HNEFATAFL & RUNES

Two ancient traditions. One travelling set.

This set brings together two elements inspired by the ancient North: Hnefatafl, the traditional Scandinavian strategy game, and a complete set of the 24 Elder Futhark runes.

HNEFATAFL — THE VIKING STRATEGY GAME

Hnefatafl is an ancient Scandinavian strategy game, often known today as “Viking Chess.”

At the centre of the board stands the King, protected by his defenders, while a larger attacking army surrounds them. The King and his defenders must work together to help the King escape to safety, while the attackers must surround and capture him before he can get away. A simple concept that becomes a game of strategy, defence, attack and escape.

THE 24 RUNES — ELDER FUTHARK

The Elder Futhark is the oldest known runic alphabet. Runes were originally a writing system, but over time they have also become associated with symbolism, reflection and different forms of modern rune casting.

This set contains the complete Elder Futhark; this gives the set a second purpose: gather the 24 obsidian pieces and you have a complete rune set ready for casting, study or personal practice.

WHITE QUARTZ & OBSIDIAN

We use quality natural stones to enhance the experience, giving each piece a unique weight, texture and feel that makes both playing and rune casting more tactile and satisfying.

White Quartz is traditionally associated with purification, clarity, balance, clear intention and harmony.

Obsidian is traditionally associated with transformation, releasing negativity, facing what is hidden, strength and protection.

MADE TO TRAVEL

The game is built around a roll-up board, designed to make the entire set easy to carry and store.

When you finish playing or casting your runes, simply place the stones inside the integrated storage pocket, roll up the board and take it with you.

A game.
A rune set.
A travelling companion.

This set is designed by LOÐVINIR Iceland and is a modern artistic interpretation inspired by historical Hnefatafl games and the Elder Futhark runic alphabet.

The combination of Hnefatafl, Elder Futhark runes, natural stones and their symbolic associations is a contemporary interpretation and should not be understood as a historical reconstruction.

Original product concept, artwork, graphic design and presentation © LOÐVINIR Iceland. All rights reserved.

Hnefatafl and the Elder Futhark are part of historical cultural heritage and are not claimed as proprietary elements. Copyright applies only to the original creative elements and their specific expression in this product.