Siegfried's Viking Tales

Upcoming Gig

2009-07-16T09:18:00.002-05:00

I will be performing again at the Illinois Renaissance Faire in Danville IL. I have a couple of new stories for this year, and I will be working directly with another group with a viking boat that will be sailing on the river. So come on out and see the show, watch some jousting and the kids might even learn some history by accident if they are not careful.

Upcoming Gig

2008-09-10T09:22:00.003-05:00

I will be doing 2 storytelling shows at the first annual , First Christian Church of Peoria's renaissance day. this will be held on Sat Sept. 27 from 10 to 5. my shows will be at 11:30 and 2:30 but there will also be all sorts of other varied entertainments, mainly geared for a more 'Hands on" demonstration of arts and crafts type of thing. Much less commercial and corporate than your large ren faires. Hope to see a good crowd of people out there.
Siegfried

The Perfect Wife

2008-03-17T09:06:00.005-05:00

This Is a "Nasrudin Tale" Nasrudin was, and still is, a folk character from the middle east. Nasrudin was highly regarded by the Caliph, but no one was sure of his position in the court. Was he a wise counselor, or the court fool? Nobody was ever quite sure. One day the caliph and his many sons were trying to decide who to appoint as a trade diplomat to a very important post. All of the sons had a different person they wanted for the post, mostly cronies who had done favors for them. As one son would bring up his candidate, the other sons would tear him down saying things like "he doesn't have enough experience"
Then the other would respond "Your candidate is to old and frail"
Another would chime in "your choice is to young for such an important job"
"Enough" shouted the Caliph "Nasrudin, which candidate do you think I should pick?"

"This is a very hard decision, Caliph." Said Nasrudin " It reminds me of the years I spent looking for the perfect wife. I met many women, some were beautiful, but were too shy. Others were intelligent and outgoing, but were not good cooks. Some had hair too short,and some had hair too long. finally, after years of searching, I found the perfect woman. She was intelligent, and could hold a conversation. Her hair was neither too short, nor too long. She was beautiful, without being vain. She could cook, and keep house. Everything about her was perfect."

"Nasrudin, all these years you have been in my court, and I have never even met your wife!!"
Exclaimed the Caliph "You should bring this remarkable woman to feast with us tomorrow night!"

"Oh, I am not married, Caliph. For you see, she was searching for the perfect husband."

The Nail

2008-01-20T19:38:00.000-06:00

Once, there was a merchant who had set up at a grand faire. This merchant was not an evil man, but he was a hasty, and somewhat shortsighted, man. Very early on the last day of the faire he found that he had completely sold out all of his merchandise. He looked at the sky,and thought to himself "If I leave the workers to pack up the tents and tables in the wagon, and I ride my horse with the money I have made. I could just make it home before dark". This was very risky however, for the woods and roads outside the town were dangerous after sunset. The woods were filled with bandits and, dangerous animals like wolves and bears. The merchant ignored these dangers and gathering his earnings, packed his saddlebags, and galloped off.

Mid morning he stopped at a roadside inn, because horses cannot run forever without rest,water, and food. He told the stable boy to water, feed and brush down the horse and to get him as soon as the horse was ready. He was in a great hurry and had no time to waste if he was to make it home before nightfall.

The stable boy came and got the merchant a short while later"The horse is ready to go except for one thing" the stable boy exclaimed "there is a loose nail on one of the horseshoes. Let me take the horse down to the blacksmith,and have him pound the nail in. it won't cost more than a couple of copper coins,or take more than a few minutes, and you can then be on your way."

"NO!" shouted the merchant " I have no time to waste. If the nail has stayed on this long, it will be fine until I get home, But if I take the time to wait for the blacksmith to fix it I won't make it home before dark." He then Jumped on his horse and began to ride off quickly down the road.

Later, in the afternoon, the merchant again stopped to rest and water his horse. he gave the stable boy the same instructions as before "stable boy! come here! Quickly as you can groom and water my horse. as soon as he is ready come get me. I am in a great hurry!!"

A short while later, the stable came up to the merchant. "Your horse is ready" he said "except for one small thing. There is a nail missing out of one of his shoes,and several of the others are coming loose. Let me take him down the road to the blacksmith and have him re-shoe that hoof. It won't take more than a handful of silver coins, and a half hour or so of your time. If you don't do it the horse could lose the shoe and could go lame"

"NO!" shouted the merchant " I have no time to waste. If the nail has stayed on this long, it will be fine until I get home, But if I take the time to wait for the blacksmith to fix it I won't make it home before dark." He then Jumped on his horse and began to ride off quickly down the road.

Then, much later in the afternoon, tragedy struck! The horse ran over a rock in the road and began to limp. The merchant thought that maybe if he got off the horse and walked alongside, the horse would be able to go on. The weight of all those coins in his saddlebag was too much though. He had to leave the horse by the side of the road,and he carried those heavy saddlebags full of coins himself the last several miles to his house. needles to say he was very tired,hungry and much past dark before he made it home. not to mention lucky to have not been robbed by bandits, or eaten by bears in the dark.. No one knows what happened to the horse. All because the wealthy merchant wouldn't stop for a nail

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS;
IF YOU MUST MAKE HASTE, DO SO SLOWLY.

Beowulf's song, still sung

2007-11-25T18:06:00.000-06:00

The story of Beowulf stretches back into the mists of time and imagination. It has been sung, told, and written, and retold, re-sung and rewritten. the latest version is a interesting merge of action, thought, history and technology. the story is, at heart, a simple hero's tale. A man of great strength, Beowulf, pits himself in struggle against a monster, Grendel. Hero defeats Monster, and is rewarded with treasures and his praises are sung. Then the plot twists, even in the ancient manuscripts of yore, Grendel's mother seeks revenge. She is a demon from the line of Cain, cursing humanity and hating all that brings happiness to mankind. Beowulf must also slay her to free the land from it's curse and to allow the people in it to rejoice and enjoy life in the mead hall. Later ,in old age, Beowulf must don his armor once again. he must wear the fine web mail to face yet another monster. A fierce dragon attacks his kingdom,and Beowulf faces his last battle. He Kills the dragon, but is himself fatally wounded. His kingdom falls into disarray , without it's strong hero to protect the people they are soon overrun by neighboring tribes. In the latest incarnation, however, it is mans own weakness,and lust that is the down fall of all great heroes. The monster of pride, arrogance, greed, and lust is the most terrifying opponent, and it is our own internal weakness that brings us all down, preventing us all from being heroes.

Siegfried's adventures at the faire

2007-08-27T17:36:00.000-05:00

It was a dark and stormy night...Yes, that is the most cliched way of starting a story, but it happens to actually be the truth.... As the thunderstorms were passing all around me I sought safe haven for my longboat at the Village of Deptford, also known as the Illinois Renaissance Faire. I set up my tent and endured a most unusual and unheard of thing. Instead of suffering a cold, wet night, I suffered through a HOT, wet night. Yes, the weather in Illinois is so horrifically bad that it can be dark and raining and still be hot.

The people I met there were very kind and generous though. There were great wizards, the Queen and her court, valiant knights, merry merchants, troubadours and even another storyteller all gathered together for the great festivities.

The next two days were a fair, and bright as the first night had been foul. It was a veritable whirlwind of merriment and fun. I, along with the great throng who attended the faire, feasted on sumptuous and tasty food. There was always music in the air coming from somewhere. The knights gave great entertainment to the gathered crowds, as they fought with great honor, and no heed for personal risk of injury.

I told stories to many good lords and beautiful ladies, as well as the the many fine lads and young damsels who were there. I told stories of foolish men, and wise men. I told tales of heroes, giants, and kings. I told the great tales of the Eddas and Sagas to all who would listen, and hopefully, those who listened were entertained and educated by these great stories of the times gone by.

As I sit here now, safe again home from my travels, my mind thinks back on the great memories, as well as the new ones, that I will make next year.

Harald Hardrada

2007-08-20T16:54:00.001-05:00

Harald Hardrada Is a very important person in Norse history. Not only for what he did, but for what he failed to do. In fact the battle he is most remembered for is one he lost, and in fact died in. He is known to history as the King who ended the Viking age.

Harald Sigurdsson was born in 1016 the half brother of Olaf the II ,King of norway. In 1030 after the battle of stikestad, in which Olaf was killed and Harald wounded, he went to the Russian court, where he gathered a number of followers. He then took his followers to Constantinople, or "the great Miklagard" where he offered himself and his troops as part of the varangian guard. This was an elite bodyguard unite for the emperor made up exclusively of Norsemen. After serving with the Byzantines and the Greeks he went and harried the coast of the Mediterranean sea. He took over 80 castles and exacted tribute from many cities.

So, what happened in 1066 to make this formerly heroic and epic leader a tragic hero?
The battle of Stamford bridge. Harald thought he had a pretty strong case for the throne of England in that fateful year. Also ,he was supported by Tosti Godwinson, the brother of Harold Godwinson who the Witangemot had proclaimed king. Tosti had been stripped of his lands by Edward the confessor a few years previously because of a revolt, and he sided against his brother in an attempt to get his lands back. Harald Hardrata took 360 ships full of men to claim the English throne that fateful day. They succesfully captured the city of York, which had been the capital of a danish kingdom under Knut or Canute, a distant relative of Hardrata. The vikings arranged for a tribute and a hostage exchange the next day from the men of York. As Hardrata and his men lay about in the meadow above Stamford Bridge sunning themselves the other Harold, Godwinson, was marching his army into the pages of history. Hardrata's army had left their chain mail armor behind at the ships and did not expect any more resitance when a dust cloud in the distance signaled Godwinson's arrival whith his entire army. Hardrata's army put up a good fight, including a legendary ,but unnamed, warrior who single handed held the bridge while Hardrata arranged the rest of his men into a battle line. Hardrata was killed by an arrow in the throat. Tostig was also killed in the battle. yet the vikings heroically fought on as they retreated to their ships. Only surrendering after reaching their ships and getting a promise of safe return to their homelands. Only 36 of the 360 ships were needed to transport the army home. They had suffered a 90% casualty rate yet had not surrendered until they reached their ships rather than be taken prisoner. That battle is considered the end of the viking age, for after that the Norse lands became more assimilated into the general European culture and engaged in trade more,and raiding less. Perhaps that is a fitting end for a culture that valued battle valour so much. The whole culture died valiantly in battle.

sources:
www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/MEDhardrada.htm
http://members.tripod.com/~GeoffBoxell/hardrada.htm

The Emperor Knute

2007-08-13T18:07:00.000-05:00

Knute was a great and mighty emperor. he was ruler over the three kingdoms of England,Norway,and Denmark. He was a great and mighty Lord with a court filled with men of great riches, and power.He had begun to suspect, however, that his courtiers were NOT giving him good advice and were trying to fill his head with empty praise and flattery to gain rank,wealth, and position. His fears were proved true when one day his courtiers, and advisers were gathered together,and one of them said "Why great king you are so powerful, the sea itself must obey your commands!"

Now we know any self respecting Norseman knows that the way of the sea is to be a fickle mistress, who obeys no one, no matter how powerful. So he responded "Really? do all my advisers agree? Am I really that great and mighty of a lord?"

"Oh ,yes your Majesty" they all gushed "you are truly the greatest and mightiest king who ever lived!"

"We shall see," said Knute as he rose from his throne and marched out towards the shore "I shall go the waters edge and command the tide to NOT rise,and soil my expensive robes"

So Knute went down to the shore,and in a booming authoritative voice bellowed "Tide! I command thee to NOT raise and leave my feet dry,and my robes unsullied"

He then turned to his advisors and courtiers and said, "I hope, for your sake, that the tide does not rise. because if you have DARED lie to you emperor, you will pay with your HEADS."

In fact, the tide did continue to rise. When the water had risen to the emperor's knees, he called for his bodyguards to have all his advisors and courtiers beheaded. He then filled his court with men whom he knew would never lie to him , no matter how harsh the truth was.

Loki, the trickster

2007-08-06T17:13:00.000-05:00

Loki, the trickster, has long been a being of mystery and wonder.
Even the ancient Norse didn't quite know what to make of him. Neither of the great warrior Gods of the nobility, The Aeisir, nor was he a member of the Vanir, the practical hardworking Gods of the earth,and harvests.For you see Loki is neither noble and brave,nor practical and hardworking. Loki is a trickster,and an elemental . he is the one of the many recognized tricksters world wide, like Anansi in Africa or coyote in north American legend.

Yet he is the blood brother of Odin Allfather himself. I guess that makes him the Alluncle. Sort of like the black sheep Uncle we all had as a kid growing up. the one who would never settle down and be respectable. The uncle all the kids loved because he would always show up at holidays with stories of adventures and neat things to play with...usually explosive things... Which fits in with Loki also being known as a fire elemental as well as the Norse version of Prometheus.

The Norse gods all represent some aspect of nature,either of our world or of ourselves, Loki represents an aspect of ourselves which sometimes make us uncomfortable with who we are. But sheds the light of his fire on our our own faults and capacity for causing trouble,not through malice,but through laziness and inattentiveness. and as such is a valuable tool at looking into who we are.

What is a viking?

2007-08-01T17:51:00.000-05:00

What is a viking?
Many people have this image that pops into their head the moment you say viking.
The idea is a drunken, violent, brutish and dirty fellow with a horned helmet. This stereotype couldn't be further from the truth. the Norse were a vibrant and sophisticated culture with trade routes that stretched from the the middle east to the coast of North America. Many Norse men (and women) were farmers, merchants and skilled craftsmen. This is a far cry from the fur clad warrior hacking people to bits with an ax. Although that was sometimes done as well, it wasn't the sole focus of this diverse and many layered people. many of the Noble class embraced the raiding and fighting way of life, as did many poorer farmers and craftsmen. Of course all would take up arms when it was their own homes targeted by vikings. But lawsuits were as eagerly taken up as arms. Poetry was as highly praised as strength. Intelligence and cunning were qualities as highly praised as weapons skills. When I tell the ancient stories of the north, I always try to keep in mind that I must remain true to the diverse faces of the Norse culture and show many facets, not just the bloody battles and great kings, but also the wise farmers, shrewd merchants, brilliant craftsmen and poets who populated that world.

Upcoming Faire

2007-07-27T16:51:00.000-05:00

Greetings good friends;
I am inviting all magnificent lords, and beautiful ladies to come to the Illinois Renaissance Faire.
I will be performing my stories there. The great stories that entertained the ancient kings of the Norse lands. The stories of my grandfathers and their grandfathers before them. Tales from an age of magic and mayhem. a time the ancient seer referred to as "An age of wind,an age of swords,an age of wolves,and an age of ice." Come out and enjoy the food fun and festivities of an olde medieval faire, but especially remember to see Siegfried's Viking Tales.

http://www.illinoisrenfaire.com/index.html

How the farmer learned to sleep well

2007-07-24T17:26:00.000-05:00

Once there was a farmer,and all his sons had grown and went a-viking and traveled far away. He needed some help with all the work on the farm so he decided to hire a farm hand. he sent out word that he was hiring a hand and soon a young man came to his farm. the farmer asked "have you ever done farm work before?"

"no " answered the young man" but I always sleep soundly at night"

This answer intrigued the farmer, Perhaps this young man is such a hard worker, he is exhausted every evening, the farmer thought to himself. He hired the young man on the spot. he then showed him around the farm and all the duties he was to do.

The young farm hand was always diligent about his duties and always got his share of the work done, but the farmer didn't see anything unusually vigorous about the way the lad worked that would make him sleep especially well.

then one night there was a great storm with lightning and wind and rain!!!...

the farmer, in a great panic rushed to the young farm hands bed and tried to awaken him...WAKE UP! WAKE UP we must check the haystacks are tied down so the wind doesn't blow them away!!! we must go down to the stream to make sure the fish traps are secured so the rain doesn't wash them away !!! we must check the barn door is latched tight so the lightning doesn't scare the horses and and they bolt away!!!!

But the youth would not wake up for anything. so the farmer ran around in the wind and driving rain. He found the haystacks neatly tied down ...as the young farmhand did every evening before supper....he found the fish traps secured tightly to the bank...as the young lad did every time he harvested the fish from them... he found the barn door tightly latched...as the farmer himself had instructed the lad to always do after he was done feeding the horses.

In the morning when the young farm hand awoke, he explained to the farmer" I always sleep well,because I am always diligent and careful about my job. So I don't have to get up and run around in the rain in the middle of the night."

To hear great stories like this one, told in costume, Just contact me for a show.

Siegfried's Viking Tales

You can e-mail me from my profile page.

Introduction

2007-07-18T18:18:00.000-05:00

Was hail ! and well met ! I am Siegfried the viking storyteller. I do storytelling shows based on the old Norse sagas, medieval legends and Grimm's fairy tales. This is all done in Viking style costume of the time. I can do shows for Renaissance faires, Birthday parties, schools, libraries and any special occasion you would like. contact me for rates and availability.