Glory by Raven

NOTICE - This article was submitted by the author for inclusion in the Arts and Science Archives of the Barony of Dragon's Laire. Copyright to the contents of this file remains with the author. While the author will likely give permission for this work to be reprinted in SCA type publications, please check with the author first or check for any permissions granted at the end of this file. ----Thank you, Rycheza z Polska, webminster

Glory
by Raven
(c) 1995 all rights reserved

One of the greatest feelings for me, as a fencer, is when I do well. I become disappointed with my performance when someone bests me throughout the evening at fight practice, but when I do well I am most pleased. This may not seem honourable, but it is human nature. We all like to win.

Winning in the SCA is somewhat different than it is in the mundane world. There is nothing malicious from the parties involved, and, win or lose, we are genuinely happy for our opponents accomplishments. The SCA is where you compete without ever actually dreaming of victory. You see what the other competitors have accomplished, and have so much respect for their work that you know one of them will take the accolades this time, but you do not slight yourself for you know that you have done your best, and that others have the same respect and admiration for your work that you have for those against whom you compete.

My name was called at Dragon's Laire's first annual Arts and Sciences Championship as winner of the judges choice for best science. Those within earshot heard me say, "Who me?". I was genuinely surprised. I saw the other entries, and was impressed, knowing full well that they deserved to win. I did not feel badly about my entry, on the contrary, I was proud of what I had created. Only, upon seeing the efforts that others put forth I knew that even though I had done well, the others had all done at least as well, and I was happy for them.

The glory for me that day was not in winning even though I was surprised and very happy to have been selected. Where was the glory? The glory was in witnessing my friends in the SCA win in the other categories. It was glorious to see the excitement of my friends as their names were called, knowing they were fully deserving of the honours bestowed upon them. The glory was in witnessing my friend being inspired enough to gather the courage to enter the Kingdom competition, and greater still, actually win a well deserved award for her great efforts. Through these events, we all won.

Personal glory is not how you see yourself, but how you are viewed by those around you. More significantly, personal glory is not particularly important, personal honour is.

Maybe if I tried a new grip style or perhaps a longer blade...

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