Jarl

Jarl

Jun
11
Samurai swords.

The Diverse Arsenal of the Samurai: Weapons and Armor in Feudal Japan

The samurai, elite warriors of feudal Japan, wielded a diverse array of weapons. From the iconic katana to the longbow yumi, each had a unique role. Their armor, from the dō to the kabuto, reflected both protection and status.
1 min read
Jun
10
Antony Cummins and Jon White

Crecganford: The Parallels and Power of Samurai and Vikings

Researching VIKINGS vs SAMURAI is big fun! Antony Cummins’ works are my bibles. On Crecganford, he and Jon White explore the epic parallels between these legendary warriors.
2 min read
Jun
10
VIking food

Feasting like Vikings: A Culinary Journey through the Viking Age

In the Viking Age, survival meant eating well. From hearty stews to fresh fish, Vikings were culinary experts. With self-sufficiency as their motto, they farmed, fished, and foraged for a feast fit for kings. Cheers to their rich and varied diet!
2 min read
Jun
09
Samurai training

Samurai: From Warrior Legends to Bureaucratic Powerhouses

In the 10th century, Japan’s samurai emerged as the ultimate warriors. By the 12th century, they ruled the land. Trained from childhood, their discipline, loyalty, and toughness were unmatched. But by the 1870s, their era ended, transforming from warriors to bureaucrats.
2 min read
Jun
08
VIking village.

Beyond the Horned Helmets: Rediscovering Viking Villages

Viking villages weren’t just military outposts; they were dynamic communities deeply connected to their environment. From agriculture to craftsmanship, these villages thrived, shaping the legacy of the Vikings beyond mere warfare.
2 min read
Jun
07
Odin

Odin: The Enigmatic All-Father of Norse Mythology

Odin, the enigmatic all-father of Norse mythology, is a principal god, but his exact nature remins mysterious. Associated with war, magic, and poetry, he’s known for his quest for knowledge and his role in the Aesir-Vanir War.
2 min read
Jun
07
Kill Bill

Kill Bill, Volumes 1 & 2

The Bride, left for dead, awakens. A trail of destruction blazes through the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad. Each duel peels layers off a tale of betrayal. Tarantino’s signature style merges with martial arts mayhem, crafting a high-octane revenge saga of a mother’s fury.
6 min read
Jun
06
Miyamoto Musashi in combat.

Musashi: Samurai, Sword Saint, Philosopher, and Artist

Miyamoto Musashi: Samurai, “sword saint,” philosopher, and artist. He won over sixty duels, including his famous battle against Sasaki Kojirō with a wooden sword he crafted from an oar. His legacy lives on through his martial prowess, philosophical writings, and powerful ink paintings.
1 min read
Jun
05
Viking longship

Raiders of the Northern Seas: The Viking Age and Their Legendary Longships

In the Viking Age (AD 700 - 1100), seafaring Vikings from Scandinavia dominated the seas. Renowned for their iconic longships and fearless raids, they left an indelible mark on history, venturing as far as North America and shaping the course of European civilization.
2 min read
Jun
04
Samurai armor

Evolution of Samurai Armor: From Archery to Firearms

Discover the evolution of samurai armor from the Heian period to the Edo period. From loose-fitting o-yoroi designed for archery to the firearm-resistant tosei gusoku, explore how samurai adapted their gear to changing warfare tactics.
2 min read