Peter Franzén, Jasper Pääkkönen and interviewer on stage (Tamala Malerk)
“Jasper single? Is anyone here for Jasper single?”
“I wish!” yelled a woman about three people in front of me, and the line of people erupted in laughter as we waited in line to get our photos with Peter Franzén and Jasper Pääkkönen, actors who played brothers King Harold and Halfdan on the popular television show “Vikings” from 2016-2020.
Upper and lower castles of Niederberg Mandersheid (Tamala Malerk)
It seems that many people, like me, shelled out for the deal of getting photographed with both actors together instead of paying for individual shots. We all patiently waited on the steps of the medieval Niederburg Manderscheid, donned in our best costumes, surprised to find Franzén and Pääkkönen dressed in modern t-shirts and jeans. I smiled my biggest smile and went further into the castle grounds to find meet-and-greet tents, a large stage, a giant outdoor bar, soup and french fry spots and about a dozen places to shop. For the next two days, I walked amongst costumed LARP’ers and normally dressed actors in an immersive Vikings experience, Proud Nerd’s “Welcome to Valhalla” on July 20 and 21.
Amy Bailey being interview (Tamala Malerk)
After snagging my first photo, I had about 90 minutes to kill before my next meet-and-greet opportunity and that’s when the medieval market came in handy. I walked around the entire market while listening to the Q-and-A occurring on stage with Amy Bailey (Queen Kwenthrith) and pre-shopped.
Amy Bailey and interviewer on stage (Tamala Malerk)
I always pre-shop at every stall when I go to a con or medieval market, so I don’t buy something too hastily only to then find something better at another stall. The only problem I found with this plan was that there was something great at most of the stalls and there were no “better” options. I walked away with some new wall art, a new sparkly princess tiara and two more “meet-and-greet” appointments with Alexander Ludwig (Björn) and Linus Roache (King Ecbert).
Celebrating a great axe throw (Tamala Malerk)
When we finally met Standen, my spouse enjoyed talking to him about some video game Standen had worked on that I never heard of and smiled ear-to-ear as I got my photo with him. After another successful meet-and-greet, we ended our day watching LARP’ers play tug-of-war with more actors from the show. I also turned down a marriage proposal from a tiara-wearing German prince who had been “searching” all day long for a fellow tiara donner.
Writer with Clive Standen (Tamala Malerk)
Sunday was just as active as Saturday and a Q-and-A with Franzén and Pääkkönen was already occurring on-stage as we entered the castle grounds. I scoured the market for anything I may have missed the day prior, and then grabbed a quick selfie and autograph from Ludwig while listening to another Q-and-A amplified from the stage. All and all, a successful and fun weekend was had.
Ferdia Walsh-Peelo with interviewer on stage (Tamala Malerk)
“Vikings” fans who missed this year’s event, or want to go again next year, will be happy to hear that plans for another “Welcome to Valhalla” are already being discussed. Proud Nerd puts on events throughout the year and fans of “Rocky Horror,” “Harry Potter,” “Stranger Things” and “Game of Thrones” can find upcoming events here.
Selfie with Alexander Ludwig (Tamala Malerk)
