Write me like one of your french women.
Huggin and Munin was taking flight and the Riding of Ravensbridge was starting to take shape. As a growing community not quite yet official, it was time to begin recording their history. Ravensbridge is an incipient Riding of Malagentia and as a resident of Malagentia, I felt the need to help document their history.
I spent the next few weeks reaching out to the founding members to find out exactly how this group came to fruition. Of combined efforts, I was able to piece together this viking village and their bright birth.
Below is the entry I composed:
Down by the swan-road we soar on the wing
and from our hearts a song we did sing
Over the mountains it rang o’re the ridge
about the birth of Ravensbridge
Trapped between rivaling nations we stand
This place was not home, no not on this land
Together as people the plain that we spanned
to make a home not written in sand
Down by the swan-road we soar on the wing
and from our hearts a song we did sing
Over the mountains it rang o’re the ridge
about the birth of Ravensbridge
We searched for a center, a place to call home
Two strongholds that stood, both we did roam
Endewearde, headland of swords north fair
Malagentia lit South, by the light of Sif’s hair
Down by the swan-road we soar on the wing
and from our hearts a song we did sing
Over the mountains it rang o’re the ridge
about the birth of Ravensbridge
Our men speared-din worn, our people lost drive
‘til an outstretched arm lent our kinsman to thrive
A spot between moon and shield to be shown
Our wound-hoe, blood-ember and arms soon to be grown
Down by the swan-road we soar on the wing
and from our hearts a song we did sing
Over the mountains it rang o’re the ridge
about the birth of Ravensbridge
Nameless the many who wandered are we
A name and an image we’re proud to be seen
In honor of friends and this place that we stand
The Raven and Bridge is our chosen brand
Down by the swan-road we soar on the wing
and from our hearts a song we did sing
Over the mountains it rang o’re the ridge
about the birth of Ravensbridge
As a side note, this was my first attempt at composing using kennings. Ravensbridge is a viking based group, I tried to be authentic in composition style and true to their heritage.
After the performances were completed but before their winners were announced, music needed to be made. I did what I do best and I pulled out rounds and found any willing to sing to join me. It was then announced that I was the first winner of their Bardic competition.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 