The Isle of Lewis Chess Set: The Style, the Story, the Best
Have you ever glimpsed the opening scenes of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone"? Remember that gripping climax where Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to outsmart a chess game to advance? What if I told you that game marked the Isle of Lewis chess set’s biggest-screen debut? The original ancient collection, believed to date back to the 12th century, is sculpted from walrus ivory and whale teeth.
These chess pieces, shrouded in enigma, are akin to a puzzle within the chess community – their origin remains a tantalizing mystery. Each piece, a masterpiece, mirrors Norse culture: fierce warriors, regal kings and queens, thoughtful bishops, valiant knights, and warders (known as rooks in modern chess), all meticulously crafted. Picture this: berserker warders gnawing on their shields, the king and queen's thrones entangled with mythical creatures.
How did this masterpiece come to be? What's the story behind its enduring allure, captivating people after centuries? How is it used today? Let's uncover the tales of the Isle of Lewis chess set.
Unearthing a Chess Masterpiece: History
Back in 1831, a wild storm unearthed a treasure trove on the sandy beaches of the Isle of Lewis, nestled off Scotland's rugged west coast. Hidden among this cache were over 70 chess pieces, relics from the 12th century later named for the very shore where fate brought them to light.
The origins of these chess pieces spark endless speculation. Could they have been the lost possessions of a merchant sailing from Norway to Ireland, accidentally left behind? Perhaps they were stolen by thieves and carefully buried, never to be recovered? Their pristine condition hints they might never have graced a game. Another whisper suggests they were destined for the island's elite, yet why they were buried remains a tantalizing mystery, lost to the sands of time.
One well-known legend tells of an islander from Lewis, who, while exploring, encountered a group of elves and gnomes. This unexpected meeting startled him so greatly that he dropped his spade and hurried back home. Once there, his wife, intrigued by his story, encouraged him to revisit the site. Heeding her advice, he returned to the spot, only to find, instead of mythical beings, the historic Isle of Lewis chess pieces.
The Lewis Chessmen made their public debut in Edinburgh on April 11, 1831. Experts think these pieces were crafted in Norway, with a specific connection to the city of Trondheim. It turns out that Trondheim was a hotspot for carving walrus ivory – the very material used to make the chessmen.
Back in the 12th century, when these chess pieces were made, the Isle of Lewis was under Norwegian influence. Ships traveled from Norway to Ireland, passing by the Outer Hebrides, potentially explaining how the chessmen ended up on Lewis.
That’s the best answer we have to ‘where’ they came from!
Where is the Isle of Lewis Chess Set Now?
Where do these fascinating chess pieces call home now? It's a bit of a split situation. The majority, a whopping 82 pieces, have taken residence in the British Museum in London, England. You can stroll through the museum and observe the kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns that make up this ancient chess set. The remaining 11 chess pieces are housed in the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh.
The Medieval Style of the Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces
Imagine holding a piece of history in your hands – that's what the Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces offer. Each piece is a work of art with its own unique character that brings the medieval world to life.
In the 12th century, when these pieces were likely crafted, a chessboard large enough for them would have been about 82 cm across, with each square measuring 10.3 cm. The tallest piece stands at about 10.3 centimeters. The attire and weapons depicted on these pieces scream 12th-century aesthetics, making them a fascinating snapshot of medieval culture.
Here's where it gets interesting for modern players: the rooks aren't castles; they're warriors. Early chess sets didn't use castle towers for rooks. Instead, these rooks symbolize "warders" or guards.
Take a look at the kings sitting regally with swords on their laps. Some sport long hair and beards, while others are clean-shaven. The knights add another layer of uniqueness with their distinct headgear, varied shields, and horses with shaggy manes. It's like assembling a medieval dream team on your chessboard.
Now, the bishops in the Isle of Lewis set reveal a not-so-subtle clue about their age. The style of the bishops' hats, called miters, changed around the mid-12th century. The miters on the Lewis bishops hint that these pieces were probably carved after the 1150s. Among the rooks or warders, one steals the spotlight – he's a foot soldier biting the top of his shield, showing his intense eagerness for battle. Scholars think of these figures as berserkers, the fierce soldiers of Odin from Norse mythology.
How to Play With an Isle of Lewis Chess Set Today
Is all the mystery surrounding this ancient chess set making you want to give it a try? While you cannot get your hands on the original pieces, there are variations and reproductions that will take you back in time because they have been replicated with so much detail. Here are a few options worth exploring:
Isle of Lewis Chess Set, Box, & Board Combo
Ever dreamed of playing chess with a touch of history? The House of Staunton Isle of Lewis Chess Set, Board, and Pieces Combination is your ticket. Think of a board with a mix of dark Greenwood and light Maple squares surrounded by a Maple frame, all with a silky finish. It's got that classic feel at 0.5 inches thick. The chess pieces, replicating the Isle of Lewis charm, come in brown and natural colors to give you that medieval feel.
Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces Set
Got a favorite chess board already? No worries! Try the Isle of Lewis Chess Pieces Set with 32 pieces in brown and natural coloration. The kings stand tall at 3.5 inches, looking over the rest of the pieces. These pieces fit right in and are perfect for a 2.25-inch chessboard.
And the best part is that they won't cost you a fortune. It's an easy way to bring home a bit of chess history, making every move a trip back in time that won't break the bank.
Wrapping Up
From the shores of Isle of Lewis all the way to making a cameo in Harry Potter, these chess pieces have definitely left a mark on the chess world. The set is a must-have for every collector because the design is a piece of chess history in itself.
Shop from the House of Staunton and find the exact replica of the Isle of Lewis chess set you’re looking for!