Detail of a Portrait of Dante by Attilio Roncaldier mid 19th c. Source
Join us as we attend the 31st annual reading of selections from the Inferno. This year’s reading will take place in the Cathedral’s Crossing and will have some additional multimedia elements. Selected Cantos will be read by a wide variety of individuals. We are transitioning this event and look forward to sharing with everyone our new, creative endeavor. Part of the joy of Dante’s Inferno is its ever-changing adaptations, while remaining true to the heart of this epic presentation.
Pictures from Deck the Halls, courtesy of Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin and Zahra de Andaluzia
Two courts were held at Deck the Halls of Valhalla, held on the 11th day of January in AS LIX. The first of these was held in the morning in which her Excellency Angelica di Nova Lipa welcomed all those who were present, recognized Carrick MacSeáin’s gift of Østgardr favors, and invited the event stewards Albrecht Anker and Arnora Kettilsdottir to speak about the games and classes. Court was then suspended until the afternoon.
The second of these courts was held after much enjoyment of games, classes and delicious dayboard. Her Excellency welcomed their Highnesses Ryouko’jin and Indrakshi to Court, who addressed all those present. Her Excellency then requested the presence of Thorfinnr Hróðgeirsson to induct him into the Order of the Seahorse. A scroll was presented, and the members of the Order of the Seahorse welcomed him into the Order. Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!
Reminded that a quest for the perfect lemon is underway, Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin was asked to come forward, in which he presented Her Excellency with a perfectly round and green citrus fruit. Her Excellency encourage Mathghamhain to continue his quest.
In the next order of business, taxes on the coinage held by the Coin Comisars was collected, and the winners of the games were announced. The first was winner with the most coins was Samson and his gang of Rogues, with second and third place won by the team of Østgarðr bards. An error in how coinage was collected for taxes was caught by His Highness, and as a result, our Lord Albrecht has been sent on a culinary tasting Quest.
To round out court, Her Excellency recognized all those who have in the past year, and are presently serving as officers, event stewards, and event staff. Banners of each of Østgarðr’s cantons were presented. Then, there being no further business, court was closed.
Lady Kunigunde Wedemann Seahorse Herald Crown Province of Østgardr Pronouns: she/her/hers
The annual Yule celebration is back! Ostgardr invites one and all to join in honoring the Viking holiday of Yule with a grand event filled with warmth, cheer, and spirited competition.
As winter descends, an icy chill grips the land, whispering ominous tales of Fimbulwinter—the long, unrelenting winter prophesied to herald Ragnarok, the twilight of the gods. Darkness grows, spirits waver, and despair creeps into the hearts of even the bravest. Yet, amid the shadows, a spark of hope ignites! With Yule’s light and laughter, the Vikings rally to defy the looming end, decking the halls of Valhalla in a celebration of resilience, unity, and triumph over darkness.
Step into a Valhalla alive with the bustle of games, the wisdom of teachers, and the music of bardic tales by the hearth. Earn coins by testing your skills, learning new arts, and sharing your talents. Gather your treasure, revel in the fellowship of the hall, and compete for glory and prizes before the Yule feast concludes.
Let the halls resound with joy as we stand together against the cold and the night—Deck the Halls of Valhalla awaits you!
How to Earn Coins: Games at the Tavern Tables: Two-Player Games: Chess, Go, Castellan, Jaipur, Onitama Win: 2 coins | Loss: 1 coin Four-Player Games: Carcassonne, Tournament at Camelot, The King Is Dead 1st: 4 coins | 2nd: 3 coins | 3rd: 2 coins | 4th: 1 coin
Wisdom from the Scholar’s Alcove (Classes): (Classes will be announced soon!) Participation: 2 coins Teachers may receive coin tips for exceptional instruction.
Tales by the Fire (Bardic Performances): Performing earns 1 coin. Audience members may tip performers with additional coins.
Gameplay:
Each participant begins with 5 coins. Coin Commissars will distribute coins around the tavern and classrooms. Coins are turned in before court for counting.
Prizes:
1st Place: A Medieval related board game and a coffee crisp 2nd Place: A smaller Medieval related game and a coffee crisp 3rd Place: Three Coffee Crisps
Ties will be settled in whatever way the Vicerine’s decide
Timing for court, classes and bardic events will be updated as we get closer to the date.
PLEASE NOTE: No outside Alcohol. The Site has a full cash bar and a bartender.
Registration: Adult non-members: $40 Adult members: $30 Youth 6-17 years old : $10 Youth 5 and under are Free
A sincere and heartfelt thank you to the staff and volunteers at this year’s Barleycorn. We had a wonderful event filled with laughter, jests, comradery, and valor.
We want to thank our outgoing marshals and champions for hosting our excellent tournaments:
Ronan Fitzrobert & Madwen Gam
Albrecht Anker, Samson of Ireland, and Alexander Krause
Alexander McLachlan and Ryouku’jin of the Iron Skies
Suuder Saran and Eanraig the Bonesetter
Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin, Arnora Ketilsdottir, and Rees Ragnarrson
Marin il Gondoliri and Foxy the Bard
We thank our day-board staff Gráinne inghean Uí Néill, Valentina, Anna, and Ramic for serving such a delicious meal.
We thank our volunteers Winifred, Franciscus, Evelyn de Trees, Conrad, Matty, Teodora Ivanić, Asta of Brokenbridge, Wojtek y Visby, Ilia Aleksandrovich, Iulian Ilia syn, and Magnus mac Gilleain for providing their hands and labor for this event.
We thank Arabella De Mere, Fenneke Jans, and Martina Maria De La Rosa for helping with the armored and rapier lists.
We thank Brendan Firebow and Eliayhu al-Tahli “Tally” for running Rapier authorizations, who authorized 4 new fencers at Barleycorn.
We thank our Youth Point and Minor Chancellor Kunigunde Wederman for hosting lovely activities for the youth of the province.
We thank our Excellencies Sofya Gianetta di Trieste and Angelica di Nova Lipa for gracing us with their presence and hosting court with us.
We thank Mathghamhain Ua Ruadháin for heralding on behalf of their excellencies.
Our thanks to Drasma Dragomir for her excellent heralding of poetry regarding perfect lemons.
We thank Jenna Childslayer, Gibbs Morris, and Aislinn Chiabach for coordinating and hosting barter town.
We thank Antonius Gracchus for building and maintaining our online event page and information.
We thank Pia Maletesta d’Rimini for coordinating our registration point with Richard the Poor, the brewing showcase, collection of food donations, and for the creation of our tokens for the event.
Lastly, we thank the members of Northpass for coming together and coordinating with us to make Barleycorn happen. A special thank you to Meadhbh Mac Pharláin, Marcus mac Pharláin, and Richard the Poor for coordinating all the paperwork and legwork necessary for us to host Barleycorn within the Canton of Northpass.
Many apologies if we missed anyone or any activities that deserve to be noted. Please let us know, so we shall add them to our records.
Though the summer has parted, may we meet the season again with merriment.
In Service, Vitasha Ivanova doch’ & Catelin Straquhin
Catelin and Vitasha are called before their Excellencies. Photograph by Martina Maria De La Rosa.
The Barleycorn Day of Champions we all are looking forward to is well underway in terms of preparations.
Find out more about the AS 59 (2024) event here – Barleycorn 2024 Event details on the official EK site here for pre registration – Official East Kingdom
See the past come alive in the present! Join the Canton of Lions End on Saturday, June 1 for an all-day showcase of medieval arts, crafts, and combat in Farmingdale, Long Island. (Rain date June 8th.)
Farmingdale Village is excited to host us as part of their craft fair on Main Street, offering the Village Green as our stage to demonstrate our talents to the local community.
Fighters and fencers are encouraged to demonstrate their prowess and showcase their impressive armor.
Artisans of all kinds are urged to exhibit their creations and offer hands-on experiences for all.
Musicians, bards and dancers are welcome to perform in the Green’s large gazebo-style bandstand.
The Tournament of the Daffodils was an absolute delight! The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for bouts of fighting, fencing, and all-around fun. Angelica and I were beaming with pride as we watched our fighters shine brightly, demonstrating teamwork and camaraderie that others should aspire to emulate.
There’s truly no greater joy than witnessing the people of Ostgardr receive recognition for their remarkable achievements.
Are you a master at discovering hidden treasures and dreaming up the perfect spot for our next grand event? If so, you’re invited to join our Event Location Committee!
Securing event venues, especially in NYC, can feel like embarking on a quest for buried treasure. But fear not! With your keen eye and creative spirit, we can uncover those hidden gems that will make our events shine, all while keeping costs manageable.
No prior experience is needed—just bring your excitement, imagination, and a willingness to help Ostgardr flourish!
Our first virtual gathering is scheduled for this Wednesday, May 1st, at 7:30 PM.
Ostgardr court in session at Deck the Halls of Valhalla Image courtesy of Sir Valgard Stonecleaver (mka Michael A. Cramer)
Deck the Halls of Valhalla infused our hearts with joy and warmth, marking a splendid beginning to the new year. The blend of new faces and cherished friends created an atmosphere of true delight, making the event exceptionally memorable. From outstanding classes to delectable food, every element of the day contributed to its perfection. Thank you to all who made this event a success, especially our two co-stewards Drasma Dragomira and Arnora Ketilsdottir.
Angelica and I were overjoyed to welcome Vitasha Ivanova doch’ into the esteemed Order of the Silver Lantern. Likewise, Abu Duruz Ibrahim ibin Musa al-Rashid received well-deserved recognition and joined the prestigious Order of the Silver Sea Lion and Silver Lantern.
But wait, there’s more to celebrate! This past Saturday at Birka in the Barony of Stonemarche, Perez ben Meir Gershon was honored with his induction into the Order of the Silver Brooch for his exceptional culinary skills.
Stuffed mushrooms with herbs and garlic.Flat breadsLamb and Barley Stew
Some samples of Perez ben Meir Gershon’s culinary delights! Images courtesy of Perez ben Meir Gershon mka Gavin Skal
Cheers to these remarkable moments that continue to fill our hearts with warmth and delight!
Vivat! Vivat! Vivat!
Sofya Gianetta di Trieste & Angelica di Nova Lipa Viceregents-Crown Province of Ostgardr
Join Our Event Location Committee! 
