[Ansteorra] Challenges on the Lions Field at Ursae-Lyons

[Robert G. Ferrell]

Unto all who would journey to Ursae-Lyons, Thegn Cynric of Bedwyn,
Master of the Laurel, Master of the Pelican, Lion of Ansteorra, does
hereby issue forth twain challenges.

Challenge the First:

In early Autumn, as the harvests are being brought in, the Barony of
Bjornsborg will host Ursae-Lyons III, the annual epic struggle between
the fields of the Bear and Lion. This year during combat I and the Lions
will be watching, looking for those who most closely exemplify the
ideals of the Defenders of the Dream.  The prize for the warrior
selected will be a pair of puissant gauntlets--

http://www.bjornsborg.org/UL-2009/images/gauntlets.jpg

--and word fame from the Lions, a rare and precious coin indeed.

Challenge the Second:

In the evening, after the combatants of sword and mace have departed the
field of the Lions, by torchlight another battle of no less staunch and
worthy warriors will take place.  Come ye hither from far and wide, ye
skalds of reknown, to do honor to the memory of Master Ragnar
Ulfgarsson, Lion of Ansteorra, Skald of the Sable Star.

This horn, carved with Ragnar's wolf heads and suspended from a fine
leather baldric in the style of Gokstad and Gotland, shall be the prize
for the victorious skald, along with copious word fame--

http://www.bjornsborg.org/UL-2009/images/horn.jpg

The judges will be those who knew Ragnar well.  There are no limits to
material or form, so long as you keep in mind that honoring Ragnar is
your goal. You may wish to honor Ragnar by performing those songs,
tales, or poems which would have pleased him greatly in the telling.

Should you require any additional information concerning either of these
challenges, you may send a missive to my private address

rgferrell at gmail.com

and I will respond anon.

I look forward to meeting doughty warriors and scintillating skalds in
great abundance in these southron lands come harvest time.

http://www.bjornsborg.org/UL-2009/ULIII.htm

Cynric