The Camellia Waldorf School in Sacramento, California invited The Vikings of Bjornstad to help them learn about Norse culture and mythology. It was an enjoyable day. Everyone had fun and learned something about Vikings. Bjornstad presented a wide array of cultural artifacts, weapons and musical instruments, filling five tables with things for the students to be amazed by. Thanks to Sandra and Christine, this was our first event incorporating instruments and singing. It made our day even more rewarding. The students returned the favor of our visit by singing a song they had learned just for the day. Our thanks to their teacher, Amber Fitts, for these photos. |
 The 4th graders of Ms. Fitts' class paid close attention |
 Jack, Christina and Sandra had a lot to share |
 Sandra demonstrated playing a Finnish plucked string instrument called a kantele |
 And our school visits suddenly had music! In this case from a lyre. |
 There were lots of things to see and ask about |
 Music - coming from lyres, flutes, kanteles, a bone flute, bones, sticks, a rattle and drums |
 And who knows what this is used for? |
 Viking swords were very valuable and took great skill to make |
 They wouldn't be Vikings without swords, axes, bows, arrows, helmets and mail shirts |
 Christina introduces the students to a modern kantele |
 Jack talks about the authentic Viking treasure hoard |
 Sandra asks a question and gets eager responses |
 A Viking's case - for swords and axes |
 Trouble may be looming... |
 The Bjornstad Manuscript - for reference |
 Well protected |
 Helmets and a mail coif to try on |
 It's heavy! |
 Getting in the Viking spirit |
 My turn next! |
 Someone's having fun |
 Lots of requests to try on the gear |
 Where do we sign up? |
 Sandra and Christina talk about Scandinavian languages, food preparation and the Viking diet |
 Keeping your balance is a valued skill aboard a Viking longship |
 Hunkerhauser - the Viking Tug-of-War game - tests balance and strategy |
 The trick is to stay on your balance block |
 Until you fall off |
 Getting to the end of your rope |
 A lot of strategizing going on |
 Sometimes it's best to wait for the other player's first move |
 Now what? |
 A fun way to end our visit |
 Treasure is where you find it |
