[MR] RE: New name for Troll (This is a Poll)

[William Fleming]

After reading the reply of the gentle, Signora Apollonia Margherita degli
Albizzi, I decided to send on my private reply to the general list.


> Of the two I prefer, Gatekeeper.  However I have no problem with the term,
> Troll.  It is part of our tradition and it is a term with an implied humor that
> is vital to what makes the SCA the sort of group that I am happy to be a part
> of.  In our efforts to learn and teach about the culture of the pre modern era
> we should never forget that we are doing this for fun.  The moment that I am
> told that I am not allowed to perform at a society event unless my material,
> style, and presentation is all perfectly documentable,  I will be gone.  The
> term, Troll, is one of the gentle reminders that the SCA is a pleasant hobby
> and not a vocation or lifestyle.
>
> --Master Ruaidhri an Cu
>

My feeling is that though we must continue efforts to explore the culture of
pre-seventeenth century Europe we should never lose the sense of joy and fun
that comes with this hobby.  It is our diversion from the mundane not our
reality.

I fear when we become obsessed with terminology and debates over the virtues of
covering plastic armour with cloth, we are missing the point.  If our ability
to step from the mundane into the dream is dependant upon the actions,
apearance, and speech of others, we will be forever frustrated in striving
after joy.

The term, Troll, as applied to the porter, gatekeeper, tax assessor, or what
you will, always brings a grin to my face as I enter an event.  Where in the
mundane world would we ever address such patient lords and gracious ladies as
trolls?  The name is a symbol of the whimsey that sent the origninal members of
the SCA marching in protest of the twentieth century.  If this makes the SCA a
joke among historical recreation groups, it is only because we get the joke and
they don't.

This is but my oppinion of course...

--Master Ruaidhri an Cu