Hnefatafl

The first book of its kind, Hnefatafl: The Sacred Game of Britain, Ireland and Scandinavia discusses the ancient games of Northern Europe, particularly the games now known as Hnefatafl. Beginning with the history of ancient games across the world and their divinatory uses by traditional cultures and ending with the modern history of Hnefatafl, this book covers the history, geographic spread and mythology surrounding Hnefatafl. All three of the main cultures of Northern Europe are covered, British, Irish and Scandinavian, and the games of each group are discussed (Gwyddbwyll, Fidchell, Brandubh, Tawlbwrdd, Buanbach and Alea Evangelii) with revealing excerpts from the legends and sagas of these groups as well as archaeological finds and the contentious conclusions surrounding them. A chapter on the mythology of Hnefatafl is included as well as chapters on the rules and notated example games to help any reader along with their skills and knowledge of Hnefatafl.