Mike Smith...

Mike Smith joined the Miklagard garrison of the New Varangian Guard in 2007.  His interest lies in the turbulent times of King Olav Haraldsson who ruled Norway until his death in 1030.  Mike has travelled to Norway and trudged the 650km from Olso to Trondheim, following the ancient walking paths up the valleys and over the highlands to King Olav's seat at Nidaros.

Mike acted the part of a soldier in the King's army on stage in Norway last year.  He's the first foreigner to do so in the annual drama "Spelet Om Heilig Olav", held at the Stiklestad National Cultural Centre in Norway.

Currently he's learning the finer points of surviving the repeated bashings handed out by younger members of the NVG.