View source for Astrid Eiriksdottir

{{Populace
|photo = [[File:AstridEiriksdottirPhotoAtCourt.jpg|200px]]
|photocaption = Lady Ástríðr Eiríksdóttir standing at court
|location = [[Carolingia|Barony of Carolingia]]
|status = Active
|opid = 10442
|device = [[File:Astrideiriksdottir AoA.jpeg|200px]] 
|devicecaption = Argent, a chevron sable cotised between two dragon’s heads couped respectant and a crescent gules 
|awards = {{AoA}}{{OSW}}{{Troubadour}}|offices = {{WebMin}}{{SMO}}
}}
== Introduction ==

Astrid Eiriksdottir (Lady Ástríðr Eiríksdóttir)
Introduced to SCA in Barony of Carolingia. After a long period of low/no involvement, returned to a more active engagement a few years later. Interested in and attempting to be active in Thrown Weapons, Webministry, A&S, Bardic, and Archery. Astrid has traveled across many lands, currently she hangs her cloak in Carolingia. Her interests cross many realms, she may not have perfected all of her pursuits, but she continues to learn and grow. She dabbles in the art of weaving both in thread and the web. As a member of the Royal Household, she is sometimes seen retaining or accompanying the Royals. Otherwise she is usually accompanied by her husband. Her husband is a warrior that brings her many spoils. She can be easily seen with a depiction of a dragon on her person. On cold nights she is wrapped in her beloved cloak, seeking the warmth of a fire. She befriends all those around her. Her laugh is heard far and wide while listening to the tales of long past. She always has an open ear and open heart for stories of those before her to pass to the next gentle she may meet.


== Persona ==
Åstríðr Eiríksdóttir (Her/She) is a 9th-10th century Viking that hails from a prestigious lineage—her grandfather was a king of a small but influential Nordic kingdom, and her grandmother an esteemed shield-maiden well-respected among warriors. Despite her royal blood, Ástríðr has always cherished the wisdom and stories of the common folk, believing that true nobility lies in kindness and humility. Known for her vibrant personality and lyrical voice, she is a gifted bard, weaving together tales of heroism, adventure, and the mystical creatures she adores.


Motivation and Goals

Ástríðr is motivated by a deep-seated desire to connect and innovate through storytelling and the arts. She seeks to honor her royal lineage while forging her own path—one that involves using her gifts to uplift others. Her goal is to preserve and share the rich cultural tapestry of her people, as well as the legends of mystical creatures like dragons, whom she believes symbolize wisdom and freedom. 


Significant Events

The Banishment of the Dragons: As a child, she witnessed an event that shaped her worldview: a village elder's tale about the dragons that once roamed the mountains, protectors of the land, and the disastrous consequences of their banishment by jealous rulers. This event ignited her passion for storytelling and defending the stories of these magnificent creatures.

The Dragon's Call: While wandering through ancient forests, Ástríðr encountered a wounded dragon named Skjoldr. Caring for Skjoldr deepened her connection with these legendary creatures. In gratitude, Skjoldr became her guardian and trusted companion, often accompanying her on her journeys and inspiring many songs of strength and loyalty.

Becoming a Bard: At the age of sixteen, she performed her first public tale before a royal gathering, which was met with overwhelming applause. This pivotal moment confirmed her calling as a bard, ushering her into the royal courts that would become her second home.


Relationships

Ursula of the Towers the Shield-Maiden: Ursula, Ástríðr's grandmother, has always been her mentor and inspiration. Their bond is a tapestry of lessons shared over war stories, weaving, and the art of combat. Ursula's influence fuels Ástríðr's desire to combine art with action.

Erik, the Axe Thrower: A skilled warrior with a rugged charm, Erik respects Ástríðr's skills and often partners with her during training sessions. Their friendship blossoms into one where mutual respect for each other’s domains becomes the keystone.

Brid, the Vísendakona: Serving as a guide, Brid reveals to Ástríðr the ancient tales and lore of dragons, enriching her understanding of the world and inspiring her compositions. Brid recognizes her potential and teaches her the lore of their people. She instills in her the importance of truth and honor in storytelling. This mentor taught her the importance of patience and reflection, leaving lasting wisdom that Ástríðr carries in her heart.

Edvard Mikalsson: Her husband, one met on the battlefield. Once fighting to protect themselves, now they fight to protect each other. He supports her in all of her endeavors, on the battlefield and off.

Skjoldr: Ástríðr has a fateful encounter with a wounded dragon. Rather than slaying it, she uses her knowledge of healing to save the creature, forging an unlikely bond. This bond transcends that of mere companionship; theirs is a union forged in trust and mutual respect. This experience reinforces her belief in the coexistence of myth and reality, further fueling her desire to learn more about the dragons she idolizes since childhood. 


Growth and Change

As the years progressed, Ástríðr transformed from a sheltered woman of royal descent, dreaming of dragons into a passionate champion for the voiceless, and traversing the complex worlds of royalty and common folk alike. Throughout her travels, she learns to balance her identity as a bard and a royal; she understands that her royal lineage presents both privilege and responsibility. 

In the face of adversity on the battlefield, she discovers her own strength—not just in her storytelling, but also in her ability to wield a bow and axe when diplomacy fails. Each battle fought and each story shared teaches her that courage comes in many forms, and her role is not merely to observe but to actively shape the narrative of her time.


== Offices & Positions ==

Sep 2024 to Present
*Central Region Deputy Largess Coordinator

Nov 2023 to May 2024
*Event Steward of Otter's Welcome

June 2022 to April 2023
*Royal Webmistress for Mohammed and Corotica, East Kingdom

June 2021 to April 2022
*Royal Webminister for Ioannes II and Honig II, East Kingdom

Nov 2021 to Present
*Social Media Officer, East Kingdom

Nov 2021 to May 2022
*Autocrat of Otter's Welcome Back

May 2021 to Nov 2021
*Deputy Social Media Officer, East Kingdom 

November 2019 to 2023
*Deputy Webminister, Barony of Carolingia

== Event Staff ==
Coronation of Ioannes Aurelius Serpentius II and Ro Honig von Sommerfeldt II, August 28th, 2021
*Royal Staff
*Retainer
Harper's Retreat- Barony of Carolingia Investiture, Sept 4th, 2021
*Baronial Herald
Crown Tournament of Ioannes II & Honig II, Nov 6th, 2021
*Retainer
Bergental/BBM Yule, Dec 4th, 2021
*Royal Staff

Event Staff Positions
*Retainer
*Herald
*Largess Coordinator

== Projects & Publications ==
*East Kingdom Branch Social Media Handbook-Dec 2023

== In Case of Court ==
I would be honored to receive any awards given in Ethereal Court, with an exception regarding peerages. I would prefer Orders to be in person as well.

Please feel welcome to surprise me, I get a funny look and usually happy cry A LOT. I prefer peerage awards to wait until we can gather together in person and can experience that moment with all of my SCA family.

== More Information ==