The Vikings are the quintessential Dark Ages faction. The SAGA game system focused on a more historically correct view of the Scandinavian Vikings – no horned helmets here – so I tried to stick with a more natural colour scheme. My collection allows for play as Vikings, Jomsvikings, or Anglo-Danes in the SAGA system. The figures are a mix of Gripping Beast, Warlord Games, and assorted conversion bits thrown in.
Heroes: The Vikings have a wealth of heroes. A traditional force can be led by Gunnar Hamundarson, Egil Skalagrimson, or two Warlord variants including one with Dane Axe for the Jomsviking/Anglo-Danes variants. Another leadership option are the members of the Lothbrok family, made famous by the Vikings TV show (and their historical deeds of course!). This includes Ragnar Lothbrok, his wife Lafertha – on foot and mounted – and his brother Rollo who would go on to establish the duchy of Normandy. From the east in the Baltics, we have the Jomsviking leaders Sgvaldi Strut-Haraldsson and Vagn Akesson. Even further east, Harald Hardrada leads his Varangian Guards to claim the throne of Norwway. Finally, we have the later era Anglo-Danes represented by Cnut the Great, Hereward the Wake, and Harold Godwinson with his brothers – the last Viking king of England.
Viking Leaders: Gunnar Hamundarson, Warlord, Warlord with Dane Axe, Egil Skalagrimson.
Jomsviking Leaders: Sigvaldi Strut-Haraldsson, Vagn Akesson
Anglo-Dane Leaders: Cnut the Great, Hereward the Wake, Harold Godwinson with brothers Gyreth and Leofwine
Hearthguards: The Vikings have a wide range of Hearthguard units and my collection capitalised on this variety. Starting with two six-men units of standard Hirdmen with axes and shields. Add to this some Berserkers. The Jomsvikings can take the field with Dane Axes or without.
Warriors: The Viking warriors are a mix of plastic and metal figures to give a bit of variety. I focused on axes for the Bondi to distinguish them from the spear-heavy Anglo-Saxons and other otherwise similar forces. The last unit are metal Jomsviking Dreng from Gripping Beast but can of course serve as regular warriors as well.
Levy: The Vikings can draw on the generic Levy Pool for support.
Wargaming Workshop 