Being able to learn and recreate history is a hobby for many worldwide. For those in the medieval society at Ohio University, learning about medieval arts and fighting styles is a great way to educate oneself, exercise and meet others with similar interests.
OU’s medieval society is part of the Society for Creative Anachronism, an international non-profit organization devoted to researching and recreating pre-17th century skills. Members of the SCA participate in archery, costuming, calligraphy, fiber arts, cooking and more.
SCA started in 1966 in Berkley, California, when a group of friends organized a large tournament for “knights” to fight for the “fairest” title for their ladies. There are currently around 60,000 participants in the organization, according to the official SCA website.
The international organization is divided into “kingdoms” ruled by a “pair of monarchs” and can span over multiple states. Kingdoms contain subdivisions, which local officers run and plan activities, combat practices and educational classes.
Ohio is part of the “midrealm,” and OU’s chapter is the Shire of Dernehealde.
Adam Myers, or “Adam der Strom,” is an Athens local and “seneschal” of the Shire of Dernehealde. A seneschal is both a society and corporate officer responsible for coordinating the administration of the chapter’s historical re-creation.
Myers said the Shire of Dernehealde was formed in the 1970s, and he has been involved for around 12 years.
The medieval society holds a Tuesday combat practice in Morton Hall from 7-9 p.m., and a general meeting Thursdays in Grover Hall from 7-9 p.m.
Myers said he facilitates the fighting practices.
“The fight practice is so fun,” Myers said. “I love running that, and I love introducing students to fighting. It keeps me young.”
Myers said he has Nicholas Kobe, the club president, who conducts drills to teach members how to work with blades and strike opponents, and there are around 15 to 25 participants.
“I generally try to have people find what works best for them,” Myers said. “Different body types require different speeds. Sometimes they can power through. Sometimes they can just go as fast as they can.”
During Thursday’s general meetings, the medieval society learns about the arts and sciences of historical cultures. Myers said the organization also hosts classes, activities and travels to conventions and tournaments.
Henry Schimmoeller, a junior studying biology, joined the society in his sophomore year and said he used to work in a living history museum, growing a passion for historical craftsmanship.
“The people are really great, I just really enjoy the environment,” Schimmoeller said. “A lot of people here are nerds in the way that I am a nerd, so I feel very included.”
Along with one-on-one combat, the society also participates in melee fights, which are group combat and can include many participants on each team.
Fencing, the sport of fighting with swords against a singular opponent, is another activity society members participate in.
“It's a great exercise in doing something under pressure, one-on-one,” said Logan Porter, a sophomore studying music production and plant biology. “Where you have to rely on yourself to make decisions, and everything has an action and a reaction and a consequence to it. It’s very direct in your face karma. And it's a very different pace to learn things than what you get in a classroom.”
Porter has been involved with medieval society for about two years and is adding a history minor due to his rewarding time in the society. Porter encourages people to join the organization even if they are nervous about combat.
“Be OK with losing,” Porter said. “It's a good exercise learning how to lose because that is how you improve. And that's another great lesson in life, is just to keep doing things.”
Those interested in learning more about medieval society can visit the organization’s Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date.
