Background Information to
The Brave and Bonny Host
Song Written by Roger the Goliard
Background by Countess Melissa Kendal of Westmoreland
Foreword by Mistress Elizabeth Braidwood: The Brave and
Bonnie Host is An
Tir's anthem. It is most often sung during the Investiture of the Lists
at every Crown Tourney as the combatants and their consorts are introduced
to the Crown. Recently, it was sung at the conclusion of the Coronation
Ceremony of Their Majesties, Thorin and Sineidin, and every voice in the
entire hall took part. I've also heard it sung around bardic fires, on trips
to wars, and at the Twentieth Year Celebration as King Arthur and Queen
Melissa processed in to the Grand Court.
Regarding The Brave and Bonny Host - Master Roger wrote the song on
the way to the Myrganwoode War which happened while [An Tir was still a
principality of the West Kindom and] Steingrim was King of
the West. On the way home, Master Roger refined it (that's why Mistress
Maelen of Catcott still has problems with the words - she learned it at
the war).
The occasion which most vividly sticks out in my mind in which
Master Roger sang Brave and Bonny Host, is at the first Twelfth Night
Coronation of the Kingdom of An Tir. We had just seen our
first King
and Queen crowned and Master Roger struck up Brave and Bonny Host while
standing on a small balcony overlooking the entire room from behind and
above the Thrones.
Master Roger
even repeated a verse but we followed him right along. Elvina Effynewoode's
sister, Caroline, was attending her first event or so; and she had been hearing
about the Society for years but during those moments was the first time she
truly understood. We were all so completely proud to be An Tirian.
Incidentally, His [then current] Royal Majesty Thorin, was Champion of An Tir
during that time.
Countess Melissa Kendal of Westmoreland
e-mail: gusgus(AT)lightspeed(DOT)bc(DOT)ca
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