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- Hardraade's Viking sail breathes life into old Viking traditions
With the spirit of the past, we sail into the future Look how tightly woven the fabric is! Sails in the Viking Age weren't just functional, they were also symbols of wealth and power. A robust sail was a status symbol that showed prosperity and the ability to master the sea. In a time when seafaring was the fastest and most effective way to travel, the sail was key to the Vikings' identity, development, and not least, all the stories they left behind from distant lands. A sail is said to have been worth two ships! When our Viking ship is launched in the summer of 2025, it will initially only be rowed. There will be 28 oars on board. This Viking sail will be created based on traditions, and woven by hand, just as our ancestors did. But, we don't yet know when the rigging on the ship will be ready so that the sail can be hoisted. Realistically, the sail will likely be hoisted and catching the wind in 2026. The sail will be the boat's wings and will take us safely on many adventures in the years to come. We are very much looking forward to it! It will simply be a joyous day when we can look out over Tyrifjorden and see the Viking ship, with its magnificent sail, glide steadily through the waves. However, the work ahead of us to sew the sail together is extensive. We realized that long ago. Skilled hans hard at work In the meantime, we continue the work while tipping our hats in honor of the Vikings' impressive knowledge and the skill they showed in their craft. We dare say that without the art of sailmaking and the understanding of weather and wind that the Vikings possessed, they would not have existed. And what would the world look like today then? Certainly something to think about. The Textile Group in the Hardråde Viking Ship Association The textile group, led by Hilde Helene Wergeland, deserves all the praise it can get. In addition to holding courses in hand sewing Viking clothing, nalbinding (a kind of knotless knitting), and tablet weaving, they sew Viking clothes for volunteers, show up at weekly sewing gatherings to help anyone who wishes, and are responsible for weaving the sail. In short, the work of weaving what will become the sail for Hardråde began with spinning wool into threads. Then, the threads were woven together into long lengths, which are now waiting to be sewn together. You might think this seems straightforward? Then you're wrong. Wool from about 150 Old Norwegian short-tailed sheep was first carefully sorted and washed at Hoelfeldt Lund in Grimstad before it was specially spun Fortunately, we had the opportunity to benefit from the valuable experiences from the Oseberg ship, which were essential when they produced the sail for the Saga Oseberg (a replica of the Oseberg ship) Our outstanding master weaver, Bjørg Marie Neste, created 12 intricate braids before she and our team of skilled weavers began the task of weaving. The strict standards set by Viking traditions made the process itself very meticulous and demanding. It's important to know what you're doing and stay focused. Bjørg Marie Neste and her long braids of wool The lengths of sailcloth were woven with great force and precision, with specific requirements for details such as the exact number of threads per centimeter in the weave. The quality of the sail we are producing is inspired by the famous Oseberg find , and the craftsmanship and knowledge behind it are palpable. It is difficult to describe all the work and all the hours that have gone into this unique sail so far, and we understand very well why sails were so costly in the Viking Age. The woven pieces will be sewn together into a traditional Viking sail We are currently starting the process of sewing the sail together, which will cover an area of approximately 100 square meters. When completed, the sail's dimensions will be about 9 x 10 meters. That's no small feat But, before we start sewing, the entire sail must undergo a fulling/felting process, which is also in progress. We can also share that sailmaker Frode Bjøru from Seglloftet AS on Jøa in Nord-Trøndelag has been hired as a mentor and guide. So once again, with good help, we are moving the project forward. When everything is sewn together, the sail must be impregnated with melted sheep tallow mixed with our own home-produced tar. This treatment is best carried out outdoors in sunny conditions. We plan to use the rocky outcrops in Hole for this task. So cross your fingers for a great summer in 2026! Want to learn more about the Hardråde project? Click on the image below: Thanks to our dear sponsors We have also been very fortunate with the sponsorship funds we have received, including from the Sparebankstiftelsen DNB. They donated a whole 1.3 mil. kroner to us! This money is earmarked for the sail, motor, and rigging, and makes it possible for us to carry out the tasks in true Viking style. In addition to this, the association has received five million kroner from individuals, businesses, the state, and the municipality. Talk about being lucky! If you want to support the Hardraade project, you can become a member here. If you want to follow the construction of the Viking ship, you can follow us on Facebook or visit the construction site on Saturdays between 11 am and 3 pm.
- A Brief Overview of Odin, the Most Powerful God in Norse Mythology:
Odin's Quest for Knowledge and Wisdom The one-eyed Odin and his ravens, Huginn and Muninn, watch over Hardraade's Viking ship. During the Viking Age (793–1066 AD), Norsemen began to sail out into the world on raids, and among them reigned several great Nordic gods. There were dozens of gods in Norse mythology, here is a selection of some of the most talked about: Odin - the oldest, most powerful, and wisest of the gods. Thor - Odin's son and the next most powerful god, also known as the thunder god. Njord - associated with fertility, wealth, shipping, and fishing; according to myths, he can also calm the sea and extinguish fires. Heimdall - guardian of the bridge that leads to Asgard, son of Odin. Balder - associated with light, beauty, love, poetry, and happiness, son of Odin. Váli - son of Odin and the giantess Rindr, brave in battle, a good rider, and skilled archer. Bragi - the chef in Valhalla and son of Odin. Týr - also called "Tyr", decides who will win in battle. Freyr - the god of fertility, eroticism, peace, and wealth. Ullr - also called the ski god, bow god, hunting god and shield god. Forseti - son of Balder, the overseer of justice and mediator in disputes. Víðarr - during Ragnarok, he will rip open the jaws of the Fenris wolf after it has swallowed Odin, thus avenging his father. Odin, also known as the Allfather, played a central role in Norse mythology . He was the creator of the world and humanity, together with his brothers Vili and Vé. As the supreme god, Odin was known for his wisdom and ability to see into the future. Did you know that Odin lives in Valhalla? One of Odin's most remarkable qualities was his ability to navigate between the realm of the dead and the living world. He rode through the realms on his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, who was equally swift on land, water, and in the air. This made it easy for Odin to maintain his status as the most important, strongest, and wisest god. From his mighty throne in Valhalla, Odin surveys the world. With the wisdom and insight granted to him by sacrificing his eye in exchange for a drink from the giant Mimir's well of knowledge, he governs the fate of both gods and humans. He was a king. His faithful raven companions, Huginn and Muninn, fly daily over the world's treetops to gather thoughts and memories from every possible nook and cranny. Their wingbeats carry even more knowledge to Odin, and they always perform their duties with great loyalty, despite the fact that most ravens can't be trusted. Huginn & Muninn: Odin's Ravens Every day at dawn, Odin releases the ravens Huginn and Muninn so they can embark on their daily flights over Midgard – the world of men. As the ravens soar over mountains, forests, and oceans, they carefully observe what humans are doing and listen intently to what is going on. Their main focus is to gather information for Odin. At midday, they return to Odin, perch on his shoulders, and share their findings. This feedback gives Odin crucial insight into human behavior, thoughts, routines, and activities. Nothing happens in the world that Odin doesn't hear about, and this makes it easy for him to rule and make the right decisions. Did you know that Huginn means "thought" and Muninn means "memory"? In short, Huginn and Muninn were Odin's eyes and ears, his personal intelligence service. Odin and Yggdrasil in Norse Mythology At the heart of Yggdrasil , the World Tree that binds together the nine realms of the universe, Odin embarked on a daunting quest for wisdom. His desire to uncover the secrets of the cosmos drove him to extreme measures. It began with a vision – a whisper from the Norns, weavers of fate. They revealed that true enlightenment lay hidden in the ancient symbols carved into the fabric of the universe. But these symbols were uncooperative; they would not reveal themselves readily. With great determination, Odin sought the ultimate sacrificial gift. He climbed the gnarled branches of Yggdrasil, with confidence in every step. For nine days and nights, he hung there, his body pierced by his own spear, Gungnir. The wound Gungnir left behind did not bleed blood, but knowledge. The pain he felt was a blend of agony and ecstasy. And as the days flowed into nights, Odin's consciousness expanded. Yet it was not enough. The symbols remained enigmatic and out of reach. Despair gnawed at him – but then, in a moment of divine clarity, he understood. Did you know that Odin's son, Heimdall, gave the runes to humans so they could have a written language? He had to carve the symbols into his own skin. Using Gungnir, he performed the task. Suddenly, the symbols became compliant, and as Odin hung in the tree, he learned all the signs. During his time in the tree, he also regained his youth, and his strength was completely renewed. In verses 138-145 of the Hávamál , it is described how these symbols became runes, and that Odin himself was their originator. The knowledge of "runes" was called reginkunnr - knowledge that belongs to the gods. But knowledge and wisdom come at a price. As Odin descended from Yggdrasil, he felt the weight of the world on his mind. Odin, the most powerful god of all, still captivates us. Odin's enigmatic nature, his connection to Huginn and Muninn, and his unwavering quest for wisdom and knowledge continue to captivate people to this day. And the Hardrada Viking Ship Association is no exception. Did you know that Valhalla has 540 doors? So now you know why the wooden figures of these ancient Norse figures are erected on the construction site. It is simply a tribute to our cultural heritage. The stern of our ship, decorated in Ringerike style - read more here It is said that the Fenris wolf broke free from its chains when Ragnarok (the doom of the world) occurred and killed Odin, the most powerful god. However, we are not so sure; maybe Odin still sits on his throne, gazing down at the new world that was created. That wouldn't surprise us at all!
- Harald Hardrada - The last Viking king
Harald Hardrada Sigurdsson and the Viking History of Ringerike in Norway Harald was born in Ringerike in 1015 and was the half-brother of Olaf the Holy, who was also king of Norway. Harald Hardrada was known for his strength, courage and endurance; he was also a skilled warrior and military leader. According to Snorri Sturluson's Heimskringla , there were four kings in Viking history who came from Ringerike: Halfdan the Black Sigurd Syr Olaf the Holy Harald Hardrada Halfdan the Black, in the 9th century, is said to be buried in Halvdanshaugen at Stein Farm. The farm and burial mound are clearly visible from the E16 highway at Steinsletta, so keep an eye out when you drive by. Foto: Stein Gård Sigurd Syr, a local petty king in the late 10th century, fostered together with Queen Åsta both "Olaf the Holy" Haraldson (stepson) and Harald "Hardrada" Sigurdson (son). Harald Hardrada started his long military career already at Stiklestad in 1030. He then saw his half-brother Olaf fall in battle, and the royal power in Norway fall out of the family's hands. Wounded, he escaped to Sweden, and travelled to Kiev early in the 1030s. Here he entered the service of King Jaroslav the Wise. He quickly rose through the ranks and gained a trusted ally in Jaroslav. After a few years, he went on to Miklagard (Istanbul), the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. As an increasingly powerful officer in the Emperor's Varangian Guard, he amassed enormous riches. In the mid-1040s, he returned to Norway and ruled as king together with his nephew Magnus the Good. This lasted only a year before Magnus died of unknown causes. Battle of Stamford Bridge Harald's reign lasted for about 20 years and ended at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, September 25th, 1066, where he was killed. According to a number of historians, the battle marked the end of the Viking Age in Europe. Today, Harald Hardrada is still one of the most famous and respected Viking kings in Norwegian history. His courageous and adventurous life has inspired many, and his legacy lives on in Norway today. Harald and Ellisiv (Elisaveta), oldest daughter of Yaroslav the Wise of Kyiv. When Harald, the last viking king, arrived in Kyiv in the early 1030s, he entered the service of Prince Yaroslav the Wise. He chose to serve in Yaroslav's army and rose through the ranks. Eventually, he became a chieftain for the Norwegian part of the army. The Norwegian soldiers were driven into exile after their chieftains or kings were defeated at home, including at Stiklestad. A close bond developed between Yaroslav and Harald, and Harald asked for his daughter Ellisiv's hand in marriage. Both she and the prince refused - one can imagine that this caused a bad mood in the Norwegian camp. However, Harald thought long-term and took care of the alliance with Yaroslav.slav. After becoming an immensely wealthy man, as an officer in the imperial guard in Constantinople and with clear ambitions to take the throne in Norway, Harald traveled home via Kyiv. This time he proposed to Ellisiv again, and received a YES. Ellisiv was one of four sisters who were all married into European royal houses. Why was Harald, the last Viking king, called Hardrada? Harald Hardrada was called "Hardrada" because he was a tough and fearless leader who was always willing to take risks to achieve his goals. He was also known for his strength and endurance, and he was a skilled warrior and military commander. He was one of the few Viking kings who managed to unite much of Norway under his rule. Harald Hardrada was also known for his military expeditions and conquests. He was involved in wars and conflicts in both Denmark and Sweden. Harald's Artistic Soul Harald Hardrada, still known as the last viking king, was a great supporter of art and culture, and he was a major patron of skalds, who wrote and performed poems and songs about the Vikings' exploits. The Ringerike Style is Born At the same time that Olaf Haraldson and Harald Sigurdson ruled, there was a large quarry on Ulvøya island in Steinsfjorden. There they quarried red Ringerike sandstone. This sandstone was used, among other things, for large rune stones, of which the most important, the Dynnastein, is on display at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. Drawing of the Fenris wolf in Ringerike style by Erik Audun Utiskog These stones were richly decorated in a style that today is called the Ringerike Style . This style is found today on a number of objects scattered throughout Europe. From Senja in the north to Sicily in the south, from Dublin in the west to Ukraine in the east, one finds traces of a common European cultural heritage that is also carved in stone here in Ringerike. This tells us that the Vikings were also interested in beautiful art and trade in such objects. Historical Finds Another significant archaeological find is the Gjermundbu find. A burial mound on the Gjermundbu farm in Ringerike turned out to contain a richly equipped warrior grave. Here they also found one of very few fully reconstructed helmets from the Viking Age, the Gjermundbu helmet . Photo: Museum of Cultural History, University of Oslo / Ove Holst Even today, we find traces of our ancestors in the geography of Ringerike. Many have probably enjoyed a day at the beach in Onsakervika, without thinking about the fact that the name means "the bay by Odin's field." The view of Onsakervika can be enjoyed from Frøhaug, "Frey's Mound". Before you head north to Norderhov, "Njord's Mound". This whole story and more is included plays a huge part in our viking ship build at Sundvollen. Want to visit us? You are welcome any time!