Grimwulf’s Fyrd

Grimwulf’s Fyrd is a Fighting Household, based in the Middle Kingdom. The Symbol of our House is the Raven Banner (a Black Raven on a White Field surrounded by a Red Border). We can also be identified by the silver medallions each member wears after completing a period of time as a Gestir. Grimwulf’s Fyrd began as a household that was to present a period example on the battlefield of an Early Period fighting unit. Weapons, shields, and style of dress were restricted to help achieve this appearance.

As time passed, unfortunately, we saw need to amend these restrictions due to differences within the House on feelings of what we were trying to accomplish. We chose to pursue the typical course of a Household within the SCA, with a few minor changes.

NOW: Grimwulf’s Fyrd is still a Fighting Household. We only restrict shield styles when we are on the battlefield as the Fyrd. We also ask that members of the House attempt an early period style of dress when on the field as part of the Fyrd. Encouragement in the use of period weapons is practiced, but the weapons restrictions are no longer enforced. Period tactics are also still encouraged, but there is the option of changing in mid-battle when necessary. Early period personas are still encouraged, but there are no persona restrictions (there never were), and each person is expected to display House Colors(in the form of our Mantles) at all times when on the battlefield.

Grimwulf is our Fyrdwisa, or War Chieftain. He is our leader, and the medallions we wear are the symbols of free passage into his lands. Grimwulf is a Norse/Saxon, and is actively seeking any and all warriors who share in his desires: exploring Living History and its possible existence and application within the SCA, developing a positive reputation as a House and as individuals, as well as having fun in the Society.

The Thanes are the next in the chain of command. The Thanes act as Field Commanders as well as House leaders. Any ideas for activities of the Fyrd should always be discussed with at least one of the Thanes prior to any action being taken or commitments being made on behalf of the House. It is the Thanes responsibility to provide wise advice for the other members of the Fyrd and help members accomplish any ideas or activities they propose, as long as these do not result in any loss of honor or respect for any other member of the Fyrd, or bring about any loss of honor or disrespect to the Fyrd as a whole.

The Drengr are the backbone of the Fyrd. Without these stalwart members, the Fyrd is no more. These are the Warriors. As a Drengr, the member has a medallion and a Mantle, and has the privilege to vote at House Althings (meetings). He has a right to be heard, and is encouraged to make his/her opinion known to the rest of the Fyrd. The Drengr has expressed his loyalty to the Fyrd by participating in activities the Fyrd does, and displaying proudly his House Colors. Individual actions are also considered when the Fyrd chooses to accept someone as a Drengr.

Becoming a Gestir, an Anglo-Saxon term meaning "honored guest", is the first step to becoming a member of the Fyrd. As a Gestir, the person is presented with a mantle, and is told they are freely welcome to attend any and all activities of the Fyrd. The Gestir gets no vote at Althings, but may be heard upon request to, and approval of, the Thanes. All members of the Fyrd observe personal actions and participation with the Fyrd and after a period of time, the House will vote, at an Althing, to offer membership to the Gestir.