The purpose of Golden Swan is to foster knowledge of the lives of women in the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Its aim is not merely to confine itself to women's history and women's issues, although these will, of necessity, form part of the research most candidates will do. A successful Golden Swan has acquired a level and depth of understanding of what a woman's life was like in a given time period that may be unequalled even in the highest academic circles.
In addition, the candidate will need to have a certain amount of acting ability, to be able to stay in persona for a period of 36 hours. The judges and event organizers try to create a supportive atmosphere during the event for those undergoing the Golden Swan competition.
Golden Swan is held on the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend on Oliver. B.C.
Applicants must submit an application to the Shire of Appledore by July Coronation (mid-July) of the year in which they wish to compete. This will consist of a general persona introduction (name, age, date and place of birth, marital status, occupation or occupation of father or husband, social standing, and any other relevant information), and a general bibliography. Applicants should also indicate which categories they intend to compete in (see the links to the left). A more detailed application will be required by September Crown (Labour Day) if the applicant has been accepted.
Candidates enter 12 categories. Eight are mandatory: Persona Development, Skills and Technologies, Costuming, Needlework, Calligraphy, Everyday Life, Courtesy and Etiquette, and Inspirational Behaviour. The candidate must also choose 4 out of 6 of the following: Games and Pastimes, Bardic, Dance, Survival Skills, Habitat, Food.
Personas must be historically based, not just SCA. Documentation is expected for the persona in general, as well as some minimal level for each category. Educate the judges by providing them with as much information as you can.
Entering Golden Swan requires a great deal of mental and emotional preparation. We would prefer to turn a potential candidate away early on, if it seems they will not succeed, than to have them arrive at the event and fail. The more work we can do prior to the event, to ensure that the total submission is up to standards, the greater the candidate's chances are of success.
Specific information and applications are available on-line. Olwen Pen Aur has organized the judging and co-ordinated the timetable of activities for the event in recent years. Please contact her for more information about the competition and the event..
Visit sites she used to construct her persona:
Walburga
And follow other research links:
Swanlinks
