Appendix 2
From Master Sylard of
Eagleshaven, musings on the symbols of Ealdormere (taken from a letter to
the Moot of Ealdormere). Designed by Mistress Mortraeth Llanelli Colwyn, O.L.,
the collars he refers to were subsequently used as the collars for the Prince's
and Princess's Champions of the Principality of Ealdorrnere, They had been
retired to a safe place during the period of the Proscription.
...Now it may be helpful to quickly
run over the history of the 'wolfs head' design. In the days when our region
was first forming, and the original Champion and Consort were chosen, it was
decided to create a pair of jeweled collars to denote them. To this end several
designs were tendered, the design that was finally chosen being submitted by
Mistress Mordreth. The central 'wolfs head' was used as much for its graphic
qualities as its symbolism. Thinking at the time was to use the wolf as a main
charge on the eventual heraldry, but only a few rough designs had been
suggested. With the outlawing of the Region, the wolfs head design took on a
life of its own. Especially since the old English term for outlaw happens to be
'wolfs head', a great amount of energy was exerted in the use of our wolfs head
design in 'subversive' art, craft, song and verse. In this way the symbol had
served us yet again, becoming a rallying point at a time when unity was badly
needed.
As we contemplate a possible new
device for our Region, it would be wise to reflect on the effect of symbols, as
much as their context. Heralds, too often, think in terms of rules and
conflicts, which of course is exactly what their job is about. Artists, too
often, think in terms of colour and line. To be effective as a symbol of
regional identity, our device must register on people at a 'gut' level. If the
underlying symbolism gets too complicated or the graphics get too convoluted,
the 'punch' can be lost. It would serve us better to use a simple design than
trying to pack too much symbolism in. I would suggest that specific artists, known
for their strong designs, be personally requested to submit ideas. The general
populace should be encouraged as well. Designs could be screened by the council
and checked by heralds to ensure they could be registered. At this point, the
general populace could choose between a small number of possible designs (a
similar process as was used in the choosing of the name ELDERMERE).
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