I am a member of TRIBE WODEN THOR , a small medieval reenactment group based in southwestern Wisconsin. We represent Germanic and Norse peoples of Northern Europe (through education and re-enactment), and are set in the time period of 800-1200 AD. My persona name is Alyson Fayerheart, and this is my story...
I was born in the 9th century to a young artisan named Aylwin and his beautiful wife, Emelina. We made our home along the River Tees in Northumberland, in the southernmost part of what was once the kingdom of Bernicia. The very land in which my father was born. I was the younger of two children, and the only daughter.
Our homeland was in the midst of great unrest throughout much of my childhood, and we lived a meager existence, yet we were a close-knit and happy clan. As a young girl, my mother instructed me in the ways of fine stitching and weaving, and in studying my father, an accomplished carpenter, jewel-maker and leather craftsman, I learned aspects of the crafts which seemed to bring peace to his weary soul. This knowledge would serve me well in my later years.
When I was yet a young maiden, a large band of raiders claimed the lives of my parents. It was due only to the concealment of a small hidden cave in a nearby hillside that my older brother, Goldwyn, and I were spared. From what we heard through the mouth of the cavern, we knew it was a firce and bloody attack and we prayed to Woden and Thor for the protection of our clan and the strength to face what we would find when we relinquished our shelter. Together, we huddled in the safety of the opening long after the sounds of battle had fallen silent, and as twilight touched the sky, we quietly made our way back to the ruins of what had once been our home. Throughout the night, we labored to bury our beloved parents and gather the few belongings we could carry. Goldwyn and I had very few of our own things, so within my pack, I secreted my mother's needles and threads and some of the tools my father had used in his crafts.
Before the break of dawn, Goldwyn and I set out to the east in search of a new life. For many days, we traveled afoot, keeping close to the banks of the River Tees. We hunted game and fished for food, and Goldwyn tied the pelts to his pack. Whenever we would take our rest, I would dry and work the pelts until they were fit for stitching, and from them, I crafted hats, belts and small pouches. I also carved small tokens and fashioned simple jewels from things I was able to scavenge from nature, such as wood and bone, fish scales and stones polished by the river currents. We often traded these goods for supplies when passing through villages, and would later barter them for our passage on a vessel sailing for Fresia.
During our travels, we had heard legend of a land on the River Ems where a mighty tribe of freemen had settled, and Goldwyn made an oath that we would become one with them. The journey was long and fraught with hardship and danger. Many times we heard distant battles, and we dared not show ourselves to strangers who came near to our camp for fear they might harm us. As our trek continued, my brother seemed to be losing his vigor and required longer periods of rest by the day.
When at last we reached the encampment of the Tribe Woden Thor, Goldwyn met in private consult with the High Chieftan of the Tribe, Frederick the Just, and the leaders of the tribal clans. To this day, I know not what was discussed among them, but the Tribe drew us into their circle and made us feel that we belonged.
One evening, within a year of being welcomed into the Tribe, Goldwyn fell gravely ill. A healer by the name of Wodam was summoned to his side, but alas, my brother would not see the dawn, and I would lay to rest the last of my clan.
My home and family is now with the Tribe Woden Thor. The women have been my teachers and counselors, and the men have been my protectors and guardians. I have the tools and the skills that were passed down to me from my parents, and the comfortable quarters that I helped my brother to build and furnish in the months before his passing. I have been well and truly blessed indeed.
My next endeavor shall be to charm the handsome healer, Wodam, into taking me as his wife, and what the future holds for me from there is in the hands of the gods.
Above & Below: Wodam Odenfane, my real-life 21st Century Husband.
Wodam and myself in my new homemade garb (above) and the guests of the 3rd Annual Tribe Woden Thor Midsummer Feast and Tourney in August, 2007 (below).
I'd like to invite you all to visit me and my tribe at the Second Annual
TRIBE WODEN THOR
MEDIEVAL FESTIVAL AND JOUST
in Viroqua, Wisconsin next May!Meanwhile, you can view the Festival web page...
CLICK HERE!
Tribe Woden Thor Medieval Festival & Joust May 2007
Tribe Woden Thor Medieval Festival & Joust May 2007
Visit the TRIBE WODEN THOR Website!
http://tribewodenthor.org/
Click Here!
Below: Tribe Woden Thor members at the 1st Wonewoc, WI Faire June 2007
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Below: 3rd Annual Tribe Woden Thor Midsummer Feast & Tourney (2007)
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Buried at PhotoCasket.com
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