Swords Clash at the SCA Winter Cornett Tournament
By Tanner Purdy
Just after 10:30AM on January 20th, a rented school bus pulls up in front of the event space for the Society of Creative Anachronism’s (SCA) Winter Cornett Tournament. The SCA, formed in 1966, is an international non-profit dedicated to the research and re-creation of pre-seventeenth century art, skills, fighting, and culture. Members describe it as “re-creating the middle ages as they ought to have been” but for most involved, the SCA is a family.
Members mingle in the parking lot exchanging hugs and greetings while loading their many suitcases of supplies into idling cars. The Winter Cornett Tournament brings together members to hold court, teach classes, and battle for positions of royalty. By nine o’clock the next morning, the cozy event space became packed with people chattering and chuckling in medieval garb. The designs range in complexity, from simple t-tunics to ornately crafted period dresses – everyone looks the part. People smiled and talked with me as if they knew me, freely offering and asking for help. Within moments I was roped into braiding hair and learning to lucet, laughing and smiling with people I’d just met. The festivities began with court, the royalty bestowing honors and titles on members acknowledging their volunteer time or craftsmanship.
After court they set up for the main event, the Crown Tournament. Heavy fighters geared up in full armor, wielding swords made of durable but springy Rattan wood wrapped in duct tape. The fighters honor their crown and each other then receive a blessing from whoever holds their favor. The winner of the tournament and those whose favor they hold become the new prince and princess of Oertha (Alaska’s Kingdom). Dagmar, King of the West, walks around the matches to observe and encourage. Although marshals observe the fights, it is on the fighter’s own honor to acknowledge when they’ve been hit. As with every activity over the weekend, the room radiated a sense of belonging and mutual respect. The clash of swords and calling of blows ended with compliments on technique and encouraging words for the next round.
After the tournament, I got the chance to sit down with UAF teacher and SCA member Cempestrae Sinclair to get an insider’s perspective of the community. Sinclair has been a member of the SCA for more than 15 years and holds the title of Kennara, an international recognition of the service she has done for the community. For many in the SCA, their titles inspire them to “continue to try to live those examples” as they go about their daily lives. Service within the SCA makes members more conscientious of their fellow man and more likely to be involved with community service.
For those without titles, the SCA still has much to offer. It is a safe space for all who want to be there. “It’s like having a family you never knew you had,” Sinclair described. SCA members can travel all over the world knowing there will be someone there to help.
The rest of the day was spent feasting and exploring new skills like sewing and medieval pickling recipes. An evening court was held to coronate Cruscillus and Eilis as the new prince and princess of Oertha. After all the huzzahs and meeting conclusions, people slowly filtered out of the hall. Some made a ring of seats and sang bardic songs as others said their goodbyes.
Leaving felt like entering a different world. Although I’d been on my feet all day, I felt strangely refreshed, like I’d had a break from my life – it’s a feeling that draws many to the SCA. The event felt like a bubble of warmth and friendliness in the cold Fairbanks winter. The SCA community is continuously expanding, and efforts have begun to re-start an SCA Club here at UAF. For those interested in the SCA more information can be found on their homepage. Alaska’s branch and events can be found on Oertha’s website.
