Éalá!

We are the Fyrningas, the Folk of Fyrna. We come from a long line of athelings, back to Fréawine the Golden, old Lord of the Angles, Saxons and Frisians, steadfast friend of Fyrna, the Ancient One, whom we hold dear – he is the maker and giver of the Dyrnefýr, the Secret Fire.


Bound is each Fyrning by oaths, to defend his land and folk from evil, to honour Fyrna, to uphold his heritage and to bleed for his brethren. We strive to be just – stern yet kind. We care not for the number of foes slain, but for the health of our hearts.


Head of the House of Fyrna is Éadríc son of Éadréd, a cynges þegn, thain to the king. He is hláford to his men, their lord, and is otherwise known as the weard of his people, their keeper. He is wísa, leader of the Fyrningas in war, unless he appoint another. His ealdorþegn, or his most trusted thain and second in command on the battlefield, is his near kinsman Æscwine. There is also the híredgeréfa, the household reeve, who looks after his lord’s hall and sees to it his lord’s guard is at needed strength. Today this office is held by Hróðbeorht, better known as Hróða. Finally there is the fanbora, the bearer of the house banner in battle, the honour of which goes to Fródwine.


The chief banner of the Fyrningas is the Gréneród, the green rood on white. In form and hue it represents our devotion to Fyrna: green for the life that he grants, the land of meadows and forests we dwell in, and white for his beauty and glory. Our other banners are adorned with the likeness of Hwíting and Blanca, the white twin steeds, ancient sires to our noble horses.


In the manner of our ancestors we all bear names in the language commonly known as Anglo-Saxon. As a mark of heritage the name of each Fyrning is followed by Fyrninga, which means ‘of the Fyrningas’. Thus our brother Æscwine is known as Æscwine Fyrninga, that is Æscwine of the Fyrningas. We may compare how the illustrious Béowulf was called Béowulf Scyldinga, Béowulf of the Scyldingas.