The scopas, or bards, of Anglo-Saxon England were of great importance. They made a living from entertaining, often performing for the kings and noblemen of the times.
Scopcræft is not just about singing or reciting poetry, but doing so in a traditional manner. There is a great beauty in traditional verse forms, and a rich history behind it. Old English and Old Norse poetry is what brought much of our lore to us, past the conversion era, through the ages. To create and perform verse was to tell someone’s story, whether Gods or man, to keep memories alive, to weave the tapestry of a moment in time, and preserve it. In the Havamal it says:
- Cattle die, kinsmen die
- the self must also die;
- I know one thing which never dies:
- the reputation of each dead man.
The worst thing that could be done to someone in ancient times was to forget them. Conversely, the highest honor was to commemorate someone in legend. While fame and renown in modern society is often given to the people least deserving, to go against the grain and live a noble Heathen life is worth remembering, by our thew, and it is a worthy effort to encapsulate the lives of those who went before us, and of the Holy Ones, in something beautiful such as verse or song.
Scopcræft has much in common with the magical art of gealdor, which is a necessary ritual tool of the Anglo-Saxon priesthood - to weave charms around the folk, and invoke the Gods and Holy Ones in a pleasing way that gets Their notice. Those who aspire to the priesthood should make an especial effort to learn the basics of scopcræft, that they may add that much more power and mægen to their rites.
Scopcræft is not just for priests, however, but anyone who wants to express themselves, tell their story or that of others, and leave something behind for generations to learn from. Our words shall remain when we pass from this plane, if we are wise about it, and we should strive for them to be worthy and well-crafted.
Scopcræft when done well can be entertaining. Yet it can also be educational and, in its highest purpose, inspirational. To hear a tale that stirs the heart is to inspire us to greatness, whether to emulate the mighty deeds done, or make our own mark upon the world. We should hope to inspire our fellows, and those who come after us. As the Old English scopas and Old Norse skalds left their work, may this current generation leave theirs, building on extant lore and creating new.