Kingdom of Calontir

Last updated
Arms of the Kingdom of Calontir Calontir.svg
Arms of the Kingdom of Calontir

The Kingdom of Calontir is one of twenty "kingdoms", or regions, of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), [1] an international organization dedicated to researching and recreating aspects of the Middle Ages. [2]

Contents

Calontir is located in the Midwestern United States and includes about 40 local SCA groups in Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, and (the Fayetteville area of) Arkansas. [3] Calontir is bordered on the east by the Middle Kingdom, on the south by the kingdoms of Gleann Abhann and Ansteorra, on the west by the Kingdom of the Outlands, and on the north by the Kingdom of Northshield.

History

The name Calontir is believed by many to be Welsh for "Heartland"; [4] [5] [6] however, that is incorrect. "Heartland" as a single word in Welsh would be "perfeddwlad." [7] "Heart land" as two words more closely resembles "Calontir;" it translated into Welsh as "tir y galon" or "Calondir." [7] Over time the error has become common usage. It began as a principality within the Middle Kingdom in 1981-2 (AS XVI in the SCA's own calendar) and on February 18, 1984 [8] (AS XVIII) became the tenth kingdom of the SCA. The first king and queen of Calontir were known as Chepe l’Orageux and Arwyn Antaradi. [9]

The arms of the kingdom, registered January 1984, are: Purpure, a cross of Calatrava, in chief a crown, within in bordure a laurel wreath Or. [10]

Culture

Calontir has a distinctive cultural flavor, as does each kingdom in the SCA. Calontir is known for its cohesive presence at war, every individual in the Calontir army dressed in the kingdom's livery (purple with a golden falcon) and fighting in a huge shield wall, units marching into battle singing in unison, as if "a kingdom that runs like a household." [11] This cohesiveness may be influenced by traditional attitudes on the Great Plains, where strong communities have evolved out of farmers' cooperatives, formed long ago to ensure mutual survival against the elements of the American frontier. [11]

Drawing on its name and the culture of its founding group, Calontir is often associated with pre-Conquest England, an identity reflected in many of its songs, which convey the perspective of the downtrodden more often than the triumphant. This focus on pre-12th century England may have been a factor in Calontir's distinction as the last kingdom in the SCA to recognize SCA fencing.

Events

Thrones of Calontir (left) next to those of Northshield (right) at a joint event of the two kingdoms. SCAroyalcourts2006-05-28.JPG
Thrones of Calontir (left) next to those of Northshield (right) at a joint event of the two kingdoms.

Local groups in Calontir, as in other SCA kingdoms, host local and kingdom-level events throughout the year, which include SCA combat tournaments, Arts and Sciences competitions, seasonal feasts, etc. The Kingdom of Calontir annually hosts the War of the Lilies, a nine-day camping event each June, which in recent years has attracted about a thousand SCA members for combat and other activities. The first Lilies War was held in 1987 at Perry Lake in Kansas. Since 1992, the event has been held at Smithville Lake in Missouri. Unlike most SCA wars, which exploit inter-kingdom rivalries, Lilies War is a themed event, the contending groups based upon the theme of the year. [12] According to the Lilies War Committee charter, "the theme may not place the Kingdom of Calontir against another group". [13] Some of the events that take place are armored combat, archery, Arts and Sciences demonstrations and competitions, classes, feasting, games, youth activities, and shopping in the period markets and food court. Kingdom-level events in Calontir include the Kingdom Arts and Sciences Competition, the Queen's Prize Arts and Sciences Tournament, various symposia (Clothier's Seminar, Cooking Symposium, etc.), and combat tournaments such as the semi-annual Crown Tournament (which decide the future heirs to the crown).

Local groups

A map of the Kingdom of Calontir. Stars indicate the location of baronies. Kingdom of Calontir.png
A map of the Kingdom of Calontir. Stars indicate the location of baronies.

In the SCA, a barony is the largest type of local group, usually arising in areas of dense population and requiring a core of at least 25 paid, active members (though more people may participate occasionally or not become paid members). Baronies are run by a baron and baroness, who represent the king and queen. Calontir has six baronies: [3]

The Barony of Dumnonia was founded in Iowa City, Iowa in December 1975, but became defunct before the founding of Calontir. The Iowa City area is now home to the Shire of Shadowdale.

The typical local SCA group, somewhat smaller than a barony, is a shire. There are 19 shires in Calontir and one shire-march (a shire on the border between two kingdoms), called Grimfells, which is in the Fayetteville, Arkansas area. [3] Colleges are similar to shires but located in areas with large student populations; Calontir has two colleges (Bellewode in Kirksville, Missouri and No Mountain in Grinnell, Iowa). It also has three cantons, which are "fiefdoms" of a barony distant enough to be able to have meetings and events of their own but close enough to not be independent shires, and several unofficial local contacts in areas with too small a membership to form an official group. [3]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Society for Creative Anachronism</span> Nonprofit international living history group

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is an international living history group with the aim of studying and recreating mainly Medieval European cultures and their histories before the 17th century. A quip often used within the SCA describes it as a group devoted to the Middle Ages "as they ought to have been", choosing to "selectively recreate the culture, choosing elements of the culture that interest and attract us". Founded in 1966, the non-profit educational corporation has over 20,000 paid members as of 2020 with about 60,000 total participants in the society.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shires of Scotland</span> Historic administrative and geographical division of Scotland

The shires of Scotland, or counties of Scotland, are historic subdivisions of Scotland established in the Middle Ages and used as administrative divisions until 1975. Originally established for judicial purposes, from the 17th century they started to be used for local administration purposes as well. The areas used for judicial functions (sheriffdoms) came to diverge from the shires, which ceased to be used for local government purposes after 1975 under the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kingdom of England</span> Historic kingdom on the British Isles

The Kingdom of England was a sovereign state on the island of Great Britain from 12 July 927, when it emerged from various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, until 1 May 1707, when it united with Scotland to form the Kingdom of Great Britain.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ross and Cromarty</span> Area in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland

Ross and Cromarty, sometimes referred to as Ross-shire and Cromartyshire, is a variously defined area in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. There is a registration county and a lieutenancy area in current use, the latter of which is 8,019 square kilometres in extent. Historically there has also been a constituency of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, a local government county, a district of the Highland local government region and a management area of the Highland Council. The local government county is now divided between two local government areas: the Highland area and Na h-Eileanan Siar. Ross and Cromarty border Sutherland to the north and Inverness-shire to the south.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pennsic War</span>

The Pennsic War is an annual American medieval camping event held by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a "war" between two large regional SCA groups: the Kingdom of the East and the Middle Kingdom. It is the single largest annual SCA event, with more than 10,000 people attending each year, from as far as China, South Korea, Sweden, Germany, France, Italy, Greece, and Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amtgard</span>

Amtgard is a battle gaming and live-action fantasy roleplaying and boffer combat game with chapters primarily based in the United States and Canada as well as Germany, Croatia, and South Korea.

The Kingdom of Lochac is one of twenty "Kingdoms" or regions, of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) - an international organization dedicated to researching and recreating aspects of the Middle Ages.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">West Kingdom</span>

The West Kingdom is the oldest kingdom of the historical reenactment organization, the Society for Creative Anachronism. It comprises Northern California, Nevada, Alaska, Japan, Korea and the Pacific Rim.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Medieval reenactment</span>

Medieval reenactment is a form of historical reenactment that focuses on re-enacting European history in the period from the fall of Rome to about the end of the 15th century. The second half of this period is often called the Middle Ages. This multiplicity of terms is compounded by the variety of other terms used for the period.

Rapier Combat is a style of historical fencing practiced in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). The primary focus is to study, replicate and compete with styles of rapier sword-fighting found in Europe during the Renaissance period, using blunted steel swords and a variety of off-hand defensive items. Participants wear period clothing while competing, along with or incorporating protective equipment for safety. In the April 2020 update of the rules, the sport was renamed 'Fencing Combat'.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">History of local government in Scotland</span>

The History of local government in Scotland is a complex tale of largely ancient and long established Scottish political units being replaced after the mid 20th century by a frequently changing series of different local government arrangements.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Great Dark Horde</span> American historical re-enactment group

The Great Dark Horde is an independent "household" within the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), a historical reenactment group founded with the aim of studying and recreating pre-17th century Western European cultures and their histories. Although one can also find members in other re-enactment groups, it may very well be the largest household in that organization. It covers all the Kingdoms, though in some Kingdoms members do not always advertise themselves as Hordesmen.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Counties of Northern Ireland</span> Former principal local government divisions of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is divided into six counties, namely: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone. Six largely rural administrative counties based on these were among the eight primary local government areas of Northern Ireland from its 1921 creation until 1973. The other two local government areas were the urban county boroughs of Derry and Belfast.

The Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) is a medieval reenactment group with an international membership, founded in California in 1966. Members of the group participate, to a greater or lesser extent, in a wide variety of activities based on those found in pre-1601 CE cultures. The vast majority of interests in the SCA are either combat-focused, or focused on the day-to-day crafts of the period, known within the Society as A&S. Gatherings of the SCA are events, at which attempts at pre-17th century costume must be worn, and practices or meetings, at which costuming is largely up to each member's discretion—although sufficient safety equipment must always be worn for practicing combat skills.

Historical re-enactment in Australia has been occurring since at least the early 1970s. With no conventional land battles and few protracted civil disturbances since the British colonisation of Australia, most military re-enactment in Australia focuses on events from other countries, including the European Feudal, medieval, and renaissance eras.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patri J. Pugliese</span>

Patri J. Pugliese was a historian of science, dance, and fencing, as well as a teacher of historical dance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">SCA armoured combat</span> Combat sport

SCA armoured combat, or informally heavy combat, is a combat sport developed by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) in which participants in protective body armour compete in mock combat, individual tournaments inspired by forms of historical combat, and tournament combat practiced in medieval Europe. Groups also compete, under supervision, in group battles which may approximate historically real combat, using SCA approved safe weapons. Combats are performed under the watch of marshals to maintain safety. It is variously considered a combat sport, contact sport, or a form of martial art.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fermanagh</span> Historical Irish county

Historically, Fermanagh, as opposed to the modern County Fermanagh, was a kingdom of Gaelic Ireland, associated geographically with present-day County Fermanagh. Fir Manach originally referred to a distinct kin group of alleged Laigin origins. The kingdom of Fermanagh was formed in the 10th century, out of the larger kingdom of Uí Chremthainn, which was part of the overkingdom of Airgíalla. By the late 11th century it had grown to cover all of what is now County Fermanagh. The kingdom came to be ruled by the Mag Uidhir (Maguire) clan from the late 13th century onward. They were based at Lisnaskea, and their royal inauguration site was nearby Sgiath Gabhra (Skeagoura), now called Cornashee. Under Hugh Maguire, Fermanagh was involved in the Nine Years' War against English rule. His successor, Cú Chonnacht Óg Mag Uidhir, was one of the Gaelic Irish leaders who fled Ireland during the Flight of the Earls. Fermanagh was subsequently merged into the Kingdom of Ireland as County Fermanagh.

Brian R. Price is an American university professor, author, editor, publisher, martial arts instructor of the Italian school of swordsmanship, reconstructive armorer, and member of the Society for Creative Anachronism. As of Nov. 10, 2022, Price is listed as Professor of Military and Security Studies, Air Command and Staff College Faculty, Air University. His previous association with Hawai'i Pacific University, ceased before Nov. 11, 2022, when he was not listed among the faculty there. He speaks regularly at conferences both for his current field on counterinsurgency and in his earlier, and now secondary field, on chivalric topics. His page at https://hpu.academia.edu/BrianRPrice lists his current and recent research projects. He began his studies of medieval history in 1990, but began to shift his interests as the Afghan and Iraq wars progressed, increasingly emphasizing aspects of modern military theory, especially ways through which culture, doctrine and military practice interweave. These modern topics have been a prominent part of his work since his graduation from the University of North Texas and deployment to Afghanistan as part of the Human Terrain System in 2011-2012. He has spoken at the UK Ministry of Defence, at the Society for Military History, the World History Conference, several academic martial arts symposia, and appeared on television to discuss the situation in Ukraine.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Counties of Meath and Westmeath Act 1543</span> Irish Act dividing County Meath into Meath and Westmeath

An Act for the division of Meath into two shires was an Act of the Parliament of Ireland passed in 1542 which resulted in the division of County Meath, shired in 1297, into the counties of Meath and Westmeath. The Act commenced on Saint Catherine's Day in 1542 and remains in effect.

References

  1. "SCA Geography" . Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  2. "Society for Creative Anachronism Organizational Handbook" (PDF). April 2001. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Local Contacts". Calontir.org. 2013-05-19. Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  4. Mark S. Harris (ed.). "Placenames". Stefan's Florilegium. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  5. "Castellan's Gateway". College of No Mountain. Archived from the original on 2008-08-08. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  6. Hirsch von Henford, ed. (2008-03-16). "Calontir". An Unofficial Glossary of Terms As Used in the SCA. Retrieved 2009-04-03.
  7. 1 2 "Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru". geiriadur.ac.uk.
  8. per the 14th Edition, Kingdom Law: XIX-100
  9. "Royal Lineage of Calontir". 2009-02-03. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
  10. "Kingdom of Calontir Online Armorial". Kingdom of Calontir. Retrieved 2013-04-29.
  11. 1 2 Cramer, Michael A. (2010). Medieval Fantasy as Performance: The Society for Creative Anachronism and the current Middle Ages. Plymouth, UK: Scarecrow Press, Inc. p. 11. ISBN   978-0-8108-6995-0.
  12. Cramer, p. 15.
  13. Charter of the Lilies War Committee, Article I, Section D, 01/13/2007 revision
  14. 1 2 "History Dates of Calontir Baronies". Modar University. Retrieved 2013-04-29.
  15. "Lonely Tower, Barony of the" . Retrieved 2013-04-29.
  16. "Coeur d'Ennui, Barony of" . Retrieved 2013-04-29.
  17. 1 2 "Mag Mor, Barony of" . Retrieved 2013-04-29.
  18. "Vatavia, Barony of" . Retrieved 2013-04-29.