Summermal 2008

Once again, the folk of the Normannii Thiud gathered at the home of Lou Ordthane & Ramona Ordthainwif Sancio in beautiful Pike County, PA. The Gathering was well attended, having 73 Normans and Goodfolk over the weekend. The honor of the role of the May Queen was bestowed upon Kelsey Michaeldottir the child of Mike Thain Gilmour. She served beautifully, clad in an embroidered dress made by Lady Kasidy for the occasion. She was a vision of the May Queens of old. The Mayday procession was carried out in it’s usual theatrical style, the highlight of which is always the good-natured chanting of “Beat Gary” by all of the Norman children. This year, there was the addition of the “Gary the Winter King” piñata, filled with sweets and toys for the children of the tribe. The ritual was a traditional bifurcated forn, having both a private part for inangards, and a public part for goodfolk and guests. Gifts were given to the Gods in anticipation of a victorious season for the Normannii including an ornamental spearhead, reddened by the thanes of the Fyrhring.

The highlight of the feast was the 75+ pound Pig provided for the folk by the Sancio rooftree, coupled with barbecued chicken and a kingly assortment of side dishes. As usual, the legendary hospitality of the Sancios left everyone well fed and in most cases a bit tipsy. The ales and mead flowed freely, like the Viking feasts of old, not to mention, homemade sweets of many varieties.

High Symbel was held in the great Normannii Hall tent, which is always a wondrous experience, being designed, decorated and lit much like the mobile halls of our ancestors, creating an atmosphere which can only lend itself to the necessary elderen mindset which helps us to emulate their ways. With tapestries hung on every side, and torches for lighting the feeling of kinship with our past is unmistakable. After the first speech and the opening of Symbel, skalks who had proven their worth were freed, namely Don Skalk Murness, Richard “Pogo” Skalk Rikard, and Cherie Skalk Livingstone. This was done so that they could enjoy full speechrite in Symbel. There were many worthy and eloquent toasts made to Gods, ancestors, and heroes. At the start of the third round, Don Skalk Murness swore civilian hold to William Thain, and Aldis Freedwoman Schaeffer swore civilian hold to Dan Eorl. These oaths, having been sworn in heall and witnessed by tribesman, Gods, and ancestors alike, will surely bring much luck and weal to the folk.

Several Normannii in attendance were heighted in arrung by their lords: civilians Catie Geburn Reid and Denise Geburn Crucci were both heighted Kottaren and on the martial side, Adam Fedtha Callahan was heighted to Sergens, and finally, Mike Sergens Gilmour was elevated to peerage and heighted a Thain.

As is his custom, Dan Lord showed his legendary openhandedness, and proved himself a hater of gold, and a Lord unsurpassed in modern times by gifting the hall generously. Many worthy gifts were given, and Brags placed in the well by the assemblage. A 50/50 raffle was held and was won by Dan Eorl who donated the proceeds back to the Normannii Land Fund.

The Symbel was then closed, and the bowl offered to the Wights. Although it was past 3am, many folk continued the Normannii Tradition of merrymaking and drinking until Sunna again rode across the sky. Overall, a glorious, lucky gathering was had by all. We would like to offer special thanks to Ramona Ordthainwif for her exceptional hospitality and generosity.