While working on the battle for Sora vs. Toon Link, I'm also exploring some of my other interests during the holiday break. One of those, of course, is great television. Historical programming is my favorite, especially when it pertains to ancient combat! I now present two of the most entertaining historical warrior stars, starting with someone you may have seen before.....
Thrand's Theme Song: "War is All We Know" by GWAR (As seen on Thrand's videos)
Thrand Godfrey: Thegn Thrand
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| Thrand Godfrey: passionate Texan, father, reenactor, and Viking Warrior. |
One of the best examples of this today is called "Thrand and Eldgrimr's Well of Remembrance" For those of you who aren't already familiar with them, Thrand Godfrey and his assistant Eldgrimr are SCA fighters who perform realistic weapons tests and sparring matches in order to closer examine the Deadliest Warrior show. Thrand Godfrey may not be a true Viking, but he is as close as anyone is today to emulating their spirit.
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| Thrand and Eldgrimr- unapologetic, awesomely realistic stars of Youtube- what Deadliest Warrior would be if the fans could recreate it! |
Thrand has over 25 years of experience in reenactment, is a high ranking member of the SCA, and also has several years of experience in the Bujinkan (or, today's school of ninjutsu). His videos are as realistic as they come- together with some helpers, Thrand explores how real warriors of the past (in particular the Viking and the Ninja) lived and fought and also dispels some common misconceptions about them. If that weren't enough, he brews and drinks homemade mead (an alchoholic beverage made using fermented honey). In short, Thrand may be the most badass historian today.............
Viking versus Samurai: Thrand's Aftermath Parts 1 and 2
Thrand has tons of great videos, but these ones do an excellent job of conveying his viewpoints and beliefs as a Warrior.
Viking vs. Samurai: Thrand's Wrap Up Part 3
Thrand Throws Axes!
In true Viking fashion.
Thrand's Ninja Flash Bombs!
This cat has some Ninja training too, if the Viking stuff weren't enough....
Viking vs. Samurai: Thrand's Aftermath Part 3
Versus........
Patrick Lambke's Theme Song: "Cowboys From Hell" (Yeah, I chose it for him)
Patrick Lambke: The Black Knight
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| When the Black Knight comes after you, it's best to just run away- as fast and hard as you can. He'll probably just catch you with his horse anyway. |
.........That is, unless he ran into the other person that I'll mention here. His name is Patrick Lambke, but he is better known by his fans simply as "The Black Knight". Like his Nordic counterpart, Lambke has a long record of reenactment and historical combat experience- of a slightly different sort. Patrick is first and foremost a professional jouster, and of the best in the world at that obscure sport. He makes his television debut on "Knights of Mayhem", a reality show where Lambke acts as the freewheeling foil to the series' main star, Charlie Andrews. The Black Knight may have some personal issues with himself and with Charlie, but none doubt his skill and dedication to jousting (over 20 years' experience).
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| Patrick Lambke, The Black Knight- former celebrity bodyguard, current professional jouster and medieval combatant, eternal ambassador of epic. |
Like any good old-school outlaw, Lambke is a gentleman off the battlefield and absolutely fearless on it. He held the (admittedly obscure) title of full contact, heavy armor jousting for years until finally being dethroned by his own student, Charlie Andrews. Before getting involved with the Knights of Mayhem, Patrick was a bodyguard and also a stuntman for medieval themed shows and rennaisance festivals. One of his peers describes Patrick Lambke best when he says that "He is someone who you'd want to take with you into war, but not as a date to meet your dad."
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| Lambke charges into battle on his horse, of course..........while carrying a ten-foot wooden lance! |
Knights of Mayhem: The Jousting Battlefield
The Black Knight in action, displaying the skills that have made him famous. Also shown is his rather tense relationship with Charlie Andrews.
Jousting and Rodeo Tournament
Won by the Black Knight, some clips of him jousting.
The Knights of Avalon
Lambke with his old crew, displaying his wide range of fighting skills.
Patrick Lambke Interview
Patrick in his own words, on jousting and the show.Patrick Lambke Jousting
The Black Knight kicking ass and taking names.....
There's no denying that Thrand and the Black Knight are two of the most entertaining "action historians" today. The question is, of course......
WHO. IS. DEADLIEST?!?!?!?!?
Which one of these two awesome warriors do you think is cooler, and who would win in a fight? I'm not currently planning on having a serious match between these two, but that could change depending on your feedback. Mainly, it's to promote two of my favorite programs: Thrand's Well of Remembrance and Knights of Mayhem. Would Thrand's unique mix of Nordic fighting, SCA experience and Ninja mobility reign supreme, or would Lambke's black plate armor, jousting prowess, and assortment of medieval weaponry earn him the victory? I'd like to hear your opinions!
Act 2 of Sora vs. Toon Link is on the way, it's probably going to be up this week. What do you think of Thrand versus Lambke, and would you want to see this as a quick matchup sometime?
By the way, this is just for fun and not meant to offend Thrand or Lambke. Photos and videos are property of their respective owners!