The History of ASK:

ASK was established in January 1992 by Oleg Zacharov, Thomas Tandrup and Ellen B. Conijn.

Origins:

We had fought for years within the Viking craft group Yggdrasil, but it had grown to such a size that the majority wanted to limit new membership. As fighters, we had different priorities and wanted more people to play with, so we started the Viking combat group ASK, but remained members of Yggdrasil. Since then, much of Yggdrasil became Brimir, and there are still many ASK members who practice their civilian skills within Brimir.

Why ASK:

There were many reasons for the name: We were all members of Yggdrasil, which is the world tree, an ash (ask is Danish for ash tree). We were the first combat group in Denmark, actually the first of its type in Scandinavia, and some will recognise that Ask was also, according to Nordic mythology, the first man. There is also the humorous twist that one of our earlier fighters was from the craft group Urd, and at that time there were 2 ferries in the local town of Århus called Ask and Urd. The name stuck.

How:

As the first Viking combat group in Denmark, we were also pioneers, and we had to learn from our own mistakes. Having become more experienced and confident, we have hopefully inspired other groups. One advantage we had was Oleg, who had 7 years experience as a fighter in England, and who taught us the basic rules and techniques. This meant that from the beginning we used the same combat System as in England, which is the basis of our form of reenactment, and which is now used across most of northern Europe.

Unlike most of the English fighters at the time, we wanted to hone our craft as well as combat skills. We had always aspired to using fairly accurate copies, using proper materials, of what the Vikings used, and not merely equipment that looked about right. Practical problems imposed some compromises, such as our swords and shields, but we try to keep high standards. Our clothes are hand made and plant dyed, made of authentic materials, tents are hand sewn, and sheath knives and cauldrons forged by hand, and much more.

Where:

Whilst we strive to be the best group, we are flexible; individual members decide how to fullfil this ambition, and what it actually is to be the best!

Chairman of the Viking combat group ASK.
Ellen B. Conijn