Here follows a short presentation of two medieval sports. Try them yourself!
LONG JUMP WITH A POLE
To make long jumps with a pole is known in several places in the north of Europe. The pole is used for jumping across streams.
The idea is to jump as far as possible with the help of a pole. One can jump on grass, in a gravel pit, or across a ditch. The length of the jump is measured in "aln", which is roughly an "ell" (about 60 centimetres). The "aln" is divided into four "kvarter" and every "kvarter" is divided into six "tum", or inches.
LONG JUMP, BACKWARDS AND FORWARDS
There are sources describing the people of the Nordic countries making jumps, either running or from a standing position. They also could jump backwards.
Try to make a jump from a standing position, backwards. Measure the jump in "aln".
POLE-THRUSTING
To thrust a long and heavy pole is a sport that has been described in Finland, Denmark, Gotland as well as Scotland.
Grab the thin end of the pole and lift it. Let it rest on your shoulder before you throw it. Measure the distance of the throw at the point where the pole ´s thick end has struck the ground. The pole must fall forward. You can measure the distance in "aln". The pole was four metres long and weighed 25 kilos.
If you would like to know more about medieval games and sports, there are booklets available which have been published by Kalmar Läns Museum.