The purpose of the Scopas Gildscipe is to foster the knowledge and practice of traditional Anglo-Saxon scopdom including, but not limited to, alliterative verse and other classic forms of poetry (including Norse forms such as dróttkvætt), riddles, and flyting.
Membership
Membership is open to any individual who:
1. contributes towards the goals and supports the activities of the Guild, and
2. communicates with the guild officers on a regular basis regarding projects and progress
Levels
Members may advance through the various skill levels of the Guild by demonstrating proficiency and understanding of the poetic arts.
Maðelere
Any person who is interested in the study of traditional Anglo-Saxon scopdom shall be eligible to bear the rank of Maðelere (”speaker”). Those in the arrung of Maðelere will need to study and research traditional forms of poetry including Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse, riddles such as found in the Book of Exeter, and flyting (examples can be found in Beowulf as well as Lokasenna). Works that are to be considered for advancement to the next level must be approved by the guildmaster.
Scop
To achieve the rank of Scop, a member should be able to demonstrate proficiency in their chosen field through:
1. Completion of at least three works in traditional form, one of which must be Anglo-Saxon alliterative verse. When possible, these projects should be submitted to the Guildmaster for review.
2. Documentation of the process used for the work, as well as the explanation of what was learned and/or how it improved poetic skill.
-At this level, members are strongly encouraged to learn the Anglo-Saxon language and become proficient enough both in text and pronunciation to use it fluently in poetic works.
Those who achieve the level of Scop are expected to share their work on the guild site and/or in the newsletter, and/or perform their craft for entertainment or ritual purposes at official GFS events. The Guildmaster shall encourage the Scopas to continually refine their practice, including (but not limited to) contests, assignments, and threads where techniques are shared.
Guild Officer
1. The Fellowship Guildmaster will maintain a record of members and their progress, and will report guild to the Witan. In the absence of any master level members in the guild, she will serve in that capacity. The Guildmaster must be a gesið (full member) of Geferræden Fyrnsidu.
2. The Guildmaster shall be elected annually by a vote of all gesiðas who are active members of the guild. In the event the Guildmaster can no longer maintain the guild, the Guildmaster shall turn the guild over to a gesið who has achieved Scop grade who the Guildmaster deems most qualified.