The Álfröðull Vararfeldr
- ardbeagcrafts
- Feb 17
- 2 min read
This beautiful fashion-length vararfeldr is crafted from natural slate grey fleece and naturally-dyed gold fleece. The moment I finished it, I couldn't help but feel that this piece embodies a ray of warm sun cast over a craggy landscape! Its name is taken from a Norse kenning for the sun: "elf beam", which felt appropriate for this dramatic, contrasting garment.
Many people associate the Viking era with dark, muted tones, but evidence of natural dyeing from Medieval Scandinavia is quite common, suggesting that Vikings were just as likely to wear bold designs like this one as they were to don black and brown wool.
Traditionally, vararfeldr were much longer and wider than the one I created, according to the dimensions outlined in the Gragas laws. However, I believe these guidelines were meant to help weavers and traders ascertain fair prices, and that vararfeldir would have been worn at all different lengths. They may have been made longer or shorter to fit specific measurements, or altered after purchase to suit the buyer's preferences.
In the process of making this piece, I utilised a bespoke huckle, crafted especially for me by Colin at Talking Point Woodwork. I must say, I’m now completely addicted to it! It’s so much simpler to use than individual combs, and I can already tell that it will make combing long tufts for Viking-era cloaks much faster and easier.
This particular vararfeldr was displayed at Butser Ancient Farm during the Butser Book Fair, and afterwards it was snapped up by a fashion-forward follower from Kilcreggan in the South Highlands. It’s amazing to see how this ancient garment can still make a striking statement in a modern wardrobe!
