Gripen: Early 1500's - Ambush by Swedish militia (28mm Diorama)

My 2nd diorama, created in 2021.

It represents an ambush by Swedish peasent militia on Danish and German Landsknecht mercenaries, sometime in the early 1500's.

During the turbulent years of Swedish and Danish conflicts in the late middle ages, the Swedish monarchs were known to mobilize troops from the province of Dalarna, located in the middle of Sweden. The term ''Dalkarlar'' is widely known and can best be translated as ''Dalesmen'' or ''men from the Dales/Hills''. They were described as hardy folk who took part in many conflicts and battles, but also rebelled against the crown a few times.

The figures are in 28mm and a mixture of different brands, mostly Perry Miniatures - Wars of the Roses, Steelfist Miniatures - Landsknecht and Warlord Games – Landsknecht. I even used some legs from Perry's American Civil War range.

To get the correct look for the Swedes, I had to mix and cut alot of different bits and pieces. Some parts such as beards and trousers I had to sculpt myself with ''green stuff''.

The fantastic trees are made by Robert Benasiewicz. Visit his website here: https://drzewamodelarstwo.pl/en/

What characterized the Swedish militia during the early 16th century were the wide woolen trousers and shirts in natural colors. Old inherited helmets and equipment. Water-canteens and bags are also some details that you can notice. Their main weapon was the crossbow, which was used with deadly precision. A kind of spear was also used, unique to Sweden at this time, which was called a "staff-sword" or a "sword-spear". I have also tried to recreate those, with bits from old Warhammer Empire swords.

The tactic used by the Swedes was to construct so-called "bråten" in the event of an attack in the deep, dark forests. They felled trees directly on the enemy, and on the paths in front and behind, so that they could not get out. Then they harazed them with arrows.

However, the heavily equipped and professional German Landsknechts in Danish service were not to be trifled with. In the open field, they were far superior with their long pikes, halberds and arquebuses. They also used the gigantic and dreaded two-handed sword, which was called "Zweihänder".

Though, the colorful clothes were not so suitable in the woods, where they could easily be seen, and the awkward pikes just got in the way.

In that case, it was probably better to be a Swedish militiaman, lightly equipped with a crossbow and camouflage-like clothing! :)

Here is a link to a very good page in Swedish, that I took a lot of inspiration from: http://svenskbondesoldat.blogspot.com/2011/

Paul Dolnstein's illustrations have also been helpful. He created them when he was serving as a Landsknecht in the Danish army. It is the best source, as far as I know, that we have today on what the Swedish militia looked like!

At the end there are several pictures that have given me inspiration.