Wyrdlands Caravan – A Viking Themed Family Festival! Interview
Events Insider has interviewed Melissa, Alyssa and Rich who are working to create the first ever Wyrdlands Caravan – a Viking Themed Family Festival that will take place on June 27th and 28th at Taber Creek in Union Connecticut.
Events Insider
First off “Wyrdlands” is a fascinating name. Is that “weird” as in strange and magical, or does “wyrd” connect to the old Norse and Anglo-Saxon concept of fate and destiny, like the Wyrd Sisters in Shakespeare?
Wyrdlands
For us, Wyrd is both fate and fantastical. Wyrdlands Caravan, when broken down into its parts, is the constant travelling of stories and fate through time. Much like Odin in his travels throughout the realms, we’re taking and sharing ancient stories that convey deep truths about what it means to be human. These stories are made to be heard and experienced together, to make us each reflect and think, and the Wyrd brought us three together to do that.
Events Insider
Viking culture has become hugely popular lately. What inspired you to create a Viking-specific festival instead of a traditional Renaissance Faire?
Wyrdlands
It’s more than Viking themed entertainment, it’s a culmination of our passion for sharing wisdom, our shared faith as pagans, and our desire to encourage people to view history and culture from different perspectives . We want you to come out of our festival both feeling entertained and inspired.
Events Insider
Recently Vikings have infused themselves into pop culture through movies, TV series and even video games. How has mass media shaped the modern Viking perception? Will you stick with tradition or will you embrace the more modern interpretation.
Wyrdlands
As practicing Norse pagans, and history nerds, there are a lot of misconceptions about what kind of people the “Vikings” were. Our events provide an opportunity to look deeper into the historical and cultural contexts that you don’t often get in pop-culture. There is also, unfortunately, a lot of negative representation when it comes to Norse themed events, characters, and themes due to specific hate-based organizations appropriating symbols and stories. We’re creating these events, and this community, to show that there are safe spaces for everyone to enjoy history, culture, and storytelling.
Events Insider
For people who have only been to Renaissance festivals before, what makes a Viking festival feel different? What kind of atmosphere can guests expect?
Wyrdlands
This is a much earlier period than the Renaissance. There are no jousting knights, glittering princesses, or truly grandiose costumes, for example. That isn’t to say there won’t be combat, because there absolutely is, but it’s combat that you would see from foot soldiers and shield walls. We strive to keep the entertainment acts within the Early Medieval period as well. So, instead of pirates, time travellers, or fairies performing throughout the event, we have druids, historical re-enanctors, and of course, the Gods. There’s a concentrated intention with this event. The people telling stories, know the stories. The people doing textile, wood working, blacksmith, and shield wall demonstrations, know how it was done 1000 years ago compared to today. The Althing is designed to be just as fun and magical as Renaissance Faire lovers expect, but with a more deliberate theme.
Events Insider
What kinds of activities and entertainment will people find at the festival? Are we talking combat demonstrations, music, storytelling, games, workshops… maybe even raids?
Wyrdlands
There are three sagas being performed throughout the day by the Gods, at the central Aegir’s hall. We’ve got comedy acts, musicians, a fire performer, games for all ages, children’s activities, beautiful photo spots, over 40 merchants, historical demonstrations happening at the Straumfjordr historical camp all day, blacksmithing demonstrations happening at Valkyrie Adornments, and more! There are wandering story tellers, and if you catch it right, you can even take a stand against a Straumfjorder shield wall. (If you have never seen a five year old in a rainbow fairy tu-tu take down a fully kitted Viking warrior, you need to.)
Events Insider
How much of the festival is historical reenactment versus immersive entertainment and fantasy-inspired fun?
Wyrdlands
History is filled with magic, if you know where to look.This particular festival is a bit of both. In Norse tales, the Gods would commonly use false names and meddle in mortal affairs, so with the stories we are telling, the Gods need to be present.
An Althing, a historic term, was a gathering of clans to plan raids, settle disputes, and things of a legal nature. Since we can’t have Gods with no one to meddle with, we have a Jarl and his crew from Midgard. This crew is showcasing historical demonstrations all day long, while also figuring out what the Gods are up to throughout the event.
Together, you have an event that is designed to capture the imagination and teach a thing or two at the same time!
Events Insider
Will there be opportunities for guests to interact directly with the performers and encampments?
Wyrdlands
Absolutely. Folks are encouraged to approach and interact with the various stage acts, living history actors, and the Norse Gods themselves in order to fully experience our events. For those folks who are interested in getting the VIP 2-day pass, we are also offering a 1 hour photo op window to take a professional photograph with the cast on Saturday.
Events Insider
Are there any particularly unique attractions or events people won’t want to miss?
Wyrdlands
That depends on what you’re looking for! We did schedule the stage shows so that nothing overlaps, so you’ll have time to visit stage acts, explore the market, play some games, and enjoy the food. If you’re looking for a good laugh, definitely don’t miss out on the “Flyting Contest” so you can insult your friends through rhyme! For our music lovers, Winds of Alluria just debuted a brand new album and will be performing two sets. And for our history and lore lovers, everything, all day, see all of it. We’re partnered with incredibly talented musicians, artists, vendors, and performers that truly promise a unique experience.
Events Insider
Will there be Viking-themed food and drink? And perhaps most importantly will there be mead?
Wyrdlands
The food itself will be geared more towards an American pallette, as pickled herring likely isn’t going to make most people excited. This is a “wet” event, so beer, cider, and mead will be for sale to those who can legally purchase. Also, it wouldn’t be a summer event without ice cream and iced coffee!
Events Insider
Are visitors encouraged to come in costume, or can complete newcomers still jump right into the experience?
Wyrdlands
Yes! If you have garb, absolutely wear it – it doesn’t have to fit the Viking age, be a fairy if you want. If you’ve never even been to a Renaissance faire or any kind of historical themed event, you can still jump right in. Ultimately though, it comes down to safety and comfort. This event is at the end of June, outdoors, in a well-maintained forest layout with dirt trails. Garb is absolutely encouraged, but if you don’t think you’ll have fun in platemail that day…shorts and a tshirt are also great!
Events Insider
Vikings are often portrayed as brutal raiders in pop culture. Does the festival also explore the lesser-known sides of Viking life like craftsmanship, exploration, mythology, and trade?
Wyrdlands
All cultures, especially early medieval, have dark sides. People tend to romanticize how progressive aspects of society were 1000 years ago, and while, yes, in some ways the Norse were more progressive than other cultures at that time, there are darker aspects that we will not be portraying. The focus of our event is the daily life, cultural experiences, and common practices of the Norse people. When a Dane wasn’t going Viking, what was he doing? How did meals get cooked? What kind of tools did they use? What stories did they tell around the fires? Those stories are the Eddas, and they span from the beginning of creation to the time after Ragnarok. This summer event we are telling the Eddas that impart the ultimate wisdom a warrior would need – what does it take to get to Valhalla? The Everyman skill and the Viking skills existed in the same person, and we want to show the part of the culture that balances that – to take them from raiding monsters to fully fledged humans.
Events Insider
What are some common misconceptions people have about Viking history that you hope the festival helps correct?
Wyrdlands
- Melissa: The idea that they were not as thoughtful or artistic as say, the court of Charlemagne. Coming from a different civilization and not Christian didn’t make them savage – they traded, they traveled, they were highly influential on many societies and also took inspiration from many societies. They were more than blonde haired, blue eyed, himbos with horned helms. They were just as complex as the places they sailed to, and they had amazing advances in seafaring and navigation. They also weren’t xenophobic bigots, and we want to show that those of us as modern Heathens aren’t either – we aren’t THOSE Heathens, the ones that stole symbols and use them for hate. With us, whoever you are, you’re welcome to our hall.
- Alyssa: I could talk about this forever. My biggest hope though is that this festival, as well as all of Wyrdlands Caravan’s events, correct the modern idea of an exclusive Norse community. You do not need to be Scandinavian to practice, embrace, enjoy, learn, study, or experience Norse culture. You do not need to be a practicing pagan to be interested in Odin or what the sagas have to say. Knowledge and stories are meant to be shared, hospitality is meant to be extended to any that need or ask, and history is meant to be learned from, not twisted.
- Rich: The Eddas weren’t meant as a book of tenets to follow. They were stories originally handed down by mouth in ways that offered advice in how to navigate life. They aren’t just stories, they’re free advice on how to live as both an individual and a community.
Events Insider
How important is Norse mythology to the event? Will guests encounter elements inspired by Odin, Thor, Valhalla, Yggdrasil, and the sagas?
Wyrdlands
Our events are built on Norse sagas and poems. Guests will be able to hear the same stories that were shared 1000 years ago, performed and orated like our ancestors did. The fun part for us is integrating those stories and all that magic into a way that immerses the audience in a modern way. You can ask Odin questions directly (if you can find him, he has the most assumed name of any of the gods), get handfasted by Freyja, hear stories from Bragi, banter with Loki, and experience the mystical elements of Norse culture in a very hands-on, practical way.
Events Insider
What kind of audience is this festival designed for? Hardcore history buffs? Families? Fantasy fans? Everyone?
Wyrdlands
A major part of our business model is the notion that Odin is the Allfather, not the Somefather. Our events are designed to have something for everyone. You don’t need to know the old stories to appreciate their tellings and folks of all walks are welcome. We’ve set out to create a safe, inclusive space for all to enjoy as a community; A place to learn, to explore, and to celebrate what it is to be human, together. Granted, if you’re a history nerd that loves Norse culture, this is super for you. We want to encourage families to attend together and thankfully, we’ve managed to keep our admission costs low: $20 per adult, $10 per child, and children under 10-years-old are free.
Events Insider
Festivals like this often create a strong sense of community. What kind of experience are you hoping people walk away with at the end of the day?
Wyrdlands
Fun! As much as I would love for everyone that enters our gates to learn an important life lesson, maybe gain a new perspective on something, and suddenly pick up expensive historical hobbies with us, ultimately this event is made to be fun, welcoming, and safe. If you leave having made some great memories, feeling welcomed and well looked after, we’ve done our jobs. Who knows, maybe a bit of wisdom from the Althing will work itself into your everyday life!
Events Insider
Do you hope Wyrdlands becomes an annual tradition and grows into something larger over time?
Wyrdlands
We do hope that and we are on our way! “Lokasenna,” in December of 2025, was the launch of our Edda inspired events, and we are hosting that again this year. We’re also already working with Taber Creek to book our weekend for the Summer 2027 Althing! Our goal is to eventually have one event per season, with storylines that reflect different facets of the Eddas, and showcasing the different cultures and traditions that overlapped with the Viking age.
Events Insider
If someone wanted to survive a Viking raid, what’s the single worst thing they could do?
Wyrdlands
- Melissa: Not think it through first. Not negotiate. In some cases, raids could be held off by paying Danegild, so paying Danes to go away is a valid option.
- Alyssa: Be greedy. It’s an incredibly slippery slope from raiding a couple barrels of silver from a trade ship to fighting for the emperor of the Byzantine empire and never coming home again.
- Rich: Forget to pray to Odin on the way into battle.
Events Insider
If you could bring one famous Viking from history to the festival, who would it be and why?
Wyrdlands
- Melissa: Honestly, this is the most boring answer, but someone who knew how to weave. I have questions on loom construction I would love to get directly from the source.
- Alyssa: The woman from Birka grave Bj 581. She was buried with full warrior adornments, two horses, elite goods, trade tools,weapons, you name it. For 140 years she was misidentified as a male warrior and I would love to know what it was like to actually be a woman of high ranking at the time she was alive.
- Rich: Rollo of Normandy. I’d want to ask him about his climb from viking to becoming a Duke as payment by the Frankish King to stop his raiding. He led a remarkable life and his descendents went on to rule England, Ireland, and Sicily.
Events Insider
If Odin himself walked into the festival, what do you think he’d enjoy most?
Wyrdlands
The sharing of knowledge. Our entire event, whether it’s through the stories, the demonstrations, the music, the games, or the comedy there is so much to learn. Odin is obsessed with knowledge and I think he’d really enjoy the fact that we’re sharing what we know, and admitting what we don’t know, so openly. That being said, he’d probably also love the ice cream and mead!
Events Insider
Where can people go online to find tickets, schedules, and more information about Wyrdlands?
Wyrdlands
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, or tickets and schedules are found at https://wyrdlands-caravan.square.site/