Howdy, folks! It’s that time of year again…when the weather is as snowy and cold as it’s been this season, I find it’s best to burrow in, keep the fire fed, and patch moccasins. Well, that can only keep a fellow busy for so long, so I’m once again making my way through my library of Tolkien and/or living history books in the name of ‘research’.
I found Mark Baker’s articles quite valuable in his suggestion that for good believable living history, one’s impression should be based on ‘common’ folks.
After all, remembering that Tolkien's Middle-earth is of a mythic European prehistory in a primeval-ly forested world, there's really no reason any average citizen would be without the skills we profess to demonstrate here. It's only logical that everyone from Ered Luin to Esgaroth knows how to kindle a fire, cook over an open flame, find food and water in the wilderness, walk or ride long distances, and probably handle a weapon or two. So why should we limit ourselves to a small, exclusive group of rangers? Diversify!
Because let’s face it, the Dunedain Rangers are anything but common—thankless, elite, and shadowy as they are, the northern rangers are pretty much the Navy SEALS of the Third Age. Heck, even within the Fellowship of the Ring itself, literally every individual except Samwise Gamgee is a member of his society’s upper class:
-While the Bagginses strike me as more ‘noveau riche’ after Bilbo’s return, Messrs. Took and Brandybuck are certainly Hobbity Old Money.
-Gimli’s father was a companion of Thorin Oakenshield and helped reclaim the Lonely Mountain on the Quest of Erebor.
-Legolas Greenleaf’s father is the king of one of the four surviving Elvish kingdoms in the Third Age.
-Boromir’s father is the Steward of Gondor.
-Gandalf the Grey is an immortal spirit from the beginning of Creation who is literally ‘on a mission from God’.
-And Aragorn II is, of course, the Chieftain of the Dunedain and heir to the reunited kingdoms of Gondor and Arnor.
So yes, as a whole, the Fellowship is pretty nepotistic and anything but ‘common’ (again, except for the esteemed Master Gamgee).
Bearing this in mind, I peered at my map of Middle-earth and focused on known settlements of common folk, and what, if anything, is actually known—or might be extrapolated—of those. I thought about places which were along trade routes but still somewhat ‘off the beaten path’ of the legend as we know it. I also thought about kit I already have, or am likely to acquire in the near future.
After some very thoughtful consideration, I think I’ve come up with a couple of pretty appropriate Middle-earth ‘impressions’ for myself:
On seeking a 'common' persona
On seeking a 'common' persona
Last edited by Udwin on Mon Feb 10, 2014 12:37 am, edited 1 time in total.
Personae: Aistan son of Ansteig, common Beorning of Wilderland; Tungo Brandybuck, Eastfarthing Bounder, 3018 TA; a native Man of the Greyflood, c.850 SA
Re: a 'common' kuduk persona
As I am bearded and typically barefoot for much of the year, for Summer trekking, I’m leaning towards a generic Stoorish hobbit of the Eastfarthing (thinking specifically, possibly, of the Bophîn clan)—as this variety seems to be the most man-like, owing to their beards, boots, and boats—a hobbit from this region would likely not “look on boats as wild horsesâ€, living in the vicinity of both the Stockbrook and the Brandywine itself (thus validating my in-progress dugout canoe!).
Such an impression would, keeping with Tolkien’s fairly detailed descriptions of hobbitry, of course be solidly drawn from kit dated to the period 1750-1840 which I already have (picture a new-invented haversack, knee breeches, waistcoat, antique pocketknife, handkerchief, pipe, &c.
Such an impression would, keeping with Tolkien’s fairly detailed descriptions of hobbitry, of course be solidly drawn from kit dated to the period 1750-1840 which I already have (picture a new-invented haversack, knee breeches, waistcoat, antique pocketknife, handkerchief, pipe, &c.
Personae: Aistan son of Ansteig, common Beorning of Wilderland; Tungo Brandybuck, Eastfarthing Bounder, 3018 TA; a native Man of the Greyflood, c.850 SA
Re: a 'common' woodsman persona
My second persona—especially for colder weather—which I’m fairly excited about, would be of a Third Age Man from the Vales of Anduin, or the western eaves of Mirkwood.
I have lived all my life on the banks of a similarly great river, thus my mind has been shaped by such a landscape.
I’m wary of associating too closely with the Beornings, as direct descent from a sole were-bear chieftain seems to negate ‘common-ness’ to me.
However, there is nothing wrong with being friendly ‘neighbors’—we’re told “men from far and wide†came to visit Beorn at Yule—and I imagine relations between both groups would be quite open.
Inspired by Tolkien’s suggestion that “as far as the ‘mortals’ go… the situations are so devised that economic likelihood is there and could be worked outâ€, I endeavored to extrapolate from what we know of Beorn—quite a lot, actually—and get a pretty clear picture of homestead life in the Anduin valley.
A passage on the Great Plague of TA 1636 describes the men of Rhovanion’s “low wooden houses and stables†(UT, 302). Although it is a slippery slope to base one’s picture on a single sentence, it is evocative enough of Beorn’s compound that I feel fairly comfortable with it.
Beorn’s self-reliant life is based on three cornerstones: apiary, husbandry, and balanoculture.
Beekeeping yields invaluable products—honey (for baking as well as making MEAD), and wax (candles are specifically mentioned, but of course waterproofing and many other uses come to mind).
Beorn’s honey is based on clover, so it’s conceivable a woodsman of the area might carry some dried herbs for teamaking (in addition to clover, I’m specifically thinking of the delicious golden tea made from pineapple-weed!).
While in Beorn’s case ‘husbandry’ may be an inappropriate word (it seems more of a partnership model of relations), a woodsman’s stables would likely also house cattle, horses, and sheep. While the former two could provide draft power, the latter would be a valuable source of wool for textiles (cf. Beorn’s wool tunic), and—while not mentioned apart from Sam’s hat—it’s not inconceivable, felt.
Cattle would give milk for dairy products (Beorn is said to live mostly on cream), and I think cheese is likely (coated with wax from the hives).
Knowing what we know of Beorn’s apparently vegetarian method of sustenance (“He does not eat [his livestock]; neither does he hunt or eat wild animals†Gandalf informs us), one must if this unique lifestyle is indicative of others in the area? I can imagine the Beornings themselves later maintaining this regimen as part of their own cultural heritage, however I can’t see a common woodsman on the edge of Mirkwood abstaining from eating meat.
(In my working through these possible personas, I ruled out a Beorning impression due to an assumed—under the prohibition about killing animals—absence of leather. While even intelligent/enchanted farm animals must die eventually, I suppose one could utilize hides scavenged from animals killed by Orcs? And then I thought what about Warg leather? (We do see Beorn nail a warg’s hide to a tree!))
Finally, Beorn’s compound is surrounded not only by a thorny hedge, but by a ring of oak trees.
Such trees would not only provide raw materials for wood-based buildings and housewares, but also edible acorns for flour and baking.
Parenthetically, when we first meet Beorn, he is standing next to “a great oak-trunk with many lopped branches beside it.†Of course, when I skimmed that the first time I didn’t see the dash, and so read “great oak trunk†and immediately thought of the Bronze Age oak coffins of Denmark (Egtved Girl and the like). Haha!
A few additional details sprinkled throughout help to flesh out the picture:
We’re told that Beorn’s house contained—“save the knivesâ€â€”few metal objects; spoons and bowls were all wooden.
The supplies he gives to Thorin’s company include “red earthenware pots†(I immediately pictured the European ‘beaker’ pottery industry), and four bows with arrows. In my conception, these weapons would be fairly short, not only because longbows would be little use to dwarves and a hobbit, but also because the bows of Thranduil’s folk are also said to be short, and so I imagine that those of men of western Mirkwood could be modeled on those of northern Mirkwood’s elves.
Whew.
In terms of kit and gear, for this impression I plan on wearing linen trousers and wool cloak (see Tolkien’s comment in Letter#211 on basic clothing of men at Shire latitudes), as well as a long wool tunic like Beorn’s (as soon as I can get my hands on some properly rustic wool!).
Located on a prominent (and renewed as of the late Third Age) trade route (the Men-I-Naugrim from Erebor/Dale/Esgaroth to the Great East Road of Eriador, it’s conceivable that a woodsman could offer his services to travelers or traders as a guide and/or escort across the Anduin or the High Pass of the Misty Mountains. The former again justifies my dugout project; the latter explains my felt boots and birchbark snow-goggles.
I have lived all my life on the banks of a similarly great river, thus my mind has been shaped by such a landscape.
I’m wary of associating too closely with the Beornings, as direct descent from a sole were-bear chieftain seems to negate ‘common-ness’ to me.
However, there is nothing wrong with being friendly ‘neighbors’—we’re told “men from far and wide†came to visit Beorn at Yule—and I imagine relations between both groups would be quite open.
Inspired by Tolkien’s suggestion that “as far as the ‘mortals’ go… the situations are so devised that economic likelihood is there and could be worked outâ€, I endeavored to extrapolate from what we know of Beorn—quite a lot, actually—and get a pretty clear picture of homestead life in the Anduin valley.
A passage on the Great Plague of TA 1636 describes the men of Rhovanion’s “low wooden houses and stables†(UT, 302). Although it is a slippery slope to base one’s picture on a single sentence, it is evocative enough of Beorn’s compound that I feel fairly comfortable with it.
Beorn’s self-reliant life is based on three cornerstones: apiary, husbandry, and balanoculture.
Beekeeping yields invaluable products—honey (for baking as well as making MEAD), and wax (candles are specifically mentioned, but of course waterproofing and many other uses come to mind).
Beorn’s honey is based on clover, so it’s conceivable a woodsman of the area might carry some dried herbs for teamaking (in addition to clover, I’m specifically thinking of the delicious golden tea made from pineapple-weed!).
While in Beorn’s case ‘husbandry’ may be an inappropriate word (it seems more of a partnership model of relations), a woodsman’s stables would likely also house cattle, horses, and sheep. While the former two could provide draft power, the latter would be a valuable source of wool for textiles (cf. Beorn’s wool tunic), and—while not mentioned apart from Sam’s hat—it’s not inconceivable, felt.
Cattle would give milk for dairy products (Beorn is said to live mostly on cream), and I think cheese is likely (coated with wax from the hives).
Knowing what we know of Beorn’s apparently vegetarian method of sustenance (“He does not eat [his livestock]; neither does he hunt or eat wild animals†Gandalf informs us), one must if this unique lifestyle is indicative of others in the area? I can imagine the Beornings themselves later maintaining this regimen as part of their own cultural heritage, however I can’t see a common woodsman on the edge of Mirkwood abstaining from eating meat.
(In my working through these possible personas, I ruled out a Beorning impression due to an assumed—under the prohibition about killing animals—absence of leather. While even intelligent/enchanted farm animals must die eventually, I suppose one could utilize hides scavenged from animals killed by Orcs? And then I thought what about Warg leather? (We do see Beorn nail a warg’s hide to a tree!))
Finally, Beorn’s compound is surrounded not only by a thorny hedge, but by a ring of oak trees.
Such trees would not only provide raw materials for wood-based buildings and housewares, but also edible acorns for flour and baking.
Parenthetically, when we first meet Beorn, he is standing next to “a great oak-trunk with many lopped branches beside it.†Of course, when I skimmed that the first time I didn’t see the dash, and so read “great oak trunk†and immediately thought of the Bronze Age oak coffins of Denmark (Egtved Girl and the like). Haha!
A few additional details sprinkled throughout help to flesh out the picture:
We’re told that Beorn’s house contained—“save the knivesâ€â€”few metal objects; spoons and bowls were all wooden.
The supplies he gives to Thorin’s company include “red earthenware pots†(I immediately pictured the European ‘beaker’ pottery industry), and four bows with arrows. In my conception, these weapons would be fairly short, not only because longbows would be little use to dwarves and a hobbit, but also because the bows of Thranduil’s folk are also said to be short, and so I imagine that those of men of western Mirkwood could be modeled on those of northern Mirkwood’s elves.
Whew.
In terms of kit and gear, for this impression I plan on wearing linen trousers and wool cloak (see Tolkien’s comment in Letter#211 on basic clothing of men at Shire latitudes), as well as a long wool tunic like Beorn’s (as soon as I can get my hands on some properly rustic wool!).
Located on a prominent (and renewed as of the late Third Age) trade route (the Men-I-Naugrim from Erebor/Dale/Esgaroth to the Great East Road of Eriador, it’s conceivable that a woodsman could offer his services to travelers or traders as a guide and/or escort across the Anduin or the High Pass of the Misty Mountains. The former again justifies my dugout project; the latter explains my felt boots and birchbark snow-goggles.
Personae: Aistan son of Ansteig, common Beorning of Wilderland; Tungo Brandybuck, Eastfarthing Bounder, 3018 TA; a native Man of the Greyflood, c.850 SA
Re: an Uncommon Second Age persona
And just for kicks, because it’s always fun to see first-person interpretation of named individuals, I thought an intriguing yet doable impression would be Tal-elmar. Don’t feel bad if you’re not familiar with this character, he appears only in a fragmentary sketch in the twelfth volume of The History of Middle-Earth. Set in a solidly Neolithic Second Age village on the Anfalas south of the White Mountains, the story depicts a meeting between Numenoreans and an indigenous tribe, and like similarly unpublished stories, infuriatingly ends abruptly.
Such an impression would be interesting—I’m certainly physically suited to it (slight build, average modern height, light skin and grey eyes; contrasted with the swarthy, short, and muscley rest of T-e’s village. Plus, he’s expressly stated to wear only a loincloth and a fur cape!
Once I get my flintknapping skills up to snuff, it’d be fun.
Such an impression would be interesting—I’m certainly physically suited to it (slight build, average modern height, light skin and grey eyes; contrasted with the swarthy, short, and muscley rest of T-e’s village. Plus, he’s expressly stated to wear only a loincloth and a fur cape!
Once I get my flintknapping skills up to snuff, it’d be fun.Personae: Aistan son of Ansteig, common Beorning of Wilderland; Tungo Brandybuck, Eastfarthing Bounder, 3018 TA; a native Man of the Greyflood, c.850 SA
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Straelbora
- Haeropada
- Posts: 937
- Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 7:00 pm
- Location: Indianapolis, IN USA
Re: On seeking a 'common' persona
Udwin: great essay; you’ve obviously put a lot of thought into the environment of Middle Earth as well as a believable person inhabiting it.
As I’ve mentioned before here on the forum, one of the things that, to me, is pivotal about Tolkien’s Middle Earth is that it is a post-apocalyptic world. Although he wrote of the events of his books taking place in some distant past, the overall technology and societal make up seem really to reflect Dark Ages Britain, which is not surprising, considering the Professor was an expert in Anglo-Saxon language and culture. Dark Ages England had many layers- the indigenous post-Ice Age peoples, followed by early farmers, perhaps from as far away as the Middle East, then the Bronze Age Celts, who later fought savagely against the invading Romans. The Romans imposed law and order at swordpoint, creating a lasting internal peace that allowed for a very modern, recognizeable civilization with rule of law, civil buildings, etc. And then that collapsed under both its internal weight and in the face of another savage invasion, this time by illiterate heathens, the very antithesis of Professor Tolkien, yet whom I suspect he admired nonetheless.
I see Middle Earth leading up to the events of “The Hobbit†and “The Lord of the Rings†as very much fitting this mold. Numenorean ruins litter the landscape instead of Roman. The cities are depopulated and crumbling, with people few and far between. If you read such accounts the few tens of thousands of people living in the ruins of Constantinople after it had been the hugely populated capital of the Byzantine Empire, or of medieval travellers moving through the almost haunted empty landscape of post-Plague Europe, or even of European explorers of the 1600s moving through the now-emptied landscape of North America after diseases had wiped out a huge portion of the people, to me you get a sense of the inherent loneliness of Middle Earth.
You’re spot on about common peole of Middle Earth being able to start fires with flint and steel, etc. But to me the biggest thing that sets Rangers apart is right there in the label: travel. In an emptied landscape, one unlike Europe with the threat of just brigands or wolves, but also with Orcs and other unsavory creatures, few people would travel very far (not sure if you know that our English word ‘travel’ comes from the medieval French word for ‘work.’). People in the scattered villages would be insular and likely very xenophobic, for good reason.
For the common folk of Middle Earth, Rangers would seem suspicious. After all, to a subsistence farmer who makes some additional coin through cottage industry like knitting or wood working, how does a Ranger even support himself (or herself), unless through robbery or some other illegal activity?
You point out how most of the main characters of the books are well-off or royal; that makes sense. It would take great resources to travel long distances in such a landscape.
While reading your essay, another thought came to mind- especially for the Dunedain Rangers. That is, if they are a small group of people who have spent centuries keeping at bay the things that go bump in the night, they must have families and some sort of home base. The Dunedain Rangers aren’t like the Black Watch from Martin’s “Game of Thrones,†a celibate caste whose ranks are filled by volunteers and/or criminals looking for a second chance. Living off the land, even for the most skilled, eventually takes a physical and I would think, psychological toll on a person. I once had a job where I drove to schools and taught science programs. I was in a different city each day. One year, I had Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California for the whole year. I probably camped outside 3 months of that year, and spent maybe 1 month with people I knew. Being forever on the road and only superficially interacting with people for 11 months was very strange. I would think after weeks or months of being the suspicious stranger, a person would need to have a place to be welcomed. That’s why I imagine that Rangers would have friendly individuals with whom they could stay and who could pass along info to other Rangers, and why Rangers might frequently meet up for joint patrols.
Anyway, I just want to thank you for some stimulating thoughts.
As I’ve mentioned before here on the forum, one of the things that, to me, is pivotal about Tolkien’s Middle Earth is that it is a post-apocalyptic world. Although he wrote of the events of his books taking place in some distant past, the overall technology and societal make up seem really to reflect Dark Ages Britain, which is not surprising, considering the Professor was an expert in Anglo-Saxon language and culture. Dark Ages England had many layers- the indigenous post-Ice Age peoples, followed by early farmers, perhaps from as far away as the Middle East, then the Bronze Age Celts, who later fought savagely against the invading Romans. The Romans imposed law and order at swordpoint, creating a lasting internal peace that allowed for a very modern, recognizeable civilization with rule of law, civil buildings, etc. And then that collapsed under both its internal weight and in the face of another savage invasion, this time by illiterate heathens, the very antithesis of Professor Tolkien, yet whom I suspect he admired nonetheless.
I see Middle Earth leading up to the events of “The Hobbit†and “The Lord of the Rings†as very much fitting this mold. Numenorean ruins litter the landscape instead of Roman. The cities are depopulated and crumbling, with people few and far between. If you read such accounts the few tens of thousands of people living in the ruins of Constantinople after it had been the hugely populated capital of the Byzantine Empire, or of medieval travellers moving through the almost haunted empty landscape of post-Plague Europe, or even of European explorers of the 1600s moving through the now-emptied landscape of North America after diseases had wiped out a huge portion of the people, to me you get a sense of the inherent loneliness of Middle Earth.
You’re spot on about common peole of Middle Earth being able to start fires with flint and steel, etc. But to me the biggest thing that sets Rangers apart is right there in the label: travel. In an emptied landscape, one unlike Europe with the threat of just brigands or wolves, but also with Orcs and other unsavory creatures, few people would travel very far (not sure if you know that our English word ‘travel’ comes from the medieval French word for ‘work.’). People in the scattered villages would be insular and likely very xenophobic, for good reason.
For the common folk of Middle Earth, Rangers would seem suspicious. After all, to a subsistence farmer who makes some additional coin through cottage industry like knitting or wood working, how does a Ranger even support himself (or herself), unless through robbery or some other illegal activity?
You point out how most of the main characters of the books are well-off or royal; that makes sense. It would take great resources to travel long distances in such a landscape.
While reading your essay, another thought came to mind- especially for the Dunedain Rangers. That is, if they are a small group of people who have spent centuries keeping at bay the things that go bump in the night, they must have families and some sort of home base. The Dunedain Rangers aren’t like the Black Watch from Martin’s “Game of Thrones,†a celibate caste whose ranks are filled by volunteers and/or criminals looking for a second chance. Living off the land, even for the most skilled, eventually takes a physical and I would think, psychological toll on a person. I once had a job where I drove to schools and taught science programs. I was in a different city each day. One year, I had Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California for the whole year. I probably camped outside 3 months of that year, and spent maybe 1 month with people I knew. Being forever on the road and only superficially interacting with people for 11 months was very strange. I would think after weeks or months of being the suspicious stranger, a person would need to have a place to be welcomed. That’s why I imagine that Rangers would have friendly individuals with whom they could stay and who could pass along info to other Rangers, and why Rangers might frequently meet up for joint patrols.
Anyway, I just want to thank you for some stimulating thoughts.
Vápnum sÃnum skala maðr velli á
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
feti ganga framar þvà at óvist er at vita
nær verðr á vegum úti geirs um þörf guma
Hávamál
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Mirimaran
- Thangailhir
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Re: On seeking a 'common' persona
A very good essay yourself, Straelbora, it reflects my own thoughts on the latter half of the Third Age.
Ken
Ken
"Well, what are you waiting for? I am an old man, and have no time for your falter! Come at me, if you will, for I do not sing songs of dastards!"
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Greg
- Urush bithî 'nKi ya-nam bawâb
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- Location: Eriador; Central Indiana
Re: On seeking a 'common' persona
Excellent thoughts, Udwin, and I very much enjoyed the after-commentary, Straelbora. Thought-provoking on all counts.
Now the sword shall come from under the cloak.
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Cinead
- Silent Watcher over the Peaceful Lands
- Posts: 257
- Joined: Mon Feb 16, 2009 12:38 am
- Location: The Western Edge of Mirkwood...
Re: On seeking a 'common' persona
When I was heavy into 18thC reenacting, I always wanted to be seen as "common" and it is very much the same way now that I have stepped into my beloved Middle Earth.
As Udwin pointed out, the Dunedain are not common, either in number OR skills. They are the SF Operators of ME...great analogy by the by...
I envision myself as an educated woodsman/hunter/small farmer.
No more, no less.
Meant to keep the larders full of game and report any strange goings-on and defending my village. As I have aged (I am 38) taken on the responsibility of teaching the younger men the use of the bow and crossbow (I am a crossbow hunter that uses a medieval crossbow in the mundane), hunting and wood craft.
As far as my village goes.....in a wooded area, the homes very "anglo-saxon-ish" and the village surrounded by a stout wall.....with blockhouses at the gates and at each corner....the inside of the wall ringed with a firing platform. I can see these types of dwellings common for the country folk....but I am walking a line of drifting into a Rohan persona....which I am NOT.
I'm thinking a settlement around the village of Bree near one of the wooded areas like Chetwood....Maybe on the outskirts of Archet....
As Udwin pointed out, the Dunedain are not common, either in number OR skills. They are the SF Operators of ME...great analogy by the by...
I envision myself as an educated woodsman/hunter/small farmer.
No more, no less.
Meant to keep the larders full of game and report any strange goings-on and defending my village. As I have aged (I am 38) taken on the responsibility of teaching the younger men the use of the bow and crossbow (I am a crossbow hunter that uses a medieval crossbow in the mundane), hunting and wood craft.
As far as my village goes.....in a wooded area, the homes very "anglo-saxon-ish" and the village surrounded by a stout wall.....with blockhouses at the gates and at each corner....the inside of the wall ringed with a firing platform. I can see these types of dwellings common for the country folk....but I am walking a line of drifting into a Rohan persona....which I am NOT.
I'm thinking a settlement around the village of Bree near one of the wooded areas like Chetwood....Maybe on the outskirts of Archet....
Here I stand...unbowed, unbent, unbroken.
Re: On seeking a 'common' persona
This is a very stimulating conversation and one that every re-enactor must come to, no matter what the setting.
I have endeavored to sustain a Dwarven persona because of several issues.
I have felt that aside from the Rohirim and Northern common men of the Nan-Anduin, that the Khazad had a very norse type culture which I have been quite interested in and re-enact in the SCA.
Though my first persona in the SCA was based on a Dunadian Ranger, I realized my childhood hero Robinhood was very much the medeival forester type that would resemble him most closely. I was at that time however in college studying music and drama so he ended up being much more of a Welsh Bard/minstrel with a woodsman flare.
There after I ended up in Iceland for several months and became enamoured with the Norse culture and even tried to follow my own suspected Norse heritage. In doing so I found that a persona that encompased a bit of the three has emerged for me in the SCA when I went back to it this time.
He is a Norseman in York after returning from the Varangian Guard as an archer, to settle down as a woodsman and tradesman.
In Middle Earth however I could not get away from my love of all things Dwarven, and as I played a Dwarf in my Larps with my son and daughter it seemed natural for me to do so here.
I have found however that a proper Dwarven persona is not only rare in our group, it is not easy for the casual enthusiast. It has required a commitment to the cultural study of Professor Tolkien's views of the Dwarves of Middle Earth and some extrapolation and conjecture as to what historical cultural influence might be appropriate based on my interaction with other ME personas, most of them Dunadian, in order to maintain a believable presence. Some of the past insight and encouragement from members on these boards have helped me get closer to that goal.
I have chosen Ringulf out of some of the other Dwarven characters of my writings and gaming, because he, in many ways, is not a "typical" Dwarf. He is in fact a bit of an oddball amongst his own people which has put him on the path he now treads.
He is the third son of a prominant warrior of the House of Uri, by the name of Haakon Hammerhand(a Free Axe sworn to defend and serve the house of Durin in Erebor after the battle of Five armies, but originally from the Iron Hills)with his second wife (of lesser status among those of Erebor as her family was of the House of Sindri, whose dark history can be studied, but who were merchants from Rhune residing in Esgeroth and then in New Dale)
His lineage was claimed officially by Haakon, but Ringulf did not enjoy the same status his older "Full Blooded" brothers did and was placed in the service of the Ravenhill Watch as his skills developed and he matured.
He left his home in Erebor to try and find a place among the last remnants of the High-men who were roomered to be standing against the Shadow in the wild places of Eraidor (Old Arnor), A place where a Dwarf with his talents might be useful, having had the martial and outdoor skills of his service and the training in crafts and merchanting from his mother's line.
So His background is much more woodsy and common than most Dwarves would be.
Ringulf now makes his home in the Shire after joining forces with the Rangers of the North and has become eyes and ears for them within the lands stretching from Needlehole to the Baranduin, and from Oarbarton, above the Greenfields to Sarn Ford in the south. He he has made ocasional trips as far south as Tharbad and west to Ered Luin but spends most of his time, in the eyes of the Hobbits, as an itinerant craftsman and peddler, as well as a hunter and woodsman. He has, at this point, no fixed residence but maintains a woodcamp/hunting lodge on Girdley Island and has good friends in the Southfarthing, around Rushy, that he stays with, as well as some distant relatives in Needlehole who he visits from time to time. When not in these areas, he can be found on the road, or in the crafting areas of any of the shire's towns and villages keeping his ears open and weaving his way in and out of the lives of these quaint yet fascinating folk.
His trade's travels make him quite a welcome sight to most Hobbits, not shy of Dwarves already, as a bearer of news and gossip. He often helps the local postmasters if they are behind on their deliveries, carrying notes and letters about when he can.
He is well known in the many Inns around the Shire being espescially fond of a mug, or three, of Blackgrove's Brown, at the Bird and Baby in Micheal Delving, while trying not to miss a good game of Conkers with some of his mates on the Dart team.
I have endeavored to sustain a Dwarven persona because of several issues.
I have felt that aside from the Rohirim and Northern common men of the Nan-Anduin, that the Khazad had a very norse type culture which I have been quite interested in and re-enact in the SCA.
Though my first persona in the SCA was based on a Dunadian Ranger, I realized my childhood hero Robinhood was very much the medeival forester type that would resemble him most closely. I was at that time however in college studying music and drama so he ended up being much more of a Welsh Bard/minstrel with a woodsman flare.
There after I ended up in Iceland for several months and became enamoured with the Norse culture and even tried to follow my own suspected Norse heritage. In doing so I found that a persona that encompased a bit of the three has emerged for me in the SCA when I went back to it this time.
He is a Norseman in York after returning from the Varangian Guard as an archer, to settle down as a woodsman and tradesman.
In Middle Earth however I could not get away from my love of all things Dwarven, and as I played a Dwarf in my Larps with my son and daughter it seemed natural for me to do so here.
I have found however that a proper Dwarven persona is not only rare in our group, it is not easy for the casual enthusiast. It has required a commitment to the cultural study of Professor Tolkien's views of the Dwarves of Middle Earth and some extrapolation and conjecture as to what historical cultural influence might be appropriate based on my interaction with other ME personas, most of them Dunadian, in order to maintain a believable presence. Some of the past insight and encouragement from members on these boards have helped me get closer to that goal.
I have chosen Ringulf out of some of the other Dwarven characters of my writings and gaming, because he, in many ways, is not a "typical" Dwarf. He is in fact a bit of an oddball amongst his own people which has put him on the path he now treads.
He is the third son of a prominant warrior of the House of Uri, by the name of Haakon Hammerhand(a Free Axe sworn to defend and serve the house of Durin in Erebor after the battle of Five armies, but originally from the Iron Hills)with his second wife (of lesser status among those of Erebor as her family was of the House of Sindri, whose dark history can be studied, but who were merchants from Rhune residing in Esgeroth and then in New Dale)
His lineage was claimed officially by Haakon, but Ringulf did not enjoy the same status his older "Full Blooded" brothers did and was placed in the service of the Ravenhill Watch as his skills developed and he matured.
He left his home in Erebor to try and find a place among the last remnants of the High-men who were roomered to be standing against the Shadow in the wild places of Eraidor (Old Arnor), A place where a Dwarf with his talents might be useful, having had the martial and outdoor skills of his service and the training in crafts and merchanting from his mother's line.
So His background is much more woodsy and common than most Dwarves would be.
Ringulf now makes his home in the Shire after joining forces with the Rangers of the North and has become eyes and ears for them within the lands stretching from Needlehole to the Baranduin, and from Oarbarton, above the Greenfields to Sarn Ford in the south. He he has made ocasional trips as far south as Tharbad and west to Ered Luin but spends most of his time, in the eyes of the Hobbits, as an itinerant craftsman and peddler, as well as a hunter and woodsman. He has, at this point, no fixed residence but maintains a woodcamp/hunting lodge on Girdley Island and has good friends in the Southfarthing, around Rushy, that he stays with, as well as some distant relatives in Needlehole who he visits from time to time. When not in these areas, he can be found on the road, or in the crafting areas of any of the shire's towns and villages keeping his ears open and weaving his way in and out of the lives of these quaint yet fascinating folk.
His trade's travels make him quite a welcome sight to most Hobbits, not shy of Dwarves already, as a bearer of news and gossip. He often helps the local postmasters if they are behind on their deliveries, carrying notes and letters about when he can.
He is well known in the many Inns around the Shire being espescially fond of a mug, or three, of Blackgrove's Brown, at the Bird and Baby in Micheal Delving, while trying not to miss a good game of Conkers with some of his mates on the Dart team.
I am Ringulf the Dwarven Woodsman, I craft leather, wood, metal, and clay,
I throw axes, seaxes, and pointy sticks, And I fire my bow through the day.
Come be my ally, lift up your mead! We'll search out our foes and the Eagles we'll feed!
I throw axes, seaxes, and pointy sticks, And I fire my bow through the day.
Come be my ally, lift up your mead! We'll search out our foes and the Eagles we'll feed!
Re: On seeking a 'common' persona
I thought I might take the liberty of "bumping" this thread so it can be viewed in light of recent discussion. I found it refreshing and interesting to re-read these earlier posts with "new eyes", so to speak. Enjoy!
I am Ringulf the Dwarven Woodsman, I craft leather, wood, metal, and clay,
I throw axes, seaxes, and pointy sticks, And I fire my bow through the day.
Come be my ally, lift up your mead! We'll search out our foes and the Eagles we'll feed!
I throw axes, seaxes, and pointy sticks, And I fire my bow through the day.
Come be my ally, lift up your mead! We'll search out our foes and the Eagles we'll feed!
Re: On seeking a 'common' persona
I will add this little except from the Yuletide post as it pertains to Ringulf, though I enjoyed looking over the 8 pages or so in this thread and it rejuvenated my spirits for what I hope will be a re-occurring tradition among us. I found some very nicely written and concise "personas" listed in this thread you should check them out while on the topic. (sorry, for all my being on this forum for a while I still know little about linking threads with a button in the text. if one of you more technical savvy rangers would text me with some instructions, I will do so from here on.)
Re: Yuletide Gift Exchange - anyone interested?
Postby Ringulf » Mon Sep 28, 2015 11:59 pm
Count me in too!
I love this kind of thing!
PERSONA:
My name is Ringulf and I am of the Khazad of Erebor originally. My Father Haakon Hammerhand is of the house of Uri and was a shield bearer to King Dain. My Two Elder step brothers: Aribjorn and Heathbjorn are warriors as well. I was a Ravenhill Scout until pressure from the royal court over my maternal lineage forced me to seek my fate elsewhere. After a short stint in the Upper vales of the Anduin with a Beorning family, I was directed to find the men over the mountains who were called Rangers. It took a while, but upon finding them and showing them what I was capable of, they gave me an interesting assignment. I now roam the shire as an itinerant craftsman, pulling my wagon up to the craft centers of each village by day and staying with a select few Hobbits or Dwarves who know me, or the local Inn in the evenings. I carry mail when needed, know all the Bounders and Sheriffs by name and barter a bit of handiwork for my food and lodging from time to time. I am always willing to help and as such have earned the trust and confidence of my Halfling neighbors, in fact they are some of my dearest friends.
I keep my ears and eyes open and keep my finger on the pulse of the Shire. At appointed times I meet with my Ranger Brethren at my hunting lodge on Girdley Island or Rushock bog to share any information.
SKILLS:
I am best known for my skill at leather working, and carving wood bone and antler, but I work a bit of metal and clay as well. I make leather armor, gear and simple knives and axes, as well as pipes and some toys.
My Hobbies are hunting, fishing and oddly enough, messing about in boats. I enjoy archery and most of all thrown weapons.
Re: Yuletide Gift Exchange - anyone interested?
Postby Ringulf » Mon Sep 28, 2015 11:59 pm
Count me in too!
I love this kind of thing!
PERSONA:
My name is Ringulf and I am of the Khazad of Erebor originally. My Father Haakon Hammerhand is of the house of Uri and was a shield bearer to King Dain. My Two Elder step brothers: Aribjorn and Heathbjorn are warriors as well. I was a Ravenhill Scout until pressure from the royal court over my maternal lineage forced me to seek my fate elsewhere. After a short stint in the Upper vales of the Anduin with a Beorning family, I was directed to find the men over the mountains who were called Rangers. It took a while, but upon finding them and showing them what I was capable of, they gave me an interesting assignment. I now roam the shire as an itinerant craftsman, pulling my wagon up to the craft centers of each village by day and staying with a select few Hobbits or Dwarves who know me, or the local Inn in the evenings. I carry mail when needed, know all the Bounders and Sheriffs by name and barter a bit of handiwork for my food and lodging from time to time. I am always willing to help and as such have earned the trust and confidence of my Halfling neighbors, in fact they are some of my dearest friends.
I keep my ears and eyes open and keep my finger on the pulse of the Shire. At appointed times I meet with my Ranger Brethren at my hunting lodge on Girdley Island or Rushock bog to share any information.
SKILLS:
I am best known for my skill at leather working, and carving wood bone and antler, but I work a bit of metal and clay as well. I make leather armor, gear and simple knives and axes, as well as pipes and some toys.
My Hobbies are hunting, fishing and oddly enough, messing about in boats. I enjoy archery and most of all thrown weapons.
I am Ringulf the Dwarven Woodsman, I craft leather, wood, metal, and clay,
I throw axes, seaxes, and pointy sticks, And I fire my bow through the day.
Come be my ally, lift up your mead! We'll search out our foes and the Eagles we'll feed!
I throw axes, seaxes, and pointy sticks, And I fire my bow through the day.
Come be my ally, lift up your mead! We'll search out our foes and the Eagles we'll feed!