The Viking Code

5Joyful, Joyful: From the Cultivation of Play to the Mastery of the Game

“KONGEN PÅ HAUGEN” is the game “King of the Hill” in Norway. I vividly recall the older kids protecting a massive pile of snow during our school recesses. It's a seemingly straightforward game, guided by one simple rule: there are no rules. Well, perhaps, except for the unwritten ethos of respect. The basic idea is that children try to stand atop a mound (or snow pile in the winter) while others attempt to push them off. It's not just about physical strength, but strategy, balance, resilience, and even alliance-building. These very skills, albeit in a more sophisticated manner, could be likened to what you observe when Norwegian skiers tactically position themselves for that final sprint in a cross-country skiing race, after enduring 49.5 kilometers (30.75 miles).

From an early age, Norwegian children are nurtured to embrace the outdoors, irrespective of weather conditions. There's a popular saying—“Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær!”—which means “There's no bad weather, only bad clothing!”—that represents a typical Norwegian household's sentiment. Whether it's snow, sleet, or rain, children are found skiing, hiking, or immersed in imaginative play amid the majestic trees and fjords. I can personally attest to how this free, unstructured play cultivates creativity, resilience, and an enduring bond with nature, from my own upbringing in Norway. Central to this way of living is the principle ...