An Abanning in the Normannii Thiud Aet Reik

Yule 2005

The Normannii celebration of Yuletide 2005 was held this year at Vinton's Country Inn, a charming tavern in Shohola PA. The location was chosen for it's large capacity, the 18-acre spread of land, and rustic surrounds in the Catskill Mountains; there was plenty of room to accommodate the Warrior Ordeals and Rites planned for the weekend. The folk assembled on Friday, the Inn well attended, over 40 folk making the sojourn. Friday night, Bob Fohten Hamlin gave his presentation on Spear techniques and tactics; the presentation included the viewing of an actual spear artifact, to demonstrations of techniques, on to the crafting of wooden waster spears. Since Vinton's had an impressively stocked bar, after the demonstrations, the folk adjourned there for more merriment- many folk not retiring until 5 or 6 am. A new feature this year at our Yule celebration was a rather unusual tribal gathering of "Texas Hold-Em" Poker. Meanwhile, in the wee-hours of the morning the Vanic folk of the tribe affected a pre-dawn Yule Rite, which was well received.

On Saturday, the folk rose and breakfast was served buffet style, with much merriment and more of the camaraderie that can only happen at a face-to-face meeting of tribesman, goodfolk, and friends. There were games of Tafl played and much goodwill shared by the folk. The afternoon culled workshops; including a very in depth study of the martial disciplines and Western martial arts by Lou Thane Sancio, and his plans were unveiled to develop a uniquely Western martial arts style for the warriors of the Fyrhring. Another fine workshop was given by Lavrans Karlr Reimer-Moller, which unraveled some of the mysteries of the ancient music of our ancestors. During the workshop, Lavrans presented many of the instruments, which he has crafted over the years. Such skill is a rare thing indeed; he is truly a master of music.

Then the feast was prepared, and the folk ate their fill. Immediately after the feast, the Warriors of the Fyrhring, the Dryht of Normandy, took to the outdoors to conduct the Martial Ordeals of Mike Karl Hauk and Bob Fohten Hamlin. It was a great day indeed, as Mike and Bob both endured their ordeals, thus earning the right to be inducted into the Fyrhring. After the ordeals, the folk gathered for symble.

The Symble hall was packed, and adorned with the usual banners, tapestries, and hall-goods; and many toasts, yelps, and boasts were made, along the business of several oaths. Notably, Conn Thane Hanson did take the Vanic Compact and became the Drottin of the Vanic cultus in Normandy; and Daniel Ordthain Flores, was heited to a lesser lordship, the arrung of Herros. Mike Hauk affirmed his hold to Daniel Herros, so that it could be properly witnessed in Hall- since he had been called to Iraq on active duty before the oath could be sworn properly before the folk. Daniel then gifted Mike his sword and heited him to a Thanescip on the spot. Bob Fohten Hamlin, was freed by Kasidy Thygen Lutz, and plighted his Hold to Lou Thain Sancio. Lavrans took his hold to Dan Eorl O'Halloran, and gifted the tribe a beautiful harp crafted by his own hand. Lou thane did also boast a personal fitness goal for himself as proof of his dedication to the martial disciplines and the training of the men of the Fyrhring. Conditions were set to preserve the luck of the hall. Lou Thane then raised Dave Aescmann Curtis to the arrung of Fedtha for his valuable service and fealty. Dave Goodfolk then delivered the fulfillment of his boast of last Yule, a 300-page fiction book written by his own hand. The work was judged to be satisfactory, and the boast declared fulfilled, much to his Lady, Adrea's, relief. The Celts, by Robin (the Fabulous) gifted Dan Eorl with a treasure from the fields of Hastings, where Dan's great ancestor William, won the day on 14 October 1066. As always, there was much gifting, living up to Dan Eorl's legendary reputation for generosity. It was obvious to anyone there that the folk of Normandy share their lord's openhandedness, as all gifted well and generously. The symble went on for many hours, not breaking up until well after 5am.

Sunday was time for folks to pack up and leave, most of us saddened by the time we spent together being so short, but recharged by the sacrality and camaraderie experienced. In short, a good time was had by all. A special note of thanks to Ramona Sancio, having been the one who arranged the location after the number of attendees has swollen beyond the capacity of our usual Yule location. Without her, this event could not have been the success it was!

William Thain McNamara,

Wita

William Thain

Normanni Thiud Aet Reik
www.normannii.org
Normannii A on Ecnesse

Photos from the event: