The Last King

[Harper]

I just saw this movie on DVD.

It is based on a true story about a group of loyal retainers who protect a child that became King upon the death of his father.

It is set in early 13th century Norway.

The scenery was magnificent, the props were accurate and the story was based on history. The movie was dubbed in English but it was a decent job.

It involves ancient skiing, combat and a trek across the winter landscape.

I figured that it was rangery enough to post about here.

I recommend it.

[caedmon]

Hmm, interested. Be very interested in seeing it. I know the story from this famous painting by Knud Bergslien:

[Harper]

The director must have been very familiar with that picture!

[Straelbora]

I know that there are indications of skis going waaaay back in Scandinavia, but every time I see a depiction of someone from the Viking age on skis, it seems hilariously anachronistic.

The movie sounds cool.

[Mirimaran]

It's currently streaming on Netflix watching it right now!

Ken

[caedmon]

A 1,300 year old ski found in a glacier a few years back:







Russian Viking Reenactors on skis

[Kortoso]

http://www.hurstwic.org/history/article ... travel.htm

Literary evidence suggests skis were widely used in Norway, but rarely in Iceland. One of the few examples in the sagas where skis were used in Iceland is in chapter 6 of Valla-Ljóts saga. Sigmundur was staying as a guest at the farm of Upsir in north Iceland, when one of his enemies arrived, who sought shelter from bad winter weather. The farmer invited all to partake of his hospitality and warned against any attack during the night. Sigmundur left the house and used skis to round up supporters for a revenge attack.

[Kortoso]

Kristofer Hivju from Game of Thrones!

[Feredir (hunter)]

Wild guys on skiis shooting arrows... What could go wrong??? Haha