Bard of the West

The Bard of the West, an office which was established by Their Majesties Uther and Asa in A.S. 34 (1999), exists for 'the goal of advancing the cause of Bardic pursuits and activities in the Kingdom at large, and for the King and Queen at Their request. The Bard of the West will focus on performing for the Crown and populace in a manner that inspires all listeners, and regales them with songs, stories, and recountings about the deeds and lives of our ancestors, as well as the happenings of Our Current Middle Ages in the Kingdom of the West. The Bard of the West will serve as a chronicler of great events, deeds, and matters of import in the Kingdom of the West through the songs and stories they will perform and record for posterity.'

The current, and thirteenth, Bard of the West is Belâ Kara (Bella Caterina Malatesta). The incoming, and fourteenth, Bard of the West will be Oisin mac Uislenn.

Beltane Competition

The competition to determine the Bard occurs every year at Beltane Coronation, with the office changing hands at June Crown Tournament.

The competition is generally composed of four categories, three of which are usually announced in advance of the competition and one of which is not announced until the morning of the competition, to be composed on-site. Typical categories may include a period piece or piece written in a period style, a piece in praise of the Kingdom or royalty, a piece that best showcases the competitor's skills and abilities, a piece on a specific virtue/ goal/ event, a piece written in a specific type of style, etc. These categories are chosen by the current Bard and can vary from year to year.

The competition itself is judged by the current Bard of the West and the reigning King and Queen of the West.

Kingdom Law: Bard of the West

Laws of the Kingdom of the West: Bard of the West

Past Bards of the West

List of Current and Past Bards of the West