27 June 1999

When many people met in the Viking time (ca 800-1050 AD) it was a big event. They had to travel long distances which meant they did not meet very often, but when it happened it always was a big occasion. Many different kinds of things were settled: doing business with each other, getting their daughters and sons married and of course a lot of games and big feasts.

In the Icelandic sagas it is told that being a successful sportsman was very important. Both individuals and groups of people used to challenge each other when meeting. You saw examples of traditional games that are still very popular, both in Gotland and other places in Europe (like tossing the caber and leg-wrestling), as well as some games invented for this occasion like belly/wrestling, milk rally for women and playing the living wheel-barrow.

The last part of the Opening Ceremony with the water fountain on the carriage might have seen a bit provoking, but has a very serious background. The carriage is copy of the one found together with the Norwegian Viking ship of Gokstad. The water fountain in shape of penis is to be linked to the god Frej in the old Nordic mythology. Frej was the god of fertility and often symbolised with a penis in his hand. Yesterday was Midsummer eve, also an old feast of fertility at least back to the Viking age.

Most of what you saw was historically verified, around 20 % had been added to create the atmosphere to open the VIII Island Games in Visby.