Data*: 2005.08.13-14
Nazwa wydarzenia*: "Apuole 855"
MiejscowoœÌ*: Litva , Apuole
Organizator*: Bratswa bojowe: "Kovarnis", "Vilkatlakai"
Charakter imprezy*: Turneji, i bugurt vikingovy.
Kto zgÂłasza*: Tatar
Festival of crafts and warfare of Baltic region tribes Apuole 854
Apuole was the ancient Kuronian capital mentioned in sagas and chronicles. For centuries Kuronia was the place where Vikings faced the hard-necked battle-seasoned nations – the Baltic tribes.
The Rimbert chronicle tells us about a great battle, which took place on the Apuole mound in the year of 854. The king of Sweden Vikings Olaf gathered a great army and beset the Apuole castle. The Kuronians started to defend Apuole with great power. Eight nights and eight days they fought without sleep. On the ninth day both sides got tired. The Apuole steward spoke with the Viking king. The Kuronians agreed to give to the Vikings part of the spoils, which was taken from Danish Vikings few months ago. They shook their hands and the Vikings left the Kuronian coast forever.
Last year we lighted a fire on the Apuole mound and after 1050 years the Apuole battle horns have sounded again. War songs and battle sounds spread all over Kuronia. There was a great battle in the daytime and a wild feast during the night.
Apuole, a great mound, is located in the very Northwestern corner of Lithuania, surrounded by two streams and swamps and vestured by the wall of centuries-old oaks and maples. You will not see any sign of nowadays civilization from the Apuole mound. Everything is like 1050 years ago, just the wind sings in the crowns of the oaks. It’s the great place to rest your body and soul. It is a place where you can feel the existence of your ancestors, enjoy with them beer and meal and share their wisdom.
The Apuole battle horns will sound again on August 13-14th. The Ancient Spirit of Apuole will call forth brave fighters, lively and voiceful singers, inventive craftsmen, gentle women and maidens. Let us make our weapons talk, let beer and songs flow.
We would like to invite Viking combat clubs, craftsmen and singers, just viewers and pry’s.
Requirements for participants
Fighters – clothes, weapons and armour of the Viking age. Tent would be perfect.
Craftsmen, singers and others – clothes of the Viking age.
The duty of organizers
Warm and hospitable welcome
Meal free times a day
Best beer 24 hours
Warm lair, if you don’t have your own.
Strong opponents in the combat circle for fighters, and precious prizes for winners.
Lots of music and games for everybody.
Program for fighters
Historical buhurt (field combat)– battle reenactment, Kuronians against Vikings.
Combat buhurt (field combat) – pleasure to fight.
Circle of combat
The rules of the Circle of combat
• Armour. Body Armour, from shoulder to half of the hips (if its not a chain mail, the shoulder armour is necessary).
• The visor on helmet is not necessary.
• The combat arm must be armored from hand to shoulder.
• Shield diameter up to 80 cm.
• Weapons. Swords, axes. Blade – at least 3 mm thick. Sword spike must be blunted, weight 900 – 2000 g.
• First who hits nine points is a winner.
• Permitted hits: torso – from shoulder to the half of the hips; crankwebs; head (except face).
• Loss. Felt on the stomach, back, on both knees, loss of the weapon, helmet, and step out of circle. Broken shield can be changed twice.
• The weapon loss is not a fight loss, then opponent shows honor and lets you continue the fight.
• Forbidden hits: face, knee and below, from elbow to arm. Judges have a right to disqualify the fighter.
• Body hits with a shield are forbidden.
• Scores only clear and real hits.
• The judges cast lots and the fight begins.
Buhurt (field combat) rules
• The weapons must be Baltic or Viking (VIII-XII c.)
• Spears blunted.
• Helmets with face defense (visor).
Organizers
Baltic warfare club “Kovarnis”
Baltic warfare brotherhood “Vilkatlakai”
Contacts for more information and participation
“Kovarnis” Vykintas Motuza, vykintas.motuza@gmail.com, tel. +370 659 17344
“Vilkatlakai” Aras Bugvilas, vilkatlakai@one.lt, tel. +370 610 36305