Argent, a sea-dog rampant purpure
breathing flames gules, a laurel
wreath in canton purpure.
Arms by Khevron Oktavii Tikhikovich Vorotnikov
History: Ynys Taltraeth is a Canton of the Barony of Winter's Gate.
Being based in Kotzebue, AK at 66* 54' North latitude (33 miles NORTH of the Arctic Circle) makes us the Northernmost branch of the SCA, the next being the incipient shire of Frostheim in Nordmark (Kingdom of Drachenvald) which is based in Lulea and Boden in Northern Sweden, at 65*50' North. The Canton covers the coastal watershed and island areas of the Barony of Winter's Gate, from An Tir's Northernmost wastes to Western Eskalya and/or Selviergard (from Canada's Yukon Territory to below the penninsula where Nome is found). We also claim the Russia's East of the Ural Mountains and the Caspian Sea.
The group was formed by Khevron Oktavii Tikhikovich Vorotnikov after moving to Kotzebue from Fairbanks (Winter's Gate), with members Heafoc Ree, Katherine Seabright, Gwyneth, and Colean McCullen in September, 1997 holding a demo at the Junior High School in Kotzebue. Since about the same time the next year the population has maintained over 7-12 members, many names changing over the years with infusions of both experienced and new SCA folk, and holding 3-4 events each year. The Population frequently attend other Oerthan Events and has been graced by many visitors as well. Khevron is still Seneschal/Herald, Haefoc is still Marchall/Exchequer at the time of this writing, October, XXXVI (2001).
The First event was 'Spring Matsch Kolben' on April 4, XXXII and featured a bells and pillow tourney.
In August, 1998 we chose the name Moroedd Oer ('Icy Seas' -in Welsh), and the name and heraldry passed the West, but the name was declined by Laurel Queen of Arms in January.
We were honored by a visit by Prince Joseph for our third event, on November 14, XXXIII (1998), Feast of Long Nights, at which we had 31 people!
In February, XXXIII (1999) Prince Georg attended our "Blue Moon Revel" and fought in the tourney, becoming the first Oerthan Prince to fight in the Arctic.
In April, XXXIII (1999), the Canton tithed a pair of cloaks of Silk and Wool for both Their Excellencies, sporting the Baronial Heraldry for the Baron of Winter's Gate's step-up.
Baroness Morgana came up for our 2nd 'Feast of Long Nights' in November, XXXIV (1999).
January, XXXIV (2000) the Canton presented the Principality Stellanordica Herald with a beautiful new Tabard.
In November, XXXV (2000) both Prince Magnus and Princess Esperanza and entourage attended our 3rd 'Feast of Long Nights'. Also, we submitted a new name and device to the College of Arms which passed the West Kingdom in January, XXXV (2001).
In March, XXXV (2001) Princess Sorcha paid us a visit and held a workshop after 'Feast of the Wee Folk'.
September, XXXVI (2001) Received word from The CoA Our name and device had passed at last. Name: Ynys Taltraeth (meaning 'river meadow at the end of the beach' in Welsh). Arms: Argent, a sea-dog rampant purpure breathing flames gules, a laurel wreath in canton purpure
Other early & current members and participants include Marured, Kareina, Lawrence, Juliana Isabella de la Mote, DerbForgail, Mairghread of Waydelich, Conal Calqahoun, Shana and children, Robert MacGregor, Inga, Merona, Corcoran, Padraig, Amy, Aiko, Samantha, William of Bolton on Swale, Ander, Rachel McGuire, Tim, Eve, Robert, Carrie, Gregory, Britany, Gwen.
It was announced in court at Twelfth Night, January 5, XXXVI (2002) and reaffirmed at Oertha Winter Coronet, January 19, XXXVI that Ynys Taltraeth is an official branch of the West Kingdom and Northernmost Branch of the SCA.
This history recounted by Khevron Oktavii Tikhikovich Vorotnikov
Location: Kotzebue, Alaska
Description of the history of this branch is a summary from the small amount of information available, by Hirsch von Henford. Location information is from the back of The Page.
The West Kingdom History Website was created by and is maintained by Hirsch von Henford (mka Ken Mayer).