Vanaheim
Introduction
In Old Norse mythology, Vanaheim was one of the Nine Worlds found on the World Tree, Yggdrasil. The name means “home of the Vanir”, who were a group of gods associated with fertility, wisdom, and the ability to see the future.
While Vanaheim the reenactment group cannot be found on the World Tree, it can be found in York, where it was formed in 2015 by several Society members attending the University of York, just in time for that year’s Jorvik Viking Festival. The event is still celebrated as the group’s birthday annually.
With strong combat and living history contingents, Vanaheim prides itself on delivering and contributing to authentic and exciting Early Medieval reenactments. Since starting in 2015, our numbers have grown, and while young adults make up a large part of our membership, we have members of all ages and walks of life. Vanaheim also boasts a range of craftspeople in our group including blacksmiths, carpenters, and weavers, among others.
Vanaheim mostly meets on the University of York campus, although our membership comes from across the North Yorkshire area and beyond.
Group Officers
Combat
As part of The Vikings, Vanaheim trains for combat using the rules and weapon regulations set out by the Society. Under these rules, we teach individuals to fight with basic weapons, including shield, sword, hand axe, and spear, and advanced weapons, including long spear and dane axe. We also provide training in archery and slinging.
While we only have one combat officer, we have many experienced combatants who are able to support newcomers with combat. We tend to train weekly on Wednesdays, with occasional Sunday training, in locations within the University of York. Thanks to the large spaces, we welcome not only Vanaheim members but those from other groups, allowing for a range of skills and expertise. During the cold and wet months, we are able to use indoor spaces to train, and have access to large outdoor spaces throughout the warmer months.
Living History
Vanaheim started by focusing on developing its combat contingent, but swiftly grew to build up our living history camp. With a variety of tents owned by both the group and individual members, Vanaheim often presents a small encampment, portraying the day-to-day life of travelling Vikings or Anglo-Saxons. Alongside the warriors populating the camp are Vanaheim's large contingent of talented craftspeople, who all have a wealth of insight into Dark Age crafts. From leatherworkers and seamstresses to blacksmiths and jewellers, our diligent group members are always advancing and expanding their skills to showcase authentic and interesting crafts.
Awards
Vanaheim achieved the status of Living History Herred during the Autumn of 2023, giving our Jarl (Group Leader) the right to vote in Society meetings, and won the 2024 Thorgrim Sigmardsson Best Group Combat Award
Gallery
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