Thor blimey – men of the Norse are back

The Jorvik Viking Festival, the largest of its kind in Europe, climaxed with a fallen warrior sent in flames to Valhalla, the warrior afterlife.

The event, which attracts around 40,000 people to the city, welcomed wannabe Vikings from across the world, including Danish enthusiasts who marked the invasion of England by King Forkbeard and subsequent crowning of his son Cnut as king 1,000 years ago.

One of the most popular spectacles was the “brawl at the Guildhall” featuring mighty warriors competing in the log carry, tug of war, wrestling and other tests of brawn.

Eight Viking warriors – with names like Orm and Bjorn – pitted their wits and strength in a fight to be named the strongest Norseman.

Saturday also a Viking army assemble at Dean’s Park before marching across the city.

Several hundred warriors took part, with crowds also enjoying bird of prey and archery demonstrations.

Swords and shields finally clashed as 250 Vikings gathered near Clifford’s Tower where they demonstrated their expertise in the art of combat.

There was also a chance for the hairiest Viking to win the “best beard” competition.

The finale, watched by more than 1,000 people, was a torchlit march, with fire juggling and a blaze of light and pyrotechnics.

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