With swords, axes and shields, fighters go head-to-head in medieval combat world championship

SPØTTRUP, Denmark (AP) — With swords, axes and shields, competitors from 30 countries are going head-to-head in the grounds of a Danish fortress in a modern version of old-fashioned battle. First staged in Spain in 2014, it features armor-clad competitors fighting with 14th-century medieval weapons. “It’s historically inspired,” combat federation spokesperson Kamila Studencka said.

By JAMES BROOKS