HNEFATAFL — SOURCES

PRIMARY SOURCES

Carl Linnaeus documented tablut rules during his expedition to Lapland. This is the most complete ancient ruleset we have for any tafl game, and forms the basis for most modern reconstructions.

Multiple sagas mention hnefatafl, including Orkneyinga Saga, Friðþjófs saga, and others. These provide context about the game's cultural importance but few specific rules.

A hnefatafl gaming board was found in the famous Gokstad ship burial (c. 900 CE) in Norway, along with playing pieces.

A beautiful wooden gaming board found in Ireland (c. 10th century) with both hnefatafl and brandubh (a smaller variant) markings.

MODERN RESEARCH

The foundational modern study of tafl games, compiling historical references and analyzing game mechanics.

Developed through extensive playtesting and analysis. Now used as the standard for international tournaments and online play.

The Fetlar (Shetland) community developed tournament rules through historical research and practical testing.

KEY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

• Gokstad, Norway

  Ship burial with gaming board

  c. 900 CE
• Birka, Sweden

  Glass gaming pieces

  c. 800-975 CE
• Trondheim, Norway

  Bone playing pieces

  c. 1000 CE
• Ballinderry, Ireland

  Wooden gaming board

  c. 10th century
• Jarlshof, Shetland

  Stone gaming board

  Viking Age
• Hedeby, Germany

  Amber gaming pieces

  c. 800-1000 CE