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.
