Use this Activity Sheet to learn how to play Hnefatafl, a Viking board game based on the amazing gaming board found at Ballinderry Co.Westmeath.
Download and print out our Hnefatafl Activity Sheet to learn how to play Hnefatafl just like a Viking.
Hnefatafl was played by Vikings in both Scadanvia and in Ireland and the remains of these boards have been found in excavations in Ireland. The most famous one comes from Ballinderry Cránnog, in Co. Meath. Gaming pieces, made from metal, stone and bone, have also been found and may have been used to play Hnefatafl. These are on display at the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology. If you would like to find out more about ancient pastimes, make sure you check out our Past Times - A trail of ancience board games and pastimes activity booklet.
This activity is designed for children aged 7-12 years old and can be completed at home, as a family activity.
Hnefatafl Activity Sheet
Hnefatafl Activity Sheet - black and white printer friendly version
A special online family workshop Ragnarok-ing around the Christmas Tree: Viking Winter Pastimes! includes information about this activity sheet and took place on Tuesday 4th Janurary at 2.30pm. This includes a short talk about some of the artefacts on display in the Viking Ireland exhibition at the Museum and also shows how you can make your own Hnefatafl board at home.