Ljúfvina haustmyrky
Ljúfvina haustmyrky Hrafnsdóttir* is (a proposed name for) a subject hailing from the Barony of Aquaterra. She joined the society in joined in AS XLVIII and is currently noted as one of the 'survivors' of "Banner Flood".
As of February AS XLVIII (MKA 2014), the name is unregistered and not firmly settled upon. The byname may be either 'Hranfsdottir' or 'Grimsdottir', should this overall name string be desired.
Etymology
While all languages have particular nuances with accents and inflections, Ljúfvina haustmyrky Hranfsdottir may be broken down mundanely in sounds as follows:
- Ljúfvina: loo - fee -na
- haustmyrky: haast - meer - key ('haa' sound is like that in 'ha ha')
- Hrafnsdóttir: Ra - fins - doat - tir (The 'Ra - fins' is akin to the sounds in 'raven')
The given name 'Ljúfvina' is referenced in Geirr Bassi Haraldsson's The Old Norse Name on page 13, with indication that is a 'orthographic variant' of names in the "Book of Settlement" (Landnámabók)¹. According to the Viking Answer Lady's research, the source An Icelandic-English Dictionary, 2nd ed. indicates the name means "beloved friend"²³. Notably, Countess Elisabeth de Rossignol mentioned at the Shire of Midhaven's Mid-Winter Ithra AS XXXXVIII (MKA February 2014) that medieval family's may not have taken the meaning of the given name into account when providing names to infants; it was more often the case that children would be named after family members or share a similarity with a parent's name (e.g., all sons born to Bjorn had names starting with a 'b').
The 'nickname' haustmyrky is also referenced in Haraldsson's work, page 22; the book indicates that it was a name found within the Landnámabók at least once¹. Haraldsson also indicates that this nickname means "autumn (early) dusk".
The byname is of common patronymic structure (geneitive form of the father's name plus the suffix of -son 'son' or -dóttir 'daughter')¹. According to the research by the Viking Answer Lady, Hrafn means "raven (male)"³. Similarly, Grímr means "grim, cruel, atrocious" or "mask".
Based on the information, Ljúfvina haustmyrky Hrafnsdóttir means "beloved friend of Autumn's (early) dusk, Raven's daughter". The meaning is reflective of the SCAdian using it, for she greatly enjoys assisting others, her first event had an early dusk during autumn, and her persona is likely to have connections to the Old Norse deity Odin. Both considered bynames represent the 'Allfather', with ravens being closely associated with the diety and Grímr being one of Odin's many other names. However, this connection in no way points towards the persona being a "demi-god" or similar; the connection is based off of the persona's role within society and life experiences.
The historically appropriate way to address one of Old Norse culture (when not using the full name) is by the given name. Thus, she may be refereed to as 'm'lady Ljúfvina' or 'Maiden Ljúfvina'. Per Aquaterran culture (and perhaps on the kingdom level), she may be referred to by plays-on-name, such as Lou, Luffa, Loo, Ljufi, Loopy, or FiFi. There are no confirmed play-on-names regularly in use at this time.
Persona
Ljúfvina is originally from somewhere in the Old Norse lands, likely during the 'Dark' or Early Middle Ages. However, firmer details have yet to be uncovered.
Some early theories pose that she is a niece of Captain Amethyst Skye, but this is currently speculation.
SCA History
Ljúfvina began her foray into the Society in August AS XXXXVII (2013) at the Barony of Aquaterra's Social Night in Snohomish. She was unnamed, unknown, and unsure of what to expect; however, she was immediately impressed and touched by the current Baron, Steinolf Ketilsson, taking the time to sit, speak with, and listen to her. Individuals such as the heralds Hafr-Tóki and Oddr Þiálfason, along with Elewyn ferch Emerys, also showed her great kindness in sharing their time and introducing her to others. This left such a strong impression on Ljúfvina that she knew this was exactly the kind of community and game she wanted to be involved in. After that experience, she pursued attending Newcomer's Nights and Culinary Guild Meetings.
Ljúfvina's first event was Aquaterra's Banner War AS XXXXVII (MKA September 2013). At times referred to "Banner Flood"... to be continued
SCA Interests
Coming soon.
References
¹ Geirr Bassi Haraldsson. The Old Norse Name. Studia Marklandica I. Olney, MD: Markland Medieval Militia. 1977.
² Cleasby, Richard and Guðbrandr Vigfusson. An Icelandic-English Dictionary. 2nd ed. Oxford: Clarendon. 1957.
³ "Old Norse Names." Viking Answer Lady. Web. <http://www.vikinganswerlady.com/ONNames.shtml>.