Horse-fights: The brutal entertainment of the Saga Age Icelanders
Horse-fights: The brutal entertainment of the Saga Age Icelanders

Summary/Abstract: Horse-fights (hestaat, hestavíg) were a peculiar phenomenon in the medieval society. The sport, depicted in the Icelandic sagas and later sources, seems to have disappeared in times closer to modern ones. Some researchers opt for ascribing this practice to religious rites; however, this seems dubious due to insufficient data. Horse-fight organization ((hestaþing) comprised an essential part of Icelander’s life in the Middle Ages, for it gave them an opportunity to socialize as well as trade horses and match them. Decisions were taken as to the way horses were supposed to fight (whether in a single combat, or contest etc.); moreover, arbiters were summoned to decide on the score. A horse was led to a horse-fighting place (a fighting circle formed by people or a circle of stones) by a second. Horses fought by biting and kicking their opponent. Perhaps a mare in season was brought to stimulate stallions and make them compete, though there is no evidence as to this matter. A common motif of horse-fight in sagas was due to their end as well as numerous arguments, duels that led to conflicts among horse owners. Also, horse-fights used to be occasions for gathering of rivals representing different regions of the country, whereas their horses would fight with each other. This paved the way for building and shaping of people’s identification with particular parts of the island.

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