Ravensborg is a viking/dark age living history site in the form of a viking hill-fort. Members of several different viking age groups from all over North America and the UK use this site to gather for immersion living history. We continue to build onto the site. Our goal is to be able to come together for feasting, fighting, and camaraderie with others that share our love of Northern European History in the years 750 to 1100 AD.
Generally all of our groups participate in "live steel combat", meaning we fight competitively in non-scripted battles using rebated steel weapons. Participation in this combat is not a requirement for membership or attendance. It is just something that most of us enjoy doing.

The fighting method used is most often referred to as "the fives" for the most common offensive combat moves used, but each group has adapted this system to their own preferences. We have found that as all the groups have the same basic system they mesh well when we do mass combat demonstrations here at Ravensborg.
Our "authenticity" standards for kit (clothing and accouterments) is set by individual groups, but generally parallels the kit standards set by the "Vikings UK". We are not a fantasy viking group and don't accept such nonsense as horned helmets, fur vests, etc. Our set Ravensborg standard is for folks to wear the best kit they have and to have a willingness to make it better for the next visit. This has worked out well for us thus far.
Here at Ravensborg we have two annual events (other events may be scheduled by request of individual groups including those that are not as history oriented as we are). "Return of the Sun" is in April and the "Return of the Dead" is in October. For more information on our events or to see our galleries and videos please see our web page.
Lastly, viking age reenactors are welcome to attend our events whether or not they are members of a group or attending as individuals. All are welcome to attend with no site or usage fees. Attendance is free.
If you need additional information please feel free to contact me personally from the "contact us" page of the Ravensborg site.
Sam (Guran)
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www.ravensborg.org>