Introduction and Brief Commentary: Bardic recitation is one of those arts that has to be seen and heard to be appreciated. According to the Competition Judging Criteria for the Kingdom of Calontir, bardic recitation is an art that... includes chant, recitation, storytelling, etc.; category does not include performance composed primarily of singing or dance, or as listed under Dramatic Performance. Embellishment of performance may include, as appropriate, instrumental accompaniment (live or recorded, by entrant or other); dance; acrobatics; juggling; animal acts; etc. Original material (by entrant or other) may be used if it is completely authentic in style. Material may be written or extemporaneous; in original language or translation. Historically speaking the tasks and talents of the bard were vast. They were often well-trained and well-travelled. They spent years learning music, singing, poetry, law, history, and language. In the Highlands of Scotland, the bard was deemed just as important to the clans as the bagpiper. It was the bard who would rouse the soldiers to battle fever with tales of ancestors past glories and he would also be the one to boost spirits after the battle with praise through songs and stories of heroes who had fallen or of recent battle victories. In Ireland bards were typically schooled for twelve years and would count their pedigrees back many generations. The Welsch bards were highly trained professionals who followed complex metrical rules based on harmony to eulogize war and praise bravery. The leaders from all these different areas often sought the bards for educated advice, encouragement, and entertainment. In the SCA, the bards duty is to preserve the style and tradition of these famous bards, while at the same time performing the dual duty of recounting in bardic fashion the "current middle ages". Many SCA bards will tell a story using long prose or poetry and sometimes add in a little song and dance to liven it up. Ah the joys of hearing about Pennsic in song and seeing the bardic performer dancing or gesturing as if he were there at that time. Contributions from past and present members of the Shire/College: At this time nothing has been uploaded. If you have a contribution about NoMountain or something done by a former member of NoMountain (while at NoMountain), then PLEASE send it to me at moas@nomountain.org. Thanks! Internet Resources for Further Research: Social History of the Highlands - Bards - Short article. Welsch Bards and Their Poetry - There is an outstanding movie on this site. Legends: King Arthur and the Matter of Britain: The Welsch Bards- Short article. On Bards, and Bardic Circles - Article from another SCA member. The House of Bards - Contains texts from Welsh, Latin, Irish, Cornish, French, Breton, and German bards. If you have any questions or suggestions related to the Ministry of Arts and Sciences, please send an email to moas@nomountain.org. If you find a broken web link, please contact the webmaster at spinner@nomountain.org.