Finn Manvitsbreka

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I am Alex, aka Finn Manvitsbrekka or Handsome Finn. Depending if you are friend, enemy or detractor! I am a warrior in the Dark Age Combat and Re-enactment Group - Oskorei.
We a small but energetic group of like minded individuals with a taste for history and warfare! Having spent 20 or so of last years weekends fighting away at shows with Britains best (and not a few adventurous europeans too) we do local and national events and training weekends with Regia, The Vike, Yoms Vike and also some of the smaller start-up groups like ourselves.
We are based in the Bristol area and if you are interested in hiring, joining or training with us, send me a message and I'll get you in touch with the right people. Alternatively go to our website
Click Here for the Oskorei Website
If you want to see what I've been up to in 2006/7/8 read my blog, I've just put my thoughts and images in there. I hope one day to see you in Valhalla!
IT'S BEEN A WHILE...
Feels like ages since I last wrote here. All my 'Myspace' friends have been left behind - as have my battle reports (thank you for reminding me Mike!).
So, here's a quick list of the shows that I've gone to with my group (sadly I couldn't make them all) and quick summery of them. There's not as many as previously - but don't think I've been lazy, if not at a show the group trains on Tuesday and Sunday (with a thursday and wednesday sessions with other groups in bristol if you can hack it!).
15. 02. 2008 YORVIK FESTIVAL (Regia)
See my blog (Click Here)
Ah yes, training with the Regia Spear Wall
York Minster
Oskorei at Beer O'Clock
Uncompetitive competitive night battle, great stuff
Watch your back!
Wishing a brother well on his last journey
Angel or Valkerie?
29. 03. 2008 TRAINING AND SPRING BANQUET (Osk.)
This should've been great event - multi-group training and a mighty feed & piss-up to end the day. Sadly due to some clashes it wasn't what we hoped. Still we had the whole group down and had a good evening celebrating our glorious leaders birthday.
05. 04. 2008 WHITE CASTLE
This was a medieval event - sadly again at short notice. Held in a really well placed and defended Norman Castle (Click Here to see site) the visitor turn-out was low and it was shockingly sign-posted, no advertising etc.
Having said that the show itself was really good fun. The story was that the Noble held the Castle, but it was disputed by the younger brother, sadly I can't remember their historic names. We were on the usurpers side as Irish mercenaries (yes, we really will do anything to get into a show!) and although we beat back the sally from the bridge the archers on the towers eventually got the better of us and we lost the battle well in scripted de-jection...
Don't I just hate those jeffing scripts.
19. 04. 2008 GLOUCESTER DOCKS (Vikings)
Viking gig that was a pleasant surprise. After having a few engagements with the Vike in the past I've tried to get the group to a few more of their shows. This is one that the organisers, can't remember the name, but I think it was the Welshies, invited us too.
On the down-side the show was in town. Hard to park and the fight and LH were in two seperate parts of town about 10 mins walk away in Authentie shoes (not really a problem, but not really welcome either). Also there's the Viking hit system. Love the 10 second rule. Not so keen on the no arm, no legs (in chain) rule, though it is still a good system, just not my favourite.
On the plus side it was a good show in a multi-period weekend. Culture and bringing history alive is important and I think this is a great way of doing it. We also get to cut each other up. Always fun.
The story here was two Viking brothers and crew had raided Wales, had captured a bishop and wanted ransom. The English King (dunno who, sorry buffs) agreed to pay the ransom at the meet near Gloucester. The exchange took place. However, whiley Mr King had made an alliance with the Welsh and beset the Vikings on the way back to their boats. Which is where are fight starts...
I was set as one of the Brothers (buying stupidly expensive mail has some perks then...) and at first we fought a outnumbered saxon force. They held well but were on the verge of rout when the bloody Welshies turned up and we were forced into a fighting retreat. Backed into the bogs (eh, they looked like ropes to me) we were slain to a man. All got off to Valhalla though - so it wasn't a total waste of time.
This is the sort of scripting I favour. Weighted in Histories favour, but still possible to deny Fate a reapeat story for his book.
Of note:
Did well in a champion fight there, lovely (only to later have my throat cut by my opposite number!)
Started to appreciate the power of the Kidde-Vike and have taken the idea for our own shows
Duncan, you bad boy
Dan's sheet aluminium fronted shield got a f-ing big hole put in it got to love those Axes (touch too hard methinks?)
Met Warwick, a mighty warrior, fearsome with his Dane Axe, among others who I hope to call friends again.
Myself vs Welshie. Am I lifting him off the ground or is he jumping to get me?
Crashing into the Saxon Line
Oh. This wasn't part of the plan!
03. 05. 2008 ROCKINGHAM (VME)
Went to this show to do something with Regia. Bit of a disappointment. Run by Gandalf and co, with the Vikings of Middle England running the Dark Age bit. Regia oursleves had been invited to make up the numbers.
Last year this was quite fun, but this year was a drag. VME is run by a few dedicated people and a load of students. They fight uncompetitively and really, because the of the clash of styles I thought it was a bit shit.
I can't remember how the first days battle went, but I did have some fun training with some of the VME Huscarls who were good but the majority were pretty (sorry guys). And then some more training with the Regia people - always a skilled fight (in a re-enactor way).
In the afternoon I took part in the medieval battle, but this left me feeling un-satisfied as well. The evening was ok, with that mad scots piper band (good but without the edge of schelmish) helped the evening pass pleasentley by.
Second day was even worse. We were given numbers and had to die at the appropriate moment. The worst, most depressing case of scripting I have ever experienced. Even more depressing than the lack of a free fight at Hastings.
On the plus side in the afternoon, just before we packed up to go Regia started a training session, which was great. Really released all the crap feeling from before and made the whole thing worthwile.
Think they got in trouble for organising that. But if it doesn't happen next year, I wont cry over that.
Advancing in hope of a worthy foe
05. 05. 2008 NAILSEA MAY FAIR (Osk.)
Just for one day this was probably one of the best shows. It was our group & we all turned up. A display of four tents with good LH and 8 people aside for a bit of classic somerset 'get off my land' action. Saxon vs Vike. Along with Lacock this was a great example of the group really pulling together.
Luke and I, Champion fight - (Click Here to see video)
Dan and Dave's War Face
Soon to dead shield vs Steve's Axe
Rich vs ? - Looks like the power has just left ?'s spear...
Stolen idea from the Vike, Kids just love the chance of beating us up *sighs*
24. 05. 2008 COSMESTON (Osk.)
Same sort of show as the one last year. Pissed it down all weekend. Shocking waste of what was a great show last year.
07. 06. 2008 CORFE CASTLE (Vikings)
Did this one last year as well. Another great castle, well postioned (Click Here to see site) .
The schedule was good (ie we didn't have to get up too early after a night of drinking!). Good LH. Beautiful weather, too hot if anything. Campsite was a short walk away at the bottom of the castle in a field of un-mown grass - think that could've been better thought out.
The story here is of the Viking raiders getting DaneGeld and then taking the tax cart in the morning, followed by some 'stop taking the piss' retailiation from the Saxons. Played Saxon this time. The battle was scripted, followed by a 'can we re-write history' battle afterwards. It was 1-1 by the second day. Great stuff.
05. 07. 2008 NAILSEA CARNIVAL (Osk.)
This was the lesser of the two Nailsea shows, pretty much in every way. Less people, worse weather, not enough of the group, same game plan, dispondant leaders, crappy procession.
I'm being a bit harsh here, the show went ahead and everyone played their part. Saxon Rebels vs Norman Tax Collectors. We got the javellins out and had a go at a champions fight with distinctly disposable shields with head shots. Kidde vike, circles etc
It should have been great, but for some reason, it wasn't.
26. 07. 2008 WINKSWORTH WAPENTAKE (Regia)
For me this was very last minute - I had just re-gigged my day-off for every other Saturday and although I had booked myself in for Berkeley I decided that blatting Clankies is a pursuit of dullards and fighting a Regia Line would be much more entertaining. Even though - rumor has it - that the Medieval Babes would be playing again this year at Berkeley.
For a man in my position, it was a very tough choice.
A few hours later, much to my surprise (and semi-disappointment) I found myself driving through Winksworth, peering at signs in the dark looking for signs of the Wapentake and my Brothers in Arms, Rich and Steve...
The Format was to have training 10-12am, arming the knight and living history, followed by the battle at 3am, public kicked off by 6am.
Sunday would have us holding the Wapentake in Winksworth (first time that's happened for 1000 years) followed by training, battle at 3am and boat burning at 8am.
Although the training was a little thinly attended on Saturday (Regia have been filming alot recently) it was good fun to be running down spears again and cutting them up :) Ok, so I find that this only really works against the flanks, but once the hang has been got it can be very effective! Nothing quite like breaking through, taking a few down and cutting the leader. Great stuff.
In the interlude I took part in the arming of the knight (Rich). With Steve and myself as armed retainers (trying to) look mean and Mike doing the show and tell part. A good idea there, will be stealing that one too... :)
The battle took place in Saxon's out off my DaneLaw way. I'll just butt in here to mention how hot it can be in chainmail all day in a breezeless medow. Good fight, nothing heroic from me I'm afraid, but we did well as a group. Did I mention it was hot? Thoroughly nackered after that!
Battle and training field
This was one of my first shows as a Regia member (had sent off for membership months before) of Wessex. Usually at the end of every battle there is the 'Vivat Rex! Vivat Regia Anglorum' that goes on and usually I disdain from cheering along with this. It always made me feel uncomfortable. Also before I bit the bullet I had the opinion that Regia were all a bit up their own arses. After the first battle I managed half a cheer. Still not sure in myself what I thought.
After having a remarkably sober(ish) night we awoke for the Wapentake. Historically this involved the local lord inspecting his troop. He had previously paid for all the armour and weaponry and wanted to make sure his armsmen hadn't sold it all for grog!
Strangely before the Take itself we marched from the local Catholic church, where 40 odd armed and armoured warriors had tea and biscuits with the Mayor and Priest (very civilised for an army, eh?).
What was impressive was that we were allowed into the church bearing the arms. Something that many historians may find a bit of a rariety. And you missed it :) hoho
Sadly the Wapentake itself was rather poorly attended by 50 or so locals and as we lined up and gave our excuses or received praises (one poor bugger had pawned his mail and he was bound to his lord whilst his wife and kids were sold into slavery (in need of a quick divorce?))I couldn't help but notice that the mike and speaker system was buggered. The crowd couldn't hear what was going on, which was a shame. Still, I don't do this for the crowd and it seemed that as we (see that 'we' there) were all taking this reasonable seriously it had a good feel to it. A fine piece of re-enactment.
When we returned to the camp we had another quick hour of training. This was better training as it really was training, rather than quick fire battles, but alot of it envolved the bridge game. Lots of spears, no shields. *sigh/yawn*
Me wearing yellow, who would've thought it?
After a brief respite, during which one of the more enterprising soldiers managed to fry an egg on his helmet, war gear was taken up again. Over the eve we had discussed how it was that pre-trained re-enactors like ourselves would fit in the Regia scheme of things, it would seem unfair if we just joined and had all the rights of man who had served for several more years than ourselves. So we started off the battle in armour with just the one measly hit. Place on the left flank (nice to be trusted with it I suppose) and faced with some of the Vikings best men we held just long enough for our centre to punch a hole and whilst I was still spasming on the ground the Saxons won the field for the second time.
The line
I haven't yet mentioned about the sound system that Kim Siddorn has his fingers on the buttons for. Ok, so it hisses a little. But:
1> he is a good commentator and can really give the public an idea and feeling for what is happening 2> the music helps release emotional triggers, which helps him win the public over and makes you stand taller and prouder 3> one of the tracks was from 'the last of the mohicans', when the guy is trying to rescue the woman on the cliff. Anyway, Great Jig Music. Couldn't help but dance a little one before facing off again in the circle. Everyone probably thought I was a total tit, but it really made my weekend.
After that was the boat burning. Something I haven't done before, burning a Viking Lord (well, I did in Anglesey, but not in a boat). Fire arrows were loosed by the winners first and then the others of the archery competition earlier in the day. The young lad who won the juniors got his first shot in. Almost unheard of apparently - a good omen. The ship blazed away, we saluted the corpse, Kim chatted and the music played. Put a lump in my throat.
Boat Burning
So in all (probably helped alot by the fine weather) one of the best shows this year. I also got to know more Regia people. I would only wish that there had been more public, for the organisers sake. There was not many people there, more advertising and FREE PARKING is crucial (think the public had to get a train from Winksworth? doh)
A great time off the field and on it. It strikes me that Regia has quite a 'family' feel to it, you're in it or not. This can have great strength (and some might say a little incest)and I am glad to be a member and look forward to more shows (and three hits).
Next show Wolin...
01. 08. 2008 WOLIN
Riverside view of Wolin
My mettle was tested at Wolin and while not found wanting was not as battle hardened as I had hoped.
It is difficult to know where to start with an event like Wolin. All shows have there positives, good fight, good friends, good story, etc. Wolin had all of these things. Ok, enough praise. Lets be more objective.
Click Here for location info
Lots of high blocking against head shots
Gut shot. My favourite
Hmm, ouch
The festival itself takes place on a small island connected by a small road bridge at the south-east of the island and by a specially constructed mobile bridge on the west - the sort used by the army for tank crossings - which leads to the town. North of the island is unclaimed wetland, full of tall reeds. There is a road highway bridge that continues on and over the island to the town proper, but if you are willing to brave wet feet, you can use it to get to town as well.
Processions are everywhere it seems [sigh]
Some Smithing
Teaching the young
Near the first bridge there is the battle field (Similarly sized to York) surrounded by a thick fixed wooded fence. Opposite (east) are two longhouses, one used as a hall for LH and speeches the other as a many sinked water point and cold shower room. There are also semi permanent wooden beer shacks and porta loos.
This one's going to be enormous...
For the Gods!
Beautiful Belarussians - always nice to see a smile
This Huge Drum would play us of and on the field - probably played during the battle too.. (?) Waters there to stop the skin drying in the sun
The Drum
North there is a two storey wooden gate house with earthworks (sadly no pallisade yet) on either side, which provide a good view of the battlefield and village behind. At the end of one of the earthworks a house has been made inside of it, similar in aspect to a 'hobbit' house (anyone know the proper name?).
Our Line with Gatehouse in Background
Warlord paces the line, inspiring the warriors
'Are you ready?'
Charge! (Couldn't understand what it was in Polish, but it was pretty obvious, no?)
The village itself consists of small port (enough for four mid-sized viking boats) sinked water point, seven houses (of various period construction methods), raised wooden walkways, sacred area (with various tree-trunk sized Swintovit carvings), HUGE drum that overlooked the battlefield and centrally placed large roofed meeting/cooking area. There was also tent space for the (4-600 I think) warriors, camp followers and traders. I have not seen many, but it is the most developed dark age settlement I have seen.
'Paint them red and put them in the dirt!'
The Melee
Every battle should look like this
It could be said that longhouses should not have metal sinks and showers. But in this case I think that they are minimally practical for such a large camp and are unobtrusive.
Second battle, catching my breath
Thirsty for slaughter
Immortalise yourself
Polish TV
There was so much going on that I will have trouble recalling it all. Perhaps if you were there you could tell me more and I shall re-write this report in more detail (also tell me if I have spelt something incorrectly!). Unfortunately I didn't receive any clear idea of what was going throughout the three days so, I'm sure I missed alot, though I did stumble across quite a few things. If I go next year I hope to make better use of my time. Here's some of the things I did see:
Two day championship tournament (didn't enter sadly)
Several demonstrations of Viking Games from the Swedes
Two period-style bands and period dance
Four boat sea battle
Various recreations of story and religious practices
Short lecture on Slavic roots/history
Smithing
Weaving/Dying etc
Coin making etc
10-20 small to medium traders of goods
Various Combat displays and training sessions
Two night fire shows, 1) History of creation 2) Sacrifice to the gods
Night period music and everyone in dancing
All night drinking sessions
Six battles over three days
The enemy is brought before the Warlord
Can you guess what happens next?
Killed without a sword in hand
Victory exhultation
I'm keen to point out here that I didn't see everything and would gladly put in more detail, if it can be provided. Needless to say it was an impressive celebration of Northern European culture and I was hard pressed not to find something to watch throughout the day.
The Battles had a different lay-out to those I might normally experience. Firstly it was more-or less full contact. Blows are pulled, but not much. I borrowed a shield and sadly gave it back with a large axe hole in it. I also saw three helmets caved in. Ouch. This is no sport for the timid. The whole body is counted as a hit area (not face or groin), though you are only obliged to take a 'good' hit. Little flicky taps will leave you open for that ringing head shot you really didn't want to receive. This does provide a really close approximation to the real thing. Sometimes you will catch someone, but they will continue to fight (this caught me off my guard once). Hit them until they drop. There are marshalls with heavy wooden clubs to stop the invunerable.
Sounds a bit dangerous? Not really, as everyone is wearing armour, lots of it. I saw plenty of padded coats, mail, lamellar, arm guards, leg guards, gloves and helmets.
Don't waste the drink!
Strength and teamwork
'Ingvar, are you there?' = Yes?
Deploy your team properly
It's my rope!
Viking rugby (less rules)
This hopeless task keeps kids occupied for hours
There is a cost to authenticity here though. I saw several people with vendel helms and kite shields for example. On this subject though I am happy to go against current western doctrine (within reason). It is more fun to fight and also more fun to watch (from a public perspective). It is exciting re-enactment, for fun and I think that is most important in bringing history to life (without the severed limbs).
Under the arm
Pushes back
Looks like the last one might've stung a bit
Winning shot to the thighs
Winner
Also nearly new to me was the rank's' of fighters. Nearly all the shows I have fought at (Hastings being a noticable exception) have one rank of fighters in a long thin line. Here the battle line was 2-3 ranks deep, with several units (about 10 men each?) of reserves that would be used as required to shore a hole or flank. These were battles where tactics could take place. Fantastic.
The line is normally made with a frontage of shield with dane axe, shield and spear in the back. In my experience the lines will close and either will be short bloody sword work with axe raining down or more of a stand-off as the axe men take long shots at the front whilst the spears try to worse them so the front can attack unmolested. My personal favourite is how many warriors will permanently have their shields high for the axe and swords also for an oportune strike to helmet. This is ok, but leaves their legs very vunerable to a good attack whilst their axeman has his attention elsewhere.
Mixed Clips
So how did I do? Ok, the first two battles I hung back to see how the battle worked, a few minutes into the engagement I would find the space and make short work of people fighting the men in front of them. The next day I ran in with the reserves and made similar work. The third I joined the front rank and fought properly. I hate killing people from behind. As i fought I had more confidence in my abilities and wish only that there had been a day or two more fighting. I wish to have the confidence to throw myself into the fray which I think I was learning. Or should I say the uncertainty I was unlearning after seeing an axe come through my upheld shield.
Five girls, all looking very beautiful in their dresses (damn shame you can't really tell here though) The one at the bottom is praying before her sacrifice.
Fire breathing at the moment of honour
Her body will be taken away
Her soul is absorbed by the Gods
How did our side do? Well, it was a rout 6-0 to us, though in 2 of the battles I am told it came close.
Finally I would like to thank Luke for the invite - Tryglaw, my host group - Igor Warlord of Wolin, General to our Army - and everyone there for a really eye-opening weekend.
Igor and Son
Luke and myself
Two more great images amoung the many
= As a small post-script for English re-enactors and event organisers, you may turn your nose up at the cross 'period' dressing going on here and some of the other (in my opinion) small historical infractions that take place in a show like this.
However I really want to point out that this was a large battle filled with mostly strong hard men in the prime of their life - exactly as it should be. I love the English scene, but I really think that we should do what is necessary to appeal to these sort of people. Shows do seem a little odd now if all the warriors look like academics.
Also, may the gods bless Polish Women. Compared to English shows, they flock to a place like this and it really livens the place up and makes it a lot easier to look at.
A big hand to all you water carriers out there
My beautiful wife and the most easy to watch fire dancer
A fine dress-maker and one who has perhaps partied too hard? Lol
~ Videos thanks to Youtube members, Great thanks for photo's from Ilona Jones Photography andFOTOart_MS (click here)
VIKING/SAXON RESOURCES
Here's some On-line shops that have been recommended to me (if you know any more or would like me to list yours please mail me). Click the links below:
ancientbattlecrafts.com
gdfb.co.uk
shieldsandshoes.co.uk
kp-ar.fi
bearclawtraders.co.uk
heronarmoury.co.uk
paul-binns-swords.co.uk
armourclass.co.uk
powning.com
kovex-ars.cz
mardinus.c2000.pl
jelldragon.com
fabri-armorum.cz
hjalti-wikinger.de
ratatoskr.de/Laden/index.php
www.terradigrazia.com
www.istorica.com
bytheswordinc.com
vikingjewellry.com
walhalla.com.pl
BOOKS:
Have now moved to my Dark Age Reading Material Blog (Click Here)
THE OLD WAYS and OTHER STUFF
My life is not dominated by Viking re-enactment (much), but at the moment it is the most interesting thing for me to write about.
As I get more into the Viking re-enactment thing I've started having a look at the older religions. I know a little of the old Celtic ways from my mispent youth. Now I find that there are AsaTru and the like all over the place.
From reading a little I think that Woden or Odin as he is better known would be my deity if I chose one.
Here's a website that I thought was a good knowledge base for all this ( http://home.earthlink.net/~wodensharrow/whframeset.html ). I'd advise a look if you're into it, it's the best I have found (although it is a bastard to navigate) through some simple searches. If anyone knows of better, please mail/comment me with it.
This is a representation of Yggdrasil - the world tree, or the tree of life. A central theme to Norse Mythology and a great place to start learning about the lore.
Below is a Valknut, also called 'heart of the slain','heart of Vala', 'Hrungnir's heart' and 'Odin's knot'. For me it's not the most asthetic of symbols, but it "is thought to symbolize the power of the god [Odin] to bind or unbind [a man's mind] ... so that men became helpless in battle, and he could also loosen the tensions of fear and strain by his gifts of battle-madness, intoxication, and inspiration." And when looking at your enemy from across the field, who would not seek a boon from such a God?
And this is Odins Mask - that which will strike fear into his enemies.
Some good Viking Battle Video's to be found here:
http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=skallagrimm
It's rather like an elaborate game of tag. Here's one I watched earlier.
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You have been marked on my profile map! Click to zoom-in.
Vikings. Don't take it too seriously - watch this
Super Monk

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