The Queen’s Wrath: Metal Forged Strength and Devotion

Greetings, Good Gentles! Have I got an exciting story to share today.

Recently, a stunning ceremonial axe named the “Queen’s Wrath” was added to the Calontir Queen’s regalia. Queen Rhianwen had the honor of being the first to wield this magnificent weapon. Huscarl Hengist Ulfsson masterfully crafted it. What’s truly remarkable is that Hengist made this axe using parts of his own weapon and a meteorite! Yes, an actual piece of a star!

The origin story of the Queen’s Wrath is just as magical as the axe itself. It all started with a dream. Mistress Aidan envisioned a star falling from the sky and being forged into an axe. Inspired by her dream, Aidan found a meteorite and took it to Hengist. She asked him to create the axe and turn her dream into reality!

Mistress Aidan described the experience as “a dream to return light, love, hope and all that is better to our people. It brings joy to know that dream will be a part of our future. We will carry ‘be better’ toward the future’.”

The Queen’s Wrath isn’t just a weapon; it’s a powerful symbol of the Queen’s devotion, fierce love, and protection for her people. The inscription on the axe reads, “My name is Queen’s Wrath. I am the Mother’s touch. Forged by Hengest Ulfsson, shaper of star stuff. Temp not my fury, fool, or you will die alone. For the Queens of Calontir are fierce and will defend their own.” Isn’t that breathtakingly awesome?

Queen Rhianwen herself shared her thoughts and emotions about receiving the Queen’s Wrath on the Book of Face:

“It’s been a week, and I’m still at a loss for words to convey the emotion, praise, and sheer wonder surrounding the gift of Queen’s Wrath to Calontir’s Konungríki. Such words simply do not exist.

She is a thing of beauty and power. Hengist, Huscarl of Calontir, put more than his skill into her making—plenty of blood, sweat, and soul are mixed into the metal. Parts of her are from his Huscarl axe, so the history of a line of stalwart warriors is woven in.

She was originally conceived in a dream by Mistress Aidan, where she saw a star fall from the sky and be forged into an axe. Guided thus, Aidan brought a meteorite to Hengist to ask that the axe be made. The stuff of stars and dreams—and lifelong devotion to The Dream—is at her heart.

Master Alan’s skilled hands crafted a fine box in which she nests perfectly. Care, precision, and service surround her.

For my part, I am astounded. When I first put my hand on her, I felt love and energy. Hard work and skill surrounded me. Hopes filled the air. I sensed the devotion to this Calontir family. It was exactly the same sensation as when lightning strikes nearby. I am deeply, deeply honored to be the first of our line of Queens to carry her.

Thank you, from both myself personally and from Calontir’s fierce Queens. With all my heart, thank you.”

Here is her story as given to me by Aidan Cocrinn,  Spakona,  First Mother of Queen’s Wrath, O.L.:

I, Aidan Spakona of the people, dreamed with great urgency that a star was needed, that an item must be forged, to bring peace, joy, and unity back to the people, for they had begun to fracture. She sought across the world and found a piece of starseed metal. Aidan Spakona secured the star and brought it to her friend, the master of forge and fire Hengist Ulffsson. She told him of her dream, and before the words had finished coming from her mouth, Hengist had begun sketching ideas, for he too has the Sight.

Hengist, over time, mixed the starseed metal with the steel from the head of his own Huscarl axe, forming the head of Queen’s Wrath. He drew great magic from the earth and the flame, speaking spell-words as he did so, to ensure Queen’s Wrath was forged with the full magic of Hengist and Aidan, Spakona and First Mother of Queen’s Wrath, and all the Gods and Godesses.

Hengist then sacrificed the haft of his Huscarl axe to make the haft of Queen’s Wrath, wrapping it in a spiral of bronze upon which he etched her words: “My name is Queen’s wrath. I am the mother’s touch. Forged by Hengest Ulfsson, shaper of star stuff. Tempt not my fury, fool, or you will die alone. Fore the Queens of Calontir are fierce and will defend their own.”

After that, Hengist called upon Master Alan Smythe of Darkdale, who used his skill and cunning to craft a hood for Queen’s Wrath,  as well as a box for Her nest.

Hengist and Aidan then took Queen’s Wrath to Chieftans where Hengist did raise the Magic of the axe before Queen Rhianwen and all her people, speaking the axe’s spell, and presenting the axe to Rhianwen.  Rhianwen spoke thus, saying Queen’s Wrath was singing a song to which perhaps she should not listen, and tears of joy were in her eyes. None that were there that day will doubt they felt the surge of power that came from Queen’s Wrath as she first slipped her jesses.

This is the true story of the birth of Queen’s Wrath.  Let it be told thus and not forgotten”. 

The Queen’s Wrath truly embodies “The Dream” cherished by the SCA people of the Kingdom of Calontir. This axe isn’t just a piece of history; it’s a tangible representation of our community’s passion, dedication, and unity. I can’t wait to see how this incredible addition will inspire and protect us in the years to come.

P.S. All photos (c) Tim Hintsala, timactor@gmail.com. Please observe his wishes.