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Profile Status: 11-18-2007:
Dizzler hangs ~ resolved Server Side.
New content 11/25.
Hail and Well Meet;
Whilst your surfing bout’ Renspace, please visit
http://arf.renspace.com
All are welcome to join our virtual Shire, Friends of the ARF.
Your Servant,
~ Sir Raven
~Welcome to Ravensworlde ~ An unofficial adventure to the Arizona Renaissance Festival
Renaissance Magazine - October , issue #57. Photo by Tom DeMoss - ARF ~ 2007
Tales of the 9 Worldes ~ Ragnarök. A continued exchange of Norse Mythology and Legends.
The giant wolf Fenrir breaks free from his chains. And Jörmungandr, the Midgard Serpent rises from the sea. The universe is plunged into calamity and darkness. As the Yggdrasill shakes and trembles; Heimdal blows his horn, announcing Ragnarök has arrived. Also known as 'fate of the gods", Ragnarök is the battle at the end of the world. The Gods and slain of Valhalla prepare for the final war.
An intriguing fact is, through prophecy; the outcome of the war and casualties are already known by the combatants. Like humanity, even the Æsir and Jötnar will not escape death.
Through the years, many interpretations of Ragnarök have occurred. They range from apocalyptic, fatalistic, a martial dedication to duty and state, and even eternal martyrdom.
At the conclusion of hostilities, the universe is resurrected and begins anew. Some historians suggest this signifies the end of the "old ways" and the coming of Christianity.
The influence of Ragnarök:
From the Hávamál "Sayings of the High One"; Only a fool lies awake all night and broods over his problems. When morning comes, he is worn out and his troubles remain.
The movie, Thirteenth Warrior; Herger the Joyous: The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing.
There are too few Norse movies made. When Pathfinder was released, I was eager to see it. Like many action-adventures; there is a strong dichotomy defining good and evil. The Viking(s) character approximates a constant berserker state, slaughtering all without mercy. And, the Native Americans are good natured folk, rearing their families in peaceful bliss.
The hero is a Norse orphaned boy; the sole survivor of a ship wreck. He is befriend by the Indians, and adopted into their society. Between the shipwreck and return of the Norse (15 years), the boy called Ghost; retained fluency in his native tongue. And, self -mastered the family sword sufficiently to best any opposition.
The Indians called the invaders Dragon Men, owing to the dragon head on the ship’s bow. And, the peculiar matching dragon head pommel on the sword. However, traditional Norse swords characteristically follow a pommel design made of separate "lobes”; in the shape of a Brazil nut.
The Pathfinder Viking helm is another striking departure from standards, having ram horns attached to either side. Each horn is pointed forward, and angled down. Beginning with the traditional vendel, leather appears riveted onto the face spectacle, and assorted sharp metal protrusions complete the effort. The finished prop resembles “Death Dealer” by artist Frank Frazetta.
Ghost is portrayed by Karl Urban (Eomer of Rohan –LOTR). The Vikings also bear a striking similarity to Sauron’s Orcs in appearance and temperament. Although, the Orc characterization was successful for Peter Jackson: Director Marcus Nispel failed to create a believable Viking. His use of fantasy was off subject. From the reviews I read, based on a scale with 5 the highest approval, opinions averaged a disappointing 3. I think 3 is charitable. And having seen the movie once; I won't buy the DVD.
Did Vikings wear horns? Part 1. From April 4th, 2007
Each year, several people ask the same question(s); why doesn’t your helm have horns? And, this year is no exception.
At the risk of offending somebody; the answer is: no, Vikings didn’t wear horns. I have not found any legitimate archeological evidence suggesting otherwise. For a historical perspective: the Viking Age began in 793 AD with the raid on Lindisfarne monastery in England. This era ended in 1066 AD with the defeat of the Viking king Harald by English king Harold on September 26th, outside of York, England. Yes; it is possible that earlier societies adorned themselves with horns, but the Vikings departed from those traditions.
Typical helms included the Vendel - Spectacle Helm (L) and Spangen Helm(R).
~ Raven
* Harold II of England (Harold Godwinson; c. 1022 - October 14, 1066) was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon King of England.[1] He ruled from January 5 to October 14, 1066 when he was killed at the Battle of Hastings.
* Harald III Sigurdsson (1015 - September 25, 1066), later surnamed Harald Hardråde (Old Norse: Haraldr harðráði, roughly translated as "Harald stern council" or "hard ruler") was the king of Norway from 1047[1] until 1066.
~Welcome to Ravensworlde ~ An unofficial adventure to the Arizona Renaissance Festival
The 2007 Arizona Renaissance Festival is nearly over, and it concludes on Sunday, April 1st. As with any previous Festival, this year was unique; taking on the character of the times.
For those not familiar with the Arizona Renaissance Festival; it is located at Apache Jct. This is about 45 minutes East of Phoenix, on Highway 60. From, Tucson: take Highway 79 to Florence, continue North to Highway 60. Then, proceed west for about 10 minutes. On a good day, the drive is about 1:20.
In May of 2006, many Rennies stressed over rising gas cost, as the pump price exceeded $3.00/gal. Will there be a Festival at $4.00/gal.? Or, higher? Fortunately, retail prices fell; and actual cost approximated $2.00/gal. February began on the backside of $2.50/gal., and contributed to strong attendance. However, as the pump cost increased (about $0.40/gal), attendance remained robust. One possible explanation for this fact; people believe that fuel cost will continue to rise, and anything figure under $3.00/gal is a bargain. In other words; take advantage of the moment, because tomorrow is likely to be worse.
Food prices were predictably higher this year. A typical entree was $5.75.
The Greek kitchen (my choice for best of Festival 3 years ago); sold a platter @ $9.50. The pita served was stale. The 3 falafel balls were rock hard on the outside. And, the single dolmas approximated the thickness of a thumb, and about half the length. Without reservation, the Greek kitchen is a disappointing worst of festival.
Best of Festival for a 2nd year, is the Monk's Bakery. The food is fresh and tasty. The variety is excellent; ranging from bread, pastries and stuff croissants. My favorite croissantis is spinach - feta; although the ham and cheese is quite good. In strong 2nd place are the crepes. The menu can accommodate any taste, and the food is made to order. Third place is a write in candidate; the Fysch and Chips is worth considering.
A special thanks to my friend Owain Phyfe. His performance and persona exemplifies the best of traditional bards. A must see at the Shire. See www.owainphyfe.com for more information.
Images will be updated, along with new content on Ravensworlde beginning now, and continuing over several months. I have nearly a gig of images to parse though.
On a side note:
Also, to my long acquaintances in Scandinavia; Norse Gear and Bifrost Tales are ready ~ see www.ravensworlde.com. Thanks for the many contributions and suggestions.
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