Maire Nic Shiobhan

Persona.

Born 1505, in Timpendeane Castle, owned by Andrew Douglas, in the lowlands of Scotland.

I was taught from age of 9 in style of humanism, Erasmus, and new learning. My father was ambitious, he wanted me educated but also wanted me to learn for sake of his career at court. My mother died during my birth, and grandmother saw to raising us with the help of our mother's old nurse from her childhood. Father was from a low noble family, being cousin to George 4th Laird of Bonjenward, father was trained and employed as a bard, and served the 6th Earl of Angus. My mother was gentry her father having made money in wool trading in Bruges. She was widowed early, her first husband had left money and connections.

Grandmother had been a lady in waiting to Margaret Stewart Dauphine of France. Grandmother taught me about the Dauphine's writings and poems. Grandmother gave me a copy of the Book of The City of Ladies, by Christine de Pizan, for a 12th night gift,  which I credit with instilling in me the importance of education.
  

"Not all men (and especially the wisest) share the opinion that it is bad for women to be educated. But it is very true that many foolish men have claimed this because it displeased them that women knew more than they did.” Christine de Pizan.

I Studied languages, music, prose, and learned from Bards in the art of praise poetry. I had hoped one day for a position at court.

During my early years we lived under the glorious rule of James IV. King James strove to make his court a centre of refinement and learning. He patronized literature, licensed Scotland’s first printers, and improved education. Father was a favorite bard and continued to write and perform at Scottish royal court when requested.

King James the IV, ruled till 1513 when he died at battle of Flodden. My dear father died 1515 of a fever, and grandmother followed 1 year later. I was married prior to grandmother's death to a notary who was a cousin to the Earl of Angus, and we were given a freelandhold and I gave birth to one son a year later. My husband succumbed to a wasting sickness a few months later and I was left to raise my son. To support myself, I began to write praise poetry dedicated to the Earl of Angus and love ballads dedicated to his wife, written from the perspective of a young gallant, who loved her from afar. My works were welcome and I was asked to take up residence with the Earl at his castle and act as his family bard. I eventually remarried a trader who is oft away at sea.

SCA Awards.

Golden Blossom (Blatha An Oir) By: Gernon Valletort du Harfleur, Aisha al Zahra Feb 11, 2017 (AS LI)

Award of Arms (An Tir) By: Styrkarr Jarlsskald, Dagrun Stjarna Apr 29, 2017 (AS LI)

Baroness' Favor (Blatha An Oir) By: Aisha al Zahra Apr 27, 2018 (AS LII)

Bardic Champion (Blatha An Oir) By: Gernon Valletort du Harfleur, Aisha al Zahra Apr 27, 2018 (AS LII)

Baroness' Favor (Blatha An Oir) By: Aisha al Zahra Aug 18, 2018 (AS LIII)

Kingdom Bardic Champion (An Tir) Nov 11, 2018 (AS LIII)

Panther's Torch (Blatha An Oir) By: Gernon Valletort du Harfleur, Aisha al Zahra Nov 17, 2018 (AS LIII)