Sporting The Isle Of Lewis Chess Set
More brutal then ice hockey, more dangerous then base jumping, more powerful then a peace treaty and more addictive then football…chess is no game. Officially recognised as an Olympic sport, chess champions are just as popular and sought after as any number of Wayne Rooneys or Frank Lampards when it comes to football. The Isle Of Lewis chess set serves as an endearing reminder as to how seriously this ancient game is taken…and just how popular it still is.
Chess truly is the sport of kings. Played for hundreds (some posit thousands) of years across the globe, it makes up a vital part of human sporting and gaming culture. The game has been adapted over the years – some history books state that the Queen was originally only able to move one space diagonally – but essentially remains the same as it was. The Isle of Lewis chess set is probably the most relevant source to use for the modern game as it is this that we are most familiar with. Even if you are not familiar with the name, you would instantly recognise the pieces. The Isle of Lewis chess set dates back to the 12th century and are named after the bay in which they were found. Despite turning up in Scotland, many scholars believe the pieces originated from Norway. The original set is owned by the British Museum with the remaining 11 pieces stored in the Museum of Edinburgh.
The set pieces are most fascinating with the Knights and Bishops being of particular prominence. Unlike modern sets, all the pieces (with the exception of the pawns) are made to resemble human figures. To the modern eye, the figures with their bulging eyes and glum – some might say terrified – expressions may seem comical. However when you think about the time they were made, these expressions were probably meant to represent strength and bravery. The Knight is regaled in a full suit of armour and has a spear in one hand a full shield on the other whilst mounted on a small horse. The Bishops have a look of utmost rage on their faces and when the original Isle of Lewis chess set was found, the pieces had red marks over some of them leading many to believe that the colours were white and red rather then the modern white and black.
The Isle of Lewis chess set is used all over the world; its fat medieval-looking pieces making a game instantly more striking to the observer. You can buy a set from retailers globally but few are able to reproduce and source quality pieces and boards. Your best bet is to do a little research before making payment as some stores say one thing and sell another. One of the companies that chess professionals use for their sets and equipment is the Regency Chess Company based in the UK. As an online retailer focussed on quality rather then quantity, Regency have been able to provide perfect Isle of Lewis chess set replicas in addition to the modern sets that most people play with everyday. Somewhat rarely for an online retailer, they also boast a showroom allowing customers to try first hand the sets before they make a purchase.
Chess may not seem like the most obvious sport in the world, but it is one of the oldest. Representing the violence inherent in the human condition, chess remains a savage reminder of the aggression and skill behind most sports. If there is any doubt behind the power of chess, The Isle of Lewis chess set is always there to remind us.
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