The Barony of Eskalya, Oertha—St. John's Dance, also known as the Dancing Mania, was a strange social phenomenon or real illness that occurred mostly in mainland Europe between the 14th and 17th centuries—with the earliest known occurrence happening in the 11th century in Bemburg. The mania affected men, women, and children who danced until utter exhaustion, in some cases death, with no known reason as to why they started dancing.
The Barony of Eskalya featured something very similar in the middle of October during their Samhain event though there were no fatalities reported from this case.
With opening court, the Baronesses of Eskalya welcomed everybody to the Samhain Masked Ball. After their opening statements the Baronesses of Eskalya recognized several individuals for their continued good works within the Barony of Eskalya. Mistress Alienor FitzHenry was named a Courtier in the court of the Sister Baronesses and she was presented with a tippet for her position. Additionally, the Order of the Caltrop, a baronial award given to those who have rendered exemplary personal service to the Baroness of Eskalya, was presented to Mistress Caitríona inghean ui Chionaodha and Mistress Alienor FitzHenry.
Additional awards and recognitions followed. Hawise de Pevensey was recognized with the Silver Bough for her artistic ability within the Barony of Eskalya and Adelayde en Fiodoir was recognized with the Order of the Caltrop for her continued service to the Baronesses.
From there, the Autocrats of the event, Mistress Elspeth Buchannane of Loch Lomond and Viscountess Isabella Hawke gave brief announcements on what to expect for the day which included dancing, fighting, and feasting.
After court the day started with dancing.
Strange dances, such as Karabushka and Pavans, were performed with the knowledgeable Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri teaching and leading these popular dances to the populace. While the dances did not last months, weeks, or even days as other outbreaks of the dreaded St. John’s Dance; the populace was well exhausted from hours of coordinated writhing and fancy footwork as prescribed my Mistress Anna di Caterina Neri.
In all, the epidemic was fun to witness.
Fun…or mania? Dancers take part in favorite dances at the Barony of Eskalya’s Masked Ball Samhain. October 20, 2018. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
Afterwards it was time to suit up and take part in the tournaments. Not to be outdone by those in the hall; the fighters who took part in the tournaments also had dance moves of their own to showcase—many, if not all, were modern in comparison to those practiced and performed in the Great Hall. Fighters were judged by the populace for their dance moves and scored extra points in the tournament. The Rapier fighters, who were first to fight, included Sir Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin, Donna Étaín O’Rowarke, and Burnadett of Eskalya.
Donna Étaín O’Rowarke moves in against Burnadett of Eskalya during the Rapier Tournament held at the Barony of Eskalya’s Masked Ball Samhein. October 20, 2018. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
The Rapier Tournament was, as always, fun to watch with quick moves, daring attacks, and quick defense. There was plenty of cheers and exclamations of surprise from the witnessing Gallery. In the end, there would be one person who would win the tournament; and that would be announced in the final court of the day.
Heavy fighters included Sir Cyrus, Sir Bartrum, Sir Sevastian, and Lord Johannes von Roth. Again, the fighters showed off their various dance moves to the assembled populace before exchanging blows. All of the fighters fought well and with skill; the sound of clashing swords and shields rang loudly over the field and cheers from the Gallery accented the tournament.
Lord Johannes von Roth attempts to slay Sir Sevastian Agafangilovich Golytsin in the Heavy Tournament at the Barony of Eskalya’s Masked Ball Samhein. October 20, 2018. Photograph by Halfdan Ozurrson.
The tournament eventually concluded with a clear winner who would be announced later in court. Before everybody left the field to head inside, the populace performed a group dance move with Princess Sefa of Oertha witnessed by at least one historian. With the populace members heading inside to warm up; some of the fighters continued to have fun on the tournament field.
A Feast was held afterwards in which foods of the harvest were laid out and people dined together with laughter and cheer. Tables were filled with joyful celebrants who enjoyed a variety of foods from the harvest.
In the final court of the day for Baroness Clare Elena and Baroness Cynehild of Eskalya there were several more people recognized for their works in the Barony of Eskalya. Master Gavin Woodward was called forward and presented with membership into the Order of the Caltrop for his service to the Sister Baronesses. Additionally, Lord Arnthorr Hesthofdi was bestowed with the Order of the Silver Bough for his ability in the Arts and Sciences.
The winners of the tournaments were announced by the Autocrats of the day. Mistress Étaín O’Rowarke was named as the winner of the Rapier Tournament while Lord Johannes von Roth was named as the winner of the Heavy Tournament. These two were presented with prizes for their skill and astounding dance routines. Before leaving court, the Autocrats were presented with haversacks by the Sister Baronesses as is part of their tradition and thanked for their service.
With final words from the Baronesses, the baronial court concluded.
The Prince and Princess of Oertha also held a court in which Prince Culann and Princess Sefa accepted Fealty and Homage from those that wished to do so. Additionally, Alric Skegglauss and Hawise de Pevensey were honored with Awards of Arms. It was here too that Viscountess Kharakhan Saran was inducted into the Order of the Wandering Wolves; an award given to those who are departing or, in some cases, have departed the Principality but who have considerably enriched the Principality. Last, but not least, Master Fergus mac Thomais was acknowledged with the Wreath of Athena, an award for which he was recognized by the King and Queen of the West from October Crown for his Oerthan Horn submitted to the West Kingdom Arts and Sciences competition. Final words of thanks were given by the Prince and Princess who stated that they had a lot of fun at the event.
With three cheers, the court and event concluded.
The start of a new season in these lands was welcomed gladly in the Barony of Eskalya with dancing, feasting, and revelry. It was a wonderful event and quite memorable; an event held in a beautiful hall with people from all over the Principality of Oertha enjoying the Samhain season together.
The Selviergard Associated Press
Originally published in the December 2018 edition of The DragonTale
Event Date: October 20, 2018
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