Classes for the Dark Ages Schola (in alphabetical order) 10th-Century Byzantine Field Armies by Master Dani of the Seven Wells The Byzantine army combined a medieval reliance upon heavy cavalry with relatively-sophisticated infantry tactics and logistical support. This class focuses on the tenth century, when the Byzantine army was being turned into an army of conquest. 3 pm at Justinian Being Norse by Hersir Torvaldr Torgarson Discussion of the cultural identity, philosophy, psychology, attitude, and values of the Medieval Norse people. 4 pm at Justinian The Broad Sword and Center Gripped Round Shield by Master Thorstein Christiansen Description, demonstration, and instruction of the fighting techniques as they may have existed in the period of the Vikings. A hands-on exploration of the early fighting style reconstructed through extrapolation of later period sources, and the experimentation and conjecture of a variety of modern re-enactment and martial arts sources. Discussion as to how or whether aspects of the period style has applications for rattan is encouraged. Bring your sword and (if you have one) round shield. 3 pm on the Fighting field (2 hours) Calligraphy 101 by THL Anlaith ingen Trena This class will teach you the tools and techniques to get you started in calligraphy. 12 Noon at Godgifu Climate Change in the Middle Ages by Brygida of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais A lecture type class outlining how climate influenced change in history. 11 am at Aud The Dark Ages and the Fall of the Aksumite Empire by Baron Len the Younger A discussion on how the Dark Ages overcame the once powerful kingdom of Aksum. It was a civilization centered in the remote mountain fastnesses of Ethiopia. The king ruled a glittering empire of mercantile and military might stretching from the Nile in the Sudan to the frankincense kingdoms of South Arabia and what is now Yemen. There will be a presentation of slides shot during Baron Len’s own archeological exploration in the fabled Abyssinian highlands during the 1960s. 2 pm at Theoderic Designing a Dark Ages Feast: Using Archeology and Literature To Make An Educated Guess by Hengist Gromhydig the Saexon One of the biggest problems with having an early period persona is the dearth of primary sources at all levels. This class will explore possible techniques and sources for constructing a Dark Age feast from period sources as well as archaeological information in the literature. 5 pm at Theoderic Diet and Nutrition in Early Britain by Lady Ragnveig Snorradottir A look at what early British populations were and were not eating through discussion of the archaeological sources – including excavation, isotope analysis, and pathology. Some diseases of malnutrition and their evidence in the human skeleton will be presented. 5 pm at Theoderic Early Continental German Culture and Miscellanea by Hengist Gromhydig the Saexon This class will give a brief overview of the tribal Germans; including clothing, jewelry, tools, weapons, language, and ideals. 1 pm at Theoderic Early Medieval Glass in Northern Europe by Leifr Hjalmsson An overview of glass found in northern Europe before 1100 CE including trade and technology. 12 Noon at Theoderic Got Relics? Early Period Pilgrimage by Maitre Gilles de Beauchamps Pilgrimage was a widespread devotional practice throughout the Middle Ages, but its origins are far earlier than most people suspect. The routes to Santiago de Compostela, Rome, and the Holy Land were all well established by the end of the Dark Ages. Join in a discussion on how the Empress Helena found the True Cross and a treasure trove of other objects and almost single handedly revived a tourist industry. Learn about the perils of pilgrimage, as well as understand the origins of an argument that has plagued the city of Jerusalem for the better part of the last thousand years. We will also discuss Vikings on pilgrimage and discuss the Irish pilgrimage route. 5 pm at Aud Helm and Maille Construction by Alexander Caithnes - Master Armourer, Gabriel de Wenslagh - Senior Apprentice, Edward De Michel Martel-Junior Apprentice How About That Norse Tunic? by THL Cameron Fitzrory In the first hour, learn about the multiple styles of men's tunics worn throughout Northern Europe and Scandinavia from 800-1100. Discuss fabrics, patterning, and construction techniques used to make these tunics. In the second hour, pick a style and make a tunic as discussed in 1st part of class. For those who wish to do the hands on portion, there will be a $10.00 fee for cost of fabric (but all are welcome to stay and watch). 1 pm at Aud (2 hours) Knotwork Illuminated by Mistress Alicia Langland Learn techniques for this simple design element that can be used to decorate any surface. (If you can use a pencil and ruler, you CAN do knotwork!) Not just for scrolls, this decorative design can be used for embroidery, leatherwork, ceramics, you name it.... All materials provided. Limit of 10 students 5 pm at Godgifu Introduction to Sprang by Lord Bjorn bunhauss Olafsson This class will begin with a quick survey of early sprang evidence. There will then be a hands-on segment where students are invited to try interlaced sprang. 3 pm at Aud (2 hours) Making Mead by Tofi Kerthjalfadsson We'll talk about mead, several period recipes for it, and then have a hands-on where we start to make a small batch of extremely simple mead. 11 am at Justinian (90 minutes) The Mastermyr Chest by Master Gille MacDhnouill This class is an explanation of how to do the woodworking to replicate the Mastermyr and other trapezoidal chests of the Viking (and later) eras. The teacher will demonstrate and have students use hand tools to cut the joinery for the chest. We'll try all the various techniques needed for construction, and will discuss possible alternatives that use power tools. Hands-on, no one under 14 without a parent (we'll be using sharp tools.) 1 pm at Justinian (2 hours) Norse Poetry 101 by Hersir Torvaldr Torgarson This class will be a very general overview of the types of poetry of the Norse people and discussion of the Skalds and their place in Norse Society. 11 am at Godgifu Pottery At Home – Make It and Take It. by Mistress Honnoria of Thescorre We will cover basic shapes used during early Middle Ages and how to make them. I will have clay with me and all the tools necessary. This is a hands-on class, so you will get dirty. You can take your piece with you. If you’re careful with it, it can be taken to Pennsic and fired in the period-oid kiln there. Donations taken for material. People can work on stuff after that on their own if needed. 3 pm at Godgifu (2 hours) Skyr and Mysa: Viking Curds and Whey by Rannveigr, Third Viscountess Aethelmearc, OP A discussion on skyr (a type of soft Icelandic cheese) and mysa (the whey from skyr) both of which were central to the Icelandic food chain starting from settlement times up until the last century. The first hour will include information on skyr's history and place in the sagas, as well as a general discussion on food in the Viking era and specifically on food in Iceland, and the nutritional and other features that made these so important. The second hour will focus on how to make your own skyr and mysa, and recipes for using these. Students are welcome to come in for the second half only if they want to skip the didactics and concentrate on the how-to. Skyr making takes too long for hands on, but some samples will be available. Handouts (including bibliography and recipes) and frozen skyr starter culture will be available free of charge. Skyr starter kits (frozen skyr culture and at least a year's supply of liquid rennet) may be available in limited numbers at cost. If you intend to take home skyr starter culture, a carrying cooler is recommended. 3 pm at Theodoric (2 hours) A Survey of Dark Ages Illumination by Lady Rota Egilsdottir A basic overview of the styles and sources of illumination during the Dark Ages. During the second part of the class, students will be given the opportunity to apply these elements and styles to an illumination of their own creation. 1 pm at Godgifu Thorsbjerg Trousers: Pants That Last! by Mistress Alicia Langland Ladies, are you sick and tired of repairing your husband's pants that have ripped in unmentionable places? I was, until I started making these pants for my husband! Based on trousers from a northern European Iron Age burial, these pants are suitable from Iron Age to medieval Irish personae. After a brief introduction to the find, we will discuss suitable fabrics, seams, and the pattern. If you wish to cut out a full-size pattern to take home, please bring cloth or paper for your pattern, scissors, and a marker. $.50 (50 cents) fee for handout. 12 Noon at Aud Viking Towns in Ireland by Lady Ragnveig Snorradottir A discussion on the movement of Scandinavians west to Ireland, the lasting effects of their interaction there, and what archaeological evidence remains of their presence in the Scandinavian-founded towns of Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork, and Limerick. 5 pm at Justinian Women in the Sagas by Baron Fridrikr inn gamli Tomasson An overview of the role of women in the sagas of Iceland. We will look at four of the most significant female characters in the sagas with a view to understanding the role of women in Old Icelandic Society. 2 pm at Godgifu ~ For a Class Schedule in Table Format, please click here. ~ Plus the Workshops of: Mistress Phiala O'Ceallaigh - An Open Fiber Arts Workshop Spinning, sprang, naalbinding, tablet weaving: northern Europe had fabulous textiles prior to 1000CE. Supplies will be available to try any or all of them. There will also be a selection of books and samples, and other interesting things. Bring your own projects to work on in company. Baroness Olivia d'Anjou - A Beekeeping Workshop This workshop includes a display of period beekeeping tools. Try on a beekeepers mask. Try out skep (medieval basket hive) making or hollowing out a log to turn into another type of period beehive. Honey sampling too. Alexander Caithnes - Master Armourer Gabriel de Wenslagh - Senior Apprentice Edward De Michel Martel-Junior Apprentice - Helm and Maille Construction The goal is to get the parts for a four panel helm roughed out and answer questions along the way. Demonstrations will be given by Master Alexander (Caithnes & Companye - Armourers) and his apprentices.

Copyright © 2009 Shire of Hornwood