Eorling Mead Hall Planning/Discussion Thread

[Folwren]

Originally posted by LmP:
I looked up bailiff in the dictionary to be sure. I fear I have introduced a Norman/French term (bailiff) into an Anglo-Saxon culture, a major no-no. The Anglo-Saxon term is hafod-monn, which is "head man". What we should be going for is a right-hand man, who carries out the justice that the Eorl speaks in his Mead Hall (court).

Um. . .then how should I introduce my character? Should he, too, be suggested by King Eomer, or should I walk in and ask if you can use me?

Sorry for so many questions. . .

-- Folwren

[Nerindel]

I think for the moment I will have Æðelhild continue doing the same chores she had been doing for the pervious keep, airing the rooms changing linen and generally helping out where needed is that ok?

This link might be interesting for anyone interested in taking up the role of cook

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

The basic rule of thumb is "Do what you think will work best."

Much like Dorothy and her experience with Kansas, you aren't in the Shire anymore. You get more freedom. Have fun with it.

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by Folwren

Um. . .then how should I introduce my character? Should he, too, be suggested by King Eomer, or should I walk in and ask if you can use me?

The culture was one of authority, but in a relaxed way, certainly as compared to modern military organizations. So there's a "who you know" side to this; it doesn't have to be the King; it could be any man at arms, because any one of them who has his post in Edoras, knows Eodwine, a veteran himself from the Ring War. So they'll be looking for likely types to send his way. If you can think of an alternate way that you'd rather do it, give it a try, and I could tell you what needs revising if anything is too far out for the culture.

These two links may be of interest and aid to us:
Bright's Anglo-Saxon glossary; and Regia Anglorum for which I'm indebted to Nerindel; thanks!! And thanks for the recipe link. Being mainly an eater and drinker and not a fixer of foods, it'll help me out in writing this thread.

Good words, Feanor.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Shwoa! More wonderful links, many thanks Nerindel!

[Nerindel]

Happy to help! oh I forgot about Ravensgard this one is good too.

[Folwren]

I'm using the word Bailiff in my posts. Is there another word I can or should replae it with? I can't think of anything better, but if you don't want it there tell me. But also help me out with a replacement, please!

-- Folwren

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Perhaps Saeryn will take up the post of the Offical Greeting Lady.

Actually, I might have her approach Eodwine about the idea once he's got a spare moment. While he runs the Mid-Emnet and the mead hall, she could take care of the household businesses and lodging and such until... you know... Eodwine finds himself a wife.

What think you, LMP?

[littlemanpoet]

Originally Posted by Folwren

I'm using the word Bailiff in my posts. Is there another word I can or should replae it with? I can't think of anything better, but if you don't want it there tell me. But also help me out with a replacement, please!

Quite simple, after having done the necessary research, and wouldn't you know that Tolkien has beaten us to it? The correct word is steward. Plain and simple. I think that the title of steward means more than bailiff, but I have no problem with that.

Originally Posted by Feanor

Perhaps Saeryn will take up the post of the Offical Greeting Lady.

Sounds great to me, Fea. The title for that role is, I'm afraid, rather prosaic: hostess. Alternates are 'stewardess' (but that would be at a higher level than hostess, and require more responsibility), and 'housewife', since there is apparently no distinction that I'm aware of between woman and wife. At any rate, Særyn seems to have slipped into the role rather smoothly, and that's fine with me.

Sorry, Anglo-Saxon and Rohirric cultures were not exactly known for equality of role between the genders.

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

Hostess, of course. LIke a Twinkie... only not. Sweet.