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The
Quercus
Newsletter of the Oaken Region
of the Middle Kingdom
4th Quarter
October –December 2010
Latinfor “Oak”
Latin for “Oak”
Quercus Page 1
Fourth Quarter - Oct.-Dec. 2010 Newsletter of the Oaken Region
Cover Art by Sgt. Magrat, graphic art in headers, footers, and flags on pgs. 1-24 by Her Grace Sabine de Rouen. Photo on pg. 6 by Lady Muirne, Clipart on pgs 8-11 from www.classroomclipart.com, on page 15& 19 from Microsoft
Clipart.
This is the 4th Quarter/Oct.-Dec. 2010 issue of the Quercus, the official quarterly newsletter of the region of Oaken. Oaken is a
branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism, (SCA, Inc.)The Quercus is available from Ann-Marie Small 807 Wilfred Ave. Day-ton, Ohio 45410. It is not a corporate publication of SCA, Inc. and does not delineate SCA, Inc. policies. "Copyright © 2010 Society
for Creative Anachronism, Inc. For information on reprinting pho-tographs, articles, or artwork from this publication, please contact
the Oaken Chronicler, who will assist you in contacting the original creator of the piece. Please respect the legal rights of our contribu-tors. All content is used by permission from the officer, artist, or author. Per-
mission to Publish is on file.
Submissions for the Jan.-March issue of the Quercus are due Dec. 5th, 2010. Please send your educational or entertaining articles, officer letters, artwork, photographs, class handouts, and “How To” guides for subject pertaining to our SCA lives.
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Quercus Page 23
Special Halloween Dress
Quercus Page 2
Table of Contents
Publication Information Page 1
Table of Contents Page 2
Oaken Calendar July-September 2010 Page 2
Oaken Region Officer Contact Information Page 3 & 4
Their Royal Majesties Command into their Presence Page 5&6
The First Crusade Page 7-11
I Thought I Needed a Background Check Page 12-14
Anglo-Saxon Heroic Virtues Page 15-18
Children’s Corner Page 19-23
Oaken Calendar October-December 2010
October 2010
1 PALE DEADLINE FOR October 2010
November 2010
December 2010
4 Christmas Tourney {Barony of the Flame} [Elizabethtown , KY]
15-17 Red Dragon / North Oaken Regional Craftspersons Faire {Marche of Tirnewydd} [Columbus, OH]
22-24 Royal Hunt {Shire of Dragonsmark} [Carlisle, KY]
6 Road to Canterbury {Marche of Gwyntarian} [Akron, OH
1 PALE DEADLINE FOR December 2010
20 PALE DEADLINE FOR January 2011
11 Yule Feast {Canton of Hrothgeirsfjordr} [Toledo, OH]
Quercus Page 3
North Oaken Seneschal
Raphael da Cernia
(Philip Chrysler)
131 W. Evers Ave. Bowling Green, OH
43402, (419)353-956
South Oaken Seneschal
Darius Lowen
(Steve Spolarich)
5814 Arnsby Pl. Cincinnati, OH 45227
(937) 260-8920
Northern Oaken A&SMinister
Lady Halla of Mugmort
(M. H. Snyder)
No permission to publish contact informa-
tion file
South Oaken A&S Minister
Lord Hrolf the Harraser
(James Leach)
No permission to publish contact infor-
mation file
North Oaken Herald
Lord Piotr Zavilov
(Shane Brandes),
254 Elm St., Oberlin, OH 44074,
(440) 775-4409
North Oaken Exchequer
Baron Ranulf Sinclare
(Micheal S. England)
No permission to publish contact informa-
tion file
South Oaken Aethon Herald
Sybella of Dragonsmark
(Hope Hoover)
No permission to publish contact infor-
mation file
Oaken Chirurgeon
THL Deidru ingen Mhurchadha
(Deidre Macmorcat)
No permission to publish contact infor-
mation file
South Oaken Aethon Signet
THL Aminah al yazici bint Is-
mail (Jennifer von Stein),
No permission to publish contact infor-mation file
North Oaken Signet
Lady Cassandra du Belle Isle
(Cassie Soehnlen)
No permission to publish contact informa-
tion file
Send contact information updates to the
Oaken Regional Chronicler
THL Morgaine of Flaming Gryphon
(Ann-Marie Small)
807 Wilfred Ave., Dayton, OH 45410
(937) 256-8612
Oaken Regional Officers
Quercus Page 22
Medieval Dresses
Quercus Page 21
Here is a paper doll.
Cut out her dresses and see which
one you like the best.
Do you like the Medieval cloth-
ing?
Turn the page for a special Hal-
loween Dress?
Want more cool dresses for your
paper doll. Check the website be-
low.
Imagines taken from Liana’s Paper Doll
Blog
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://
joechip.net/liana/uploads/historical-middleages
-2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.joechip.net/liana/
tag/boutique/
&usg=__JUFAWLNeQAi3HouaKsekZ1f5PNE=&
h=550&w=260&sz=34&hl=en&start=1&zoom=1
&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=IFdZsTOApKPvxM:&tbn
h=133&tbnw=63&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfree%
Quercus Page 4
Oaken Regional Officers Continued
North Oaken Marshal Ser Farthegn Rinkson
(Jeff York)
410 Concord Dr., Lorain, OH 44052,
(440) 787-7429
South Oaken Marshal
Syr Cadogan Blaydes
(Aaron Krempa)
807 Wilfred Ave. Dayton, OH 45410,
(937) 256-8612
North Oaken Chatelaine
Lord Cathal Mac an Phearsoin
(Zachary Gilley)
No permission to publish contact informa-
tion file
South Oaken Chatelaine
Baroness Morgan of Anglesey
(Melissa Newton)
No permission to publish contact infor-
mation file
Oaken Minister of Youth
Lady Elizabethe Alles
(Ashley Smith)
18911 Shawnee Avenue, Cleveland, OH
44119, (937) 760-0138,
North Oaken Rapier
Giles fitz Alan
(Curtis Conrad) No permission to publish contact informa-
tion file
South Oaken Rapier
Lady Lisabetta Temperani
(Elizabeth Knight) 8394 Woodcreek Drive, Florence, KY
41042, (859) 652-4616 [email protected]
North Oaken Archery
Cherise of Cleftlands
(Sherry Tur)
No permission to publish contact informa-
tion file
South Oaken Archery
Forester Roweynne Langley
(Terri Shurgin)
No permission to publish contact infor-
mation file
Oaken Equestrian
THL Zuriel Nightshade
(Cindy Bank)
1165 N. State St., Painesville, OH 44077
(440)354-4354
Oaken Thrown Weapons
THL Sabine de Creuequoer
(Diane Mack)
2 Patton St., Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-7136
Oaken Youth Combat
Sven of Havenhold
(Ian Swanson)
No permission to publish contact infor-
mation file
Quercus Page 5
Their Royal Majesties Command into Their
Presence…
By Meister Konrad Mailander, Hauptmann der Rotenkompanie
Apprentice to Master Brusten de Bearsul OP, OL(Gaming)
Squire to Sir Gunther von Brandenburg
You have just been called into court by the herald. All your friends are
looking at you with big grins on their faces and everyone else's eyes follow.
The herald is scanning the crowd looking for reaction.
Don't Panic! You are not in trouble. Someone has written the Crown a rec-
ommendation that you receive an award and they have agreed. Your
friends may have even tricked you into being in court (especially those
sneaky heralds or plotting scribes). Now it is time to go and receive your
award from the hands of Their Majesties.
Take a deep breath, relax and stand up. Remove any weapons. You should
not go into Their presence armed. Small knives do not need to be removed
– they are tools that everyone carries. Larger daggers, swords, axes, spatu-
las, etc. should be disarmed and handed to friends or placed in a safe place.
There are usually one or more aisles through the assembled populace lead-
ing to the thrones. Make your way to the nearest aisle and approach the
thrones. At about 10 feet away stop and give reverence (bow, curtsy, or
whatever is appropriate to your period/culture) to Their Majesties. Men
should remove their hats, it is a good idea for ladies as well if the hat is not
tied, braided, clipped, or pinned to your head. If there are additional no-
bles in the presence give reverence to each in order of precedence. If you
don'tknow who to bow to first or there are several on each side give rever-
ence to those on the Crown's right (your left) and then to those on the
Crown's left (your right) and then give reverence to Their Majesties again.
Approach Their Majesties and kneel on the pillow. Really, just a little
closer, that is what the pillow is there for. Good, isn't that more comfort-
able on your knees than the bare floor? If you have a reason that kneeling
is difficult, or painful (or getting back up would be) just quietly let the
Crown know and stand in front of the Crown.
Quercus Page 20
Down Clues 1. Why does Wiglaf tell his _____ they should help Beowulf fight the dragon? 2. Higlac,_____ father 3. He _____ Beowulf's fame and courage. 5. When used to describe Beowulf, the phrase "noble protector of all seamen" is an 7. How can Beowulf best be characterized? 8. What does it mean when Beowulf gives Wiglaf his gold _____?
Across Clues 1. Grendel is related to what murderous Biblical figure? 4. The attack of the _____ 6. Why does Unferth _____ Beowulf? 9. To what does the poet give credit for Beowulf's _____ over Grendel's mother? 10. What even is the most important in Beowulf's _____ as leader of the Geats? 11. Beowulf is making Wiglaf ruler of _____.
Across Answers
1. CAIN
4. DRAGON
6. CHALLENGE 9. VICTORY
10. CAREER
11. GEATLAND
Down Answers
1. COMRADES
2. BEOWULF
3. ENVIES 5. KENNING
7. HEROIC
8. NECKLACE
ANSWERS BELOW
Quercus Page 19
Children’s Corner
Beowulf Crossword
Quercus Page 6
The herald probably started reading the scroll as soon as you began ap-
proaching the Crown. When they finish they will pass the scroll to the Crown.
The Crown will hand you the scroll, possibly after getting an ooh, aah by
showing it to the populace and talk to and/or about you. The may also have a
token for the award for you, a circlet for an AoA or medallion of the awards
badge to put around your neck. It's a good thing you took your hat off now,
isn't it?
When this is all over, stand up. S-l-o-w-l-y, you don't want to fall down in
front of everyone, do you? Take the King's hand if he offers it, he doesn't
want you to fall either, especially on him. Back on your feet, give reverence
again. If the Royal Presence is on a dais, stage, etc, don't back up (see the bit
about falling down), just skip ahead to the next sentence, otherwise back
away from the Crown to where first gave reverence and give reverence again.
Turn around and go back to your seat. Recollect your armament and sit down
and stare at the scroll in shock while your friends all pound you on the back,
whisper their congratulations, etc. (ok, the shock is optional).
For the Recipient of the Last Award, Hubah!!
Quercus Page 7
The First Crusade
By Sgt. Alrekr Eiriksson
The series of events known as the Crusades are some of the most studied
events in human history. They are also one of the most controversial and most misun-
derstood. Everyone seems to have an opinion on them, regardless of how learned the
individual concerning the Crusades. This paper is an attempt to give the reader a basic
understanding of what is known as the First Crusade; it is not a comprehensive study.
If interested, please refer to the bibliography attached for further reading and study.
The history of the Crusades began with the Seljuk Turks. These new Muslim con-
querors had taken much Byzantine territory, including Jerusalem, and were threaten-
ing Constantinople. The emperor of Byzantium, Alexius I Commenus, called upon the
West for assistance against these invaders. The Western Church was more than happy
to help.
The emperor’s envoy arrived to deliver his appeal for aid in the year 1095. Urban II
was Pope at the time, and in November 1095, preached the First Crusade. It should be
noted, however, that the idea of sending a militarized force to assist the Byzantine
Empire was not new. A previous Pope, Gregory VII, had made plans for an invasion to
assist Byzantium as early as 1074, but due to internal struggles inside of Europe, his
plan was never put into action. It was during the preaching of the First Crusade that
Pope Urban expanded on what Pope Gregory had envisioned. He would say that not
only would this invasion free the Byzantine Empire from the Seljuk Turks, but they
would also continue on to free Jerusalem. Word was sent out, so that the call could be
heard by all. The date was set. August 15, 1096 was the official date when the Crusade
would depart.
The call to Crusade was not only heard by the knights and military men of Western
Europe, but also by all classes. The poor also heard the call, especially from one par-
ticular man, Peter the Hermit. Peter traveled from town to town, from France to Ger-
many, preaching to all who listened to him. Certainly some fighting men followed him,
but the vast majority of his army was made up of poor peasants who had little to bring
with them. This is what Crusades historian Jonathan Riley-Smith calls the ―first wave
of the first Crusade.‖ Before the rest of the Crusading army left on August 15, Peter led
his army to Constantinople.
Quercus Page 18
I have never heard of sixty heroes who better
bore themselves more honorably at a battle of men,
nor never better repay sweet mead
than his young warriors repaid Hnæf.
(Finnsburh, ll. 37-40)
These warriors, however, are not just fulfilling their oaths. After Byrhtnoth gives his life fighting to fulfill his oath to his king, his men continue the fight. They stay because of their loyalty to their lord. Amongst the reasons of courage and oath-keeping, we hear the old retainer Byrhtwald say "ic me be healfe minum hlaforde, be swa leofan men, licgan þence," (I think to lie myself by the side of my lord, by so dear a man, Maldon ll. 314-19). These are not the words of a man fulfilling a con-tract, but of a hero bound to his winedryhten (friend and lord) by love and loy-alty.
While these heroic virtues might not always have been realized, the char-acters in the poems set an example for the Anglo-Saxon audience. These examples can help us understand that audience and the values of that society.
Bibliography:
Abels, Richard P. Lordship and Military Obligation in Anglo-Saxon England. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1988.
Clemoes, Peter. Interactions in Thought and Language in Old English Poetry. Cambridge Studies in Anglo-Saxon England 12. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Damico, Helen, and Leyerle, John, ed. Heroic Poetry in the Anglo-Saxon Period: Studies in Honor of Jess B. Bessinger, Jr. Studies in Medieval Culture XXXII. Kalamazoo: Western Michigan University for the Board of the Medieval Institute, 1993.
Donahue, Charles. "Potlatch and Charity: Notes on the Heroic in Beowulf," in Anglo-Saxon Poetry: Essays in Appreciation. Ed. Lewis E. Nicholson and Dolores Warrick Frese. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1975: 23-40.
Godden, Malcolm, and Lapidge, Michael, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Old English Literature. Cam-bridge: Cambridge University Press, 1991.
Greenfield, Stanley B., and Calder, Daniel J., ed. A New Critical History of Old English Literature. New York: New York University Press, 1986.
Hall, J. R. Clark. A Concise Anglo-Saxon Dictionary. 4th ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1960. Reprinted with a Supplement by Herbert D. Meritt. Toronto: University of Toronto Press for the Medieval Academy of America, 1984.
Krapp, G. P., and Dobbie, E. v. K., ed. The Anglo-Saxon Poetic Records, 6 vols. New York: Cambridge Uni-versity Press, 1931-53.
Nicholson, Lewis E., ed. An Anthology of Beowulf Criticism. Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1963.
Pollington, Steve. "'Hearts Shall Be the Keener': the Argument of Courage in Maldon," in Vinland Saga 3: 7-15.
Quercus Page 17
A large portion of the heroic code deals with the oath-binding ceremony. "A gift in that society bore a value beyond its simple market price, for it created, symbolized, and confirmed the relationship between a man and his lord.‖ While gifts were part of this ceremony, the munificence of the gift was a sign of generosity. The attitude of the gift-giver shows that this was not just a contractual agreement, but a "token of love". This act of generosity is not just seen in kings. While Beowulf is in service to Hrothgar, he in turn is generous to the men he has brought to Denmark with him. Byrhtnoth, while an ealdorman of Æthelred, rewards his own retainers.
The gifts of armor and mead are repaid with troth and loyalty. Both Wiglaf in Beowulf and Ælfwine in Maldon remind their companions of the promises they have made in the mead-hall. The poet of The Battle of Finnsburh says:
Ne gefrægn ic næfre wurþlicor æt wera hilde
sixtig sigebeorna sel gebæran,
ne nefre swetne medo sel forgyldan
ðonne Hnæfe guldan his hægstealdas.
______________________________________________________
See R. E. Kaske, "Sapientia et Fortitudo," in An Anthology of Beowulf Criticism: 269-310 and Levin L. Schücking, "The Ideal of Kingship in Beowulf," in An Anthology of Beowulf Criticism: 35-50.
Richard P. Abels, Lordship and Military Obligation in Anglo-Saxon England, Berkeley: University of California Press, 1988, p. 31.
Donahue, p. 28. Wiglaf says "Ic ðæt mæl geman, þær we medu þegun, þonne we geheton ussum hlafode in biorsele, ðe us ðas beagas geaf, þæt we him ða guðgetawa gyldan woldon gif him þyslicu þearf gelumpe, helmas ond heard sweord," (I remember that time, where we partook of mead, then we promised to our lord in the beer-hall, who gave us those rings, that we would repay him that war-gear if there would exist such a need for him, would repay the helmets and hard sword, Beo. ll. 2633-38a). Ælfwine says "Gemunan þa mæla þe we oft æt meodo spræcon, þonne we on bence beot ahofon, hæleð on healle, ymbe heard gewinn; nu mæg cunnian hwa cene sy," (Remember the times when we often spoke at mead, when on the bench, we, warriors in the hall, raised up our boast about hard battle; now may he know
whoever shall be bold, Maldon ll. 212-15).
Quercus Page 8
While Peter was leading this first wave, the second wave, which included well
prepared fighting men, were making their preparations to leave. The leaders of
this wave included Godfrey of Bouillon, who was Duke of Lower Lorraine. His
brother Baldwin of Boulogne also accompanied him. Hugh of Vermandois, who
was the brother to the King of France, heeded the Crusading call, as did Bo-
hemond of Taranto, Raymond the Count of Toulouse. Raymond was the most
powerful of all the leaders of the First Crusade and as such Pope Urban II had his
Papal legate, Adhemar of Le Puy, accompany Raymond’s army.
Each of the main leaders of
the First Crusade arrived in
Constantinople at different
times. First to arrive was
Hugh, followed by Godfrey,
then Bohemond, and then
finally Raymond. This would
prove advantageous for the
Byzantine emperor. As each
one arrived, he summoned
them and forced them to make
two oaths. The first oath was
that the Crusaders agreed that
any lands taken that had pre-
viously been held by the Byz-
antine Empire would revert
back to the Byzantines. The
second was an oath of fealty to the emperor while they remained in his domains.
They all agreed to the oaths except the last to arrive, Raymond. He refused to take
the oaths and would only, under pressure, agree to respect the person and prop-
erty of the emperor. An agreement was made, and the second wave of the Crusade
was underway.
(I bet you’re wondering what happened to the first wave. You know, the one led
by Peter the Hermit? The one that refused to wait until the main body arrived,
and possessed no fighting men? Well, they were slaughtered shortly after being
ferried across to hostile territory with only Peter the Hermit making it out alive.)
Quercus Page 9
The first order of business for the Crusade was the taking of Nicaea. The city was
important to maintain supply lines for the Crusade and was situated on a lake. The
Sultan of the city was not present when the crusaders arrived. The crusaders had
set siege to the city by the time the sultan returned. The crusading army and the
sultan’s army fought a vicious battle, but the Crusaders were victorious. The people
of Nicaea were forced to surrender. They would, however, surrender not the Cru-
sading army, but rather to the Byzantines, who had set up a naval blockade on the
lake. The Crusade then headed towards Antioch.
The vast majority of the army headed straight for Antioch, another strategic lo-
cation on the way to Jerusalem. A small group led by Baldwin of Boulogne headed
for Cilicia to hopefully find assistance from Christian groups there. While in the
area, Baldwin became involved in the goings on of the city of Edessa and was
named the successor to the ruler there. He soon gained ruler there, as a coup would
oust the current leader and Edessa became the first of the Crusader states.
The rest of the army soon reached Antioch and its massive fortifications, and a siege began. The winter was cold, and much of the food had been burned by the retreating Turks. Anything that could be consumed for food was eaten. As the siege of the city continued, more bad news arrived. The Fatimids, rulers of Egypt, had captured Jerusalem, the Turks were consolidating power, and they were on the march to relieve Antioch. Then, one of the leaders of the Crusades had a greedy plan. Bohemond had a spy in the city willing to assist them in breaking in. He pro-posed that if his men could take the city alone, then he should possess it. The other leaders would not agree. They had made oaths to the emperor that they would re-store the lands to him. Finally, a compromise was reached. Bohemond could have the city until the emperor himself came to take it. On the night of June 3, 1098 Bo-hemond and his men took the city in few hours. Most of Antioch was theirs. The citadel held out. The situation was now reversed for the Crusaders. They had the city, but a coali-
tion of Turks led by a man named Kerbogha was marching on the city. The city had
been under siege for some time and thus contained no food. Things would only get
worse. A fellow Crusader, Stephen of Blois, was nearby with four thousand crusad-
ers when Antioch was taken, but when they tried to retake the city, Stephen saw the
army massed against his fellow Crusaders. He decided to leave for home. On the
way, he came across the emperor of Byzantium. Stephen related how it was hope-
less and that the emperor should return home, which he did. The Crusaders were
crushed. There would be no rescue for them.
Quercus Page 16
a widely known adventurer; I have endured many af
flictions, hard battles. Yet it is certain
what you yourself can expect from me here."
(Finnsburh, ll. 24-27)
______________________________________________________________ The poems discussed in this paper are Beowulf, The Battle of Brunanburh, The Battle of Finnsburh, The Battle of Maldon, and Waldere. Charles Donahue, "Potlatch and Charity: Notes on the Heroic in Beowulf," in Anglo-Saxon Poetry: Essays in Appreciation, ed. Lewis E. Nicholson and Dolores Warrick Frese, Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1975, p. 24. Peter Clemoes, Interactions in Thought and Language in Old English Poetry, Cambridge Studies in Anglo-Saxon England 12, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995, p. 115. All quotes from the poems are from G. P. Krapp and E. v. K Dobbie, ed., The Anglo-Saxon Poetic Records, 6 vols., New York: Cambridge University Press, 1931-53. All translations are mine.
See Clemoes, pp. 36 and 72 and H. L. Rogers, "Beowulf's Three Great Fights," in An An-thology of Beowulf Criticism, ed. Lewis E. Nicholson, Notre Dame: University of Notre Dame Press, 1963: 236.
As the hero must have pride to make his beot, or boast, he must have steadfastness to fulfill it. These warriors are shown with resoluteness of mind and unswerving from purpose. Of Byrhtnoth's men it is said "Swa stemnetton stiðhicgende hyssas æt hilde," (So the resolute youths stood firm at battle, Maldon ll. 122-3a). The one retainer who does not abandon Beowulf during his final battle is Wiglaf, because "ne gemealt him modsefa," (his purpose did not dissolve, Beo. l. 2628a).
Wisdom is a virtue found in many heroes. One way in which Beowulf shows wisdom is his acknowledgment of death as a possible outcome of his ac-tions. Before his encounter with Grendel, he leaves instructions as to what is to be done in the event of his death, including the return of his armor to his king (Beo. ll.440b-55). Real-life heroes demonstrate an awareness of death in The Battle of Maldon. An unorne ceorl (simple freeman) exhorts the troops that "ne mæg na
wandian se þe wrecan þenceð frean on folce, ne for feore murnan," (He may not hesitate whom in this troop thinks to avenge his lord, nor fear for his life, Maldon ll.258-9).
Quercus Page 15
Anglo-Saxon Heroic Virtues
By Mary K. Savelli
The literature of any period reflects the morals and mores of the culture that pro-duces it. This is no less true of Old English poetry than it is today. The secular he-roic poetry of the Anglo-Saxons both "celebrated heroic deeds and encouraged emulation of them." Desire for praise and honor, itself considered an heroic virtue, was the desire to set an honorable example. Alfred equates the two when he trans-lates Boethius' "Go now, you strong, where the exalted way of examples leads" as "Go all of you on the way which you are taught by the illustrious examples of the good men and of those eager for honour who have been before you" (emphasis mine). Beowulf, himself lofgeorn ost (most eager for praise), instructs "Wyrce se þe mote domes ær deaþe; þæt bið drihtguman unlifgendum æfter selest," (Strive for glory, he who may, before death; that is best after the death of a warrior, Beo. ll. 1387b-89).
Some of the heroic virtues are easy to spot. Strength and courage are two of these. Not only do we recognize these as heroic virtues today, but also several words denoting these attributes are used in the poetry to describe the characters. These include mægen (strength) and ellen (courage). Walter is described by the phrase wiga el lenrof (Waldere, l. 11b) which translates as both "courageous warrior'" and "powerful warrior."
Pride was considered a virtue among the Anglo-Saxons. As with strength and courage, the heroes are often referred to as having pride, showing a self-confidence that a hero needs to attempt, and fulfill, heroic deeds. Beowulf is re-ferred to as modega mæg Hygelaces (proud kinsman of Hygelac, Beo. l. 813) and Byrhtnoth's men are called wlance þegenas (proud thanes, Maldon l. 205b). The poet of The Battle of Brunanburh identifies the early Germanic settlers of England as wlance wigsmiþas (proud warriors, Brunanburh l. 72a).
Showing this self-confidence and promising to fulfill these deeds, a hero boasts of his planned accom-plishments. Sometimes this was as simple as stating "here I am and I'm not leaving," like a young warrior in Maldon who vows "ic heonan nelle fleon fotes trym," (I will not fly a foot's length, Maldon ll. 246b-27a) or like the warrior guarding a door in The Battle of Finnsburh.
Quercus Page 10
It was at this darkest hour that the visionary Peter Bartholomew came for-
ward and proclaimed that the Holy Lance, the spear used to pierce Christ, was in
the city, never mind that they saw the same relic back in Constantinople. They had
to dig at the Cathedral of Saint Peter. Hour after hour passed, and nothing was
found. Finally, Peter jumped into the hole and produced a spear head. Though
some thought it a hoax, the morale of the troops did increase. It was decided that
the Crusaders would go forth and meet Kerbogha’s troops on the battlefield.
Kerbogha watched as the Crusaders came from the city to meet his army. He was
not expecting such a large force, and when he viewed the full array of the crusading
army, he sent emissaries asking for a truce. The truce was denied and battle soon
was joined. The loose coalition that was held together by Kerbogha was soon break-
ing apart. Quickly, the Turks were in full retreat and the day was won by the Cru-
sading army. The citadel in Antioch soon surrendered.
The Crusading army remained in Antioch for some time, and set towards Jerusa-
lem on Jan 13, 1099. They found little resistance on the way. The Turks were in no
mood to fight and actually were watching with anticipation as the Crusaders were
marching on Shi’ite held Jerusalem. The Egyptians tried to call a truce as well. They
wanted to ally themselves with the Crusaders who had recently defeated a Sunni
Turkish army. Neither group understood the other. The Christians made no dis-
tinction between the various Muslim groups and Muslims had no idea of this lack
of distinction.
They soon reached Jerusalem, and it was decided a direct assault would have to
be launched due to a relief force on the way. Soon vessels from Genoa and England
arrived. On the evening of July 13th and into July 14th the battle began. It was not
until the morning of July 15, however, that the walls were breached by Godfrey and
his men. Soon the Gate of the Column was opened and the entire Crusading army
entered the city. Against all odds and against numerous difficulties and hardships,
the city of Jerusalem was taken.
The Crusades are one of the most misunderstood events in human history,
though many people have strong opinions about them. It is only through our un-
derstanding of the events and circumstances that we can hope to understand the
motives, the events, and the people who took part in this period of history. It is
hoped that you will further your understanding of the events and form your own
opinions on the Crusades after further study is done.
Quercus Page 11
Bibliography
Madden, Thomas F. The New Concise History of the Crusades. New York, New York,
Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group, 2007
Riley-Smith, Jonathan The Crusades, A History New Haven and London, Yale Nota
Bene, 2005
Quercus Page 14
Discipline problems at youth activity are infrequent in my experience,
but the policy sets out specific guidelines for what coordinators may
and may not do. Speaking to the youth about the problem behavior
and temporary time-outs are acceptable; yelling or striking a youth is
not. Parents cannot give permission for a coordinator to yell or admin-
ister corporal punishment. If a youth’s behavior is disruptive to youth
activity, the policy instructs the coordinator to return the youth to his
or her parents. The youth policy explicitly provides the right of the
coordinator to refuse a youth admission to specific youth activities or
all of youth activity. I would not recommend doing this without a
specific reason and discussion with the event steward or seneschal, but
this can be a useful policy to deal with chronic misbehavior and disrup-
tion.
The youth policy provides additional rules about first aid, alcohol, and
overnight youth activities. I highly recommend that a coordinator re-
read the policies before every youth activity, no matter how many you
have run activities before. After all, once you have read and under-
stand the rules, then you can get to the fun part: planning the youth
activities themselves.
Being a coordinator requires preparation and planning, and the poli-
cies can seem cumbersome to those who haven’t navigated them be-
fore. For those who do embark on the task, the regional and Kingdom
Ministers of Youth are there to support you and answer your questions
so that you can have fun and adhere to policy requirements. And when
a little girl’s parents tell you that she has been looking forward to this
event all year after having had so much fun at your youth activities last
year, you know that you are doing something that is appreciated and
rewarding: you are planting and nurturing a love of the Dream in our
next generation.
Quercus Page 13
Other rules about coordinators and their assistants can create confusion.
The SCA has what is called a "two-deep" rule: two unrelated adults must
be present for youth
activities to take
place. No adult may
ever be alone with a
single child. The
current Middle King-
dom policy breaks up
policies about the
minimum age of the
coordinator and vol-
unteers as well as the
adult to child ratio
into two categories—
youth ages 4-8 and
youth ages 9-17 - but
it is very likely that
most youth activities
will have a range of
ages show up. The
rule of thumb is that
if any youth present
falls into the younger
category, then the
stricter rules for that
younger age group apply.
The Middle Kingdom Youth Policy Interpretative Guide also contains a
sign that must be visible at activities for youth ages 4-8. A sign-in sheet
and nametags for adult volunteers and youth are required regardless of
the age group.
Karenwhimsy.com/../free-baby- clipart
Quercus Page 12
But I Thought I Needed a Background Check:
The Truth about Being a Youth Activity Coordinator in
the Midrealm
By Lady Elizabethe Alles
Running youth activities at an event can be one of the most emotionally satisfying
things in the SCA. When you do a good job, the youth let you know immediately with
smiles, drawings, and thank yous. But as a Minister of Youth, I encounter a lot of mis-
conceptions about what is required that keep some people who would be excellent
youth activity coordinators from volunteering for the job. This article is no substitute
for reviewing the entirety of the Kingdom and Society policies but it will give you a
better idea of what you have to do if you want to be a run youth activities.
To make certain we are all on the same page, youth activities are safe, fun, non-
martial educational experiences for minors during scheduled, structured sessions at
SCA functions. The person who organizes these activities is the youth activity coordi-
nator, shortened to coordinator in this article. Sometimes these activities are called
youth pointe or children’s pointe, but the policy applies as long as they are organized
non-martial activities specifically directed at minors. Daycare or babysitting cannot
be offered by an SCA group. Youth boffer combat falls under the marshallate and has
slightly different rules to follow.
The first thing anyone tells me when I mention that they would make a fantastic coor-
dinator is that they don't have a background check. The good news: that's ok, you
don't have to! While Midrealm policy strongly recommends having a background-
checked individual present at events where there are youth activities, it is not re-
quired. To ensure that youth activities adhere to the relevant policies, they must be
approved in advance by a warranted Minister of Youth. (http://www.midrealm.org/
mkyouth/) and can help you with getting your activities approved or locating a war-
ranted Minister of Youth in your area. This involves notifying that officer of your
plans and verifying that you have read and will abide by the requirements in the King-
dom and Society youth policies. The Kingdom and regional Ministers of Youth
are warranted and listed on the Kingdom webpage.