Want to be a Viking? One enthusiast welcomes all to practice ancient combat
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IDAHO FALLS – Kade Walters is a lifelong Idahoan who spends most days waiting tables at Fuji Hibachi & Grill. What people may not know about him is that in the summer, he transforms into Bjorn Sigurdson, a semi-professional Viking.
Walters is part Norwegian, and he has always felt a connection to Vikings, minus the pillaging. The Sigurdson name comes from his mother’s side.
He is part of a global Viking combat organization, Grimfrost Hird. He is the leader of the Snake River Valley chapter. Historically, a hird is a royal army. Today, people across the world gather in hirds to practice Viking combat and build close-knit communities.
“If there’s something going on, ‘Hey, how can we help? We’re here for you,’” Walters said.
Walters is careful to point out that Viking combat is not live-action role-playing — sometimes called LARPing. The combat hirds practice is complete with metal swords and traditional techniques.
“You’ll not catch us at Tautphaus Park on a Saturday morning with foam shields and pool noodle-covered swords,” Walters said. “This is the real deal.”
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Hirds practice several different fighting styles. Lettr is a more approachable fighting style for beginners with light armor protection and foam swords.
One of the most popular fighting styles is thungr, which means “heavy” and refers to the more durable armor worn when fighting. In this style, Vikings use real swords and wear chainmail, helmets and protective padding.
“(Thungr) is all out, go and hit the other guy,” Walters said.
The Snake River Valley Hird gathers throughout the year to celebrate Scandinavian holidays like Yule and Midsummer Blot.
“There’s almost a holiday for every month of the year,” Walters said.
The most exciting event for Walters is the annual Midgardsblot music festival. In August, he traveled to Borre, Norway, for the Viking-themed metal and folk music festival. Viking enthusiasts come from across the world to participate in workshops, lectures, concerts and even row in a replica of a Viking ship.
At Midgardsblot, Walters participated in a demonstration of a shield wall. This is taken from the Romans when they interlinked their shields to cover their army during combat. During the demonstration, his group broke apart their shield formation and charged toward the crowd.
Walters doesn’t just practice Viking combat. He is also an influencer with Grimfrost, not to be confused with Grimfrost Hird.
Grimfrost is a Scandinavian-appreciation company that sells modern clothes and traditional iVking apparel. The company also produces the Grimfrost Podcast and publishes a blog.
Walters has a growing audience on TikTok and Instagram as Bjorn “Fireheart” Sigurdson, which sometimes catches him off guard.
“Meeting fans for me is such a nerve-wracking thing,” Walters said. “I’m very much an introvert. It’s starting to happen more and more in public.”
The Snake River Valley Hird is recruiting new members, and Walters says anyone can join, regardless of heritage.
“If you have a respect and appreciation for the Viking culture, even if it’s not necessarily your culture, we have a place for you, I promise,” Walters said.
To join the Snake River Valley Hird, message the group or Walters on Instagram.