Friday 9 November 2018

Shahid al-Hasan, Court Barony, 2018


Do not ask Evander for poems of light praise
Nor Marioun for paeans of the unworthy
This fair work, this pearl of wisdom,
From the mouth and mind of the lords of wolves
Is one tale of justice done
Oh Northland, make us acquainted with Shahid!
For one moment make us not separated from his dignity!

What need the land of worthy men?
In Shahid’s hand his sword, my pen.

Wolves, do not fear for honoured  man
This white rose of trillium gardens
Champion in the field of war
Adorn upon his brow a pearl’d band
To Their court they claim him, baron,
In Caldrithig, safar five and twenty,
Three and fifty as we count the Jāmiʿah

What need the land of worthy men?
In Shahid’s hand his sword, my pen.


Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based upon the poetry of the 16th century Turkish poets Fuzûlî and Yahya bey Dukagjini, and a quote regarding the 16th century poet Riyazi  by Ziya Pasha (an 18th century writer, translator and administrator).

Court Barony, Catherine of Townsend, 2018


Evander & Marioun, by the grace of the North, King & Queene of Ealdormere, to all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting.

Know ye that of our especiall grace, certaine science and meere motion, we have given and granted, and by these presents for us, our heires and successours, doe give and graunt to our trustie and welbeloved servaunt Catherin of Townsend a corounet of silver adorned with six perles and declare her to be a Baronnesse of our Court. Provided alwayes, and our will and pleasure is, and wee doe hereby declare to all that this noble came to us by the Seas thither, voyaged from the country of the lion with two tailes, and did improve this our lupine reaulme by her very presence.

And forasmuch, as upon the finding out, if in our land, or in any remote countreys and territories, any should challenge OUR word, they shall attaine great Paine and peril: and that upon such injurie, wee, our heires or successours shall make open proclamation that those who challenge our word shall be out of our protection and allegiance, and free for all princes and others to pursue with hostilitie as being not our Subjects, nor by us any way to be advowed, maintained or defended, nor to be holden as any of ours, nor to our protection, dominion or allegiance any way belonging, for that expresse mention, &c.

In witnesse whereof, &c. Witnesse ourselfe at Caldrithig the 3, day of November, the third month of our raigne. Anno Soc 53
.
PER IPSAM REGINAM, &C.



Wording by Maister Colyne Stewart, based on Letters Patent to Sir Humfrey Gylberte June 11, 1578. http://avalon.law.yale.edu/16th_century/humfrey.asp

Tuesday 6 November 2018

Friend of the Hare Award for the Barony of L’Île du Dragon Dormant, 2018

To all those present and to come to whom these presents shall come, and in particular our noble and worthy cousins to the east, the Baronesses Jeanne and Genovefa of L’Île du Dragon Dormant, from their humble and loving cousins, Avelyn and Dafydd of Skraeling Althing, warmest greetings and affection.
It has long been known, recognized, and understood the depth and strength of the bonds that connect the land of the Hare with that of the Dragon Dormant, even before the latter was given the honour of the baronial coronet. Though divided by geography and the occasional armed conflict, Our two baronies have long been united through the shared history and tradition of hospitality, given freely and warmly throughout the years.
Indeed, though your fighters have long proven worthy adversaries to the armies of the Hare, your merchants – who do business and trade under the auspices of Saint Hubert – have long received Us and Our subjects and kept Us rich in wool and linen. Through it all, you, your subjects, and your ancestors have stood as Our allies, Our friends, Our most frequent visitors.
Noble cousins of the Citie of Islands: we would share not only the great river of Saint Laurent that runs through both our lands, but the bounty of our friendship. To that end, from this, the first day of Our tenure on the High Seats of Skraeling Althing, who have it proclaimed throughout our host, that we recognize The Barony of L’Île du Dragon Dormant as a Friend of the Hare. Let this friendship be remembered through all the years, and by all peoples!
Done on the Feast of St. Domnus of Vienne, in our Hall at Feast of the Hare, in the 53rd Year of the Society.
Laissez-nous serrer les mains ensemble; pour ce on se souvient:
Que l'on soit un Dragon ou un Lièvre, l’honneur reconnaît le sien.*

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen.
*(Let us clasp hands together; for this we remember:)
(Be thee a Dragon or a Hare, honor recognizes its own.)

Jonas of Skraeling Althing, Award of Arms, 2018

In the name of Evander and Marioun the Compassionate, The Merciful
Praise be to the sovereigns, Lord and Lady of the North, and blessing and peace eternal upon their line, our masters Evander and Marioun.
The annals of former generations are lessons to the living: a man may look back on the fortunes of his predecessors and be admonished; and contemplate the history of past ages and be purged of folly. Glory to Him who has made the heritage of antiquity a guide for our own time!
Know then, Commander of the Faithful, that there is one amongst the subjects of the North who made the glory of the past his own; for he has studied ancient books of the most eminent tutors, and perused the writings of the martial traditions of the Kings of Persia and India. In so mastering the lore of the sabre and excelling in the arts martial, that his fame has spread far and wide as a student of defence; and he has become renowned in his home province of Skraeling Althing.
When the King and Queen of Ealdormere heard tell of this man, they requested him to attend their court. And so it was on the 25th day of Safar, in the 53rd year, that they spake unto Jonas of Skraeling Althing – for such was he named – and began repeating these couplets:
                All who come before our thrones, know of what we do proclaim!
Let not one vassal, woman or man, this our mighty word defame
For wonderful is he and right worthy of our praise
And of our Scarlet Banner, Jonas’ honour we do name.

Wording by TH Lord Dietrich von Sachsen, based on the dedication and poetry of A Thousand and One Nights.

Tuesday 11 September 2018

Laurenz Tonnemacher, Award of the Maiden's Heart, 2018

In the year quinquaginta tria, on the eighth day of September, in the presence of the revered baron and baroness of Septentria, their majesties Baldric by right of arms high king of Ealdormere, and Breyla, High Queen by virtue of inspiration, and of their heirs, and that of their chamberlain, and that of Trillium Herald, present in person, sitting in judgement.

Singly and with others, the honourable lord Laurenz Tonnemacher of Skraeling Althing, has undertaken a firm, free and unconstrained obligation unto our commissariat, effectually guaranteeing it with himself and his property. This solemn obligation has been received, and reciprocated, by the lady Ilsebet Jeghersche, the lady commissar, and by the undersigned notaries, on behalf and in the name of our sovereigns’ commissariat.

The honourable lord has properly ensured in the lands under contention between the East and Middle kingdoms, at his own expense, cost, and outlay, and in accordance with requirements and custom, saw to it that sound and adequate tent poles, and sound and adequate deployment for each tent pole, under the supervision and command of the lady commissar, were provided to ensure that our sovereign’s commissariat was provided proper shelter and supply.

It has also been agreed that the honourable lord has provided retinues, scribes, and other suitable officials in each and every place of the said contentious lands, and ensured that accurate maps were provided to their majesties’ captains and their aides-de-camp, for several years counting or starting from the first day, as pleases the sovereigns and their commanders.

And thus on behalf of the sovereigns, the High King and High Queen, in the presence and with the consent of their councillors, the crown solemnly promises and agrees to grant, make over and assign, in good faith and without fraud, for each of these services, as stated above, the Award of the Maiden’s Heart, to be proclaimed throughout their demesne.

It was also agreed between the said parties, the intention that the sovereigns would continue to honour and reward further service of the honourable lord, which they will exercise according to custom in such matters. Concerning each and all of these deeds, the High King and Queen, their heirs, and the councillors of the realm asked of us, the below-named notaries, to draw up public instruments in accordance with the counsel of the wise, but with no alteration to the substance of the meaning. This was done in Eoforwic, whereof we have placed our hand and seal.

 Based on the 1334 Naval Contract from the Papacy against the Turks. Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen..

Gwendolyn of Aldburg, Order of Thorbjorn's Hammer, 2018

… Then it was like old times in that echoing hall,
Proud talk and the people happy,
Loud and excited; until soon enough
The crown did pass from one to another;
Kings came and went; Baldric now ruled from that storied place
Golden band upon his brow; beside him sat wolf-wise
Breyla, Queen of the North. And ever at their side,
Bold Gwendolyn, Horse-Lady of Aldburg, stood in defence
Of her Ring-Giver and her oaths. Her mail-shirt glinted,
Hard and hand-linked; the high-gloss iron
Of her armour, no doubt had rung upon the anvil
When the smith stuck with hammer.

Time went by; and thus it was that Gwendolyn was
Called to saddle her mare and ride to the lands where
Winter’s breath was rarely known. The sun dazzled on that
Field of Ravens where her Ring-Giver did battle. So she duly arrived
In her joyous war-graith and gear and stacked her wide shield
Of the toughest hardwood amidst the wall,
Then charged upon the enemy; battle-dress
And weapons clashed. At day's end she collected the spears
Of those retainers of the Middle King she had slain in a seafarer’s stook,
A stand of greyish tapering ash. Over fifty shafts were the proof
Of this hero’s prowess; neither thane nor thrall could stand before her
When her blade stuck like a hammer.

The war-bands returned home. Gwendolyn sat on the benches,
First oarswoman to her thane, Varenko of the Rus. Thus they arrived
Unto to a great feast in the lands of the Bear-Folk, where Baldric spake:
“Be acclaimed for strength, dear Gwendolyn; and
Delight in this weapon from Our armoury; may you prosper with it!
You have won renown: you are known to all men
Far and near, now and forever. So, my lady,
I wish you a lifetime’s luck and blessings
To enjoy this treasure. As it was when that great
Prince Osis reigned, so here each companion is true to the other,
Loyal to lord, loving in spirit.” Gwendolyn raised aloft that storied
Weapon; and bore Thorbjorn’s Hammer.

 Done on this 8th day of September, AS. 53, as we celebrate Feast of the Bear.


Wording by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

Tanegashima Hiromoto, Award of Arms, 2018

The hot sun rises
Over Iwashimizu;
Hachiman’s temple.
Baldric and Breyla, mighty
Imperial sovereigns
Summon before them
A loyal bushi; name him
Tanegashima
Hiromoto: Twin arrows
Crossed atop a turtle’s shell.
Veteran of war
Trainer of Ashigaru
He serves and is served.
Sews the seeds of future
And of victories to come.
Tanegashima
Bushi of southern islands:
Service is honoured.
Our court recognizes you;
Know now your worth as tono.

Done this 7th day of Summer, in the 53rd Year of the Society, by our decree.

NOTES:
Composed as a renga (連歌) format of poetry.
"The hot sun rises" is a kigo (季語, "seasonal word") for summer.
Iwashimzu Shrine is dedicated to Hachiman, the the syncretic divinity of archery and war; this, along with the crossed arrows on the turtle's shell, is a reference to Hiromoto's heraldry.
Sewing the Seeds of the Future and Southern Island is a reference to the literal translation of Tanegashima.

Wording by Akashi Terumoto.

Tanegashima Masako, Award of Arms, 2018

The time of blooming;
Wild orange blossoms
Erupt like gunfire
Baldric, our great Ten’nō
Derives counsel from Breyla
His noble Kōgō.
In humility
Now kneels Tanegashima
Masako; who gave
Herself unto bushido.
In battle, fear flees her mind;
Punishes her enemies
And those of her lord.
As she raises up others
So shall we elevate her.
Tanegashima
Seed of the Southern Islands
Onna-bugeisha
Rise and take up your station,
As a hine of our court.

Done this 7th day of Summer, in the 53rd Year of the Society, by our decree.

NOTES:
Composed as a renga (連歌) format of poetry.
"Wild Orange Blossom" is a kigo (季語, "seasonal word") for summer, refering to the flowering that occurs in early summer.
"like Gunfire": Tanegashima is a name for a Japanese arquebus, and a play on her name.
"Seed of Southern Island": Another play on the literal meaning of Tanegashima, "Southern Seed Island"
"Onna-Bugeisha" is a female samurai.

Wording by TH Lord Akashi Terumoto

Monday 9 July 2018

John Spooner, Award of Arms

Based of an English Patent of Arms, by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

To all Present and to come who shall these present letters see or hear, Quillium the King by Right of Arms of This Kingdom of Ealdormere, and Tangystle the Queen, greetings and love with humble recommendation.

Equity, will, and right ordains that virtuous men and noble undertakings be by their merits and renown rewarded; and not only their persons in this mortal life but so all after them know of the esteem We place upon them. Thus unto this end do we, King and Queen aforesaid, who by common renown and the testimony of others, have been well-reported and informed that John Spooner has well-pursued the woodworkers' art and so enriched our demesne.

Henceforth let him in all places be acknowledged and counted amongst the company of the lords of the realm with this Award of Arms. In testimony whereof we have set out hand and seal, on the 10th day of June, Anno Societatis LII.

Bera, Award of the Maiden's Heart

Droekvett poetry, by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

Stalwart Baldric, staunchly
Standing with grand Breyla:
Bera - Heralds hail her –
Harken unto throne-voice.

Rising Waters' wright of
written webs; our officer;
 From potter's wheel, wellspring:
Well she serves her sovereign.

Thoughtful, patient pupil
Pen awakens on parchment.
Greater hath she grown; to
Grasp the cusp of knowledge.

Breaker-of-Rings brings
the bright heart of Maiden
Of Bernadette to Bera:
Bear this honour always.

Done this 12th day of the year Anno Societas LIII, as we sit our Thrones in the Barony of Rising Waters and preside over the Tournament of Lady Mary.

Shimazu Nobuhisa, Award of Arms

Chōka (長歌, "Long Poem") which is a form of Japanese waka 和歌, by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

The Summer King Reigns;
Baldric-ten’nō, with glory
And Breyla, kōgō
Before them kneels a hikan
Of far Kyushu:
Shimazu Nobuhisa
Weathers storms of swords
As harbour on an island
Masters the seasons
Bountiful dishes always
Served with joyful heart.
Mikado says to you, Rise
Take your station as Lord.

Done this 7th day of Summer, in the 53rd Year of the Society, by our decree.

Bjarn Aaronson, Award of Orion

Droekvett poetry. by THL Dietrich von Sachsen

Worthy northrealm noble,
Norns call him Bjarn; kneels he
In Baldric’s hall – heroes’
Hearth, worthy of Breyla.

Kin is he to canvas
Colours he well controls
Boldly his shield showing
Shapely painted sentry.

Arbiter – our artists
Gain unbiased judgement
Students he taught tell of
Time and effort offered.

Honoured son of Aaron!
Of Orion order
Of harp and stars; stand ye
Strong – your King thus commands.

Done this 30th Day of June in the
53rd Year of the Society,
whereof we have set our
hands and seal.
 

Aleksandr Bergsson, Award of Arms

By THL Dietrich von Sachsen

Harken now, and hear / Halls of the North!
The skalds proclaim / Skillful is he
Who hefts the hammer and / holds it aloft
Who weaves and wefts / like Norms with wool.

Aleksandr, born / son of Bergr
Serves his gothi / good this bondsman
Hand-bloodied for wood; / axe-wound now heal'd
The hour is here / to honour his deeds.

Regin bless'd richly / Northrealm rulers
Edward the King / Queen Rylyn beside
Such learned labours / Lord we name him!
Award of Arms / eternal fame.

Saturday 24 March 2018

Gannicus the Hibernian, Award of Orion, 2018


By Maister Colyne Stewart, March AS 52 (2018)

The hammer rings on anvil’s head,
The steel wed in Credne’s clamor,
Smith, Gannicus, gives of his art,
Generous heart, the Crown thinks thus:

To Goibniu’s son, give gift,
Herald, swift, Lén’s star pearls strew,
Glad Orion’s belt gird him,
Strong of limb, honour well won.

Rylan, Edward, rich royals,
Loyal, of Mac Cuill sure scions,
In Ben Dunfirth done on feast
Of priest McCartan, bless’d birth

In year two and fifty thus,
For Gannicus, lords of tree,
Make note his deeds and sing sure,
Endure his name, give true troat.


Written as a casbairdne, an early Irish poetic form. Casbairdne were quatrains with seven syllable lines. Lines two and four rhymed, while one and three should have consonance with them (I did not adhere strongly to the consonance in this poem). Each couplet (set of two lines) had to employ cross-rhyme (where a word in the first half of the line rhymed with the last word in the other line in the couplet). Two words per line had to alliterate; in the final line of the quatrain the alliteration had to be between the last syllable and the previous stressed syllable. The poem ended with dunadh, which usually meant the last word of the poem had to be the same as the first, or it had to alliterate or rhyme with the first. (Sometimes dunadh also referred to chain rhyme).

Below is a copy of the poem with footnotes. Alliterated words have the first letter shown in bold, while rhymed syllables are shown in italics. 

The hammer rings on anvil’s head,
The steel wed in Credne[1]’s clamor,
Smith, Gannicus, gives of his art,
Generous heart, the Crown thinks thus:

To Goibniu[2]’s son, give gift,
Herald, swift, Lén[3]’s star pearls strew,
Glad Orion’s belt gird him,
Strong of limb, honour well won.

Rylan, Edward, rich royals,
Loyal, of Mac Cuill[4] sure scions,
In Ben Dunfirth done on feast
Of priest McCartan,[5] bless’d birth

In year two and fifty[6] thus,
For Gannicus, lords of tree[7],
Make note his deeds and sing sure,
Endure his name, give true troat[8].



[1] A smith of the Tuatha Dé Danaan of Irish mythology; one of the three gods of art.
[2] Another smith of the Tuatha Dé Danaan; Credne’s brother; also one of the three gods of art
[3] Lén was a fairy craftsman who, every night, flung his anvil at a nearby hill, causing pearls to shower from said anvil.
[4] A former High King of Ireland.
[5] The feast of Saint McCartan (also known as Mac Cairthinn of Clogher) is on March 24.
[6] Anno Societatis 52.
[7] A reference to the druids, who also acted as bards and recorders of history.
[8] A loud call, usually used to refer to those made by an animal trying to attract another.