A Story behind my Chess Pieces – replica’s of the original (circa 1150 -1200)
Okay this is very interesting to me …
… And if you are female you will also find this most interesting, possibly even illuminating.
First 
though, today’s title is a key line from an older movie called “War Games” where a self aware computer finally figures out that nobody wins when there’s war, so the computer says (at the end of the movie to his creator) … “How about a nice game of chess”. I couldn’t resist making that the title.
Second, my purpose with this blog is to share those things I’ve discovered 
through personal experience and research. My byline is ”curiouser and curiouser” (another classic line, this time a quote from ‘Alice’ from the book, Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Caroll - note here - The author did not mind being grammatically incorrect. He was obviously inclined to go with being creative with the word usage to emphasize a point 
).
So here’s the thing that’s curious, in chess guess who is the strongest, most capable piece in the game? The Queen! Yup! The King (when on the chessboard) is standing right next to her, with sword in hand no less. So why is the Queen the one that has such a wide variety of moves at her disposal? The “power” so to speak?
The chess pieces (photographs I took last night) are very unique. I purchased this ‘specially’ made set some
time ago. They are an exact duplicate of chess pieces found on the Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland under mysterious circumstances. They were found sometime before April 1831 which is when they were first exhibited at the Society of Antiquaries in Scotland. It is believed that the chess pieces were found by a farmer in a small dry-stone chamber inside a sand dune.
The originals are elaborately carved pieces from walrus ivory and whales teeth.
It is now assumed that they were probably made in Norway between the years 1150-1200. The appearance of the different figures (stay with me here I’ll get to the point soon) are northern in their character and strongly influenced by Norse culture. Why 
would I purchase these?
It is because my father told me that not only was my heritage Norwegian but also Celtic. There are fairly strong ties to both in that area of the world, hence my fascination.
There’s more to this story so if you’re on time restraints go ahead and hit the “like” button and move onto the next blog, it’s okay I don’t mind, really… Of course then you will never know “the Why About This! lol
So why is the Queen the one with all the power (and would you look at the expression on her face, Oh-My-Gosh! I’m guessing she knows she’s in charge, lol). And for those astute individuals who are just now noticing that those pieces look awfully familiar – a replica of these same
chess pieces was used in the Harry Potter Movies!
The answer to the question is that from a his-torical perspective (notice in most cases that history is from “his perspective not “hers”, just saying…) in the middle ages the Queen - in the game - begins to take on more power. There is no 100% ”for sure” reason to account for this change so it does make one wonder why the female (in the game of course) would have the most maneuverability.
My final answer. The Queen is the game changer. Not only does she protect the king, She (we females) think and respond in a manner that lends itself well to change. As our past shows. Through adversity and strife we still keep ‘keeping on’ don’t we. We just don’t give up!
I’m guessing that we ‘as women’ should be pretty proud of all of our ancestors. Proud of who and how we are, proud of overcoming some of our adversities to date and of course very capable of continuing on in the same path for the future of our children, our families, our people and our planet - therefore I say with hope and confidence - checkmate!
~
Thanks for the visit, I hope your week begins well for you,
~ Penny
catnipoflife
October 31, 2012 at 6:26 am
Love the game of chess…absolutely stimulating:>) My husband and I kept the chess board set up and played, played, played. I did not know the game very well so as we played I began to learn more and more about the actually strategy behind the game. He would beat me nearly every game and made the comment one day when I won that “he let me win!” Well, that just did not set very well so I studied his every move, even more so than my on. Aha! it paid off…I begin to win…and I won, and I won, and I won. Now, he doesn’t want to play any more:>( *sigh*
pennycoho
October 31, 2012 at 9:43 am
Yes, I understand exactly Sharla, it happened to me (same scenerio) with scrabble. In fact I believe he pushed the board off the table and said it wasn’t fun anymore! Yes of course, I won!
catnipoflife
October 31, 2012 at 10:12 am
Should we start over and let them win? LOL:>)
pennycoho
October 31, 2012 at 10:56 am
You know I’d say yes, but then it’s sorta’ like we’re patting them on the head for being good little boys, But then that kinda is the whole point of what the queen in the chess game does! Mother/partner/provider/supporter/protector etc. lol
catnipoflife
October 31, 2012 at 10:59 am
You are really just too cool, Penny:>) Sorry I have not visited all of your posts. Got to get this email under control…UGH!
pennycoho
October 31, 2012 at 8:51 pm
No worries, Sharla I’ve been dealing with similar things and real life everyday stuff, I like that we can connect whenever we can my friend. It is difficult to control the email thing, I so agree with that!
StetotheJ
October 29, 2012 at 10:27 am
Chess, fantastic, lovely pieces too. Haven’t had a game in years. There is so much history to it, and it is great how it really is a global game with endless fascination, it beats Cluedo hands down. I quite like women myself and add them to an awesome game, piece of literature and a cheesy film and you have me smiling all the way to comments box. By the way I read the post the whole way through because I am great.
pennycoho
October 29, 2012 at 10:28 am
Of course you’re great! I caught on to that right away!
StetotheJ
October 29, 2012 at 11:03 am
Happy face.
pennycoho
October 29, 2012 at 11:17 am
Yordie
October 29, 2012 at 7:39 am
Great post. I have wondered about the Queen in chess too. The Queen stands as a symbol that, hopefully, isn’t lost on those who play.
pennycoho
October 29, 2012 at 10:39 am
I believe the players recognize that the queen (more or less) rules the board, I think what get’s lost (consciously) Is that the queen apart from keeping an awareness (her minds eye so-to-speak) on all the other pieces is the one who is the main piece protecting the man (king)! Interesting that!
Yordie
October 30, 2012 at 5:45 am
It’s what women do, protect the man and try to keep him out of trouble. hehe
pennycoho
October 30, 2012 at 11:22 am
Too, too true my friend. More often than they realize (giggle) which is just as well me thinks!
elamany
October 29, 2012 at 5:11 am
this was so informative: the post the, thoughts, and the conversation you had with your friends…your thoughts about chess(one of my favorites even on the computer) is pretty new … and i go with what you think about the Queen … by the way, in the eastern world it is not > a queen it is >>>> the prime minister … !!!! it seemed ancestors needed no queens in such games, they though women always mess up things… what a petty? !!!!!
pennycoho
October 29, 2012 at 10:33 am
It is an interesting thing is it not? History and a game of strategy. You know the truth is I believe that men have a fear (to an extent) of women Amany. We think a little differently and for most part definitely with a wider scope that includes nurturing and understanding a situation before judging (not all women of course, but most I think!) Thanks for your comments my friend! Penny
elamany
October 29, 2012 at 1:19 pm
thanks for this reply, even the reply raises thoughts
thank you
pennycoho
October 29, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Your welcome, thinking is…a good thing for all of us!
elamany
October 29, 2012 at 1:30 pm
yes, of course, and that is a good thing about blogging exchange of ideas and thoughts … thank you for sharing
pennycoho
October 29, 2012 at 1:34 pm
You are welcome, thank you also!
dorysworld
October 29, 2012 at 12:55 am
I love chess and I love this chess set. It featured in the very excellent BBC Radio 4 series A History of the World in 100 objects. It’s available on podcast if you’re interested. This is the link http://www.bbc.co.uk/ahistoryoftheworld/objects/LcdERPxmQ_a2npYstOwVkA
pennycoho
October 29, 2012 at 10:25 am
Thanks Dory. I will absolute check this link out, I am fascinated by chess and it’s history also, again thank you my friend! Penny
thelastsongiheard
October 28, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Reminds me of the old adage… behind every great man is a great woman
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Ah Richard, yes indeed!
thelastsongiheard
October 28, 2012 at 7:33 pm
…which in turn reminds me of this song…
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 7:43 pm
Excellent to the 100th degree Richard!!!!!!
Penny
charliezero1.wordpress.com
October 28, 2012 at 6:30 pm
I never knew how to play chess. I hope someday someone can teach me how.
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 7:22 pm
I hope so too. It’s great fun, with lots of strategy involved. I think you would be a natural at it Charlie!
charliezero1.wordpress.com
October 28, 2012 at 7:24 pm
Only if someone were to teach me…and I put my whole focus on it, then I would be a pro.
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Yes I’m thinking you would be!
Roxie
October 28, 2012 at 6:01 pm
love it, checkmate! yes we women are the protectors!! lovely piece, Penny!
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Thanks Roxie. We are indeed! Somebody’s gotta’ do the job!
Carl D'Agostino
October 28, 2012 at 5:09 pm
You will enjoy my post April 13, 2011. I am familiar with this set. Adds a lot of intrigue and romance to the game. There was a time when the Roman Catholic Church outlawed to game and a ship was used to replace the bishop.
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 5:19 pm
Thanks Carl, I will check it out. Why am I not surprised re: history Roman Catholic Church … A ship, interesting!
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 7:36 pm
Carl you are an artist. Those pieces are amazing, absolutely stunning! Thank you for sharing thiswith me I am honored. Penny
valeriedavies
October 28, 2012 at 4:05 pm
Hello Penny – how interesting, I had the same set of chess pieces, and particularly love the frightened berserker! Had to have a chess board specially made to house the pieces since they’re so big.
I gave the whole set to my son a few years ago.
Your interpretation of the Queen’s role was fascinating, and yes… women have always held things together, haven’t they!.
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 5:17 pm
Yes we do! I’m glad you were able to pass the pieces and board along to your son Valerie. Both my daughter and son play and their children!
A good thing, learning strategy!
RoSy
October 28, 2012 at 2:19 pm
LOL – I always read all the way through.
If I was a queen on a chess game- I would be beheaded. I truly think I wouldn’t last being subservient to man back in those days.
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 5:15 pm
I would have been one of those hiding out in the woods like robin hood!
Alastair
October 28, 2012 at 1:49 pm
What an exquisite chess set. I saw this title come up on twitter, and had to stop posting my own photo of the day to read this. I love chess. (My own set – http://kattermonran.com/2012/04/05/a-photo-a-day-march/#jp-carousel-845 ) But, I digress. I was given a chess set for Christmas in 1980. This was a hand carved wooden Chess/Draughts set. I was very particular about this set. Unfortunately I left it somewhere that it is impossible for me to retrieve it from.
This set that you have, exactly the same one is on display in Dover Castle.
My view is that the King needs protecting, and who should do it best, but the one who knows him the most. The King is the ruler and (in the game of Chess) leads from the rear where everything can protect him. So the Queen, as second in command has the abilities of two of the other main pieces. Only the knights (being “Sir” and having their own commands) are exempt from the queen taking this as they have their own orders. The Bishop and the Rook come under immediate control of the Royalty. As such the lowly warriors, or pawns, try really hard to emulate their Queen so they can take the battle to the enemy in a greater way.
That’s my opinion anyway
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Your chess set is excellent, Alastair. Also your opinions. Good take. It is a mystery however re: the chess pieces origin. That of course fascinates me when you know that chess looks to date way way back to the middle east. Also right around the time of the making of these chess pieces the Vikings were exploring around the edges of what is now Afghanistan (Viking Runes have been found there), Also where the Celts were said to have hung out for awhile, like I said curiouser and curiouser. I love history, you may have noticed this!
Alastair
October 28, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Haha Can’t say as I noticed you like history
Yes it does seem odd that Chess dates way back then. Especially as they remind me of the … I can’t think of the name of them … the soldiers that were buried with one of the (I believe) Chinese rulers. Brain isn’t working working properly. I’ll probably remember the name after I have clicked the reply button.
I never knew that Viking Runes were found in Afghanistan. That is most interesting.
Alastair
October 28, 2012 at 2:14 pm
Told you … Terracotta Army
pennycoho
October 28, 2012 at 5:14 pm
Yes I’m guess that the ancient aliens probably brought the game when they visited thousands of years ago!
Alastair
October 28, 2012 at 11:19 pm
Haha that wouldn’t surprise me:-D