April 2006
Dreamstone Anglo-Saxon Poetry Contest |
“All of the virtues, none of the rhyme” |
| Return with me to mead-hall days |
| when sang the scops of shield-wall heroes |
| or brooded long on life’s brevity. |
| When mattered the most was metered line, |
| ere poems rhymed in Roman tongues; |
| Romantic rubbish ruined epics. |
|
Ld. Dyfn ap Meurig is sponsoring a Anglo-Saxon poetry contest. Poems must be original, use the Anglo-Saxon alliterative style, and be presented in clearly legible format. Poems in Old English will be impressive, but poems in New English will be read! Submissions should include the author’s SCA and mundane name, and contact information in case you can’t make it to the event. They may be mailed or emailed to Dyfn, or handed in at the Troll Booth by noon on the Saturday of Dreamstone. |
| Judging |
Poems will be judged on form (The proper use of alliteration, meter and stress, as well as stylistic hallmarks such as kennings and variations), subject, style, and creativity. The winner will be announced at Dreamstone baronial court. Go here for the judging guide. |
| Prizes |
| Prizes are to be determined, but will include a bottle of Chaucers mead, a coin suitable to the period, and some tablet-woven trim. In addition, the winning poem will be performed in the evening at their Excellencies’ pleasure – by the author or by a stand-in with a suitably loud voice. |
| For submissions, or if you have any questions, please contact Dyfn at |
| Email: bmarch “at” burke.net |
| Post: Buck Marchinton, 5123 Hwy 24 W, Waynesboro, GA 30830 |
| Bring honor to your group and glory to your name by composing in the grand style of our forebears. Or don’t and . . . don’t. |
|
The entries can be found here. |
| Style Guide to Anglo Saxon Poetry |
| Background on Anglo Saxon Poetry |
| Contest Judging Guidelines |