Knattleikr

Knattleikr (English: 'ball-game') was an ancient ball game played by the Vikings of Iceland.

The game was probably similar to early versions of the Irish sport of hurling, which also dates to antiquity.

The exact rules of Knattleikr are lost, but some information has survived from the Viking Age in Iceland (beginning around the 9th century).

Body contact was allowed in the fight for the ball where the strongest had the best chance to win.

Today, knattleikr is often re-enacted at medieval fairs and by Norse culture enthusiasts.