Living Middle Ages (SCA Inc.)

In the Middle Ages I am Mistress Tófa Jóhansdóttir. I have played since 1989. I started because I got enchanted about medieval music and it's simple rhytm. Now my profession is to make historical costumes. I am interested about Viking food and drink and medieval gardening. I am intersted about historical novels, and I belong to a Bookcircle-group. Next, when I will find a suitable break in my time, I will start to practice fencing and learn to act Viking sagas and -poets.

I autocrate events. In January 2005 I autocrated 12th Night Coronation. It was an event of about 230 persons and took all weekend. Sca:ns around the word, from America and South Africa, participated. My responsibility was to take care that the program was running in time, everybody found their way in and out, everybody had a good feeling and took care of practical arrangements. Here you can watch photos taken from the event (I was too busy to be in any of those).

My arms, which I have right to wear, You will see as a decoration of this page. I am a member of the Order of the Laurel, that is why they call me Mistress, not lady like normally people who has played long time. I got my Laurel from Viking Finn and Renaissance textiles. In SCA all knights, laurels and pelicans are put into vigil, as the did in the real Middle Ages, to take guidance from others and to think one's cabability to take a place in the order. Pictures about me taken at the event where I was put into vigil in Oct.2003 (Society time in the year 38) I teach my speciality all over Europe and Finland. I also have Panache, Orden des Linguistringens and a membership in the Order of the Broken Pen.

Suomen Keskiaikaseura ry (SKA) was created under the Society for Creative Anachronism Inc (SCA). I was among creating it in the year 1993. Living Middle Ages started in the year 1966 in students 1st of May-party in America. With NATO-forces all over the Europe the hobby spread to Europe and Scandinavia. Finland is part of ruling area of Europe and South-Africa together, which is called the Kingdom of Drachenwald. When spreading all over the world the way of playing Middle Ages has gotten more and more serious tunes (comparing to Americans we Finns are much more serious), but our basic idea still in the society is to have fun. Internationality is part of playing: whenever I want I can get equally minded friends by visiting events around Europe, America or South-Africa.

I participate with Society to mundane events (for example medieval markets) and histocal theme days. I make demos for example in schools. I You want me/us to come and play, please, make a contact.

How is it in practice? One of my friends once mentioned, that this is like a bad role player's larp. In larp everything is in order and typescripted beforehand, here in the SCA you must entertain yourself. You can wander from an activity to another and a discussion to other when you please, or if you are in the mood, go and help in the kitchen.

Do You want to come and see? You may come with, though you do know nothing about the real Middle Ages. Little by little you will know more and also you will get new friends. There is so much in the Middle Ages to re-live: handcrafts, metalwork, food, history, fighting, calligraphy, fencing, drinks, art, science, music, singing.... Even after playing long time You have always something to learn! In the beginning it is good to look aroung and try a little bit of everything, after some time You will find those things which really interests You. Having fun is fun, but You get tired to playing if You do not look after something deeply investigate. The links in this page will guide You to the source for more information.