Enter Belegarth: A journey of discovery

Before this journey of discovery begins, know this; others travel on the same path. Through the eyes of a journalist and videographer, both first timers to the community, The Arbiter ventures forth toward the sword-wielding lands of Belegarth. And so it begins…

Part 1:

Crossing the bridge:

On the other side of the silent river, over the arced bridge and into the corridor of swaying trees, hammers click and clack, repairing tarnished armor and damaged weaponry. Battle cries sound, swords strike and arrows fly. Messes of men, woman and children fight, some collapse to an imitated death. Some remain standing, sweating, victors of the battle. The near dead revive, gather their littered weapons and retreat back to the battle lines. Enter the world of Belegarth.

Belegarth is a diverse group of people where history and hobby coincide. Ages range from middle-school children to career sustaining individuals. Though different in age and lifestyle, all share a common affinity for medieval culture and hand to hand combat. This community connects as foam-blade meets foam-sheild.

NIK BJURSTROM/ THE ARBITER

A brief history:

The origins of this recreational sword fighting trace back to 1977. Players continued to gather over the decades, then under the name of Dagohir, and the population reached nearly 30,000 in 2001. However, a major controversy within the sport occured that year, wtih many seeing corruption in the leadership of the original organization. With roughly 30,000 players participating across the United States, there was an epic division. Belegarth emerged when 13,500 split from Dagorhir. Followers of Belegarth dominantly inhabit the western United States while Dagorhir maintain the east. Belegarth was brought to Idaho 18-years-ago from Champagne, Illinois by Sir Thane.

NIK BJURSTROM/ THE ARBITER

Think of Belegarth as a country, holding regions within it marked by geographic location. These locations have designated areas of land, called realms. The realm of Boise is lead by Sir Par Ohmsford; Rath is the respected name. The Realm of Rath stretches from Mountain Home to the outskirts of Meridian. The population of the realm is between 50 and 60 souls. Within the realm are different fighting units. Some units within Rath are the Chaos Guard, which Sir Par Ohmsford leads, the Hell Hammer and the Urak-hai. Different units are characterized by use of different weapons, colored garb and persona’s; some being elves, some being roman fighters, some wearing green and grey, others all black.

“They have a different approach to fighting and how they want to view the sport,” said Sir Par.

Joining the ranks:

As for names, after entering Belegarth, a person has a month or so to choose a name before one is dubbed upon them.

“Someone may name you out of spite,” Sir Par said.

An example being Monkey who, “was wearing a little headband that had ears on it and was jumping around a lot. He fought like a monkey, so that became his name,” Sir Par said.

An example of one who chose their own name is Plathoot.

“His common name is Seth, but Plathoot comes from Dungeons and Dragons, it’s the dark elf word for hatred,” Sir Par stated.

NIK BJURSTROM/ THE ARBITER

As players develop in the sport, they may also achieve rankings. Sir Par has gained the title of Knighthood, one not easily achieved. A person must enter squirehood beneath a Knight. Sir Par served as a squire under Sir Thane.

“Four years ago, I approached Sir Thane and asked him to take me as a squire. I spent two years and three months learning everything there is to know about the sport, medieval fighting tactics, how to sew garb, check weapons, build weapons, I wrote several papers on medieval philosophy and commerce,” Sir Par said. “Knighthood is not for everyone, it is very hard work and takes on average two years to complete your list of tasks.”

A chain of steel orbs worn around the neck denotes a knight.

Though the fighting is all people see, Sir Par’s quest for knighthood demonstrates how deep this sport really goes. Not only is it physically taxing but mentally as well. These folk are not softies. As a newcomer, a person should come ready to battle.

Next week-

Part 2: Field of Battle

Related Posts:

1. Belegarth Part II: The Field of Battle
2. Belegarth fights the norm
3. Belegarth battles in Julia Davis Park
4. Enter the ‘Fiesta’ experience
5. Widening the path to intellectual discovery