As cries of “Odin! Odin! Odin!” rent the air, slain Viking fighters rose from the ground as though healed by the Norse god, ready to wield their swords again for an appreciative crowd outside the Scandinavian Living Center on May 31.
The reenactors immediately stood, raising their shields in preparation for the next onslaught as attendees at the Berserk Viking Festival avidly watched.
After demonstrating their swordsmanship skills, the five combatants invited children – some with their own (pretend) axes and shields – to ready their weapons and embrace their inner warrior.
“I come for the fighting and stay for the people,” said Viking fighter Robert Lawson, who traveled from Cape Cod to the Newton event. Dressed in handmade garb, Lawson came to the festival with fellow members of the Boston Viking Irish, a co-ed reenactment group that specializes in different styles of combat as well as traditional crafts.
Others in the organization wore outfits they had sewn themselves as well as chainmail hand-crafted by blacksmiths and other pieces of clothing made by leather workers.
Standing under the Boston Viking Irish’s tent, Megan “Red” Cronin said she joined the organization seven years ago and has learned how to make glass beads and sew clothing — and she relishes sword fighting.
On the other side of the Scandinavian Living Center, a different group was demonstrating another feat of strength. Members of the New England Stone Lifting organization challenged attendees to try lifting increasingly heavy boulders and dropping them over a bar.
After group members showed him the proper stance and lifting method, attendee Jake Bush of Arlington was able to heave the stones. Slightly out of breath afterward, he smiled and said,
“Feats of strength – gotta give it a shot!”
Not to be outdone, children who wanted to show off their skills were given smaller, lighter stones and were cheered on by the crowd.
Organization member Bryan Clifford said stone lifting has been a tradition in Nordic countries for hundreds of years. The ability to handle heavier and heavier rocks was seen as a test to determine if a person would be a capable rower, chieftain’s bodyguard, or take on another role that required physical strength.
Clifford said members enjoy “testing and challenging ourselves.”
In addition to watching or participating in the feats of strength and battles, festival-goers could sample salty-sweet and salty-sour Swedish licorice and other foods, listen to a live Nordic music performance shop at traditional Scandinavian clothing and gift vendors, and even have a rune and Viking Tarot card reading.
Dedham resident Jeanette Littmark sat with Michi Scott, who read the cards for her. Littmark said she was excited about the results of the reading, which gave her guidance and inspiration, she said.
As the festival began winding down, Viking fighter Emily Farrell smiled, looked out at the visitors and said, “I love this festival.”