Runes
 

This month we begin an article which will be getting it's own page in the next issue...  Rune Stones, The History and Workings of the Northmen.
Among my various journeys and learning, the Vikings seem to capture a very good part of the imagination.
Here did woman fight at man's side and vice-a versa, myths and legends were born, and an alphabet was carved.
In truth the glamour of Hollywood and the irony of comics have injured the true history of those we will refer to as Norsemen.
Not all Norsemen were warriors of mettle who lived to kill and destroy, loot and pillage.  These people included artists, shipwrights, farmers, and even up to kings.
To look at those who would be referred to as Vikings, actually is for those who made a habit of raiding.  "To go a-viking" is a reference to the voyages.
Upon looking back at their society, we will see that they were among the first to practice a version of democracy.  They founded cities and ruled in foreign lands.
Their ships were the most advanced in their period, with captains who dared to take them where no one else would go.
Now many of you may ask, "Why did you start this page on your Bard's Journals page?"
Quite simply, it is here because of a Skald I met, and who taught me this information.  She is a Bard of her own land, but one who was willing to show me various parts of history and culture that I would have missed till much later in life.
The history begins a millennium before 800AD. in the frigid and rocky lands of Scandinavia.  Leaving their overcrowded and foodstuff poor area, the people headed south across England, Scotland, Ireland, and France  primarily the northern territory in France known now as Normandy.  
These countries did however have names for these invaders (and I do not mean the truly foul ones!).....
Dani, Dane = Anglo-Saxons
Madjus = Arabic
Ascommani = Germanic
Rus = Slovanic
Nordmanni = Frankish
Finngaiil, Lochlannach = Irish
Rhos = Greek
During the creation of your persona, you might be referred to in one of these dialects so keep the general idea in mind.
While you are thinking of developing your persona, a name seems appropriate. You will see a small group of male and female names.  Some come from mythology, while others are still in use to this day.
The reenactor of this period has some studying to accomplish as well.
As shown there is a basic history and some names, yet what of their culture, economics, language, superstition, etc.?
Well, that is why this will be a column which will delve into these subjects and develop your reenacting persona.
Some suggested reading might include:
"The Viking World" by James Graham-Campbell  This is a book is filled with maps and colored pictures.  Descriptions of life are aided by diagrams and drawings all based on archeological studies.
"Everyday Life in the Viking Age" by Jacqueline Simpson Society, dress, food, etc. are shown here. The small yet important details of true reenacting, are captured by Ms. Simpson.
Female Names:
Asa                      Bera
Busla                    Edda (Edna)
Groa                     Helga
Hildrid                   Hleid
Isgerd                  Kara
Sigrid                   Swanhild
Throa                   Unn
Yrsa
Male Names
Aella                    An
Armod                 Asmund
Bard                     Borgar
Eirik                      Fafnir
Fjovlar                 Frosti
Gauk                     Gilling
Granmar                Grim
Gunnar                 Hagal
Hjalmar                Hroar
Hroi                      Illugi
Ivar                       Ketil
Orr                        Rodstaff
Sigmund                Skuli
Smid                     Soti
Thord                   Toki
Ulf                        Vikar
Honor Names (Nicknames)
These are earned by a particular deed or task by the individual :
Blood-knife                Night-sun
Red                       Wartooth