Blaeddau Du
Introduction
Blaeddau Du (Black Wolves) is a South Wales branch of The Vikings Re-enactment Society, the oldest and the largest of its kind in the UK. As a society we portray the Welsh, Vikings, Saxons and Normans C850 -1180
As a group we portray the Hiberno-Norse and Welsh that lived, traded and raided in South Wales mostly around C950
We train on the first and third Sunday of the month, unless at shows. We undertake training outdoors and indoors over the winter period usually 12pm-5pm.
Blaeddau Du participate in historical battles, non-scripted battles, combat competitions, extras work on films and audio, educational school visits (mainstream and SEN).
We are a family friendly group and some of our members have children who like to come to training and try out their skills in our Kiddy Vike.
Combat
We train using swords, axes, seaxs, Dane axes, spears, shields, javelins, bows and slings.
Whenever possible we train with individuals and members of other groups and societies, with different levels of experience as we can all learn from each other in combat.
Once you learn the basics you can join the free fighting and train in the shield wall and see how your ancestors fought.
When training we follow the society system of combat and safety equipment must be worn at all times, saying that if you’re just starting in the field of re-enactment the group has some kit that we can lend you, so feel free to come along.
Members engage in combat and missiles displays at local shows as well as skirmishes and battles around the country.
Living History
As well as fighting in Viking battles, Blaeddau Du also have their own living history display, a military encampment for a Viking unit on campaign which forms the backdrop to our public events.
The encampment is where the public are able to interact with our members and can meet Viking warriors, try on a helmet, hold a shield and weapon or feel just how heavy our chainmail is.
They can also talk to our crafts people, traders and cooks to discover what Vikings wore and how it was made, what was traded and also what they ate.
Any member of our group can be approached and spoken to, and we try to have a good mix of activities for the public to see and where possible have a go at, such as grinding flour using real quern stone and handling weapons at our weapons display. We also have crafters who make beads, arrows, bow strings, wood workers, sewing, nalbinding, tablet weaving, jewellery making and cooking display.
Group Officers
Silver Jarl : Ru
Treasurer : Steve Bryant (Tófi)
Secretary : Nicola Bryant (Nanna)
Melee Combat Training Officer : William Curtis (Vidar)
Missile Training Officer : Ian Britton (Knudd)
LHE Officer : Lewisia Larke (Luta)
Authenticity Officer : Rebecca Adams (Bekkhildr)
H&S Officer : Lewisia Larke (Luta)
First Aider : Mark Reece
Acting Officer : Kymberley Jones
In Memoriam
