Yes, friends, it is true that Ymir is the premier tourney event of the season. But is also an opportunity to show all you know about the Viking way of life. As in past Ymirs, this event will be themed as an ‘All Things Viking’ kind of event. Please bring out all of your wondrous artistic endeavors that showcase Viking living. There will be open displays for all things Viking. There will also be several competitions at Ymir, including;

Viking Arts Competition *
Awards will be given for best documentation and most impressive craftsmanship.

Viking Science Competition *
Awards will be given for best documentation and most impressive craftsmanship.

Viking Poetry Competition
An award will be given for best overall Viking-style poem. Documentation is required. Performance of the piece is not necessary but is highly encouraged.

* Please note that we will be going with the classical definition of Viking arts and sciences as follows; If you hit it with an axe and it goes away, it is probably an art. If you hit it with an axe and it is still around (at least mostly), it is probably a science. If you recite it and people hit you in the head with an axe, it is likely to be poetry. It is up to the artisan/scientist/poet to classify their own work, but an individual entry can only be entered in one of the competitions.

Young Vikings’ A&S Competition.
In addition I am sponsoring a Young Vikings’ A&S Competition. This is a competition opened to people age 17 and under. Any Viking style art or craft may be entered. Documentation is highly encouraged. Entrants will be grouped based upon age (9 and under, 10-13, 14-17).

Mead and Beer Brewing Competitions
And this just in! Lord Karl Haraldsson of The Brewers Guild of Atlantia will be sponsoring a Mead Competition! It's what you mead! A friend with mead is a friend indeed! Give aid to all those in mead! Furthermore, there will also be a Beer Competition.  Documentation is encouraged but not required. The recipe is absolutely required for all entrees.

Blacksmithing Display and Workshop
Lord Solvarr Hammerson will be at Ymir with multiple forges to display the fine art of blacksmithing. Lord Solvarr encourages others to take up tools and learn alongside him.

Glassworking Class -- updated 01/30/08
This class is currently FULL. Signora Sveva Lucciola has generously offered to host a lampworking workshop from noon - 2 PM at Ymir Classroom 1 (look for the "Huginn" sign).  This is a practical application type class, so come ready to make stuff and work with fire!  There will be a lampworking class with a brief discussion of glass beads from the Viking Age. Each participant will have a dedicated torch to use during class and will be able to take their beads home at the end of the day.
For personal safety, please avoid loose flowing sleeves and be prepared to tie back long hair. Class will last about 2 hours and there is a fee of $4 for materials.

We've had a very good response to the lampworking class, and at this time we regretfully must turn away any more students.  You are welcome to email Signora Sveva if you would like to be on the waiting list, or would like to contact her about classes at other events or possibly scheduling a workshop in your local area.  She can be reached at ladysveva AT yahoo DOT com or (919) 471-6104.

Naalbinding Class -- added 02/05/08
Anne Grenewood will be teaching a class on Naalbinding at Ymir, with an emphasis on the coptic or Tarim stitch.  Anne will have some supplies available, but students are encouraged to bring their choice of needle (yarn or tapestry needle is best for coptic stitch) and a wool yarn. Donations will be accepted to defray cost of materials and printing handouts.  While the official scheduled time and place for this class is the Great Hall (where A&S is) from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Anne will be in the hall throughout most of the the day doing 'fibery' stuff and to answer questions.  If you have questions about this class contact Anne directly at pdesmoines AT embarqmail DOT com.

Bardic Circle
Master Dunstan le Heryngmongere will lead a bardic circle from 9:00 PM - Midnight on Saturday night in Ægir's Hall (Feast Hall).

Danzleikr (dance)
Lord Galeran Chanterel (you loved him at Twelfth Night!) will lead a Danzleikr (a Norse term for dance) in the Norstead Port (Great Hall) from 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM.

Questions about A&S at Ymir in general
Should be addressed to Dunstan LeHeryngmongere, OL at Rangernealson@aol.com.