Kristina Nordmark, one of the organizers from the Reengarda Medieval Society, thinks that the first day of the event is going smoothly. Here seen together with Luciana Nordmark.
The fourth edition of the Medieval Days attracted hundreds of visitors on thursday.
Organizer Kristina Nordmark explains that this year's program is extensive.
– I think it is the biggest we have ever had. There are many activities where people can participate in various ways. Try archery, attend workshops, or check out the craft market and try different things there, she says.
Something new this year is "The Hero Game – Guardians of the Island," where children of different ages can try role-playing games.
Oscar and Hannah Juhlin have traveled from Luleå to visit the Medieval Days. They waited by the pillory for the upcoming role-playing adventure "Guardians of the Island."
Luleå residents Oscar Juhlin, 12, and Hannah Juhlin, 14, were two of those who participated in Thursday's role-playing game.
– You get different roles and have to solve puzzles, says Hannah just before the adventure begins.
– I hope it will be fun! says Oscar.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Just before two o'clock, about ten children gathered at the pillory. There they were divided into two teams and heard about the missing dragon egg they had to find. The participants received their team clothes and roles to play – warrior, magician, or healer – and then they explored Kyrkholmen to get passwords and fight battles to find the egg.
Svante Sandström was a part of the winning team in "The Hero Game – Guardians of the Island".
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Later in the afternoon, it was time for the finale – the jousting tournament, which made a comeback after a one-year break.
Four knights from the Order of Knights Jemtlandicum competed in the tournament: Knight Sigurd the Just, Knight Varin of Nedergård, Princess Jorun, and Knight William – the people's knight (and the blacksmith's son).
Maria Stendotter says their jousting tournaments are never rigged. "It makes the games more exciting!".
Knight Varin of Nedergård greets Queen Blanka before the games can begin.
It's hard to tell if it's the 25-year-old horse Viggo or Maria Stendotter (Knight Marion the Two-edged) who is more excited about the jousting tournament.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Maria Stendotter, or Knight Marion the Two-edged, was the judge in Thursday's tournament. She explains that the knights compete in six medieval events. Among other things, the contestants must hit small targets with a lance from horseback and face off "man to man."
Is it rigged who wins?
– No, and that makes the games more exciting! A few years ago, we tried to pre-arrange it so we could control the drama and script, but it was a disaster. Never again! says Maria Stendotter.
Knight Sigurd the Just was one of the four contestants in the jousting tournament.
In one of the events, the knights were supposed to hit a small target with their lance. In the picture, Knight Varin of Nedergård is visible.
Before the jousting tournament, the knight helmets were polished shiny!
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024..
Queen Blanka.
In addition to the knights, the "court" was also present, led by Queen Blanka, followed by jesters who bickered during the tournament.
– It is a competition in the middle and a framework of show around it!
The Medieval Days continue until Saturday, July 6.
Erik Byström and Mattias Knutsson (with sledgehammer) are splitting a timber log to eventually build a bench from the halves.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.
Skellefteå medeltidsdagar 2024.