Warrior Training in Sagnlandet Lejre – An Exercise in Community, Camaraderie and Cooperation

Abstract

Sagnlandet Lejre is a Knowledge Pedagogical Activity Centre that explores, disseminates and preserves knowledge and trades on traditional historical and prehistoric crafts and living. Since 1964, as the Historical Archaeological Dissemination and Research Centre, Sagnlandet Leire has been a Historical Workshop that makes abstract knowledge concrete, and makes the complex, simple. The mission of the Sagnlandet Lejre is to create and disseminate knowledge and wonder about the way of life of the past through experimental archaeological research, revival and teaching based on active participation. Sagnlandet Lejre, 9 km west of Roskilde, encompasses 43 hectares of protected moraine landscape both contrasting and scenic, with forest, lakes, bogs, meadows and commons. Sagnlandet contains recreated historical environments with cottages, houses, gardens, fields, shrines and cult sites from the Stone Age, the Iron Age, the Viking Age and the 19th century. The historical environments are brought to life by actors and teaching staff dressed in contemporary suits involving guests of all kinds in hands-on activities and tales of past life and way of life. Sagnlandet Lejre’s School Services, Dissemination and Public Relations Department collaborates to bridge research-based knowledge and citizens to increase and stimulate the public's interest and knowledge of history and nature. It is done through educational, community-enhancing and exciting activities. Sagnlandet Lejre is a self-employed economic fund, approved as a non-profit institution.

Keywords

• public
• viking age
• denmark
• interpretation
• education