Norse/Icelandic Wrestling

[LordOfShadows]

I've looked around but I cant seem to find much about this subject. Could anyone share any info or point me in the right direction?

 

[GraaEminense]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glima

Don't know much about it, and I have no clue regarding whether or not it's actually inherited from Olden Days (TM) or is a relatively modern construct. But, anyway, there you go.

 

[uncreative]

The modern version of it is a rather simple form of wrestling, much like a game. The contenders go in a circle, something like a waltz, to prevent stalemates, and only a few grips are allowed. It's more a test of strength than technique. There is however a more reconstructional version, lausatok or something similar (meaning loose grip), which is more practical and allows more.

There is however records of death matches and the like with Glima and it's precursors, and I doubt people killed eachother while only allowing one grip and waltzing. The original, Norse wrestling as used by vikings and their ancestors, early Germanic tribes, is probably far more practical and brutal. It's a shame we know so little of how early Europeans fought, especially vikings and early Germanic tribes. There is disagreement about as simple things as to how they held their swords etc. It is however certain they had well developed martial arts, albeit probably far from as formalised as their Asian counterparts.

 

[LordOfShadows]

Thanks for that. Would you know the earliest record or some such of glima or similar?

 

[uncreative]

There are very little "proof" of anything related to the Viking age and earlier times in Scandinavia, as even the sagas are rather unreliable. I do however believe that there are examples of carvings or similar from the Viking age or a little later showing unarmed combat and probably wrestling. Obviously such was quite far from how Glima is today.

 

[stygN]

Do you mean Holmgang? I'm sure I'm far off here, but its a guess at least.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmgang

As far as I've heard it could be fought with bare hands and little clothing, like a bare knuckle fight.

 

[uncreative]

Do you mean Holmgang? I'm sure I'm far off here, but its a guess at least.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmgang

As far as I've heard it could be fought with bare hands and little clothing, like a bare knuckle fight.

Vikings had plenty of different duels, many to the death, and Holmgang was just one  of them. I was referring to something else though. It involved throwing one's opponent into a large rock I believe.

 

[Endre Fodstad]

There are very little "proof" of anything related to the Viking age and earlier times in Scandinavia, as even the sagas are rather unreliable. I do however believe that there are examples of carvings or similar from the Viking age or a little later showing unarmed combat and probably wrestling. Obviously such was quite far from how Glima is today.

As far as I know, Glima resembles several other forms of 17th century folk wrestling from northern and northwestern europe. Although many people would dearly like it to be "viking" wrestling, there is really nothing that points to that.

It is great fun, though, especially when taught by people like Lars Magnar Enoksen.

 

[Farmind]

... The original, Norse wrestling as used by vikings and their ancestors, early Germanic tribes, is probably far more practical and brutal. ...

The is one ancient form of wrestling I have seen practiced in Finland and northern Sweden. The "bear wrestling" is basically wrestling while wearing armor or heavy winter clothes. Since most hits and kicks will not cause any significant damage, the bear wrestling concentrates on throws, choke-holds and joint breaking. The wrestling throws are different forms of "pile-driver" takedowns, designed to break the neck of the opponent. The lock-holds were done so that when the opponent is pinned (with left hand and legs), you have your right hand free so you can pull a knife and stab your opponent.

Edit: Err... I meant "... Finland _and_ northern Sweden", not "... Finland _in_ ...". I must be getting old and senile, and my fingers are stuttering when I type.

 

[King Yngvar]

Finland in northern Sweden

Wow, where are you from? Denmark in northern Germany?

 

[uncreative]

There are very little "proof" of anything related to the Viking age and earlier times in Scandinavia, as even the sagas are rather unreliable. I do however believe that there are examples of carvings or similar from the Viking age or a little later showing unarmed combat and probably wrestling. Obviously such was quite far from how Glima is today.

As far as I know, Glima resembles several other forms of 17th century folk wrestling from northern and northwestern europe. Although many people would dearly like it to be "viking" wrestling, there is really nothing that points to that.

It is great fun, though, especially when taught by people like Lars Magnar Enoksen.

Actually, as I said earlier, there is much that points to it. Iceland had a really improportional degree of literacy, and there is mention of wrestling and other martial art far earlier than the 17th century. I doubt the continental folk wrestling has roots that far back though.