donna!", again "Help! Dagfiend!" though still desperate at least sounds right.

Those members who have not yet chosen a Viking name may well find the attached lists useful. The list of female names is much shorter but please don't blame me, remember ladies, for most of history it was men who wrote it! Those warriors of a less masculine nature would be well advised to pick a name from both lists, one for the battlefield and the other for when in the civic display as a woman. Any male warrior who fancies portraying a woman in the civic display should also pick a name from both lists!

Many Viking have nicknames that help distinguish them from other characters with the same name, these can relate to their character, appearance or deeds.  In time you will earn a nick name and if your lucky it will be one you like!

The lists are by no means extensive, I simply copied the names from the numerous Viking books I possess. I hope you can find a name that suits you, good luck.

Hrothgar

Some Viking Names

Harald Ulfketilsson

Kormak the Carter

Od the Unsteady

Vikings for all occasions, no name too odd

Manaraefan Herred

Comments on this site should be sent to Roger Barry

Sigurd Drum the Un-horsed

Styrkar Rattle Snake

Hrothgar Bokraeder Gilthorsson

Valgard Toebreaker

Character

Before you start working on any kit, past your very basic one you must create a character and a story line for them. This can be done by researching the sagas and history in general.

A character is needed for two reasons.

First there is the technicality of needing the character in order to pass tests - you have to have a character for Basic Villager and for each Drengr kit check.  This of course is a result of the importance of the other reason for having a character....

Second - having a character that you have developed allows you to tell the public who you are and where you are from in a (semi) authentic way.  This tries to help set the scene or if you like tries to maintain the illusion that the public have stepped back in time.  Every little helps as it were.

Whenever you talk to the public they frequently ask who you are.  You would obviously know your personal details irrespective of status.  You should also remember that you are a re-enACTOR,  with some of the emphasis at times being on the ACTOR bit,  and therefore you are playing a character whenever you are in public / in the village etc whether you realise it or not.  The authentic name and family history etc merely completes the visual character.

Furthermore... By having a character and practicing being that person, whenever you are asked to play a part in a set bit of acting you will readily fall into character.

I have found that it’s best to be as true to reality as possible.  What I mean by this is to use your modern self and family etc as the basis for your character.  In this way you need not remember too much pure story and can rely on amended modern truths.   As example, I am Svein (from Steven) Haraldson  (from my father - Harry).  My 'nickname' Melrakki, means arctic fox - which was the nickname I got at college.

Obviously your trade can be directly linked to crafts being demonstrated, so I am an odd jobbing woodworker and general repair man.  Actually based upon the chap who lost the Mastrmyr toolkit - because my toolkit is based on that find.

(Written by Steven Lines, Living History Jarl, Northumbria)

Dagfiend Scoffa

Ulf Jug-Seaker

Njal the Taller

Red Orm the Aged

Olaf

Thorgrim Liefricsson

Oeif Gudrunsdottir

Hori-Hjort

Katla Kettilsdottir

Mo Swinhosson

Bohn Aelfricsson

Bjornhelm the Frail

Disaelfr Raefnsdottir

Hermod

Agier Sigvisson

Tolla Mairsdottier

Eirik Sigurdsson?