Chance for young museum visitors to learn more about legend of Vikings

Adam Parker, collection facilitator, with a rare Viking Sword - one of only two found in York.Adam Parker, collection facilitator, with a rare Viking Sword - one of only two found in York.
Adam Parker, collection facilitator, with a rare Viking Sword - one of only two found in York.
It is a very rare find and dates back to Viking times.

Yesterday Adam Parker, collections facilitator, at the Yorkshire Museum, showed off a rare Viking sword, one of only two ever actually found in York and other pieces from the museum’s Viking collection.

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Mr Parker said the sword was double-edged with a straight guard and a semi-circular pommel and is very similar to a type used in Scandinavia in the 10th century.

The sword, which forms part of the museum’s collection, was showcased yesterday by staff at the museum in York, ahead of a new programme of Viking-themed February half-term events.

Young visitors to the museum between February 15 and 23 will be able to learn all about the legends of the Vikings.

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Emma Williams, assistant curator of science and archaeology said yesterday: “There is something about Vikings that always captures the imagination of children. These special events, which have been planned around our fantastic Viking collection, are a great way for children to learn about the Vikings in a fun, interactive way,” she added.

Youngsters can learn about the legends of Viking Gods with a Viking Valhalla workshop, drop into an event which takes visitors through the museum’s fascinating collection of Viking artefacts and even sit down to a special Kid’s curator’s talk.

Viking Valhalla workshops take place everyday 11am-4pm when youngsters will be able to learn 
all about the legends of the 
Viking gods who have died in battle and turn a corner of the museum into Valhalla, the ‘Hall of the Slain’, decorating the walls with their impressive pictures of gods, their symbols and their sagas.

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For more information about the range of activities on offer at the Yorkshire Museum in York over the February half-term people can visit the venue’s website.

It can be found at: www.yorkshiremuseum.org.uk.