Today, I’m gonna talk about my journey into becoming a Saxon warrior, well, kind of, just recreating the experience. I have always been fascinated by the Anglo-Saxon period.
First, I started researching. I found out that these guys, back in the fifth and sixth centuries, were living in small kingdoms. So, no big empires, just lots of little territories. Life was tough. They were mostly farmers, growing their own stuff like wheat and barley. They even traded goods with each other and between villages. It was a simple life, really. Most of them lived in these tiny wooden houses with thatched roofs.
Then I dug deeper into their warrior culture. It turns out, being a warrior back then wasn’t just about fighting. In the beginning, they might have been into raiding, but later, it was more about defending their land. They relied on manpower. Also the Burhs, I found out, were fortified areas, like little defended towns, and they had them spread out across the country. Pretty smart, huh?
- I tried to live like them, in a way. I started with the basics. I learned that Anglo-Saxon kids grew up fast. By ten, they were considered adults. Ten! Can you imagine? They had to work just as hard as the grown-ups. And if they messed up, like stealing or something, they got punished like adults. Boys usually followed in their fathers’ footsteps. So, if your dad was a farmer, you’d probably be a farmer too.
- Next, I focused on what made a good warrior. Perseverance, hard work, and self-reliance were the big ones. Without these qualities, you wouldn’t last long. I tried to incorporate these principles into my daily life. It wasn’t easy, I tell you.
- I even tried to imagine what it was like on the battlefield. They valued heroes, those who were successful in battle and loyal to their lord and tribe.
- I spent some time trying to craft some basic tools, just to get a feel for it. No, I didn’t make a sword or anything, but I did try my hand at some simple woodwork. It’s way harder than it looks!
Finally, I realized that the life of a Saxon warrior was tough but also rewarding in its own way. They worked hard and took care of each other. It was a community thing. The experience was enlightening, to say the least. It made me appreciate the comforts we have today and the hard work and dedication of people from a different era.
