Hnefatafl a Timberdoodle Review

Do you enjoy playing games? Learn about Hnefatafl (pronounced "Nef-ah-tah-fel"), a fun addition to the Timberdoodle 4th grade curriculum kit. In this Vikings-based game, players are outnumbered, outmaneuvered, and on the verge of losing their king. It is up to you and your opponent to decide how the game will unfold. Will you live the Viking nightmare and lead your king to safety? Or will you play the Attackers and aim to overthrow the king's table? Based on Old Norse terms, "hnefa" is the word for fist or holding something. The word "tafl" means table or board. There are thousands of years of history behind the game Hnefatafl. As early as 400 AD, it gained popularity. Hnefatafl was more than just a game; it was a reflection of Viking society and its values. It symbolized the strategic and tactical prowess that Vikings admired and honed in their own lives, often echoing the challenges they faced in warfare and leadership. Playing Hnefatafl was also a way to engage in social interaction and storytelling, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the Viking world.

The game is played on a square board, usually 11x11, with two opposing sides: the Defenders and the Attackers. Choose a side, Vikings or Attackers. The Defenders' goal is to protect their king and help him escape to one of the board's corners, while the Attackers aim to capture the king by surrounding him on all four sides. Players take turns moving their pieces horizontally or vertically, and capturing occurs by sandwiching an opponent's piece between two of your own. The Defenders must carefully position their pieces to create a protective barrier around the king, anticipating the Attackers' moves. It's crucial to keep escape routes open and avoid becoming trapped, as this will allow the king to make a swift exit to a corner. Patience and foresight are key, as the Defenders should focus on gradually advancing their pieces to block the Attackers' path and maintain control over the game. The Attackers, on the other hand, must think strategically to outmaneuver the Defenders and close off any potential escape routes for the king. Their primary tactic is to coordinate their pieces to surround the king on all four sides, effectively trapping him. By carefully predicting the Defenders' moves and applying pressure from multiple directions, the Attackers can steadily tighten the noose around the king, gradually reducing his options until capture is inevitable.

My son-in-law loves playing games, especially strategy games. My daughter, son-in-law, and their children were over the other night, so I asked him if he wanted to play a new game I received. His response was "absolutely". Although I couldn't pronounce the name, I told him it was a strategy game. As soon as I brought the box into the room, he said, "Oh, wow, Hnefatafl." Obviously he knew about the game or had it. He had been searching for a nice game set for quite a while, but didn't have the game. As soon as he read through the instructions, we started playing the game. Strategically, the game is similar to chess, which I have never been good at. My son-in-law, however, was pretty skilled at chess. After multiple rounds that didn't last as long as the approximate time of 30 minutes, he won every game.

Both the board and the pieces are made of high-quality wood. To prevent scratches on the table surface, the board is equipped with protective feet on the bottom. An instruction sheet explains how to play the game and provides examples of possible scenarios. For extra protection and durability, the game comes in a thick cardboard box.

 I would most definitely recommend the game of Hnefatafl to everyone! Hnefatafl is engaging for players because it combines strategic planning with quick thinking, offering a fresh challenge each time it's played. Unlike many modern games, it requires players to think several moves ahead, similar to chess, making it a mentally stimulating experience. Additionally, its unique asymmetric setup keeps players on their toes, as the roles of Attackers and Defenders demand different strategies and adaptability.

Who Are You? ~ A Crossway Review

 

Who Are You? by Christina Fox presents a powerful message to children. Who are you? What really makes you...you? is the question asked throughout the story. The book is based on Genesis 1:27 that says: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

Who are you? What really makes you...you?

You can do amazing things, it's true! You have lots of things you love, it's true! People have a lot to say, it's true! You can feel a lot of things, it's true! Each of us looks different, it's true. But there's one thing about you that won't change, in spite of what you do or some may say. It is what makes you, you.

Children are told that they are made by our Creator God. They are loved and have worth. Children are reminded that God gave a wonderful FREE gift, His Son to die for our sins. 

This book is intended to help parents create a solid foundation for their children. The book includes A Note to Parents and Caregivers that walks them through discussing various topics about who they are and their worth in the Lord. 

Illuminated Bible ~ Art Journaling Edition a Crossway Review

The ESV Illuminated™ Bible, Art Journaling Edition from Crossway is a beautiful Bible featuring cream colored paper, a ribbon marker, art gilding, smyth sewn binding, and elegant TruTone and leather covers designed to last. Dana Taanamachi is the artist responsible for the striking artwork found throughout the Bible. Taanamachi illustrates the front, back, and spine of the Bible. Bible books begin with a full-page illustration by the artist. A wide margin has been incorporated into this Bible to allow users to write notes and draw pictures.

Detailed here is the scene from Psalm 42, where the image of a deer panting for water points to the innate human longing for the living water of our saving God. 

Over 500 elegantly hand-lettered gold-ink illustrations adorn this Bible with the entire ESV text. The use of gold-ink adds a luxurious and timeless quality to the illustrations, making the Bible a treasured keepsake. Gold has historically symbolized value and divinity, enhancing the spiritual significance of the text. This choice of material not only elevates the aesthetic appeal but also highlights the importance of the scripture it accompanies. 

The hyssop plant flowers, spear, thorns, nails, and palm branches reveal the end of Jesus' earthly ministry. During the triumphal entry, he rode into Jerusalem on a donkey while onlookers waved palm branches and cried out "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" (12:13) When Jesus was nailed to the cross, a crown of thorns was placed on his head, and he was offered a drink on the end of a hyssop branch; as a fulfillment of prophecy, he was pierced with a spear in his side. 

An Index of Title Pages can be found at the end of the Bible. A description of each illustration is provided opposite the Bible illustrations. These descriptions offer insight into the artistic choices and the symbolism behind each illustration, deepening the reader's appreciation of the artwork. By providing context, they allow readers to connect more profoundly with the depicted scenes and their spiritual meanings. This thoughtful addition ensures that the illustrations not only beautify the text but also enrich the reader's engagement with the scripture.

God's Word is truly woven into this beautiful art journaling edition. The visual elements, such as the hand-lettered gold-ink illustrations, serve to captivate the reader's attention and enhance their overall experience. These artistic details can make the reading process more immersive, encouraging readers to spend more time reflecting on the text. Additionally, the visual appeal can evoke emotions and foster a deeper connection with the spiritual messages conveyed, making the scripture more memorable and impactful.