Viking Clan and Fairyland in Heathenry

[eosin]

Yes, I'm on Facebook along with every other netizen on the planet, and I play some of the games on there, including Viking Clan and Fairlyland. Something I've noticed is that Heathens who have an idea on what Heathenry 'should' be end up gravitating toward a Facebook game that reflects their view of the world. Granted, many people simply play the games and enjoy them for what they're worth. But when you know someone who thinks a particular way and is vocal about it, it's not surprising that they'll be where they feel most comfortable.

So, how are Heathens 'supposed' to be? Let's take a look.

Viking Clan lets you be a stereotypical character where you go on battles and adventures, gather chieftains, build alliances, coordinate attacks, get berserk boosts, gain money, land, and weapons. It is fitting for Heathens who see the religion as a community activity, along with oaths, mead, boasts, mead, challenges to holmgang, mead, booze, hooch, more mead, roaring to the sky, telling others they're doin' it wrong (TM), beer, and more mead. RRRRRROOOOOOWWWWRRRRR!!!!! ;)

Fairlyland lets you have an elf or fairy in a small garden, where you grow different kinds of plants to gain skill and attract various kinds of wildlife, including mythological creatures. It sounds tame almost to the point of boredom, except that people can help each other out, help water each others' gardens, spot wildlife, grow herbs, work on herbalism and alchemy, play a mushroom game, etc. It involves more planning and strategy as your skill level progresses. It appeals to those who like gardens, plants, animals, elves, fairies, herbalism, magical witchy stuff, friendly neighbors, quiet gentle progress at one's home, and the sense of wonder we all had as a kid.

The difference between the two worldviews also parallels differences between Aesir and Vanir. There is strength in alliance, personal challenge, and conquest. And there is strength in patience, protection, and compassion. There are outward successes that we publicly celebrate, and there are successes most deeply felt at home. It's interesting to see how these views show up in some of the most popular games on the largest online social network.

Comments

[witchy-abriel.livejournal.com]

I had started Fairyland but stopped after a bit. Too many games to keep up with :P I've stuck with Farmville and the Zoo game.

[vanirpriestess.livejournal.com]

I play both ;P but I have a slight preference for Fairyland.

[thelettuceman.livejournal.com]

I think that the majority (note: majority, not all) of the people playing Viking Age are fools if they join up for any kind of reason other than recreation. Foolish children, the same children that gravitate to Pagan Folk Metal and Viking Metal and all the other musical genres that I cast partial blame on for the influx of people who simply do not care about the spirituality or tradition and just want to be apart of a group of mead-guzzling, sword-swinging, frat house of wannabe warriors.

But then again, my opinion is rather severe about this kind of stuff. It is a game, after all. Not what "should be". It's really easy to "go into battle" in a Facebook game and not see any of the consequences. It's all numbers and statistics. Fantasy Football is more brutal.

But I do understand what you mean. Just had to toss my opinions (as always).

I play neither. I'm more of a Castle Age/Mafia Wars kind of guy, although MW is starting to fade on me.

[vanirpriestess.livejournal.com]

Foolish children, the same children that gravitate to Pagan Folk Metal and Viking Metal and all the other musical genres that I cast partial blame on for the influx of people who simply do not care about the spirituality or tradition and just want to be apart of a group of mead-guzzling, sword-swinging, frat house of wannabe warriors.


^This. I agree.

Mind you, I like Viking metal too - but too often people get caught up in the external trappings of wearing the big hammer, listening to Amon Amarth, getting smashed, and will talk a good game about honor whilst not understanding reverence or what it actually is to be honorable.

I keep getting invites to Castle Age... I am sorely tempted but I think I probably play too many games as it is ;P

[thelettuceman.livejournal.com]

I'm a fantasy dweeb. I like Castle Age because it throws in a little bit of chance - you have world spanning encounters (where various people can call to arms to get mercenary help, and it spreads from friend to friend, sort of like the Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon) and depending on how much you do in these encounters, you get loot. There's has a little bit of the World of Warcraft feeling to it where it has [Green], [Blue], and [Purple] drops that are random.

I love most Viking and/or Pagan metal, although the screechers don't typically do it for me.

[vanirpriestess.livejournal.com]

I'm a big fan of symphonic black metal, personally: Mandylion by The Gathering is one of the best albums ever made.

Heh, I'm really tempted to play Castle Age now. (As it is I can barely believe I succumbed to Faceborg. I joined for the in-laws, I stay for the games.)

[thelettuceman.livejournal.com]

Freya's on FB? O_o; Zomg, I need to friend Her.

[vanirpriestess.livejournal.com]

LOL!

Yeah, She plays Viking Clan. *snrk*

[ciarin.livejournal.com]

I play Viking Age and Tetris. Never heard of fairyland, but I used to play green patch and scramble. No more games for me, they distract me from WoW.