10 Wise Anglo-Saxon Riddles A Medieval Enthusiast Should Know

The Anglo-Saxons, just as the Norsemen, Goths, and other ancient Germanic peoples, were very fond of riddles and poetry. The Old English gnomic poetry passed the test of time through, most notably, the Exeter Book. This early medieval English manuscript constitutes the most voluminous body of work of Old English poetry ever written down. Subsequently,…


The Millenary Anglo-Saxon Wooden Church Of Greensted

The wooden Anglo-Saxon church at Greensted in Ongar, Essex, southeastern England, spans a history of approximately 1,300 years on British soil. The St. Andrews Church from the small village of Greensted is remarkable in that not only is England’s oldest wooden church but can equally be proud of this title worldwide. Furthermore, it might also…


10 Influences From The Norse Mythology In J. R. R. Tolkien’s Works

It is no secret that J. R. R. Tolkien found inspiration in many cultures and mythologies from all across the world prior to finishing writing the highly critically acclaimed ‘Lord of the Rings’ high-fantasy trilogy (19541955) and its predecessor, ‘The Hobbit’ (1937). Amongst his most notable influences it is very much indicated to mention the…


How To Bake Authentic Viking Age Knekkebrød (Crisp Bread)

Crisp bread was one of the most popular snacks of the Norsemen during the perilous and tumultuous Viking period. As a matter of fact, even before the start of this historical era crisp bread was baked in central present-day Sweden as early as c. 500 A.D. Under different varieties (including wheat loaf, rye loaf, and…


Kleppmelk – A Norwegian Dish Dating To The Viking Age

Kleppmelk (or Kleppsuppe as it is also known) is a traditional Norwegian dish specific mostly to the regions of Tr쎸ndelag (central Norway) and Nord-Norge (northern Norway). It is a soup that consists of solid small doughs softened in milk. It is safe to assume that this culinary treat dates to the Viking period as the…