Jack Mungo, Award of the Orion, 2014

Let it be known, from lofty hall to furthest field,
The words of great King Steinarr of bright steel,
And Lydr, Queen, who bears the scarlet shield!
They would speak of this man who before them kneels:
    Speak of Jack who goes no more a-viking,
    Lest he our fierce justice goes inviting,
    Jack now raises hammer, and anvil-striking!

When sword-blades are brandished and shields are battered,
Spear-shafts splintered and mail links scatter,
When bright armour breaks and banners lie tattered,
Know well that our tall helms ne'er will shatter!
    For Jack, who goes no more a-viking,
    Lest he our fierce justice goes inviting,
    Forges helms with hammer, and anvil-striking!

Great skill has he shown with iron and steel,
Like Weland of old from Mimir, he is learning,
For his craft Weyland suffered - wounded in heel
So does this man fall afoul of earth, acid and burning,
    Poor Jack, who goes no more a-viking,
    Lest he our fierce justice goes inviting,
    May he survive to wield hammer, and anvil-striking!

Let none proclaim us like Niðung, of greed and pride,
False King who would make proud Weyland a slave!
Royal-blooded are we, and great bounty we provide!
To noble servant here - who is lordly, not knave:
    We give Jack, who goes no more a-viking,
    Lest he our fierce justice goes inviting,
    Award of Orion for anvil-striking!


Wording by Lord Dietrich von Sachsen

Pesha, Award of the Orion, 2014

From Siegfried King of Ealdormere and Ragni, Our kind and gracious Queen, unto all whom the present letters shall come, greeting.

Duty and privilege move Us to see that those who merit honor and recognition are rewarded for their efforts. Since those things which are done lapse with the passage of time, and unless they are corroborated by written testimony, will easily slip the memories of men, We wish it to be known to all people both now and in the future that We, by Our will, herby recognize Lady Pesha for her artistic endeavors including costuming and research. So it is that We agree and do We wish to recognize this talented lady with Our Award of the Orion and give her the right to wear the badge of the award Purpure, an Irish harp, on a bordure Or five mullets purpure.

But, so that it will not be terminated as long as Ealdormere prevails, We have also recorded these things in writing in order that no calumny may arise in the future, and in order that all doubt may be removed.

Wording by Adrielle Kerrec.

Mjoll Ulfsdottir, Award of the Orion, 2012

Who is this lady that comes before Us

Here in our lofty hall?

To stand before Edward, Wolf-strong King,

And Rylyn, North-wise Queen?

Called she Mjoll, Dottir of Ulf,

Water-born and Water-loved

Skilled with hands and leather-craft

And Jörð's bounty well fashioned.

Bearer is she of unsheathed axes,

Giver of shovels-sheathed.

Shaper of skins, and pelts prepared

For beauteous crafts to please the eye.

Drunk has she deep from Mead of Suttungr,

Odin’s gift of poetry to men;

With skald’s tongue and wisdom great

Does she great works of song and tale.

Know we well this Lady’s worth

And proclaim it thus in our high hall:

That Lady Mjoll, Dottir of Ulf,

Bear our will and favour forth.

Take upon thee this harp of gold

Bedecked in wine-deep stars

Orion’s harp, for all to hear,

Award we now for art and skill.

Done this 1st Day of September, AS 47,

As we sit our thrones at Baron's Howe.

Wording by Dietrich von Sachsen.

Tamsin Kitto, Award of the Orion, 2013

Many are held             in high esteem

Skald and poet                        foe-render and Viking

But none so high         as those who create

Tamsin Kitto is such a one      whip-corder, weaver,

Binder of naal             Vor knows her work

Called before thrones              knealing artisan

Before Nigel, Konungr           Adrielle, Drottning

Giver of minds-worth             she is bestowed

An Orion is given        with as many strings

As Tamsin has talents             while in Bryniau Tywynnog

At yuletide wassail                 on the last day of Frer-mánuðr

Forty-eight years         since Ymir was rended

And from his bones    was born the world

Words by THLaird Colyne Stewart, done in the style of Old Norse verse.

Beathan MacFinnon, Award of the Orion, 2013

NIGEL and ADRIELLE, by the Grace of Lady Ealdormere, King and Queen of Ealdormere, Earl and Countess of Arrochar, Protectors of the Far North, Wardens of Septentrialis, Ard Ri of Lacus Pentamerus and Lacus Ealdormearc, High Lord and Lady of Ardchreag, &c.

For as much as you, Beathan MacFinnon, are known for the construction of furniture, jewelry, banners, woodworking and calligraphy, and it was witness at the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire that you were chosen as the victor of the Queen’s Choice Prize, therefore it is but just and reasonable, that since you work so diligently, you should be rewarded for it. And We, being willing to honour and favour you for the reasons aforesaid: Our will is, that you, Beathan MacFinnon, after showing such expertise in the arts and sciences, be given Our Award of the Orion, and the right to bear the badge of the award without let or hindrance. And by this Our letter: We command Prince Siegfried and Princess Ragni, Our most beloved son and daughter, the Infants, Dukes, Prelates, Marquesses, Great Masters and Military Orders, Priors, Commendaries, our Counsellors, Judges, and other Officers of Justice whatsoever, belonging Courts, and Chancery, and Constables of Castles, Strong Houses, and others; and all Corporations, Bayliffs, Governours, Judges, Commanders, Sea Officers; and the Aldermen, Common Council, Officers, and Good People of all Cities, Lands, and Places in our Kingdoms and Dominions, as such in all respects, and give you all the perquisites and other things belonging and appertaining to the said award; and allow, and cause to be allowed you, all the honours, graces, concessions, prehaminences, prerogatives, immunities, and other things, or any of them which are due to you, by virtue of your achievements. We command our Chancellour, Heralds, and other Officers, to pass, seal, and deliver to you, Our Award, in such form and legal manner, as you shall require or stand in need of. And that none of them presume to do any thing to the contrary, upon pain of our displeasure, and forfeiture of 30 finfarthings for each offence. And We command him, who shall show them this Our Letter, that he summon them to appear before Us at our Court, where we shall then be, within fifteen days after such summons, under the said penalty. Under which same, We also command any Public Notary whatsoever, that he give to him that shows it him, a certificate under his seal, that we may know how our command is obeyed.

GIVEN at Bryniau Tywynnog, on the 30th of November, at Wassail, in the year of our Society, 48.-

Nigel, THE KING, Adrielle, THE QUEEN.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the Privileges and Prerogatives Granted by Their Catholic Majesties to Christopher Columbus : 1492

Evelyn atte Holye, Award of the Orion

Loving words have been spoken

Of one Lady Evelyn atte Holye

They tell of her skill in sewing,

Her grace in teaching, and her

True eye for colour and taste.

She sets her face towards all Arts

and lets Beauty be her guide.

Such work and service has not gone unnoticed,

And today We are pleased to honour her

Before all of Ealdormere.

Wherefore do We

King Trumbrand the Wanderer

And Queen Kaylah the Cheerful

Bestow upon you the Award of the Orion.

Enter into the joy of Our hearts.

Done this third day of November

Anno Societatis XXXXII

In Our Shire of Trinovantia Nova.

Wording, calligraphy and illumination by THL Asa Gormsdottir

Inspired by a 15^th century Spanish ms Add. 21,120

Konrad Matthias Jaeger, Award of the Orion

Mettle proved

In times of war

Ares’ son extends his realm

To peaceful fields

The watchful guardians

Long and lank

Who count the days of famine we are sent

Sure that the days of feasting shall reclaim

Their cousins

Very cradles of protection

Whatever Fortune’s turn

Soul of an army

We, Roak and Jocea

Have noted the skill

Of His Excellency

Master Sir Konrad Matthias Jaeger

In the construction of belts and boots

And other leatherwork

Here on Our Coronation Day,

We do bestow upon him

The Award of Orion

And all privileges thereto

Done this 25^th day of April

A.S. XLIII

In Our Barony of Ben Dunfirth

Wording, calligraphy and Illumination by THL Asa Gormsdottir

Based on the Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 725

Puns:

Sent / Sure = ceinture Fr. Belt

Turn / Soul = turnsole

Penda of Glyndmere, Award of the Orion

Silent hides to him do speak

Iron glows beneath his gaze

Trees bend before his will

We Nigel Rex and Adrielle Regina

Have noted the endeavours

Of Lord Penda of Glyndmere

In leather working, blacksmithing

And armouring.

For the skill he brings to this Kingdom

We do bestow upon him

The Award of the Orion

Done this 14^th day of November

Anno Societatis 44

At the Ealdormere Fall Fair

In Our canton of Bryniau Tywynnog.

Wording, calligraphy and illumination by THL Asa Gormsdottir

Motif based on 7^th century Irish metalwork (Hunterston and Tara annular brooches and Ardagh chalice)

Calligraphy hand based on the Lindisfarne Gospels (8^th century)

Sibylla of Glyndmere, Award of the Orion

Sight comes to those who seek

Strength woven of finest thread

A riddle from the sleepless leaf

Open hands with meat and bread

We Nigel Rex and Adrielle Regina

Have heard of the generous works

Of Lady Sibylla of Glyndmere

Creating feasts, weaving trim

And serving her barony.

For the skill she brings to this Kingdom

We do bestow upon her

The Award of the Orion

Done this 14^th day of November

Anno Societatis 44

At the Ealdormere Fall Fair

In Our canton of Bryniau Tywynnog.

Wording, calligraphy and illumination by THL Asa Gormsdottir

Motif based on 7^th century Irish metalwork (Hunterston and Tara annular brooches and Ardagh chalice)

Calligraphy hand based on the Lindisfarne Gospels (8^th century)

Aurik Burnsson, Award of the Orion, 2013

King Nigel and Queen Adrielle ruled the land that men now call Ealdormere. It is told that They gave to a smith, in return for his hard works, a hammer. This man was kin of the Skrael, he was named Aurik Burnsson. In the east of the land he laboured at his forge, digging in the earth a cooling trough. And from that time on the spot whence the land had been torn up is called Dows Lake, and the sparks from his forge shine in the heavens. Thus says Colyne, the ancient skald:

Aurik drew from Nigel | gladly the steel-slayer beveled,

Til from the labours hard | water boiled, to Skrael’s increase;

The smith made, moreover, | heaven-eyes that shine,

O’er the forge’s wide: booty | and renown in the smithing.

And so did Nigel and Adrielle, impressed with the work of their servant Aurik, give to him the Award of the Orion not only for his skill at the smithy, but also with the needle and the quill. This was done on the Feast of St. Othmar in the Canton of Ardchreag at the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Faire in Anno Societatus 48.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the opening of Gylfaginning, from The Prose Edda of Snorri Sturlson [13^th c.], translated by Arthur Gilchrist Brodeur [1916] http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/pre/

King Gylfi ruled the land that men now call Sweden. It is told of him that he gave to a wandering woman, in return for her merry-making, a plow-land in his realm, as much as four oxen might turn up in a day and a night. But this woman was of the kin of the Æsir; she was named Gefjun. She took from the north, out of Jötunheim, four oxen which were the soils of a certain giant and, herself, and set them before the plow. And the plow cut so wide and so deep that it loosened up the land; and the oxen drew the land out into the sea and to the westward, and stopped in a certain sound. There Gefjun set the land, and gave it a name, calling it Selund. And from that time on, the spot whence the land had been torn up is water: it is now called the Lögr in Sweden; and bays lie in that lake even as the headlands in Selund. Thus says Bragi, the ancient skald:

Gefjun drew from Gylfi | gladly the wave-trove's free-hold,
Till from the running beasts | sweat reeked, to Denmark's increase;
The oxen bore, moreover, | eight eyes, gleaming brow-lights,
O'er the field's wide: booty, | and four heads in their plowing.

Ailis de la Marche, Award of the Orion, 2013

Out of the sweetness of the Marche,

‘Mongst the leaves, ‘neath the larch,

A trouvere raises up her voice,

Forming the verse of her new song,

Words of her home to cause rejoice,

For that for which she most does long.

From finest sweetest place We see

From where We sit as Royalty,

Ailis de la Marche refrain,

Praising northland noble deeds,

Singing once and then again,

Laying sweetest word-fame seeds.

So Adrielle and Nigel king,

To recognize how well she sings,

An Orion we bestow on her,

At Kingdom A&S, Our writ,

On the sixteenth of November,

While in Ardchreag We sit.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on “Ab la dolchor del temps novel” by Guillaume de Poitiers (1071-1127), Translated by A. S. Kline © 2009, http://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/French/FromDawnToDawn.htm

Out of the sweetness of the spring,

The branches leaf, the small birds sing,

Each one chanting in its own speech,

Forming the verse of its new song,

Then is it good a man should reach

For that for which he most does long.

From finest sweetest place I see

No messenger, no word for me,

So my heart can’t laugh or rest,

And I don’t dare try my hand,

Until I know, and can attest,

That all things are as I demand.

This love of ours it seems to be

Like a twig on a hawthorn tree

That on the tree trembles there

All night, in rain and frost it grieves,

Till morning, when the rays appear

Among the branches and the leaves.

So the memory of that dawn to me

When we ended our hostility,

And a most precious gift she gave,

Her loving friendship and her ring:

Let me live long enough, I pray,

Beneath her cloak my hand to bring.

I’ve no fear that tongues too free

Might part me from Sweet Company,

I know with words how they can stray

In gossip, yet that’s a fact of life:

No matter if others boast of love,

We have the loaf, we have the knife!

Gina Dragoni, Award of the Orion, 2013

Eternal omnipotent Majesties, in whom the sole hope of the realm is,

Of Ealdormere in the Heavens are thou, our Protector:

Consider, we pray Thee, Thy people, one in particular,

Look at her works lest You be denied the sight of this artisan’s works;

There where Athena commands, Gina creates clothing

Of the most resplendent quality.

O most beneficent rulers, may’st Thou graciously please to ordain her

That, through the records of heralds and scribes,

And through the realms of the Society, her work will be known,

By granting her Your Award of the Orion.

We hear your words and swear it will be done,

An Orion to Gina is given, where the Hare Feasts this day,

In Our Canton of Caldrithig, where all the people have gathered.

Thus We do, in our Society’s forty-eighth year,

On the feast day of St. Victorinus.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on The Golden Bull of the Emperor Charles IV 1356 A.D.

">Ruckinge, Kent.

Kaðlín of Harrowgate Heath, Award of the Orion, 2013

In the name of Ealdormere, in the year of the incarnation of our society forty-eight, with the consent of Nigel king, I Adrielle queen, give Kaðlín of Harrowgate Heath an Award of the Orion in recognition of her skills at word turning, sewing, nalbinding, carving and tablet weaving. And let her bear the badge of the award, without let or hindrance. Anyone who shows such presumption will be brought before Us. For this reason do We set Our hand and seal this second day of November at Feast of the Hare in Our Canton of Caldrithig.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on A.D. 805. Cuthred, king of Kent, to Ealdberht, his minister, and Selethryth, abbess; grant of 2 sulungs (aratra) at Ruckinge, Kent.

Orla O'shannahan, Award of the Orion, 2013

1. In the first place the king Nigel and his queen Adrielle, by thee counsel of all his barons, for the preservation of peace and the observing of justice, has decreed that an inquest shall be made throughout the separate counties, and throughout the separate hundreds, through twelve of the more lawful men of the hundred, and through four of the more lawful men of each township, upon oath that they will speak the truth: whether in their hundred or in their township there be any person who, since the lord king has been king, has not been recognized for their skill in the arts and sciences.

2. And in the case of a person who has not been recognized for their skill, they will be so recognized.

3. And let it be known that the barons and lawful men having named such a person, will have that person so recognized.

4. And further let is be known that such a person is Orla O’shannahan who was shown great aptitude in the fields of jewelry making, metal smithing, dancing, fiber arts, vinting, and weaving.

5. The lord king and queen therefore wish to bestow upon Orla O’shannahan an Award of the Orion.

6. And let it be recorded that such was done on the Feast Day of St. Alfred the Great, in the Shire of Trinovantia Nova, at Crown Tournament, in the year AS48.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart, based on the Assize of Clarendon, 1166.

Ealdormere Award of the Orion Wording

Proclaim throughout the realm that We, [Consort], [Queen/King] of Ealdormere and [Patron(ess)] of the Arts and Sciences, and [Sovereign], Our [King/Queen] by right of arms, are right mindful of the skills in which [recipient] has displayed in [details of reasons for award]. Therefore do We wish to recognize [him/her] with Our Award of the Orion and give [him/her] the right to wear the badge of the award. Done by Our hands and seal this [day] of [month], anno societatis [year], while sitting on Our thrones in Our [group hosting event], at [event].

[Source: Ealdormere Scribal College]

Ysabeau D’Comport, Award of the Orion, Pennsic 2013

TO ALL AND SINGULAR as well Nobles and Gentles as others to whom these presents shall come from Trumbrand and Kaylah, King and Queen of the realm of Ealdormere, that stretches from Lacus Ealdormearc in the South to the reaches of the Far North, and from Lacus Pentamerus in the West to the borders of the Kingdom of the East, send greetings in our Grace everlasting.

WHEREAS anciently from the beginning the valiant and virtuous acts of worthy persons have been commended to the world with sundry monuments and remembrances of their good deserts. Amongst these stands the Award of the Orion, which was devised in the beginning to recognize the skill of artisans.

AND being deserved, Ysabeau D’Comport, in the region of the Rising Waters, is hereby so recognized for her skill in the research of clothing and the culinary arts and granted said Award of the Orion.

IN WITNESS WHEROF We Trumbrand and Kaylah have set hereunto Our hand, and seal, this [ ] day of [ ] in the year of the Society [ ], while sitting our Thrones at the Pennsic War.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart. Based on a Hungarian Award of Arms from 1578.

Avelyn of the Hedge. Award of the Orion, 2012

Many and worthy are the deeds that We, Rylyn, Queen of Ealdormere and Patroness of the Arts and Sciences, and Edward, Our King by right of arms, recognize when sitting in Our courts. These deeds are documented with Royal Seal upon illuminations of great beauty and elegance. Without the labour of the scribes who craft these documents the glory we recognize would not shine so bright.

Therefore, proclaim throughout the realm that We are right mindful of the skills in which Avelyn of the Hedge has displayed in the scribal arts and so do We wish to recognize her with Our Award of the Orion and give her the right to wear the badge of the award. Done by Our hands and seal this 1st of September, anno societatis XLVII, while sitting on Our thrones in Our Shire of Brennistein Vatn, at Baron’s Howe.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart.

Bealdgar Thorbeornsson, Award of the Orion, 2012

Sure glad wood-shaper maketh

More skilled than any other;

O Tree amid Earth’s tree

Look at what he makes of thee!

No wood-shaper so adept is

That he may win look from me:

One man is so able,

And well beloved is he.

Proclaim throughout the realm that We, Rylyn, Queen of Ealdormere and Patroness of the Arts and Sciences, and Edward, Our King by right of arms, are right mindful of the skills in which Bealdgar Thorbeornsson has displayed in the art of wood-turning. Therefore do We wish to recognize him with Our Award of the Orion and give him the right to wear the badge of the award. Done by Our hands and seal this 25th day of August, anno societatis XLVII, while sitting on Our thrones in Our Canton of Bryniau Tywynnog, at Middle Ages on the Green.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart. Based on Olof Sunbeam’s song from The Saga of Viglund the Fair, 1901, English, transl. William Morris and Eiríkr Magnússon, from the original 'Víglundar saga', 10th or 11th century.

Dietrich von Sachsen, Award of the Orion, 2012

From the most Regal and Lordly, King Edward and Queen Rylyn, by might of arms Monarchs of the Lupine Kingdom of Ealdormere, send greetings to all gathered here that they may hear word of praise for a worthy Son of the North.

Good people, we know from the chronicles and books of the ancients that our kingdom has long been known as the Land That Sings. Our bards, scalds and scops have journeyed across the Inland Seas, all over the Known World, spreading word fame of Our kingdom and Our glorious peoples. Many are the blessings we have gifted to those who so strive to increase Our fame.

There is one bard in particular, gifted in wit and jest, whose accomplishments have not yet been so recognized. With passion and zeal he has taken on the appointment as the Bard of Ramshaven, and with great spirit he has challenged other bards to revive our tradition of bardic excellence. More over, it has reached Our ears that he is gifted in the arts of sewing, having learned to craft his own braes at the Cloth of Gold.

Therefore it is, that we, King Edward and Queen Rylyn, with all sincerity and goodness, do bestow upon Dietrich von Sachsen an Award of the Orion.

Given at the Canton of Bryniau Tywynnog in Ealdormere, at Middle Ages on the Green, on the 25th day of the month of August in the year of the society forty-seven.

By THLaird Colyne Stewart. Based on the Decloration of Arbroath, 1320.