The Vikings were a cunning lot, but even they did not have the foresight to trademark their festival names.

Centuries after Vapnatak - their word for a shake of the spears - disappeared from common usage, a battle has begun over the term's ownership.

York War Games Society has attacked Vapnatak, Jorvik Viking Centre's Bank Holiday celebration. The society previously used its own variation, Vapnartak, for an event in the city.

As the war gamers and Viking warriors debate semantics, we can all reflect on how much more civilised life is nowadays.

see NEWS 'Festival name clash starts a war of Viking words'

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