Hrafnsæti "Raven's Seat"
While we have carried out a lot of research and tried to keep the village as authentic as possible, using mostly reclaimed and recycled materials, this is a representation of what an 11th century Viking settlement might have looked like given the current knowledge available. We are using the materials that we have available to us and although some of these materials will obviously be different to those used in the period, this is what they would have done; used what was available to them and avoided waste!
Ravens have a deeply important place in Norse mythology. To the Vikings, the image of Odin the “All-Father”, seated on his throne with his ravens, Huginn "thought" and Muninn "memory or mind", upon his shoulder; symbolised his power to see into the future with his mind and thoughts.
As symbols of the battlefield, ravens also represent Odin’s welcoming to Valhalla, where the warriors fallen in battle can enjoy an honourable and happy afterlife. Although you cannot currently see ravens at the village, it is blessed daily with visits from our resident wild crows, their smaller cousins.
Hrafn Væringi
Hrafn Vaeringi "warriors from under the sign of a raven" are working hard on building and caring for the "Raven's Seat". As a local living history group portrays members of the 11th century Varangian Guard serving the Byzantine Empire. Our main areas of focus are Combat and Living History, promoting the Eastern and Huscarl combat systems in the UK.
Interested in joining? Whether you’d like to help them with the village building, learn the art of combat, or take on new crafts and experience a little history first-hand, we'd love to hear from you!
Location
We are very lucky to be situated in the beautiful Brockswood animal sanctuary.
They do amazing work on their mission to rescue, care for, and rehabilitate sick, injured, mistreated, abandoned, and unwanted animals. They provide them with a safe and happy Forever Home at their sanctuary.
The sanctuary is lovingly referred to as "a little oasis in the Black Country."
Visiting us not only supports our work, but it supports Brockswood. Please visit their site to learn more and show them some love!
Brockswood Animal Sanctuary
Catholic Lane
Sedgley
West Midlands, DY3 3YE
01902 884 390
