History and the modern era come together in the case of the volunteer historical re-enactors from Wyrd Brother Productions, who have a very real connection to the Vikings of old.
Wyrd Brothers Productions‘ mission is to create learning opportunities for the Tampa Bay area community about the Viking Age. The organization also takes part in Viking traditions like fitness training and craftsmanship. It was clear the sense of camaraderie they felt towards the Scandinavian pillagers.
The appeal of the Viking lifestyle is enthralling for the volunteers.
“It’s the warrior spirit that comes with the Viking culture, the historical Viking culture that really drew me in initially,” said historical re-enactor Ray Zindell.
The re-enactors stay in character and link themselves to the actual Vikings with statements such as “we did not wear horns on our helmet” or “we were the most technologically advanced culture for our time.” They also make it clear that they were the cleanest culture around by the standards of the time.
The Wyrd Vikings had developed a close-knit community when they came to the Arthenia L. Joyner University Area Community Library. Viking culture has inspired 50 volunteer historical re-enactors the Tampa Bay area to begin crafting their own clothes, armor, delicious jams and even mead, a historical honey wine often created by Vikings.
Zindell explained that when gathered they would often strive to make meals that the Vikings would have eaten. They would prepare feasts of wild game including rabbit and boar.
The re-enactor’s faces lit up when given the opportunity to talk about the technological superiority the Vikings held over their counterparts. The legacy of Vikings made a difference on the technology of today. They explained that the design originally produced by the Vikings is still used by Naval ships today.
The Wyrd Vikings travel far and wide to accomplish their mission. They are regulars at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival and are scheduled for events in five libraries in 2020.
Historical re-enactor Eric Perrault, explained that in addition to the Viking lifestyle being a part of his fitness journey, “it’s fast becoming a large part of my spiritual journey in my life as well, we do have a few practicing heathens.”
The re-enactors all seemed to have Scandinavian names that came with a full persona, making everyone seem unique.
Children and other community members at the library watched with amazement as Raurick, the persona of Zindell, took them on a journey through the conquests of the Vikings many centuries ago.
Not only do the Wyrd Vikings create a public service that is educational and entertaining, but they clearly feel a greater sense of unity as a result of this group. The Wyrd Vikings are a reminder that history not only has a profound impact on our society, but also has the potential to bring people together.
