The story resurfaces: Enthusiastic soldiers in battle at Hammershus

Swords clash against shields, cries of war echo through the ruins, and soldiers in full battle gear storm forward at Hammershus.

Despite the chaotic appearance, there is no danger present.

The battles being fought right now in the ruins of Hammershus are part of a large, international role-playing game with approximately 200 participants from Sweden, Luxembourg, Poland, and Denmark.

The role-playing event marks the 500th anniversary of the pledge of Bornholm, and it is the first time that the island has hosted an event of this scale. The fact that it is taking place at Hammershus makes the experience particularly special, says exercise leader Søren Kaspersen from Roskilde.

– It is a completely unique opportunity to have been allowed to be on Hammershus and fight some of the battles we have here. I am in many ways both burdened and privileged to be able to be a part of it, he says.

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Result of long-term preparation

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Behind the event stands the Bornholms rollespilsforening Kompagni Gottheim, which has worked for two years to turn the idea into reality. And it is clear that the participants have put effort into costumes and weapons.

– It is part of the experience that one looks like what one plays. And there are really many who make an effort, says Søren Kaspersen.

Participants have come from places like Poland and Sweden, and they all look like hardened warriors, says Søren Kaspersen.

The role-playing takes place in the Warhammer universe, and the story is, to a high degree, open to individual interpretation. In addition to a little magic, the character gallery will also deviate somewhat from events 500 years ago with things like troll costumes.

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An unexpected encounter for tourists

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It's not just the role-players who are impressed.

Morten Andersen, a tourist from Esbjerg, visited here this morning with his three children and was surprised by what awaited the family.

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> My daughter was a little scared at first, but I think the children have gotten used to it.

> Morten Andersen, tourist

– We had heard a little about it on the radio on the way over, so we thought we should experience it. But we had no idea how big it actually was. It is really impressive, what they have managed to set up, he says.

For his children, the meeting with the shouting soldiers and singing swords is both fascinating and a little scary.

– My daughter was a little scared at first, but I think the children have gotten used to it. For now, they have stood right in the middle of the crossfire here, he says with a grin.

Even though it can be scary with both cannons and swords, exercise leader Søren Kaspersen assures that they do their best to ensure that no one is harmed during the battles.

– We try to make it as safe as possible. We keep an eye on each other, we watch out for each other, and I think most soldiers here do their best to fight neatly and stay in the formations they should, he says.

Naturstyrelsen Bornholm has given special permission for the event, but emphasizes that Hammershus is still open to all visitors. So this weekend, guests will not only be told the story, they will also see it reenacted - albeit in a stylized version - in full battle gear.

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