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

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.

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.

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.

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.