The Sinister Scribe

My quandry over a name for my 10th century Danish persona is nothing but worse. At first I liked the name Ithunn (pronunced EYE-thewn with the “th” being aspirated as in “that”.”) Now, I am now so sure.

Bob and I had intended to submit new names at Lilies but didn’t get a chance. So of course that gave me time to go back through the Viking Answer Lady’s Norse Women’s Names page, this time looking specifically at Danish spellings. Several new possiblities came to mind: Thyrwi (pronounced THEER-uh, with a soft ‘th’, I think) or Thorwe, Thorkatla, Thorfinna, Thorgard. The neat thing about the names that start with “Thor” is that the short form of “Tova” is used. This just happends to be the name of my friend from high school with whom I still communicate via email.

As far as last names… well… so far I like Arnbiorn (eagle bear). I’m still not clear whether it should have -dattir, -dottir or….?

Between all the usual goings on, Bob and I are trying to come up with new SCA names that have a Norse background. Here are my pics so far:

• Gerðr - The name Gerðr is from Primitive Scandinavian *garðior, or may be related to Old Icelandic gerðistún, “garden”.
• Arndís or Disa -dís is identical with the Old Icelandic dís, “goddess, priestess, female guardian spirit.” Arn- eagle
• Geira - The feminine form of the name element Geir-, which is identical to the Old Icelandic geirr, “spear.”
• Geirdís
• Iðunn
• Ketilgerðr -The first element Ketil- or Kætil- is from OW.Norse ketill, originally “kettle” but meaning also “helmet” or “chieftain with helmet.”
• Végerðr - The first element Vé- is identical with Old Icelandic vé, “temple, sanctuary” and related to Gothic weihs, “holy”.

I think I’m leaning towards Iðunn or Végerðer at this point. I think.

Teehee!

Hands of a Child has a Viking Lapbook project pack. Lapbooks are basically a way to integrate hands-on activities with a subject. We have one slated for next year so we haven’t actually done one yet.

It is soooo tempting to get this one and complete over the (rapidly advancing) summer. If it weren’t for the fact that 1… it is me that is interested in vikings (not Sam) and 2… we are already so busy… I’d already have it. LOL!

I am finding that I need to create a summer schedule. LOL! There are things we need to get to that we aren’t. It is not a huge deal but it helps all of us when a daily plan is in place. I have been printing out dayplanner like pages in the morning. Sam and I sit down after breakfast and plan the day. OK, I mostly do the planning. He mostly does the shrugging. But I have noticed him saying things like “Wow, mom. YOu don’t get to take many breaks.” Or “If I watch a lot of TV/play a lot of video games, I don’t have time to do many things.” again… He may never go beyond those thoughts but at least they are ocurring to him without me saying anything.

My magnetic dayplanner is not working well for the summer days. There are too many unique items to make magnets for them all. I was tempted to toss it but I think I will hang on to it until our school year starts. It may be more useful then.

Oh, and I found several new viking links too. I tried Googling “10th century swedish garb” and found some goodies!

I’d better go wake the kids. It is 8:30am and they are BOTH still sleeping. I feel like such an ogre waking them at such an early hour during the summer. But if I don’t they’re such grumps and nothing gets done. Who knew I’d become such a slave driver?

Suuuuushiiiiiiiiii! Or am I the only mom who feels that way? ;P
Yes, good sushi can be had in MO. A very unlikely place, nestled between a gym and tanning salon called Simma Down. Sounds very CA-esque no? When you walk in it feels very much like an upscale coffeeshop but oh man, the sushi was great! I ate so much I was nearly sick.

My favorite roll today: The Lemon Drop. Basically a california roll, topped with salmon and paper thin slices of lemon. MmmmMmmmmmmm!

We went today because they are closed tomorrow. This actually works out fine. Tomorrow we can spend the day in the park and at the Q with the ‘mores.
Viking garb update: Jessie’s kirtle is done. She’s wearing it in bed right now. LOL! Mine is nearly done. I made the sleeves to short so need to add a bit there. Also need to decide on the side shaping and finish the hem. I think I’ll skip Jessie’s apron dress for now, though I may do mine. Then I just need a tunic for Sam and we’ll be set for next Saturday.

Doing a search on “10th Century Danish” this morning came up with the following nugget of info from an unexpected source…

“The name “Bluetooth” is taken from the 10th century Danish King Harald Blatand - or Harold Bluetooth in English. During the formative stage of the trade association a code name was needed to name the effort. King Blatand was instrumental in uniting warring factions in parts of what is now Norway, Sweden, and Denmark”

– http://www.bluetooth.com/Bluetooth/SIG/Who/

I have not had a chance to double check this information but found it interesting.