The Fellowship of the Black Swan is a group of living historians portraying a medieval free company of military archers, artisans, and camp followers. We function as a guild of period archers and artisans for Medieval and Renaissance Faires. We provide medieval history education programs for schools. We attend SCA events where we encourage period archery. We endeavor to inform our learning by doing. We share our projects and methods openly to encourage and support those who would like to try their hands at a craft and to expand our learning opportunities. While we are primarily located in western Washington (USA), we do travel.
Anyone willing to attend events and work toward authentic period (mid to late 14th century) archery tackle, dress, craft, and education is welcome to join our company. We create a family friendly environment. Warbows and hunting bows of the period (commonly known today as “longbows”) and crossbows are welcome. We celebrate the warbow and we strive for authenticity.
We take our name, the Fellowship of the Black Swan, from a founding member whose name is Schwenk in Medieval German. (English Swan). Swans were significant omens in medieval times. Black swans were believed to be non-existent, but now the term means something unexpected. The Black Swan is our wise and experienced archer and martial tactician. We are the fellowship of his entourage in the style of a free company.
As a side note, we have a member who is legally able to officiate weddings. He takes the role of a mendicant Grey Friar and is available to help couples wanting to create a medieval or renaissance wedding.
Learn more on Facebook @FellowShipOfTheBlackSwan
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