The local Vikings will celebrate the winter solstice on the weekend with a bit of a bloodless battle in town in conjunction with the Lismore Lantern Parade.
Formed in 2003, Rognvald’s Lith aka The Lith, has grown rapidly from a handful of dedicated members to a stronghold of over 50, establishing The Lith as the largest Medieval re-enactment group in the Northern Rivers.
The Lith regulary holds events, fairs, various public shows, presents School Shows and has even performed at weddings – Lith activities include battle re-enactments and for the less ‘belligerent’ folk in the group, there is weaving, storytelling, basket making, leatherwork, displays and other non-war crying activities.
The Lith also partakes in inter-group activities, where members of the public are barred at the door – a chance for The Lith to meet and socialise with other groups and test their fighting skills and share techniques (without the enemy spying).
The original Rognvald Ingvarson was a Swede who served in the Varangian Guard. The local club’s banner and logo is taken from a mid 11th century runic inscription from Ed, Uppsala.
The runes inscribed read ‘Rognvald had these runes carved – In Grikland he was the Leader of a Lith’.
Who knew?
Anyone interested can join in the fun on Saturday and Sunday at Jolley Field in Lismore from 10am – for more information visit the Rognvald’s Lith website.
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