In Memoriam Lew Squires-Hand

Lew Squires-Hand, 1983-2023

Groups: Morvleydh

Morvleydh is deeply saddened to announce the death of our Jarl, Lew, otherwise known as Odd the Bloody. A fixture of the group for its whole existence Lew was widely known in re-enactment circles for his passionate love of the hobby and love of Archery. Personally he was a beloved family man and father of two, we wish his family every comfort in this difficult time.

   An Elegy for Odd 

   
   In the time of our fathers, in the great port of Heiðabýr, there was born a Hunter.

   Long-limbed and long-striding he wandered the wilderness.

   Wherever he set his eye, the arrows flew and struck true.

   Stag, Marten, Stoat and Rabbit fell; Boar and Bear could not withstand his flights.

   As his fame grew, it reached the ears of a dragon: Ancient and Terrible

   

   In its scaly heart, the beast knew fear.

   When the time came he struck out on the Swan-Road, fair fletchings flew in lands uncounted.

   Eventually he came to Bretland, and settled amongst those people. 

   Hearth and home he found, friends and family surrounded him.

   So too came spears and shields, a crew of warriors who proclaimed him Jarl. 

   

   In the wilderness, the Dragon stirred. 

   The beast was powerful, its toll of flame-farewelled and raven-fed beyond counting

   Yet it was a coward and ever it sought to weaken those it fought. 

   For the hunter it sought out his home, and struck at she who had raised him. 

   Vengeance was pledged, the beast hunted but it slunk back to it’s barrow-home.

   In time, the clash of shields called the hunter back to the spear-thicket. 

   By the Kuonigars own hand was he raised to lead a Herred, an army of Vikingr and Bretlanders

   

   When wars-wounds and too short years had wearied him the Dragon came.

   It sought to take him quietly, striking from the shadow as was its wont. 

   But the Hunter would not be surprised so easily, he fought the dragon and arrows met claw, while bow string sang the death-dirge. 

   The dragon had not had so great a foe in many years and the fear, long held, gripped its dark heart. 

   Still, so terrible a beast is not easily slain and though its body was wracked with wounds, and peppered with shafts it struck a cruel and deadly blow. 

   

   The hunter fell, but such a fall had not been seen in all the long years of the earth. 

   Odin saw such battle and gave praise. The Valkyrie collected their due. 

   

   Hail the hunter, Hail the Glorious Dead.