An Introduction to the Society for Creative Anachronism
The SCA was founded in 1966 and is incorporated as a nonprofit educational and research organization. Our primary focus is re-creating the best aspects of Western Europe before the 17th century. However, research and re-creation of other cultures is common.
We re-create all facets of life in the Middle Ages: Archery, wood-working, metalwork, armor making, dance and performing arts, weaving, cooking, embroidery and calligraphy and illumination are only a few of the crafts we engage in. Combat is safely recreated using rattan weapons and body armor.
The SCA is based on the landed nobility of the European Middle Ages. Their dress and music, their literature and sports, and above all, the chivalric ideals of their period. All serve to unify our events and activities. Our regional and local organization sets aside the modern pattern of elected representatives to give us a sense of what it was like to live in the world of court and castle, so that our studies can go beyond literature and artifacts into the emotional reality of former times.
The College of Blaiddwyn is the University of New Mexico's chapter of the Society for Creative Anachronism. In the Known World of the SCA, Blaiddwyn is located within the great Barony of al-Barran, and is part of the Kingdom of the Outlands.
In the modern World al-Barran is centered around Albuquerque, New Mexico and extends North to Algodones, East to Moriarity, west to Grants, and South to Belen. Al-Barran is a Barony in the Kingdom of the Outlands and is watched over by a Baron and Baroness.
