Tag Archives: Oswyn of Badon

Taking the Waters – A History of Bath (England) and Personae

Taking the Waters- A History of Bath (England) and Personae

Oswyn of Baðon mka Sean Wilson

Shire of Caer Gwyn, Middle Kingdom, Known World

For this class, I wanted to give the history of Bath but give it a window dressing of why it is good as a location for an SCA persona and by extension, what kind of things one can look for when choosing a location for one’s own persona.

The Legacy of Alfred the Great

The Legacy of Alfred the Great

By Oswyn of Baðon mka Sean Wilson

Shire of Caer Gwyn, Middle Kingdom, Known World

Imagine, you are the last Anglo-Saxon king in Southern England.  Northumbria, East Anglia, Mercia, and most of your kingdom (Wessex) has been captured by the Vikings and either ruled directly by them or through puppet kings.  Your father and three brothers were king before you and fought these invaders. Most of your relations died to these invaders.  You are now huddled with the remnants of your army in a marsh in Somerset.  All the remains is a crude fort, and some hovels of some commoners.  You go out for a walk and take refuge in one of those hovels.  The occupants do not know who you are but show you hospitality.  They simply ask that you do not let the cakes (bread) burn while they gather wood and hunt.

The Riddle Game – a look at the Exeter Book Riddles

https://alexandria.midrealm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/The-Riddle-Game.pdf

By Oswyn of Baðon mka Sean Wilson

Shire of Caer Gwyn, Middle Kingdom, Known World

While many sources of Anglo-Saxon history and literature have not survived through the years, there is one very remarkable piece that has – the Exeter Book.  This book dates from my own time, the 10th century. It contains epic poems like The Wanderer, the lives of St Guthlac and St Juliana, some traditional secular poems, and more than 90 riddles.

The Whey of the Curds

The Whey of the Curds– a history of cheese in Western Society in period.

By Oswyn of Baðon mka Sean Wilson

Shire of Caer Gwyn, Middle Kingdom, Known World

Legend has it that cheese was discovered by a travelling nomad.  The nomad kept a quantity of milk in a skin (probably a stomach).  As a result of his bumpy ride and hot conditions, the milk had turned into curds.  

It is a nice legend but a problematic one.  Why would a nomadic adult be carrying milk and where did he get it?  

Vinegar 101, 201, and 301 from

Oswyn of Baðon mka Sean Wilson

Shire of Caer Gwyn, Middle Kingdom, Known World

French wine makers have a saying, “God loves to make vinegar.”  Making vinegar is very easy; it will happen on its own.  However, like brewing, you can control the process and make this easy but versatile product for yourself.

Vinegar 101 Anti Brewing Vinegar

Vinegar 201 Vinegar and Mustard

Vinegar 301 Vinegar and Shrubs