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A Medieval Princess and Middle Earth Ranger
October 2, 2009
I have a question for you. What is it about the middle ages and The Lord of the Rings type mythology that fascinates so many people? My children, like millions of others, are enthralled by anything remotely medieval. And I have to say, their interest has sparked my own.
This study started a few years ago when Celine starting reading historical fiction chapter books from that time period. It snowballed from there. Last winter we listened to the whole LOTR trilogy as our bedtime "reading". We subsequently watched all the movies and now my children are permanently hooked.
Princesses, elves, knights, rangers, dwarfs and dragons. Celts and Barbarians; history, fact and fiction. The epic struggle of good over evil.
As far as second languages go my children have more interest in Elvish (did you know J. R. R. Tolkien developed a whole unique language that is actually studied at upper crust universities?) than any other "real" dialect or tongue. Who knows, maybe there is academia in their future. Tee, hee.
But my kids don't just want to read books and create their own languages, they want to dress up and act it out. Bring it on I say, just be careful and don't injure each other with those wooden swords!
Celine's sewing skills have taken this dress-up play to a new level. The photos in this post are from her latest creation - a medieval style dress. The before photo is not particularly beautiful but it does show what she started with: a woman's black crushed velvet dress we bought at goodwill. From there her imagination, based on her reading and study, and sewing skills took over.
Laurent wanted something also but his sewing skills are not as developed so I helped him make this cape (my sewing skills are barely beyond his level). He embellished the rest of it.
Brienne was busy creating a Japanese outfit with a favorite dress of hers. I didn't photograph it for this post but you might see it yet because I think it is planned for a halloween costume. She was inspired (perhaps?) by the Japanese books I've brought into the house to encourage the children in Eastern Hemisphere studies this year. I'm loosely following SonLight's Core 5 book lists. Hoping to round out their education a bit to include something beyond fantasy and the medieval time period!
PS. Our family bought a role playing game, Castles & Crusades, because of our interest in all things medieval. It takes a lot of time to get into playing and I think our kiddos are too young (and I don't really want to play it either, not my thing). So, we're giving it away. Leave a comment if you think your family would enjoy it (or a friend's Christmas gift?) and I'll randomly select someone. It isn't brand new but it's in excellent condition.
PPS. 06/2012 Our kids have always been fascinated with fantasy medieval stuff and role playing. At ages 9, 11 & 13 they are now just getting into role playing games with Damien. Pathfinder and Neverwinter Nights 2. A whole new world for us. They spend hours and hours playing these games together.
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Rana on Oct. 3, 2009, 3:23 a.m.
I love Celine's dress. We love all things medieval at our house. We own the LOTR books and movies. My kids had me make them capes and they made their own shields. I have always had a fascination with that time period. Have you read Michael Chrichton's Timeline? That takes you back and talks a bit about how the english language was spoken too. You might like it.
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Jessica on Oct. 3, 2009, 7:35 a.m.
We are medieval buffs ourselves, with an advantage: we get to have real castles as backdrops, since we live in Europe! There are so many layers to medieval studies and fun anyway, what with the Celts, the Saxons, the Goths, higher middle ages, lower middle ages, peasants, knights, etc. It's endless fun! I was commissioned to make dresses for the girls this summer, for this big Medieval event we attend each year in Northern Italy, and baldrics and sheaths for the guys. My hubby got into it as well, making us drinking horn frogs. It turned out a HUGE fun for the whole family. We are already planning next year's projects! And the best? Although not much spoken of, we can really enjoy being medieval AND believers: we don't have to take all the sorcery and paganism that so often goes with it... Going and seeing the Lindisfarne Gospels in the British Library was a good reminder about it! I'll also have to look into the LOTR books: I never heard of them before. Thanks for the post!
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Jessica on Oct. 3, 2009, 7:37 a.m.
OOPS! Just realize that LOTR stands for Lord of the Rings! Scratch that thought: we have read them, seen them and love them ; ) Silly me!
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Ellen on Oct. 3, 2009, 4:19 p.m.
I love how creative your kids are, and that they enjoy exploring that world together! As a kid I also had a fascination with anything medieval, and it has lasted to this day. Sadly, my family growing up (and now my hubby) don't have much of an interest, although I have hopes for my little one. I think Jessica is exactly right, as far as being a believer and having an interest. When we took a trip to Ireland we were able to see the Book of Kells, which was absolutely amazing. I also love learning about medieval and early renaissance music, the beginnings of written music in particular have very strong ties to Christianity. Beautiful, soul stirring stuff, in my opinion!
Ellen's last blog post... Top Ten and a belated Thanks
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Barb J. on Oct. 3, 2009, 5:46 p.m.
What great timing! We are getting ready to go to the Renaissance Festival that comes to our area once a year. It hangs around for about a month and we always try to go because our family loves that time period (especially me).
I am envious of your daughter's sewing skills! My sewing skills are rudimentary to the point of being almost none-existent. Her new outfit it beautiful! It would fit in perfectly at a Renaissance Fair, lol.
Thanks for offering the giveaway.
Barb J.'s last blog post... Nature Valley giveway
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Twisted Cinderella on Oct. 4, 2009, 2:43 a.m.
We love all things medieval! We even got married in hand-made medieval garb! I LOVE her outfit. That a role playing game, Castles & Crusades sounds like something Prince Charming would LOVE!
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Lynn on Oct. 4, 2009, 3:22 a.m.
We are a total board game playing house. Never heard of a role playing game! Sound like a blast! My kids have great imaginations, love history and dressing up. Good luck to us all! Thanks for thinking of your readers!
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Jenn on Oct. 5, 2009, 3:35 a.m.
We would love that game...especially my thirteen and eleven year old. They love long games (LOTR monopoly is one of their faves!) Thanks for the chance!
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Jody on Oct. 5, 2009, 3:08 p.m.
Medieval is definitely a favorite of mine!
especially love the Celtic end of things....and if I had time to kill, Learning Evlish or Gaelic would be on MY list too :>) It was an error which required alot of hard work....yet, seems romantic even still. Castles, knights, bards, princess', herbalists, etc. add in the Faerie Realm and some mist.... I love the King Arthur stuff. Speaking of mist: Mists of Avalon is a wonderful book (but geared for adults -- Celine is still way too young for that.) I read a historical fiction series written from Gwenevere's point of view....excellent books! I also love the rich Scottish history in Dianna Gabaldon's Outlander Series. A time travel book in which a young woman "falls though the Standing stones and into the past". A fiction series -- but some really descriptive, acurate historic research. (again, not really for Celine's age.) The 7th book in this series was just released....so, I am excited to read it! I absolutely LOVE Lady Celine's costume! She did SUCH an outstanding job! Sir Laurent looks very brave & nobble in his cape. I'm with you --- can't stitch a thread, outside of basic buttons & mending. She is lucky to have such talent. Have an awesome day!
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nicola on Oct. 2, 2009, 5:40 p.m.
i love this! the costumes and role play are so much fun! my daughter isn't really into dress up. never has been, although her imagination is wonderful. when i was a kid, my favorite author was robin mckinley, also fantasy. don't feel the need to add me to the give-away, but thank you! nicola http://whichname.blogspot.com
nicola's last blog post... harvesting sunflowers